Two developments proposed on A1A
One land owner has submitted applications for The Cottages (46 homes) and The Cove (27 homes). PAGE 5B
Preserving The Hammock through advocacy
SIERRA
WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
honor philanthropists, future leaders.
ature, beauty, community. Hammock Community Association President Lora Stillman sat down with the Observer to talk about the impact citizens can have on government.
What is the Hammock
Community Association?
RAMIREZ Q+A
Flagler School Board member
Lauren Ramirez talks A.I., vouchers and student success. PAGE 3A
Flagler law enforcement officers honored during 20th annual Kiwanis awards luncheon. PAGE 5A SCHOOL INSURANCE
School Board adopts nonetwork health care plan. PAGE 5A MULLINS SUES
Former Flagler County Commissioner Joe Mullins files defamation lawsuit against FlaglerLive and its editor.
PAGE 6A
Our mission statement says that we are here to inform and to influence the community members and other organizations and government officials about the importance of protecting and preserving The Hammock.
What we envision is a future of The Hammock looking like it does now, as much as possible, but adding responsible development in there. Having restaurants, having businesses, but for it to not become overwhelmed with all business.
Who would you say is the right fit to join the HCA?
Anybody. I think most people live on The Hammock barrier island because of the trees, the nature, the animals — just the feel of it. It’s relaxed, it’s quiet, it’s not huge bright lights everywhere.
I think most people like it that way, and that’s why they live here, whether they’ve lived here for 40 years, five years, inherited a home from a family member, or decided to build a new home. Come and listen to the speakers that we bring in that give advice on how to protect your property.
I wasn’t here at the time, but apparently we had a wildfire, and people had to evacuate. Those who are new here, that was very enlightening.
Talking about nature, we bring in the experts about the North Atlantic Right Whale and the scientific project that goes on every spring.
How do you advocate for maintaining The Hammock? All of the board members pay
attention to what’s going on by reading the local news, papers, by going to the [Flagler County] Commission meetings, by going to the subcommittees. And also keeping up to date on what the Florida legislators are doing.
For example, in my neighborhood, there has been a significant increase of short-term rental properties. That’s one of the things that we have been keeping an eye on, making sure that the property owners are following the rules and the laws.
Some of those rules, for instance, have to do with making sure that the lights are turned off at night that are within a certain number of feet of the beach, because it impacts the turtles that are nesting.
Does the HCA have a real impact on the way decisions are made for the projects in The Hammock?
Let’s say it this way: We are going to try to have an impact. We might get frustrated; maybe sometimes we feel what we’re suggesting is not being considered. But then other times we feel like maybe we are making a difference.
If for no other reason than to keep making sure that the Board of County Commissioners, the Planning and Zoning Board, all of the players at the county level, are at least getting reminded by us that there are codes, and it’s their codes that they’re supposed to be enforcing. It’s not supposed to be our job to do that.
We’re the ones that keep raising the flag and saying, “Hold on, you need to go back to the codes, we don’t think the ordinances are being followed.” Those ordinances
are there to maintain the feel, the atmosphere of The Hammock.
The HCA has in the past gone to court to advocate for The Hammock. When the HCA is deciding to file a lawsuit, what kind of thought process goes into that decision?
It’s not an easy decision, and fortunately we have some very educated and very intellectual people on the board who will think through all of the different angles. We’ll talk it through with an attorney, and then we’ll talk amongst the board members: Do we have a chance of winning?
What is our goal for filing this?
Does it really fit into our mission and vision statements? Is it really going to make an impact? Or is this maybe a lawsuit that we shouldn’t even bother looking at, but still [be] discussing it out in the public, making sure the public knows what’s going on, and then framing it in front of the commissioners?
Maybe we don’t decide to do a lawsuit, but at least make sure
HCA meets every first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Hammock Community Center, located at 79 Mala Compra Road. The next meeting is at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, where the HCA is hosting a candidate forum for the Flagler County School Board Districts 1, 2 and 4 candidates. For more information about the HCA, upcoming meetings and the newsletter, the HCA website is TheHammock.org. Open to the public.
that the board of commissioners knows this is how we feel about it. We’ve got a couple of board members who have read through the land code so many times, they can quote it. Seriously, they can quote sections of it by a code number, and almost quote what it says in the land development code. We’re just constantly going back to them saying, “OK, this is coming, but have you looked at this?”
Our board members who look at upcoming possible development, and they will go through the the plans that’s being submitted to the county by the developer. They’ll go through it detail by detail and and then submit to the county and to the Planning and Zoning Board where there are mistakes, where there are issues that do not, in our opinion, match with what the land development code says they can do, such as buffers between the property and the State Road A1A highway.
Lora Stillman, president of the Hammock Community Association. Photo by Sierra Williams
NEWS BRIEFS
Volusia hosts blood drives during EMS Week
As part of National EMS Week, May 17-23, Volusia County Emergency Medical Services will hold two community blood drives with OneBlood and the Volusia Ambulance Association.
The first blood drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, May 18, at 112 Carswell Ave. in Holly Hill. A second blood drive is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, in the parking lot of the Historic Courthouse, 125 W. New York Ave. in DeLand.
Donors will receive a $20 eGift card and sunshade from OneBlood, along with a complimentary wellness checkup that includes blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening. Through OneBlood’s donor platform, participants may also receive updates when their donation is delivered to a hospital to help patients in need.
Blood donations ensure lifesaving resources are available for trauma patients, surgeries, cancer treatments, and other medical emergencies. A single donation can help multiple patients.
Donors must be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Sixteen-yearold donors must provide a signed parental or guardian consent form, and all donors must present a photo ID at the time of donation. Health insurance is not required to donate blood, and donors do not need to provide proof of insurance.
Residents planning to donate are encouraged to drink plenty of water, eat a healthy meal beforehand, avoid fatty foods, consume iron-rich foods in the days leading up to the donation, and bring a list of current medications. Visit www.oneblood.org.
COPS CORNER
MAY 13
KITCHEN PREP
3:30 a.m. — 100 block of North Nova Road, Ormond Beach Criminal mischief. Upset at being denied a sheet pan, an unknown man tipped a display case over inside a local gas station convenience store, causing about $400 in damages. According to an incident report, the man had asked a store employee for a sheet pan to help him make a cheesecake. When the
Vigil honors fallen Flagler law enforcement
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office held its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service, honoring Flagler County, state, and national law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. During the ceremony, Sheriff Rick Staly, FCSO employees, family members, and members of the community held a candlelight vigil in honor of the agency’s six fallen law enforcement officers and one fallen K-9, as well as three other fallen law enforcement officers from other agencies with connections to Flagler County.
The names of FCSO’s six fallen heroes were read aloud as Sheriff Staly and family members in attendance placed a single rose in a five-point star flower arrangement. They are:
Sheriff Perry Hall | End of Watch: Aug. 21, 1927
Deputy George “Son” Durrance | End of Watch: Aug. 25, 1927
Sheriff Homer Brooks | End of Watch: March 23, 1965
Deputy Charles T. “Chuck” Sease | End of Watch: July 5, 2003
Sergeant Francesco L. “Frankie” Celico | End of Watch: Sept. 9, 2011
Deputy First Class Paul Luciano | End of Watch: Aug. 26, 2021
In addition to the fallen heroes, FCSO’s first K-9 to die in the line of duty, K-9 Kyro, was honored. This was the first
year Kyro — who passed away on Oct. 14, 2025, following an undiagnosed heart condition from birth — was honored during the memorial service. Alongside the members of FCSO, three other law enforcement officers with ties to Flagler County were also honored. They are:
Florida Highway Patrol
Trooper Darryl Haywood Sr. | End of Watch: Oct. 2, 2004
FBI Special Agent Daniel Alfin | End of Watch: Feb. 2, 2021
Bunnell Police Department
Sergeant Dominic Guida | End of Watch: Nov. 9, 2021
The FCSO Honor Guard, Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, Coastal Florida Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, FCSO Chaplains, and family members of the fallen heroes all participated in the ceremony.
The memorial service was held during National Police Week. Established in 1962 by a joint resolution of Congress, National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
FCSO, Flagler fire crews train for flood rescues
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office recently participated in a Florida Urban Search and Rescue Swiftwater/Flood Rescue training hosted by Flagler County Fire Rescue. This course is designed to strengthen the ability of first responders to respond to flooding and water-rescue emergencies.
The training was developed following flooding impacts from recent hurricane seasons. FCFR has purchased equipment including two 14-foot Jon boats, swiftwater personal flotation devices, chest waders, and additional flood-response gear. FCFR and FCSO also each received two Jon boats from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at no cost to the county to support flood rescue readiness. FCSO is also prepared for high water rescues with an airboat and several high-water vehicles,
MAY 15
employee said they couldn’t give him a sheet pan, the man became agitated and took a piece of wax paper instead from the chili and cheese dispenser area.
The employee told him that she would have given that to him if that was what he was looking for. In response, the man gave her the middle finger and said profanities to her. She told him he was no longer welcome in the store, at which point he damaged the display case. The employee told police the man shouted at her, “be careful in there alone” before he left. The store wishes to press charges and would like the suspect trespassed.
RIDE-ALONG
6:08 p.m. — 100 block of South Atlantic Avenue, Ormond Beach Drunk person. Police gave a 60-year-old Ormond Beach man a courtesy ride home after he consumed three gin and tonics at a local restaurant.
The restaurant manager told police that the man, who had paid his tab, tried to pay it several more times. When the bartender found out the man intended to drive home, the manager offered him a ride instead. The man refused but soon fell asleep inside the restaurant.
When he woke up, he at-
including a new Jeep Gladiator paid for by seized assets from drug dealers.
For the final scenario, FCFR and FCSO worked together to locate missing kayakers in the Intracoastal Waterway. Teams navigated Jon boats in shallow water, over and around oyster beds, and searched for the subjects while operating with limited and imperfect information — conditions intended to reflect the challenges responders can face during real-life incidents.
Approximately 45 personnel are expected to be trained by the completion of the three-class series, strengthening the county’s overall response capability.
The goal of this joint training effort is to ensure FCFR and FCSO can operate seamlessly during flood events alongside Flagler County Emergency Management—reducing duplication of efforts, improving response coordination, and delivering the best possible outcome for Flagler County residents.
“It’s important to train before a rescue response is needed as it is proven the way you train is the way you will respond in and emergency, but you pray you never need to use it,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. Residents can sign up for ALERTFlagler—Flagler County’s free emergency notification system.
Ormond fire likely caused by attempted theft
Ormond Beach firefighters responded to an electrical fire in the basement of the blighted Makai Beach Lodge on the beachside on May 8, and police report it was likely caused by someone trying to steal copper wire.
According to a police report, witnesses came forward after the fire was extinguished to report the sighting of a suspect fleeing from the lodge, located at 707 S. Atlantic Ave., shortly after the fire started. The man left the scene in a black sedan.
Florida Power & Light personnel responded to the lodge and informed police that the fire started in the
tempted to get in his car, but the manager called 911. When police arrived, he was still sleeping in his car. Police eventually woke him up and asked him to perform field sobriety tests to see if he was fit to drive; the man refused but took the officer up on the courtesy ride instead.
PAR FOR THE COURSE
11:31 a.m. — First block of Easthampton Boulevard, Flagler County Battery. A 75-year-old golfer got upset over the number of golfers on a golf course on Thursday morning and ended up pushing over an employee. The incident occurred on May 14, but the employee did
utility/mechanical room in the basement. They advised that it was likely caused by an individual attempting to steal copper wire from an energized main feed line, the report states.
The firefighters’ union, the Ormond Beach Professional Firefighters, reported the following on Facebook:
“Upon arrival, crews encountered challenges extinguishing the fire due to active electrical hazards that required additional precautions before suppression efforts could safely continue,” the post stated. “Working carefully and efficiently, firefighters were able to bring the fire under control and fully extinguish it. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.”
Ormond man sentenced on drug charges
Leonard Fries Jr., a target of Operation: Summer Slammer who was arrested twice in 2025 following exten-
sive investigations by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit, has been convicted and sentenced.
Fries is the owner of Lenny’s Pizza, in Ormond Beach. On Feb. 18, Fries pleaded no contest to multiple drug charges. On May 19, following his plea agreement, Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols adjudicated him guilty and sentenced him to 4 1/2 years in state prison.
“This guy put on a façade as a reputable business owner and law enforcement supporter but detectives and prosecutors proved that it was an act,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. Prior to his plea agreement, Fries faced 13 total charges. He was originally arrested on May 16, 2025, during a narcotics-related search warrant at his residence, then arrested again on additional charges on Aug. 22, 2025, after further investigation. Email news tips to jarleene@observerlocalnews. com.
not report the incident until the next day, according to the suspect’s arrest report. The 78-year-old employee told a Sheriff’s Office deputy that the suspect was angry there were five golfers ahead of him for one tee time.
After completing the first nine holes of the course, the suspect drove back to the clubhouse and began complaining to a different employee. Then another entered and the suspect walked up to him and started swearing at the other golfer, before leaving to grab his clubs out of his golf cart.
As the suspect walked past the employee’s podium outside the clubhouse, the
suspect screamed at the employee and then shoved him in the chest, nearly pushing the employee over.
The suspect left the golf course and while the employee did not have any visible injuries, he said his back had been hurting him since the incident.
When deputies arrested the suspect at his home, the man admitted to losing his temper and pushing the employee “because he was angry at him,” the report said.
MAY 16 NO FREE RIDES 10:09 a.m. — 200 block of Palm Coast Parkway northeast, Palm Coast Petit theft. A Palm Coast man was arrested after he admitted to Sheriff’s Office deputies that he stole a bicycle to go buy drugs.
The bicycle owner told a deputy his bicycle was stolen the night before while he was working at a bar. The bike was outside the back door and surveillance cameras caught the thief taking the bike around 9:50 p.m., according to an arrest report.
The next day, a different deputy was sent surveillance footage from a neighboring restaurant that had previously trespassed the suspect. That restaurant management was able to identify the suspect from their camera footage, which showed the suspect hiding in the bushes and then taking the bicycle.
The suspect was later found riding the bicycle on Palm Coast Parkway and arrested. He admitted to stealing the bicycle and riding it into Bunnell to buy drugs.
Ormond Beach Firefighters respond to the Makai Beach Lodge fire.
Photo courtesy of the Ormond Beach Professional Firefighters/Facebook
FCFR and FCSO conduct swiftwater/flood rescue training in preparation for hurricane season.
Photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office honors its fallen heroes. Photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
‘This
is going to be their future’: Student success in the A.I. era
RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER
Flagler County School Board member Lauren Ramirez is optimistic about the future, and the power, of public schools. “Everything is getting better and better,” she said in a recent interview, which is also posted as a video on the Palm Coast Observer’s YouTube page. She recently met with Observer Now to discuss the senior class, vouchers, artificial intelligence, rising health care costs, district grades and bullying. What follows is the transcript, edited for length and clarity.
I saw you participating in the Flagler County Education Foundation’s Drive-by Surprise scholarship deliveries recently. That must have been a thrill. Yes, that was a very fun night. It showed all the hard work that is put in behind the scenes from not only our staff administrators, but the community. There were so many community and business organizations out there, and on their own time and on their own dime. It was fun. I had the time of my life. Some of them were a little nervous and scared. They were like, “Oh my goodness, I’m really getting this.” It was hard for them to believe. And some, tears of joy. They were laughing. Their parents or guardians or siblings, that was the best because you could see from their perspective how proud they were. They were very grateful, excited, and very open to telling us what their next path was in life. I’m excited to see where these scholarships are going to take them. Hopefully they are back here in Flagler one day, and we can see how that worked out.
There are a lot of talented kids all over this county. Some students think to get a scholarship, they have to have straight A’s, never get in trouble and have 100% attendance. But these scholarships range. You could be the average Joe student and get a scholarship. It really was meant for any student that has a vision, has a dream.
Over 1,900 students are choosing vouchers over going to public schools. What’s the impact on the district?
It is a significant impact, and significant meaning the funding. The money that we receive as a district, where it goes, changes because students, whether they’re staying or leaving, if they leave for whatever reason, they have that choice. We still have to provide those services to the students that are staying. Safety, electricity, all of those services we
still have to fund and provide to the ones that stay. For the students who are not staying with us, they are able to get the services that their parent or guardian believes are best for them. But we also are providing different services for students who are not necessarily with us full time. For example, our fire academy. If we have a homeschool student and they really want to be in our fire academy, they have that option and that choice to utilize that part of our program too. It’s a win-win for a lot, but the things that need to be looked at and monitored are funding because we still have a responsibility to provide resources to the current students who decide to stay.
Are there certain things Flagler Schools is doing to remain competitive?
I feel like we’re doing a fantastic job. There’s always room for improvement. But the positive things we as a district and the team and [Superintendent LaShakia Moore] have worked really hard on are programs. Our fire academy, our allied health programs, culinary programs, and certifications these students can get. When I was campaigning, the certifications were just a few hundred. We’re over 900-plus certifications now that our students have received. We’re providing more tools for them to use in the workforce for whatever route they decide to go. We’re providing those tools internally here in our public school system.
What does AI look like in the classroom?
The first thing for us is safety. AI was discussed years ago. The district staff has been preparing for it. One thing Ms. Moore said multiple times is guardrails. She said, “I do not care how amazing this tool is, if we don’t have the safety guardrails for this tool, whatever the tool may be, then it’s not going to happen in our district.” They have provided professional learning for our staff for AI training. That means those faculty and staff
want to continue that with their students. We’re providing the tools for them. AI is changing every day. They’re continuing with training and guardrails and educating. I think the students like it. They’re not scared. They’re excited because this is going to be their future. It’s our future right now.
Some parents and teachers worry AI is being misused by students. How do you balance innovation with the worry of cheating? Even back when I was a kid, it was, “No cheating.” That can happen no matter what. You have AI, you don’t have AI. If a kid is going to cheat, they’re going to figure it out. I think of it like a calculator. You can use a calculator on this test, you can’t on that one. Use it to check. These tools are amazing, and they can help you, but they can also hurt you. You need to use it the right way.
Our staff and team are trained on how to train the kids that way. There are ways to tell if you’re cheating with AI, but just letting them know, use it the right way. We will provide the tools. I think we’re on the right track.
I was at a friend’s house recently, and she has a son, freshman in high school. Out of nowhere she says to him, “Do your math homework. No AI.” I’m thinking, Man, can you imagine that? That’s something I never heard when I was a kid. It’s actually a good tool for parents. When your kiddos get those worksheets and it has different instructions — use math as an example — the parent can take a picture of that worksheet and say, “I’m helping my child with this problem. I haven’t done this type of math in a long time. Walk me through it.” It can teach the parent to then teach the kid how to utilize it. There are a lot of pros, definitely cons — but from a parent perspective, it can be very helpful.
Big topic with the School Board lately is insurance. Are rising health care costs becoming a threat to teacher pay raises and other district priorities? Health care is going up, food is going up, groceries are going up. The funding schools are receiving based on how many students are physically in our schools is going down. You still need those resources to provide to the students and teachers. There’s no real right answer. Flagler County has been working very hard to increase the health of the current
members who have the health insurance. For example, our wellness center for preventative health, because prevention is key. It will take a few more years to show the true metrics, but data from other counties that have utilized a health center shows it has improved overall with insurance rates. I’m hoping that is going to happen with our district.
Grades for the district are coming up. Where are we at now, and what do you think is the possibility of improving? I feel very positive. I’ve talked to the schools and their principals, and they’ve been feeling very good about their student outcomes. We’ve been going up in our FAST testing. The data is there. I know the teachers behind the scenes have been working very hard on integrating different learning styles and additional tutoring opportunities. We’re seeing improvement. Everyone’s working their tails off.
It takes the teachers, leadership, principals and assistant principals working together to see what works best for their campus. They’re implementing group learning and data sharing. Bunnell Elementary, one of my liaison schools — their scores are going up. They’re working closer together and utilizing the trends to help more with their students.
We’ve also been doing amazing with our AICE and IB. The CTE programs, culinary program and certifications help us. I give credit to the district, instructors, Education Foundation, AdventHealth and organizations helping make that happen. If we don’t get that A, it’s going to feel like an A. Everyone should be very proud because everything is getting better and better.
What exactly does an A mean for the district?
I think of myself as an example. I moved to Flagler County because I have four children. I wanted them in public schools. We were looking for an A district and an A school. An A district brings the right people here, more businesses, more opportunity for families and more families here.
There’s also funding involved. When you are an A district, you get more funding and can utilize that for more opportunity to go toward faculty, staff or programs. It’s also an accomplishment. It could mean someone moving here or not moving here. We want these students to stay here, go through our schools, graduate high school here and then get a job back here in Flagler County.
Looking at the next couple of years, what are some of the biggest challenges facing the Flagler County School District?
Understanding the voucher system. It started a few years ago, and they’re still working behind the scenes to have the processes more streamlined. We’re still going to have challenges until that system is fully understood. You don’t know who is going to want a voucher and who is not. If they decide to come back, unfortunately we don’t have the funds we would have had if they started with us. We have to make it work, and we have done a great job making that work.
The challenge is figuring out how we can really know how many students are going to stay here the whole time and not come back and forth so we can give them the right resources.
Is there anything happening in the district right now that you think the public is not paying enough attention to?
I think we’ve been communicating better and better.
For parents and community members, continue asking questions. If they have a question, whether it’s vouchers or safety, reach out to the district directly by phone call, meeting or email. If you don’t know who to email, email the School Board members. That’s our job, to direct them and get that answered.
How do you feel the district deals with bullying?
Bullying, you’re going to hear that term all the time. The definition varies from person to person, kid to kid. But regardless, when someone’s not nice to someone, whether it’s bullying or not, it’s hurtful. The district has been working hard and changing things to make it better and better.
With any type of bullying or a kid not feeling like they’re being taken care of, communication has to happen right away from the parent or the child. They need to tell someone right away and let us help. It takes the community together. Adults should be nice to adults. Kids are going to do what they see. If they see adults being rude and disrespectful, kids are going to do that.
Within the schools, if a child has an issue, they have to tell someone, because we want to fix it. There is a process, and they’re doing a better job communicating that with parents and guardians. If you have a problem, this is step one, this is step two. If you don’t feel like it’s solved, email us, tell us. You don’t know what you don’t know. It’s not a Flagler issue. It’s everywhere. It starts with adults. Adults need to be good examples for kids, and everyone needs to communicate.
Last but not least, it’s graduation time. A day many students will remember for the rest of their lives. What is your message for the graduates? I want them all to know I’m so proud of them. No matter where you are in this school system, whatever your GPA is — 4.0, I know some have 5.7 GPAs — we are so proud of you because you do not know what your life is going to be like. There are so many opportunities. We as a district hope we were able to provide you something, whether it’s a statement, a certificate, a class, a tool, something we did for you in this time you were in Flagler Schools. We hope it gets you to where you have to be and want to be. Always come back to us. Email us. Tell us. We want to hear back from you. I wish you all the best of luck.
Heather Curry, HIS
School Board member Lauren Ramirez. File photo by Michele Meyers
Three proposed amendments to address three controversies
How to fill Palm Coast City Council vacancies, how to remove a council member, limits on city borrowing.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The Palm Coast City Council has approved the ballot language for three City Charter amendments that will go before voters on Nov. 4, addressing three recent controversies: City Council member vacancies, the process of removing a City Council member from office, and the limits on the city’s borrowing power.
At the March 19 city meeting, City Attorney Marcus Duffy presented for the council summaries of each change. The City Council unanimously approved the ballot language summaries.
“I think this is very accurate to what the changes are, and so I appreciate that,” Councilman Ty Miller said.
The proposed changes include requiring a special election within 90 days to fill a vacant City Council seat if there are more than 18 months remaining in a term or if the vacancy occurs within 60 days of a general election.
After Mayor Mike Norris was twice censured in 2025, the Palm Coast City Council considered petitioning Gov. Ron DeSantis to remove Norris from the seat. The proposed change to Article IV, Section (7) would require three formal censures of a council member or mayor before a petition of removal would be allowed.
That section also updates attendance requirements and defines ethics violations as those “under Florida law.” Unexcused absences are also limited to a total of six in a calendar year.
Article IV, Section (7)(e) of the charter currently limits the city’s borrowing power to $15 million with a term not more than 36 months. This limitation has not been updated in over 20 years.
The Charter Review Committee and the City Council are proposing to update the $15 million limit to $30 million to reflect the changes in inflation over the years, with an annual CPI increase of a maximum of $1,000. The changes also extend the borrowing period to 30 years.
Voter approval would still be required for any borrowing greater than those amounts.
To ensure the public’s understanding, Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri asked staff to arrange for informational public workshops
ahead of election day.
“We want to make sure that people understand exactly what they’re voting on, that we’re clearly communicating what they’ll see on their ballot,” Pontieri said.
Norris said in the case of the council vacancies, it was an issue of timing. Previously, former Council member Cathy Heighter left her position less than two years into her term just after the 2024 primary election. The vacancy was too close to the general election date to be placed on the ballot, and the current charter language requires the vacancy to be filled by appointment.
Councilman Charles Gambaro was appointed to fill the seat, which is on the 2026 general election ballot. But Gambaro’s appointment caused controversy with residents, leading to the review of Article IV(7)(e) by the Palm Coast Charter Review Committee.
“It was just absolute timing,” Norris said.
Councilman Dave Sullivan is also filling a council seat by appointment after former City Councilman Ray Stevens stepped down in early 2025, just months after being elected, for health concerns. (Stevens is back on the ballot, unopposed so far, in 2026.)
Norris did ask Duffy to
2026 Ballot summaries for three charter amendments
Each City Charter amendment will appear on the November ballot as they are written below:
ARTICLE IV, SECTION (7)
Shall Article IV, Section (7) of the City Charter be amended to expand and clarify standards for forfeitures and suspension of the Mayor and City Council members by defining ethics violations under Florida law, establishing additional meeting attendance requirements, and authorizing the City Council, after three formal censures to petition the Governor for suspension or removal of a City Council Member for neglect of duty or malfeasance.
ARTICLE IV(7)(E)
Shall Article IV(7)(e) of the City Charter be
amended to revise the vacancy procedures? If a vacancy occurs with over 18 months remaining in a term, a special election is required within 90 days. If a vacancy occurs within 60 days or less of a general election, a special election must be called within 90 days following that general election.
ARTICLE VI(3)(E)
Shall Article VI(3)(e) of the City Charter be amended to increase the Council’s unfunded contracting authority from $15,000,000.00 to $30,000,000.00 and extend the term from 36 months to 30 years? Unfunded multi-year or lease-purchase contracts exceeding these limits shall require voter approval via referendum. The $30,000,000.00 threshold shall be adjusted annually for inflation (CPI), rounded to the nearest $1,000.00.
reach out to Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Kaiti Lenhart to review the Article IV(7)(e) amendment regarding council appointment and special elections. Duffy said that is already in the works. The City Council will need to vote on the ballot language one more time before it is placed on the ballot for November.
Flagler Beach Pier reconstruction aided by local dive company
Project remains on schedule as debris is removed underwater.
Construction on the longawaited rebuilding of the Flagler Beach Pier continues to move steadily forward, with local officials saying the project remains on schedule while a Flagler County-based dive company recently complet -
ed a key portion of the work beneath the waterline.
During last week’s Meet the Mayors event, Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin said the city’s most significant ongoing project remains the reconstruction of the iconic pier, which suffered catastrophic damage during Hurricane Ian in 2022.
“The construction of the pier is on schedule and currently on budget,” Martin said, adding that substantial completion is expected in January with final completion anticipated in February. He also noted there is still a possibility the city could “shoot our new fireworks off the end of the new pier on Dec. 31.”
Additional updates on the project were provided by Fla-
gler Beach City Commissioner Scott Spradley, who said he recently visited the beach to observe the work firsthand.
“It’s amazing the number of concrete pilings that they’ve embedded in the last several weeks,” Spradley said. “I was surprised to see how far along they are. So it’s looking great.”
The commissioner also noted the redesigned pier is being built to better withstand future storms and rising sea levels.
“You can already tell in comparing its height to the area of the Funky Pelican Restaurant, you can see how much higher it’s going to be,” Spradley said. “It’s approximately 10 feet higher than the other pier to account for sea level rising and hurricane damage.”
Helping clear the way for that new construction was In Depth Inc., a commercial diving and marine construction company based in Bunnell that recently completed a critical underwater phase of the project.
Working as a subcontractor for prime contractor Vecellio and Grogan, the company’s dive team conducted underwater recovery and debris removal operations at the pier site, including removing broken piling stubs and clearing the seafloor footprint for the new structure.
For In Depth President Zach Rogers, the project represented more than just another marine construction job.
“We are proud to play a key role in the development of this new pier,” Rogers said in a press release. “As long-time residents of Flagler County, we are honored to serve the residents of the county in the redevelopment of this iconic pier.”
Senior Project Manager Danny Broadhurst also praised the collaboration with Vecellio and Grogan.
“Vecellio & Grogan’s team is dedicated to constructing a great asset for Flagler Beach and the county,” Broadhurst said. “We’re very proud to be a part of it and appreciate that they chose a local commercial diving company for the subsurface work onsite.” Founded in 2017, In
Using hydraulic chainsaws and specialized rigging equipment, divers removed debris left behind from Hurricane Ian’s destruction of the original pier before conducting a final sweep of the construction area to ensure crews could safely proceed with rebuilding efforts.
Depth has grown into a full-service commercial diving and marine construction company.
Debris removed from the seafloor near the Flagler Beach Pier as part of ongoing reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Ian.
A diver with In Depth, Inc. prepares for underwater operations during the ongoing reconstruction of the Flagler Beach Pier. Photos courtesy of In Depth, Inc.
Kiwanis Club honors local officers
Annual Kiwanis Officer of the Year awards luncheon recognized lifesaving actions.
RICH CARROLL
MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER
The Kiwanis Club honored local law enforcement officers during its 20th Annual Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Awards Luncheon on May 13 at the Southern Recreation Center in Palm Coast.
The event recognized outstanding service from members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Bunnell Police Department and Flagler Beach Police Department.
Frank Consentino, a longtime board member and past president of the Kiwanis Club, said the organization has proudly honored local first responders through the annual awards program for the past 20 years.
“Well, it’s important because they are our first responders,” Consentino said. “We’ve been very proud to do it for the last 20 years.”
Deputy Kyle Manka of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office was honored as one of the club’s Officers of the Year for his lifesaving actions and
community service.
Sheriff Rick Staly said Manka, who joined the agency in 2020, has received multiple lifesaving awards during his career. “One of the most recent ones was of a 9 year old child who had a heart cardiac event,” Staly said. “Deputy Manka was the first on the scene before the fire department got out his AED that all of our cars are equipped with and used it. And by the time the paramedics got there, his heart was back beating.”
Staly also said Manka recently helped de-escalate a suicidal individual and safely saved the person’s life.
The luncheon also recognized Sergeant Adrian Zapata of the Bunnell Police Department.
Bunnell Police Chief Dave Brannon described Zapata as a key leader within the department who serves as an instructor, recruiter and patrol supervisor.
According to Brannon, Zapata was involved in two separate lifesaving incidents last year, including helping revive a heart attack victim using an AED and saving a choking baby.
“He immediately took the baby in his hands,” Brannon said. “I watched the body
camera video. He did a few back thrusts and cleared the obstruction and the baby started breathing again.”
Officer Camilla DeFrieseRomero of the Flagler Beach Police Department was also honored during the luncheon.
Flagler Beach Police Chief Lance Blanchette praised DeFriese-Romero for her positive attitude and commitment to community policing.
“She’s quick to get out of her car, and she truly understands the meaning of community policing and the important role that plays in our community,” Blanchette said.
Sheriff Rick Staly also thanked the Kiwanis Club for continuing the annual tradition of recognizing local law enforcement officers.
“And so I’d like to thank the Kiwanis for always hosting this law enforcement appreciation where we recognize the best of the best,” Staly said. “I didn’t realize it was the 20th year. That’s quite an accomplishment.”
Consentino closed his remarks by thanking local first responders for their continued service.
“Only that we cannot thank our first responders enough,” Consentino said. “They are underpaid and overworked.”
Flagler Schools adopts lower cost no-network health care plan
Because of high claims this school year, the district’s insurance fund is $800,000 in the red.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The Flagler County School Board, desperate to lower health insurance costs, approved a new employee health care plan on Tuesday, May 19, which uses a nontraditional network replacement model.
The plan, which has been approved by both unions, replaces Florida Blue with HealthScope Benefits, a third party administrator owned by United Health Group.
“It’s essentially no network,” said Joshua Walker, Flagler Schools Human Resources chief. “It’s open access.”
The new model gives the school district the ability to reimburse medical claims on a transparent “cost-plus” basis.
HealthScope Benefits partners with ClaimDoc, a medical claim auditing and member advocacy company that supports self-funded health plans. ClaimDOC reviews medical bills for accuracy, applies transparent reimbursement standards and advocates on behalf of members to help resolve billing issues and protect against inappropriate charges.
Without a plan change, the district faced a projected 22% renewal increase in premiums. And the current plan has depleted the district’s insurance fund. Because of high
claims, the district overage is about $800,000, Walker said.
“Anything that we have to pay that is not in the insurance fund, we would have to take out of the general fund, which is why, when we went to establish rates for 2026-27, we knew we had to make sure we did it in a responsible way that puts money back into the insurance fund,” Walker said.
In her closing comments at the School Board’s business meeting, board member Janie Ruddy said the transition “will require us all to think differently about how we engage with our health insurance, but I have full faith in our team to help educate our staff, as well as the quality of the program that we’ve selected to support our staff in order to meet their health care needs.”
Walker said the district, partnering with broker Brown & Brown, looked at the landscape for bold ways to reinvent what the district’s health insurance would look like moving forward.
“We were able to go outside the norm of a regular network into direct access to care, and we’re going to continue to try and educate our employees on what that’s going to look like between now and when the plan year starts Sept. 1,” he said.
The board agreed to contribute 5.16% more toward the insurance fund with an overall funding increase of 4%, according to Brown & Brown’s presentation at the May 19 afternoon School Board workshop. The aggregate employee contributions will not increase.
“Health care as we know it is broken,” Ruddy said at the workshop. “But here’s cause for celebration. You’d be hard
pressed to find any other organization in this environment not drastically increasing their cost of premiums.”
The board also accomplished its goal of offering more affordable coverage for employees to cover their children. In the new gold plan, which replaces the base plan, the premium for an employee plus children is $196.88 per pay period, down from the current cost of $452.58.
There will be three plans to choose from instead of the current four — the basic gold plan; the HSA, or high deductible plan; and the platinum plan, which replaces the standard and premium plans.
Board member Will Furry said health insurance is one of the most challenging areas the board is tasked with.
“We had a very collaborative executive session, bargaining with unions, coming up with compromise,” he said. “This year I think we did something great. It’s not only more transparent, but accessible for the children. And now [employees] can go anywhere they want. We’re not tied to a network.”
But those on the health plan will have to be better stewards with their health care, he added, such as using the district’s wellness center and not going to the emergency room unless it’s really an emergency.
“We’re going to work with employees to provide education on what this looks like,” Walker said. “There may become a time when they want to go to a certain facility that may be charging more than a certain threshold, but we would work with them and ClaimDoc to find care that meets their needs at an affordable level.”
Members of local law enforcement agencies are recognized during the 20th annual Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Awards Luncheon hosted by the Kiwanis Club at the Southern Recreation Center in Palm Coast. Photo by Rich Carroll
Palm Coast celebrates Loop Road groundbreaking; mayor protests
Transportation project will benefit the region; Mayor Mike Norris openly criticized development plans.
RICH CARROLL
MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER
The City of Palm Coast officially broke ground May 14 on the Matanzas Loop Road project, a long-planned transportation corridor city officials say will improve connectivity west of U.S. 1 and support future regional growth. But the ceremony also exposed sharp disagreements over the project’s environmental impact and the future of development connected to the roadway.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Palm Coast city manager Mike McGlothlin described the project as “a critical piece of Palm Coast’s long term transportation vision.”
Former Flagler Commissioner Mullins files lawsuit against FlaglerLive
McGlothlin said the project has been years in the making and involved collaboration between city staff, engineers, consultants, utility providers and state agencies.
“For more than five years, our staff, engineers, consultants and partners have worked diligently to move this project from concept to construction,” McGlothlin said.
He also thanked current and former City Council members along with the Florida Department of Transportation and regional partners for supporting the effort.
“The Loop Road will connect to future regional transportation improvements that are planned to strengthen mobility between Jacksonville and Orlando,” McGlothlin said. “Palm Coast must ensure we are planning strategically and investing infrastructure that supports mobility, economic vitality and quality of life for our residents.”
But when Palm Coast mayor Mike Norris took the podium, the tone of the event quickly shifted.
“Do you want me to be diplomatic or be Mike Norris?
That’s the question you got to ask,” Norris said at the start of his remarks.
“This phase includes a new multi lane roadway extending west of U.S. 1 along with a bridge crossing over the Florida East Coast Railway,” McGlothlin said. “That bridge is especially important because it improves safety and eliminates the need for an atgrade rail crossing.”
Norris said he opposed the broader development tied to the project, particularly future plans involving environmentally sensitive land near Pringle Branch.
“If you go due west from here, you run into the headwaters of Pringle Branch,” Norris said. “And we’re going to cut a path through that swamp.”
“I don’t support this project and I’m going to fight it all the way,” he added.
Norris also vowed to oppose annexation tied to the project area.
“I will not be supporting the annexation of that donut hole,” Norris said. “We can cut through for the road, for the corridor, but I will not support annexation of that donut hole.”
While acknowledging the transportation benefits of the roadway connection, Norris questioned the long term financial burden tied to infrastructure expansion.
“I don’t understand how you can go and lobby for money from the state for a road for a total of $226 million and leave the residents of Palm Coast on the hook for $330 million for infrastructure improvements,” Norris said. “That’s not the way you do business.”
After Norris concluded his remarks, Palm Coast City Council member Charles Gambaro stepped forward to strike a more optimistic tone.
Gambaro praised the work that went into the project and urged the crowd to focus on the accomplishment.
“I’m going to jump in here and end on a positive note,” Gambaro said. “Everybody’s done a great job. Everybody’s worked hard.”
“There’s no reason to be negative here,” Gambaro said. “Everybody has their own opinions, but this is a time to celebrate a major achievement for our community.”
He also thanked the Flagler County Commission and project partners for their support.
“We must remain positive,” Gambaro said. “Our residents want us to remain positive as we move forward.”
Pierre Tristam calls it a ‘SLAPP suit’: Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Former Flagler County Commissioner Joe Mullins has filed a defamation lawsuit against news site FlaglerLive and its editor and publisher, Pierre Tristam.
The eight-page “Complaint for Defamation (Libel)” was filed in the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court on May 11 by attorney Anthony F. Sabatini.
The suit, which refers to FlaglerLive, a non-profit local news site, and its editor, Tristam, as separate defendants, alleges “repeated publication of false, misleading, and defamatory statements concerning Plaintiff Joe Mullins.”
Tristam, responding to a request for comment from the Observer, said he’ll “let the FlaglerLive article speak for itself.” The article, published May 19, called the lawsuit “a SLAPP suit,” an acronym for Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation.
The lawsuit states: “Beginning in or around 2024, Defendants published and republished numerous false and defamatory statements concerning Plaintiff through articles appearing on FlaglerLive.com and related online platforms.”
The complaint later states, “The publications were made to third parties through a widely read online publication with substantial readership and republication through social media and reader commentary.”
The complaint cites a FlaglerLive article dated Nov. 18, 2024, with the headline, “Joe Mullins, Disgraced in Flagler County, Declares Run for Waltz’s Congressional Seat.”
The complaint states that in the article, “Defendants asserted, among other things, that Plaintiff was “disgraced out of office,” engaged in “outrageous behavior,” and “belligerently tried to get out of a traffic stop by telling a cop that he ran Flagler County.”
The traffic stop, on June 19, 2022, and another less than three weeks earlier, were widely covered by media outlets locally and nationally.
The suit claims that Mullins “did not improperly seek to evade law enforcement consequences, request preferential treatment, or misuse public office in connection with any traffic citation or law enforcement interaction.”
FlaglerLive’s May 19 article says, “In fact, video evidence from the Florida Highway Patrol and Mullins’s own letters to judges, all linked in news stories reporting on his behavior, document the pattern previously reported.”
An Observer story in July, 2022, recounted the traffic stops. The story cited Florida Highway Patrol dash camera footage, which FlaglerLive had previously included in its articles on the incidents.
Mullins was pulled over by a state trooper, who clocked Mullins speeding on Interstate 95 at 92 mph in a 70-mph zone. As the trooper was explaining to Mullins that the ticket would be payable within 30 days and that there are three ways to pay, Mullins interrupted him, saying, “I run the county, so I know how it works.”
“You run the county?” the trooper replied.
“Yeah, I’m the chairman of the County Commission,” Mullins said.
On June 2, Mullins had been pulled over for speeding on I-95 in Seminole County by two state troopers. He was clocked at 89 in a 60 mph zone. He handed one trooper his County Commission business card. Video from the traffic stop showed the troopers speaking to each other as they walked back to their vehicles to run Mullins’ information.
“He said he’s a county commissioner,” one said. “Yeah, well, he’s getting a ticket,” the second trooper said. “He wasn’t stopping when he saw me,” the first replied.
Mullins’ lawsuit against Tristam and FlaglerLive states: “The publications foreseeably exposed Plaintiff to hatred, distrust, ridicule, contempt, humiliation, and injury to his personal and professional reputation.”
“FlaglerLive stands by its reporting,” the article states. The lawsuit asks for general damages, special damages, presumed damages, punitive damages and costs of suit and attorneys’ fees. The suit also “demands a trial by jury on all issues so triable.”
Mike McGlothlin, Palm Coast city manager. Photo by Rich Carroll
Joe Mullins. File photo
City, county should meet with Prince of Peace on road access
‘Good government requires more than construction plans and traffic studies.’
JASON LESLIE
ORMOND BEACH MAYOR
I have recently heard concerns from residents and members of Prince of Peace Catholic Church regarding traffic changes caused by ongoing county construction along Hand Avenue. The concerns specifically involve restriction access to the church property from the westbound Hand Avenue and preventing drivers from exiting the church driveway by making a left turn onto Hand Avenue — a movement that had been permitted for many years. Residents and church members have expressed understandable concerns involving traffic flow, acces-
sibility, safety during church services and events, and access to the church’s charity store, which serves members of the community. While infrastructure improvements are important and often necessary for long-term growth and public safety, it is equally important that we listen to the people directly impacted by those changes. Good government requires more than construction plans and traffic studies — it requires communication, responsiveness, and a willingness to address unintended consequences.
Even though this is a
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Endorsement for Leslie
Dear Editor: Conservative Citizens of Ormond Beach is glad to formally endorse Mayor Jason Leslie for reelection. His motto is the “People’s” Mayor and he has really grown in his first term. Join us in supporting him for reelection, thank you and God bless you!
AL STEWART Ormond Beach
Endorsement for Tolland
Dear Editor:
On behalf of the members of International Union of Police Associations Local 6075, I am proud to announce our endorsement of Commissioner Lori Tolland for mayor of the City of Ormond Beach.
As union president, I work closely with city leadership on matters that directly affect public safety, officer welfare, and the quality of service we provide to our community. Throughout this work, Commissioner Tolland has consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of these priorities and a genuine commitment to supporting the men and women who serve on the front lines.
Commissioner Tolland has been a steady and reliable partner in advancing policies that strengthen public safety while ensuring officers have the resources, training, and equipment necessary to perform their duties effectively and safely. Equally important, she recognizes the importance of fair working conditions, open communication, and mutual respect between city leadership and law enforcement personnel.
What distinguishes Commissioner Tolland is her accessibility and straightforward leadership style. She listens, she shows up, and she engages honestly — even when the conversations are difficult. That approach builds trust not only within our department but across the broader community we serve. Our members have seen firsthand her commitment to balancing accountability with meaningful support for law enforcement. She understands that strong, safe communities depend on both effective policing and strong community relationships, and she has worked to advance both.
For these reasons, the members of IUPA Local 6075 fully support Commissioner Lori Tolland and appreciate her continued leadership and partnership.
RHETT
county project, it is still our concern because it directly impacts the people of Ormond Beach.
I have already asked city staff to coordinate with county officials and church leadership to arrange a meeting as soon as possible so these concerns can be openly discussed and potential solutions explored. My goal is to ensure that the voices of residents, parishioners, and visitors are part of the conversation moving forward.
Quality candidates in short supply in Flagler County
Dear Editor: Reflecting back on the last few years and the cast of characters who ran for office or were elected in Flagler County raised a red flag. It suggests there was a shortage of quality candidates or that our local electorate was not as discerning as it should have been — or likely both. Some candidates had resumes that lacked basic qualifications, some had troubling pasts and were not vetted well, others had extremist views or anger management warning signs that were ignored or weren’t discovered until it was too late.
We came way too close to actually electing as mayor and as council member, a declared “sovereign citizen” handyman who had a past disavowing his U.S. citizenship and not paying income taxes.
We elected a council member despite her resignation from our sheriff’s department, after the depart-
Flagler Beach commissioner endorses Gambaro for Congress
Flagler Beach City Commissioner R.J. Santore III, a fourth-generation pyrotechnician and vice president of his family’s pyrotechnics manufacturing business, has endorsed Charles Gambaro for the Republican nomination in Florida’s 6th Congressional District.
Santore praised Gambaro’s record of service to both his community and his country. In his endorsement, Santore stated: “I generally keep my focus on the work in front of me here at home, but this race is one I felt I needed to weigh in on. Charlie is a man I know from our parish and from the Knights of Columbus, and his wife is deeply involved with our youth ministry. That is the measure of a family that shows up for the people around them.
ment described her racially charged podcast comments as “divisive and controversial.”
A county commissioner called for the beheading of liberals and later became a nationwide embarrassment by claiming “I run the county” at a traffic stop.
We also elected an ultrapartisan City Council member, who was later censured.
We had a barber shop owner elected to the City Council who later was accused of shoplifting and, as reported by our county sheriff, had outstanding charges of kidnapping and extortion in Costa Rica, a matter that remains a mystery.
A former School Board member, running again for the position, once stated that God placed her on the board to combat “satanic warfare” and believed she was battling “evil spirits” in the school district. And she actually filed a report with the Sheriff’s Office against school district staff for allowing a book on the shelf that she deemed pornographic.
As for our sitting mayor, the list of controversies, bad
“Charlie has spent more than 26 years in uniform, has led American soldiers in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, and rose to brigadier general. He has served on the Palm Coast City Council, where he has done the unglamorous work of reading the agenda packets and asking the hard questions. He sits in the room with the people he represents and answers to his neighbors face-toface. That matters.
“Charlie is approachable, responsive, and prepared. His commitment to protecting our beaches, investing in critical infrastructure, and building real coastal resiliency makes him the right choice to represent us in Congress. I am proud to endorse him.”
Gambaro thanked Santore for the endorsement.
“It is an honor to receive the support of a proven community leader,” Gambaro said. “R.J.’s support is a big deal for our campaign, and together we will continue to fight for protecting and improving our beaches, investing in critical infrastructure projects, and placing our fellow residents first.” Flagler Beach
R.J. Santore III.
Infrastructure projects should improve quality of life, not create difficulties.
Infrastructure projects should improve quality of life for the community, not create unnecessary difficulties for residents trying to safely attend church, volunteer, or support charitable efforts that help others in need.
behavior and missteps has grown so long that for the sake of brevity, it suffices to say simply, “Oops.”
This is not to imply that all our candidates and public officials should be as pure as Caesar’s wife, but at least they should offer, and we should require, a semblance of public service norms that include competence, honesty, integrity, decency, inclusiveness and, of course, sanity.
Hopefully, the last few years was an anomaly and is not suggestive of a trend.
MARY ZITO Palm Coast
What’s the big secret, Ormond?
Dear Editor: Ormond Beach currently is and has always been confronted by controversial situations. It’s just a government
As mayor, I will continue advocating for practical and balanced solutions that prioritize both public safety and accessibility while ensuring our residents feel heard throughout the process.
thing.
But things have changed. There is now very limited media, Ormond Beach Observer excepted, and the population is forced to pretty much rely on social media for local information as incredibly dangerous as that is.
So who should be putting out the facts on city issues? I say it is the responsibility of city staff to do so. The current policy of abdicating that role and leaving up to the elected commissioners is just bad policy.
My question to city management is, so what’s the big secret? You have an extremely talented public information officer. Why not use that talent to help answer the residents’ concerns, before things get blown all out of proportion by social media and the bomb throwers.
Under the spirit of openness and transparency, I invite a reply by city staff.
Luxury 4BR/3.5BA
Commissioner
Charles Gambaro. Courtesy photos
ORMOND BEACH
PONCE INLET
27 nations represented at Daytona cultural fest
Festival was hosted by Ormond ’s Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc.
SYDNEY TEVIN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Daytona Beach International Festival took place on Manatee Island on Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17.
Hosted by Ormond Beach
nonprofit Cultural Awareness Fund Inc., the event was free and open to the public.
Attendees experienced live music performances from a variety of artists, including
Mexican and Hindu musicians, highlighting the area’s cultural diversity. The festival also features activities for children, as well as food vendors representing cuisines from around the world.
A total of 27 nations were represented. This was the second year the festival was held. The inaugural year was held in Ormond Beach.
Local author Lucky Boren, of Ormond Beach, was also present at the festival. A senior at Seabreeze High School, Boren showcased her children’s book, “Toby Saves the Night” and offered a facepainting activity to help readers connect with her story.
“Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to spark curiosity and confidence in young readers,” said William Sanchez, managing director of Cultural Awareness
History and traditions of Memorial Day
Memorial Day falls on May 25 this year. The celebration originates from Decoration Day, first observed in 1868.
RANDY JAYE HISTORIAN
Memorial Day is distinct from Veterans Day because it is specifically dedicated to U.S. military personnel who died in service.
Act which made the name Memorial Day official and moved the federal holiday to the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend. The Act’s provisions, including the Memorial Day changes, took effect in 1971.
In 2000, Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance which encourages all Americans to voluntarily pause for one minute at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to honor American service members who died in service.
Fund Inc, in a press release.
“Lucky’s work — especially at such a young age — reflects the creativity and initiative we aim to nurture through our educational and cultural programming.”
On May 5, 1868, General John Alexander Logan, American soldier, politician and leader of the Grand Army of the Republic (a Union veterans group), issued General Orders No. 11 dedicating a day, initially observed on May 30, called Decoration Day (now Memorial Day). This special day was intended for nationwide remembrance to honor military service members who died in the line of duty in the American Civil War.
Soldiers of the Confederate States of America who are buried in national parks and cemeteries are also honored with small American flags placed on their graves. Occasionally, with park superintendent permission, small Confederate flags to supplement, not replace, the American flag can be placed on Confederate graves by groups such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Following World War I, the focus of the holiday expanded to include all U.S. military personnel killed in all conflicts, and the name “Memorial Day” gradually replaced Decoration Day.
In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday
MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS
Daytona Beach Bandshell
Concerts: The Memorial Day weekend launches the summer concert series. The Saturday night concert features fireworks.
Flagler County Memorial Day Ceremony (Bunnell): This annual event is held in front of the Government Services Building and features guest speakers including retired Maj. General Wilfred Hessert.
Memorial Day Ceremony in Flagler Beach: This annual event is held in Veterans Park and features a wreath presentation and color guard.
Palm Coast Memorial Day Ceremony: This annual event is held in Heroes Memorial Park. The event will begin a new tradition to read aloud the names of fallen service members.
Ormond Beach Memorial Day Remembrance: This annual ceremony is held in Rockefeller Gardens. The event features a ceremonial laying of wreaths, a concert band performance and guest speakers.
For the full version of this article, see observerlocalnews. com.
Florida Falun DAFA Association members, Roz Malonson and Katie Mai.
The Iranian American Society group poses for a photo.
Pastor Al Stewart of the Greater Grace Chapel of Daytona Beach.
Rachel Harness performs her original music.
Naomi and Dean Spiked, and Logan and Luke Moehring, of Pack 436, all promote scout snacks to fund their next camping trip. Photos by Sydney Tevin
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Legacy and leadership
Flagler County Scouting America honors Sue Freytag and celebrates future leaders at annual Golden Eagle Dinner.
CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER
Community leaders, Scouts and supporters gathered Monday evening, May 18, at Grand Haven Golf Club for the Flagler County Scouting America Golden Eagle Dinner, an event celebrating leadership, character and community service while honoring longtime philanthropists Peter and Sue Freytag for their impact across Flagler County.
Hosted by John Subers of the AdventHealth Foundation, the dinner highlighted the mission of Scouting America and featured speeches from local Scouts Mia Devivo, Benton Forrester and Abigail Simms, each sharing personal stories about how Scouting shaped their leadership, confidence and character.
“Character is what sustains greatness,” Subers said. “Scouting is built to develop not just successful individuals, but leaders of character prepared to make a difference in their communities and their lives.”
More than 400 Scouts participate across Flagler County in over 20 units supported by
more than 80 volunteers.
Mia Devivo spoke about how Scouting intentionally teaches leadership and service, especially in a world increasingly shaped by social media and outside pressures.
“The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching,” Devivo said, quoting legendary basketball coach John Wooden. “Scouting creates environments where young people practice ethical decision making over and over again.”
Abigail Simms shared stories from her four years in Scouting, including earning her scuba diving merit badge and participating in leadership roles and community ceremonies.
“Scouting has pushed me outside of my comfort zone, taught me leadership, introduced me to incredible people, and given me experiences I honestly never would have had otherwise,” Simms said. Simms also reflected on the values taught through the Scout oath and law.
“Those aren’t just words we memorize,” Simms said. “They become part of who we are.”
Eagle Scout Benton Forrester discussed how Scouting prepared him for leadership challenges, including overseeing large events and participating in a 12-day trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
“There’s something special about spending 12 days in the backcountry with people who were strangers a year before and by the end feel like your family,” Forrester said. Forrester also encouraged attendees to continue investing in future Scouts through financial support.
“When you give tonight, you’re not just support -
ing a program,” Forrester said. “You’re shaping who we become when it matters most.”
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Golden Eagle honor to Sue Freytag and the late Peter Freytag, recognized for decades of philanthropic work supporting education, health care, arts and nonprofit organizations throughout Flagler County. Subers detailed the couple’s longtime involvement with organizations including the Flagler County Education Foundation, AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation, Flagler College and numerous local community initiatives.
Peter Freytag died in December, just two months before his 90th birthday, Subers said during the ceremony.
Accepting the honor, Sue Freytag reflected on her own experience in Scouting and the importance of leadership opportunities for young people.
“We didn’t have the amount of opportunities that the young people have, but we did have the Scouting program,” Freytag said. “They’re the leaders of tomorrow.”
Palm Coast’s first official city historian, Art Dycke, dies at age 91
Dycke served with the Palm Coast Historical Society & Museum since 2000 until he retired in 2024.
OBSERVER STAFF
Palm Coast’s first official historian Art Dycke died on May 18 at the age of 91.
Dycke served as co-historian for the City of Palm Coast with the Palm Coast Historical Society & Museum since 2000 until he retired in 2024.
Dycke was a beloved community figure, author, preservationist, and passionate histo-
rian who dedicated countless hours to documenting and preserving the early history of Palm Coast, a Palm Coast press release said.
“Whenever people talk about the history of Palm Coast, Art Dycke’s name is always part of the conversation,” said Mayor Mike Norris. “Art loved telling our city’s story and making sure it would always be remembered. Art was a kind man with a great sense of humor and a deep love for his community. His legacy will live on for generations.”
Dycke began formally documenting Palm Coast’s history soon after its incorporation, ensuring that the city’s sto -
ries, photographs, milestones, and memories would never be forgotten, the press release.
He believed history was built not only through major decisions and development plans, but through the lives of everyday residents.
His work highlighted the city’s earliest milestones, including the first homeowners, the first child born, and the first storefront to open.
He preserved the stories of the individuals who built Palm Coast through perseverance and community spirit.
Through archival research, written histories, newsletters, lectures, presentations, and community outreach, Dycke recorded the stories
“When you give tonight, you’re not just supporting a program. You’re shaping who we become when it matters most.”
BENTON
Eagle Scout
of the people and milestones that shaped Palm Coast from its earliest development into the thriving city it is today, the press release said. He also published two books in the process, “Images of America: Palm Coast, FL” published as part of the Arcadia Publishing’s series, and “Smolen: The Father of Palm Coast,” chronicled the life and influence of ITT executive Al Smolen.
“The City of Palm Coast extends its heartfelt condolences to Art Dycke’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” the press release said. “His legacy will continue to live on through the history he worked so tirelessly to preserve.”
Art Dycke from the 2018 State of the City address. Courtesy of Palm Coast
RICH
Mia Devivo, Benton Forrester and Abigail Simms
Sue Freytag poses with her son, Jim Freytag, during the Flagler County Scouting America Golden Eagle Dinner Monday evening at Grand Haven Golf Club. Photos by Rich Carroll
LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAY, MAY 21
EVACUATION SHELTER
TRAINING
When: 1-5 p.m.
Where: Flagler County Emergency Operations Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell
Details: Flagler County
Emergency Management and Flagler Volunteer Services invite residents to learn how to support our community during emergencies or disasters, to participate in their Disaster Volunteer Training Series.
RECIPES AND READS
CULINARY LAB — BACON
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Learn about the history of bacon during this cooking demonstration, presented by library staff. Free.
CRISIS CLEAN UP
TRAINING
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Flagler County Emergency Operations Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell
Details: Disaster Volunteers are invited to join for a training on how to be a call taker for Crisis Clean Up. This training will also show you how to make calls to local residents and update their information in the system. Visit flaglervolunteer.org.
COMMUNITY MEETING
WITH THE MAYOR
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach
Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Ormond Beach
Mayor Jason Leslie will meet with residents at the Sandcastle Auditorium to discuss city updates and issues.
ORMOND BEACH AREA
DEMOCRATIC CLUB
When: 6:30-8:15 p.m.
Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: Attend the May meeting of the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club. The guest speaker will be Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera, candidate for District 6 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Likeminded guests are welcome. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.
FRIDAY, MAY 22
RUMMAGE SALE
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Same times on Saturday, May 23
Where: St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 4600 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast Details: Benefits outreach ministry.
TURTLE TALK: A SEA
TURTLE’S JOURNEY When: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach Details: Learn about sea turtles and why they matter to our local coastal ecosystem. Park entry fee applies.
BEACHSIDE GARAGE OPEN HOUSE When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Birthplace of Speed Park, 21 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach
Details: The Motor Racing Heritage Association is hosting this open house. Volunteers will be on hand for tours and information. The Garage holds the two replica race cars that competed in the first sanctioned race on the beach in March of 1903. Call 386-676-7675.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
SPEAKER SERIES: ‘NOT
A NORMAL PLACE, NOT A NORMAL HISTORY’
When: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Join the Ormond Beach Historical Society for a presentation by Mark Lane, author, columnist and Daytona Beach native. His presentation will highlight some of the themes from his books, “Roaring Reptiles, Bountiful Citrus and Neon Pies: An Unofficial Guide to Florida’s Official Symbols” and “Locals of Daytona Beach.” Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Coffee and sweets will be served. Free to Historical Society members; $10 for non-members.
‘WEST OF THE TRACKS: A STORY OF THE PAST’
When: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway, NE, Palm Coast
Details: Attend this free speaker series event by the Palm Coast Historical Society. The topic will be presented by Preston Zepp.
PALM COAST FIRE STATION
26 GRAND OPENING
When: 11:30 a.m.
Where: Palm Coast Fire Sta-
FOCUS ON FAITH
Christmas Come True launches new prayer bracelet initiative
Christmas Come True, a local nonprofit based out of Bunnell, was founded in 2009 by Nadine King. While the nonprofit and its volunteers work extra hard around the holiday season, they also look after Flagler County families all year long.
Christmas Come True recently announced the launch of its new community outreach initiative, “A Circle of Hope,” which is described as a
prayer bracelet program. The bracelets are to stand as a daily reminder that hope and support are all around in the community.
“We wanted to create something simple that allows people to carry hope with them every day,” said King. “Each bracelet represents a commitment to pray for and support families who may be facing financial hardship, illness, domestic violence recovery, housing instability, or other life challenges.”
Christmas Come True invites the community in the distribution of the prayer
bracelets as a means of spreading awareness of the many hardships of life.
As stated in the press release provided by Christmas Come True, “Community members can support the initiative by: wearing a bracelet as a reminder to pray for families in need, sponsoring bracelets for outreach events, hosting bracelet distribution opportunities, sharing the mission on social media and donating to help support local families year-round.”
Christmas Come True is located at 2729 E. Moody Blvd., Ste 103 in Bunnell. For
tion 26, 72 Airport Commerce Way, Palm Coast
Details: Join the City of Palm Coast and the Palm Coast Fire Department to celebrate the opening of Fire Station 26. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to tour the new facility and meet Palm Coast firefighters.
POOL SAFETY DAY
When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Palm Coast Aquatic Center, 339 Parkview Drive, Palm Coast
Details: Palm Coast is hosting a pool safety day featuring pool games, mini swim lessons and hands-on demonstrations. Learn the steps for basic first aid, CPR, water rescues and more. Costs $1 for kids 2-17 years old and seniors; $2 for adults. Visit parksandrec.fun.
HEATWAVE — DANCE FACTORY’S 25TH SPRING RECITAL
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
Details: See dancers of all ages take the stage for Dance Factory’s 25th Spring Dance Recital. Tickets cost $25-$30. Visit https://ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix. com.
SUNDAY, MAY 24
MEMORIAL CONCERT
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
Details: See the Daytona Beach Concert Band perform a free patriotic-themed concert.
more information regarding the prayer program or future events, visit ChristmasComeTrue.org, or call 386-3465650.
Father Jose reflects on 2026 national eucharistic pilgrimage
Father Jose Panthaplamthottiyil, lead pastor at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, recently reflected on the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.
Here is an excerpt of Father Jose’s thoughts, submitted to the Observer for publication:
“This pilgrimage is part of a larger spiritual movement that has been growing in our
MONDAY, MAY 25
PALM COAST MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
When: 8 a.m.
Where: Heroes Memorial Park, 2860 Palm Coast Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: The City of Palm Coast invites residents to honor men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to the nation. This year, the city is beginning a new tradition: reading aloud the names of fallen service members. To submit a name, visit https:// form.typeform.com/to/ oBY8kXaP.
ORMOND BEACH
MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: Join the City of Ormond Beach for its annual Memorial Day Remembrance Service. Honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. All are welcome. Free event.
TUESDAY, MAY 26
QUICK CRAFTS JR.
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Preschoolers and their caregivers will construct crafts from a variety of materials provided in the children’s section. Supplies may be limited. Free.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
VETERANS CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS WORKSHOP
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Where: Ormond Memorial Art
country through the National Eucharistic Revival. Its purpose is simple yet profound: to renew our faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. In a world often marked by division, confusion, and uncertainty, the Eucharist remains our source of unity, peace, and strength.
“But this movement will bear fruit only if we respond personally. Each of us is invited to become a pilgrim—not necessarily by traveling long distances, but by deepening our relationship with Jesus. We can do this by participating in Mass more faithfully, spending time in Eucharistic adoration, praying for our nation, and living lives of charity and service.
“Even if you are unable to
Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd.
Details: Artist Mary Wentzel will guide participants in creating a monochromatic, abstract painting on board. All materials are provided and no art experience is necessary. Open to veterans and current service members, but a family member or friend age 16 and older may also register. Free program. Registration required. Visit www.ormondartmuseum.org/classesprograms.
LORE LIBRARIAN: STRANGER THINGS
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach
Details: Learn about Stranger Things, including little known facts, bios, and histories. The librarian will share some reading recommendations similar to Stranger Things. Registration is not required.
THURSDAY, MAY 28
BUTTERFLY GARDEN TALK
When: 11 a.m. to noon
Where: Ormond Memorial Art
Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd.
Details: Join guest speaker Beth Heron in the garden gazebo to discover the world of butterflies and their transformation from tiny egg to winged adult. Explore the essential host plants that provide the foundation for their survival and how you can support these pollinators. Free. Registration is requested due to limited seating. Visit www.ormondartmuseum.org/ classes-programs.
attend the events in person, you can still take part spiritually. Offer your prayers, your sacrifices, and your intentions for the success of this pilgrimage and for the renewal of our country. In doing so, you become part of this national effort to bring hearts back to Jesus.”
Submit your faithrelated news
Abbie Pace at abbie@ observerlocalnews.com.
Brought
YOUR SCHOOLS
Pirate’s art
on
display at Kennedy Space Center
Three works from Matanzas High School art students were selected to be in The Drive to Fly aerospace art competition.
Chloe Dotson, Noraly Dominguez and Lina Makhmutova had their work on display at the Starry Night Gallery in Daytona Beach with each receiving a monetary award.
Makhmutova was the overall third-place winner and received an additional scholarship. Her work — along with the other winners, Olivia Massalone of DeLand and Maya Chebaro of Spruce Creek — has been placed on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Daytona State College graduates
more than 4,000 students in 2026 Daytona State College awarded more than 4,000 degrees during three commencement ceremonies Tuesday, May 12, at the Ocean Center.
The ceremonies featured remarks from DSC President Dr. Thomas LoBasso, and District Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Randall Howard and Vice Chair Robert Lloyd.
“The great baseball player
Jackie Robinson — who made history right here in Daytona Beach — once said, ‘Life is not a spectator sport.’ Each of you has proven that,” LoBasso said. “You made the decision to continue your education. You faced challenges. You pushed through obstacles. And today, you are stronger for it. Wherever your journey takes you, know this: we are here for you.”
Daytona State’s Class of 2026 included 4,026 graduates — one of the largest graduat-
ing classes in the college’s history. This year’s graduates included 329 Bachelor of Science degrees, 220 Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, 1,845 Associate of Arts degrees, 735 Associate of Science degrees, 895 certificates, 172 graduates from the School of Adult Education and 325 dual-enrolled students who also attend local high schools.
The college has a long history of serving multiple generations of families and 2026 was no different. The family of Volusia County Tax Collector Will Roberts celebrated three generations graduating from Daytona State during the early afternoon ceremony. His daughter, Carlina Roberts, graduated
during the 2 p.m. ceremony with her Associate of Arts; Roberts’ mother-in-law, Paula Morton, also graduated from DSC in 2001 at 54 (the oldest in her graduating class) with a nursing degree and went on to teach at DSC for many years. Morton has been recently diagnosed with terminal cancer and made it her mission to attend Carlina’s graduation.
Matanzas AICE presented with Small District of the Year Award
Donald Meyers from Cambridge Assessment International Education visited Matanzas High
School on May 14 to present the school’s Cambridge AICE program with Cambridge International’s U.S. Small District of the Year award.
Matanzas has offered the Cambridge AICE program since the 2018-19 school year. The AICE program is a three-year curriculum offering specialized courses designed to prepare students for honors degree programs.
“This award reflects the dedication of our educators and the ambition of our students,” Flagler School Superintendent LaShakia Moore, said when the award was announced.“Programs like Cambridge help our students think deeply, explore new ideas, and graduate ready for the opportunities ahead.”
Senior Walk the Halls: a happy, emotional time at Flagler Palm Coast
The annual Senior Walk the Halls event at Flagler Palm Coast High School is a little taste of what graduates, families, school administrators and faculty will be feeling on graduation day May 31, FPC Principal Bobby Bossardet said.
The graduating seniors gathered in the school’s 800 gym on the afternoon of May 15 and walked the hallways for the last
time, stopping along the way to say goodbye to teachers, staff and administrators.
“Everybody gets choked up,” Bossardet said. “It hits home when it’s their last walk through the halls. They turned in their computers, so it gets real.
Seeing all that hard work and investment on both sides — the students and teachers and staffers — is rewarding.”
FPC’s graduation will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. Matanzas High School’s graduation will be 2 p.m. May 31 at the Ocean Center.
Volusia County Schools aids in transition for Pace Center for Girls
In light of the closure of the Pace Center for Girls VolusiaFlagler, Volusia County Schools has begun coordinating individual transition plans for students, the district announced on Wednesday, May 13.
In partnership with Pace
Executive Director Sheila Jordan and her staff, the district is making plans for students to meet with school principals, tour their new campuses and meet with school counselors.
“No student will walk through the door on day one without a team already in their corner,”
Superintendent Dr. Carmen
Balgobin said in a press release. Pace, located at 208 Central Ave. in Ormond Beach, will close on June 26, a decision announced in late April. The interim CEO of the nonprofit cited the closure came after “a thoughtful review of the program’s long-term sustainability, including enrollment trends, staffing, academic outcomes, and financial viability.”
Pace has served girls in Volusia and Flagler counties for 30 years by providing counseling, training and advocacy services alongside education to lead girls on a path to obtaining their high school diplomas.
VCS stated it is “committed to carrying that mission forward and ensuring these students continue to feel seen, supported, and empowered.”
“Every student who walked through the doors of Pace did so because she had the courage to ask for something different,” Balgobin said. “Volusia County Schools will make sure that courage is met with the right support, structure, and people to help her thrive. We are not waiting for these young women to come to us; we are going to them. That is what it means to be a public school district that believes in every single child.”
Pace will launched the Pace Reach Program in the fall. The program is a therapeutic model to support girls.
It was the last walk through the halls at Flagler Palm Coast High School for these graduating seniors. Courtesy photos
Donald Meyers of Cambridge Assessment International Education presented the Cambridge AICE program at Matanzas with its U.S. Small District of the Year award. From left: Matanzas Principal Mike Rinaldi, Meyers, Matanzas AICE Coordinator Erin Davis and Flagler Schools Assistant Superintendent Angela O’Brien.
Astronaut Nicole Stott, left, served as the competition’s judge at the Kennedy Center Visitor Complex. Local winners included Lina Makhmutova of Matanzas High School and Maya Chebaro of Spruce Creek High School.
Graduating senior Makoto Jimbo participates in Flagler Palm Coast’s Senior Walk the Halls event
Investors Are Returning to Jacksonville Apartments— Carefully
By Jamie Cuzzocreo, Global Real Estate Advisor | ONE Commercial Real Estate
Investor sentiment in Jacksonville’s multifamily market has shifted from cautious to constructively selective. Over the past year, operating fundamentals have begun to stabilize, and that stabilization is showing up in buyer behavior: capital is re-entering the market, but it is concentrating in deals where underwriting is clear and financing can be executed with confidence.
As of second quarter 2026, trailing 12-month multifamily sales volume reached $1.1 billion—up nearly 40% year over year. The rebound is meaningful, yet Jacksonville still trails Florida’s other major multifamily metros in overall transaction volume, reflecting the market’s continued “qualityfirst” posture and the ongoing bid-ask work that defines today’s pricing environment.
In our day-to-day conversations with buyers, sellers, and lenders, the pattern is consistent: stabilized assets in established submarkets are drawing the deepest demand. Lease-up and non-stabilized opportunities can trade, but typically only when pricing offers a discount—or when going-in yields are widened enough to compensate for near-term operational and execution risk. That selectivity is visible in what is actually trading. Roughly 65% of recent volume has been tied to 4- and 5-Star properties, with another 20% attributed to 3-Star trades. Lower-tier assets account for the remainder, and they often require more creativity around business plans, reserves, and (critically) insurance and capital expenditures.
Cap rates have remained relatively stable, generally pricing 30 to 40 basis points below the national average. Still, price discovery is not “done.” Many buyers are underwriting to second-year performance rather than relying solely on in-place income—an approach that acknowledges lagging rent growth, higher expense loads, and the reality that operational improvements take time to translate into durable net operating income.
One tailwind is beginning to materially influence deal economics: declining insurance costs. Insurance has been one of the most volatile—and consequential—operating expenses for Florida multifamily assets, often constraining leverage and eroding cash flow. Recently, increased competition among carriers and new market entrants have improved pricing and underwriting flexibility, including for assets that were previously difficult to place.
For a typical Florida multifamily portfolio, year-over-year insurance cost reductions of 30% to 40% are increasingly achievable. Practically speaking, a top-tier asset that may have carried insurance near $1,000 per unit a year ago can now be insured closer to $700 per unit—or less— depending on loss history, construction, wind mitigation, and deductible structure. While risk remains uneven (particularly for older vintage properties, frame construction, and coastal affordable housing), this premium relief is improving net operating income, supporting loan proceeds, and strengthening bid competitiveness.
Timing, however, still matters. With hurricane season beginning in June, active storms can delay or restrict policy binding, which adds yet another reason investors are prioritizing certainty and clean execution.
Within the metro, Southside continues to command the greatest share of investor interest, supported by strong population and employment growth and the highest median incomes in the region. Over the past year, Southside led the market in sales volume and ranked among the top 10 submarkets statewide. Across 66 trades recorded over the trailing 12 months, the average sale price approached $19 million, with typical marketing periods ranging from four to five months and some compression in bid-ask spreads.
The year’s headline transaction underscored the point. In December 2025, Waterton acquired the 555unit Country Club Lakes community in Southside for $94.4 million—about $170,090 per unit—at a reported 5.3% cap rate
For owners considering a sale and investors evaluating acquisitions, the takeaway is straightforward: Jacksonville’s multifamily market is improving, but today’s buyer is paying for durability. In this cycle, the highest liquidity remains with stabilized assets, verifiable expense structures, and a clear path to insurable—and financeable—cash flow.
Strategize Your Next Smart Move.
Thinking of buying, selling, or repositioning a multifamily asset?
Contact me, Jamie Cuzzocreo at ONE Commercial Real Estate for insight-driven guidance backed by real market data. Get the same information today’s top investors are using to make smarter moves.
386.415.3577
jcuzz@onecommercialre.com
REAL ESTATE
PALM COAST
Home in
The Hammock sells for almost $1.4M
Ahouse at 505 Cinnamon Beach Lane in Ocean Hammock, was the top real estate transaction for May 2-8 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on May 8, for $1,399,000. Built in 2012, the house is a 4/3 and has two half baths, a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace, an elevator and 3,231 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $1,150,000.
The house was listed by Luke O’Reilly, of Hammock Real Estate Group.
ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Condos
A condo at 4600 E. Moody Blvd., Unit 5N, sold on May 8, for $115,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,050 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $96,500.
A condo at 54 Club House Drive, Unit 102, sold on May 8, for $149,000. Built in 1977, the condo is a 1/1 and has 665 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $118,000.
A condo at 200 Cinnamon Beach Way, Unit 163, sold on May 6, for $700,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,344 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $400,000.
A condo at 1100 Canopy Walk Lane, Unit 1125, sold on May 7, for $325,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,712 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $435,000.
A condo at 18 Ocean Palm Villa North, Unit 18, sold on May 6, for $226,000. Built in 1979, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,184 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $300,000.
A condo at 104 Surfview Drive, Unit 1403, sold on May 6, for $435,000. Built in 1992, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,158 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $257,000.
A condo at 102 Yacht Harbor Drive, Unit 566, sold on May 4, for $400,000. Built in
2006, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,351 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $240,000.
A condo at 3500 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 204, sold on May 4, for $395,000. Built in 1976, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 1,201 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $185,000.
PALM COAST
Indian Trails
A house at 6 Bolling Lane
The house at 505 Cinnamon Beach Lane sold on May 8, for $1,399,000. Photo courtesy of Luke O’Reilly/Hammock Real Estate Group.
Two residential developments for Hammock properties under review
In the last three months, Flagler County’s Technical Review Committee has reviewed two
Hammock residents may soon see more residential development plans along State Road A1A coming before the Flagler County Commission.
Flagler County’s Technical Review Committee is reviewing an residential plat for a 46-home planned unit development known as The Cove in The Hammock. The committee has also recently received an application for a new development near The Hammock’s Publix grocery store.
The Cove project is owned by KGJG Cove, LLC, and located between Beachside Drive and Hidden Treasure Drive along State Road A1A. The Cove was formerly known as Scenic Cove, a PUD application the Flagler County Commissionoriginally approved for rezoning in 2022.
The Scenic Cove rezoning application was for a maximum of 56 single family homes on the 18.6-acre lot. The 2022 traffic analysis, based on the
56 units, estimated the development would create 528 additional trips, according to Flagler County meeting documents in October 2022.
The Flagler County Commission unanimously approved the rezoning application in 2022. The TRC has been reviewing a residential plat for The Cove — which is still referred to as “Scenic Cove” in some areas of the application — development since November 2025.
As of the May 20 TRC meeting documents, county zoning and engineering staff have requested more information from the developer. The residential plat application outlines plans for the 46 single family homes on 7,776-square-foot lots along one street with two stormwater retention ponds in the center. The developer also plans to include a viewing platform and canoe/kayak launch area along the Intracoastal Waterway and a beach walkover on the opposite side of S.R. A1A.
According to the application, The Cove is “envisioned as a private, gated residential enclave that complements the character and scale of the surrounding Hammock Community.”
But The Cove is not the only project under review for The Hammock. A new application for a PUD rezoning for
5.7 acres in The Hammock known as “The Cottages” came before county staff in February.
This property is located at 5359 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., next to The Hammock’s Publix. The application outlines plans for 27 single family homes along one side of a street, ending in a cul-de-sac with a retention pond.
A letter from the applicant’s representative in the application states, “The Cottages is envisioned as a modest, wellintegrated residential community that complements the surrounding Hammock area. The project’s scale and design emphasize compatibility with nearby development patterns, preservation of natural character, and responsible land planning.”
The TRC last reviewed both applications at its March 18 meeting. Both KGJG Cove, LLC and KGJG Investment, LLC are owned by James Giugliano, according to the Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations. Giugliano is a real estate agent and developer out of Southampton, New York.
These applications are still works in progress, and will need to be reviewed and approved by the Flagler County Planning and Zoning Board and the Flagler County Commission.
BIZ BUZZ
Mimi’s Original Art hosts fundraiser for the Pregnancy Crisis Center
Mimi’s Original Art in Ormond Beach hosted a “Sip, Shop and Support” fundraiser benefiting the Pregnancy Crisis Center on Thursday, May 14.
In February, the restaurant announced its rebrand as the Grind at Kona Tiki Bar on its Facebook page. Wakefield and his team renovated the interior of the restaurant to complement its tiki bar, rebuilt the tiki bar roof and refreshed the menu — keeping favorite dishes while introducing new items.
“People want knew and they want change and they want to see things that are fresh and exciting,” Wakefield said. Visit grindatkona.com.
Maggie Evans, curator for the local art gallery, said her passion is giving back. The gallery, founded by Michele Connors, has about 15 nonprofits they support and showcases the works of local artists.
“When they walk in here, I want them to find joy,” Evans said. “Life is hard enough. I want you to find beauty, just find calmness.”
The Pregnancy Crisis Center, located at 416 N. Ridgewood Ave., helps expecting mothers by providing resources to support their pregnancy, including clothing and helping them obtain health insurance for prenatal care.
Joanne Roberts, director of pregnancy crisis center, said Evans reached out to them for the fundraiser. She emphasized their mission to lead with love.
“We just try every day to answer the age old question ‘What would Jesus do?’ And the reality is that he would love first.”
Mimi’s Original Art is located at 1385 N. U.S. 1.
Tomoka Outpost wins visitor’s award
Tomoka Outpost at Tomoka State Park was recently voted as the runner-up for the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s 2026 Visitors’ Choice Awards for “Best Water Excursions.”
According to a press release,
the fifth annual Visitors’ Choice Awards recognizes businesses and attractions that vacationers enjoyed the most, determined through a survey.
Among the other honorees in 2026 were Daytona International Speedway and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, Daytona Beach Bike Week, the Riverfest Seafood Festival in Ormond Beach and the Daytona Beach Bandshell.
Ormond Brewing Company also won in the “Best Locally Crafted” category.
“We’re proud to recognize the events, attractions and businesses that make the Daytona Beach area such a memorable destination for visitors,” said Lori Campbell Baker, Executive Director for the CVB. “What makes the Visitors’ Choice Awards meaningful is that they’re driven by the people who experience our destination firsthand.”
Winners and honorable mentions attended the recent Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s National Travel and Tourism Week breakfast at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach.
Local gallery celebrates 5 years
ARTique Local Arts & Accents in Ormond Beach celebrated its fifth anniversary on April 30.
The gallery, located at 600 S.
Yonge St., Unit 10, is owned by a mother-daughter team — Carrie Jepsen and her mom Renata Holder.
“The past five years have been such a fun ride, and we super appreciate the Ormond Beach community for the support of our boutique and 30 local artisans we proudly feature,” Jepsen said in a statement to the Observer. “One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been watching our artists feel inspired to keep creating after someone falls in love with a piece they poured their heart into.”
The art gallery combines the words “art” and “unique” in its name.
White Castle breaks ground on LPGA, in Daytona White Castle broke ground on its upcoming Daytona Beach restaurant at 1944 LPGA Blvd. on May 12. Opening is set for late fall 2026.
The groundbreaking ceremony featured a “sprinkling of the onions” on the spot where a future grill will be placed.
“We’re excited to welcome White Castle to Daytona Beach as its first location in our area,” said Daytona Beach City Manager Deric Feacher.
“We’re always filling our relaxed little gallery with original contemporary and ocean-inspired art, handpainted upcycled furniture and unexpected gifts like handmade jewelry, candles, purses, pottery and more,” Jepsens said. “We are so excited for what’s ahead and thankful to continue sharing this adventure with the community!” Visit artiqueormondbeach. com.
Kevin Wakefield, owner of Grind at Kona Tiki Bar. Photo by Rachel Mills
Scott Cornelius, of the Tomoka Outpost, celebrates his award from the CVB.
Carrie Jepsen and her mom Renata Holder are the owners of ARTique. The mother-daughter duo is celebrating five years in business. Courtesy photos
Joanne Roberts, director of pregnancy crisis center. Photo by Rachel Mills
Maggie Evans, curator for Mimi’s Original Art. Photo by Rachel Mills
White Castle breaks ground on its Daytona Beach restaurant at 1944 LPGA Blvd. on May 12. Courtesy photo
SPORTS
Balance & depth
FPC’s scrimmage ends in a tie. Nei’cco Murphy’s performance could be a sample of what’s to come.
When a football player is adept at more than a couple of positions, he is often listed on the team roster as an “ATH” for athlete. A better description for Flagler Palm Coast rising junior Nei’cco Murphy might simply be “FP” for football player.
That’s how Bulldogs coach Patrick Turner describes him. “Nei’cco can play quarterback and play in the slot,” Turner said. “He plays safety. He plays running back. He’s just a football player. And that shows up every single time, at practice and the games. He just loves football.” Murphy showed up at the Bulldogs’ Green and White
intrasquad scrimmage on Friday, May 15. Neither team wore green or white. The “Combat Grey Team” and the “Seal Team Black” finished in a 21-21 tie. Murphy, playing for the Grey team, scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion and intercepted two passes, including a pick with no time left to halt Team Black’s final drive.
“I was close to bringing that back [for a touchdown], but I just caught two cramps,” he said. “I just got to stretch and drink my water throughout the day.”
Turner saw Murphy’s performance as a microcosm of what he might do this fall. Turner said Murphy is “going to play all over the place.”
“I’m ready for that big part in our offense and defense,” Murphy said.
He has goals on both sides of the ball. He wants to score at
College bound
Fourteen Flagler Palm Coast athletes recognized at college signing ceremony.
least five all-purpose touchdowns, and he wants to break teammate Lucas Siharaj’s single-season team interception record of seven, which Siharaj set as a sophomore in 2024.
“I want to come for that record,” Murphy said. “If I’m able to break that, it’ll be a big accomplishment on my journey.”
Murphy was hurt early in the third game last season against Mainland. He returned for Game 8 against Yulee and caught a 25-yard pass. He had four catches for 58 yards in the season finale against Fleming Island to finish the season with six catches for 83 yards and 15 total tackles.
“Just as soon as I got back, I was just trying to make an impact wherever I could fit in,” he said. “I just want to help my team out wherever I can.”
FUN, PRODUCTIVE SCRIMMAGE
Rising senior Ehimen “Heman” Ajede scored on two long touchdown runs for Team Black. Tight end Ethan Ruiz caught a touchdown pass from Bobby Starr for the Black team’s other score. Trace Paffrath caught a 30-yard pass from Team Grey quarterback Reid Pritt with 24 seconds left. Murphy’s 2-point conversion run tied the score at 21-21.
Kicker/punter Garrett Tucker, who kicked for both teams, booted field goals of 40 and 36 yards for the Gray team and was 4-for-4 on extra points.
“I thought [the scrimmage] was fun,” said Turner, who served as the referee. “It was very passionate and competitive on both sides, We let our two quarterbacks [Starr and Pritt] draft the offense, and we let our two senior linebackers [Josiah Hathaway and Mathias Parker] draft the
defense, so we thought they were pretty even teams.”
The final score was a testament to that.
“We came ready,” Ajede said of Team Black. “We came with the sauce, the fire that was needed to possibly win this game. But they knew what they were doing when they drafted the teams. It shows you that we don’t just have talent at our one’s, we’ve got talent at the two’s and the three’s, and that’s what really makes a good team.”
Turner was pleased with both quarterbacks who got the chance to show off some trick plays.
“I thought they both played really well,” he said. “They mixed it up, hit some fun shots. We did some reverses, reverse passes — all that stuff’s fun right there.”
Both Tucker and long snapper Brady Gerling showed that they can be major factors this fall, Turner said.
“Their numbers in the weight room have skyrocketed, and I think you’ll see that transfer onto the football field,” Turner said. “Garrett is booming the kicks. He’s got a lot of leg. He’s going to help us tremendously on defense this year in our kickoffs and then with his leg scoring extra points and field goals. So, our distance of striking is going to be phenomenal.”
The Bulldogs will end spring practice with a game against Seabreeze at 7 p.m. Friday, May 22, at FPC.
The intrasquad scrimmage, Turner said, was a good indicator of how far the players have progressed.
“I’m super proud on how far they’ve come,” he said. “I feel like we picked up right where left off in the season. We’ve got a lot of competitive balance, offensively and defensively. So I’m excited.”
SPRING GAMES
May 14: Mainland 35, Coconut Creek 27, at Palm Beach Gardens May 21: Matanzas, Eustis at Pine Ridge jamboree, 6 p.m. May 22: Seabreeze at Flagler Palm Coast, 7 p.m.
Seabreeze strives for consistency heading into spring football game
The Sandcrabs ended their scrimmage with a long TD pass from Michael McDonough to Jeremias George.
Jeremias George closed Seabreeze’s annual red and white spring football scrimmage with a long touchdown catch from rising junior Michael “Bearhog” McDonough. The quarterback had been long on a couple of deep passes before hitting George in stride.
“He got it right,” coach
“It’s been a very productive spring. We’ve come a long ways going into our second year of our offense with our offensive coordinator being here, coach Matt Dickmann. Our [players are] really starting to get comfortable with the plays and the formations.”
MIKE KLEIN, Seabreeze football coach
Mike Klein said. “He missed a couple, and that’s what I told the guys at the end, we got to get consistent in what we’re doing, because football is all about eliminating mistakes more than it is making plays.
So that’s going to be our big theme going into our last week, consistency.”
Seabreeze held the red and white scrimmage on its practice field at the school on Saturday morning, May 16. Drills and the scrimmage followed a picnic pancake breakfast. The offense wore red jerseys and the defense wore white. There were big plays made on both sides of the ball.
The Sandcrabs will see how much progress they’ve made this spring when they meet
Flagler Palm Coast at 7 p.m.
Friday, May 22, at FPC’s stadium.
“It’s been a very productive spring,” Klein said. “We’ve come a long ways going into our second year of our offense with our offensive coordinator being here, coach Matt Dickmann. Our [players are] really starting to get comfortable with the plays and the formations.”
George, entering his senior year, will be a weapon for the Sandcrabs. He rushed for 501 yards and four touchdowns and caught four passes for 67 yards last season.
McDonough is competing at quarterback with rising sophomore Noah Bagdonowicz.
“They are both playing pretty well,” Klein said. “And we’ve got a couple of great tight ends in the mix and some good skill players. Danny Spada at the receiver position has taken a huge step this off season, and our O-line’s improved.”
They have a couple of athletes from other sports who are performing well in the defensive backfield, Klein said. Sprinter KJon Willis from the track team, and basketball player AJ Brown are both playing cornerback.
Free safety Jace Perez has been the Sandcrabs’ most consistent player in the secondary this spring, Klein said. But the team’s defensive strength might be up front.
“Our defensive line is playing very strong right now,” Klein said. “And we’ve got linebackers that are playing very smart with great understanding of their fits, playing physical.”
Perhaps the Sandcrabs’ biggest improvement so far came before spring practice even started.
“Physically, we weren’t
quite as strong as a lot of teams we played [last year],” Klein said. “But we had a great offseason. Everybody got stronger. Everybody put on 10 to 20 pounds. Now, we’ll be able to match up. We have plenty of work to do, but I’m really excited. We’ve improved a lot.” Seabreeze was 5-5 in Klein’s second season last year. This year, the Sandcrabs are aiming to finish with a winning record for the first time since 2021.
Brady Walters (14) tries to break out of safety Zevon Morgan’s grasp. Photos by Brent Woronoff
Quarterback Michael McDonough looks to a receiver.
Quarterback Bobby Starr looks for an open receiver. Photos by Brent Woronoff
Bryce Murray turns the corner for the grey team.
Nei'cco Murphy (4) leaps for an interception.
14 FPC athletes recognized at signing ceremony
Two pairs of teammates headed to the same school; three athletes following in siblings’ footsteps.
WORONOFF
BRENT
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Fourteen Flagler Palm Coast athletes participated in the Bulldogs’ spring college signing ceremony on Wednesday, May 13.
Among the seniors celebrated were two pairs of teammates who will continue to be teammates in college and three athletes who are following in the footsteps of older siblings.
Anthony Hampton and Nate Perry have played basketball together for about 12 years in recreation leagues, travel ball and high school. They both received basketball scholarships to Fisk University, an NAIA school in Nashville, Tennessee.
“Playing together in college is something we always talked about as kids,” Hampton said.
“We made sure it would work out.”
Baseball players Nole Hemmerle and Jordan Gonzalez both signed with NAIA school Brewton-Parker University in Mount Vernon, Georgia.
“Playing together in college is something we always talked about as kids. We made sure it would work out.”
ANTHONY HAMPTON,
Swimmer Matilda Noble will follow her sister, Lucy, as the second college swimmer in the family. Lucy Noble swims at Eastern Michigan University. Matilda will swim at NCAA Division II Florida institute of Technology in Melbourne.
Matilda Noble joined Lucy in FPC’s record books this past season, breaking the school record in the 100yard butterfly with a time of 1:00.05. Matilda qualified in three events at the Region 1-4A swim meet.
Alexa Calidonio, who three years in a row placed among the top five at the state girls wrestling championships, joins her three siblings as a college athlete. Calidonio was the runner-up in the 170-pound class this year. She will continue her wrestling career at NAIA New College
of Florida in Sarasota.
“I’m grateful to all of my coaches,” she said. “Without them I wouldn’t be in this position.”
Alexa’s sister Gabriela played soccer at Franklin Pierce University and ColbySawyer College. Her other sister Cristina graduated this month from Newberry College in South Carolina, where she played lacrosse. And Alexa’s brother, Brandon, played lacrosse at Coker College and is now in the transfer portal.
Flag football player Nereyda Campos, FPC’s four-year starting quarterback, will continue her career at Daytona State College. Campos has said that her brother, Tyler Irigoyen, an FPC defensive lineman who went on to play at Ohio Northern University, inspired her to play flag football when she was young.
FPC girls soccer goalie Natalie Neal, who set a school record with 550 career saves, will also play at DSC. The Falcons’ women’s soccer team is the two-time defending junior college national champion.
“It feels like all my hard work has paid off,” Neal said.
FPC boys soccer goalie Teagan Paulo is headed to Andrew College in Cuthberth, Georgia. Andrew will begin play in NAIA this year. Paulo, who also received offers as a football kicker, will play soccer for coach Carnell Learmond. Learmond started recruiting Paulo when the coach was at his previous school, Fort Lauderdale University. Paulo said he chose Andrew from among 30 offers.
Another FPC soccer player, River Rodriguez, signed with NCAA Division II Georgian
Court University in New Jersey.
Football safety Kenneth Robinson will continue his career at NCAA Division III Brevard College in North Carolina.
La’Darius Simmons, who placed fourth in javelin at last week’s Class 4A state track championships, has accepted a track and field scholarship at NCAA Division I Florida International University. Simmons, the Bulldogs’ quarterback last season, will also be a preferred walk-on to the Panthers’ football team.
Caden Burchfield, who shared time at quarterback with Simmons last season before getting hurt in the third game of the season, signed with NAIA Warner University in Lake Wales.
Track and field star Karina Marcelus, who won the Class 4A state championship in the girls triple jump and was the state runner-up in the 100 hurdles, will continue her track career at NCAA Division I Florida A&M University.
“It feels like all my hard work has paid off.”
FPC
SIDELINES
DSC wins Rocket League Esports title
Daytona State College’s Rocket League Esports team captured its third consecutive National Junior College Athletic Association Esports national championship on May 5, defeating Heartland Community College 4-0 in the grand finals of the NJCAAE Spring Premier Series National Championship.
The Falcons entered the postseason as the tournament’s No. 1 seed after completing an undefeated regular season and closed out the championship run in the title series. The DSC Rocket League team included Donald Walton (Sulace), Noah Leal (Smoove) and Nathanael Boyer (Geo).
“Our players have put in an incredible amount of work this season and stayed focused through every challenge,” Esports Coordinator Sebastian Morales said.
In just three years since its launch, DSC’s Esports program has earned four national championships –three in Rocket League and one in Super Smash Bros. DSC’s Rocket League team is also ranked No. 32 nationally by the Collegiate Selection Committee.
Matanzas
Athletes of the Year
Cross country and track
athlete Blaine Vogel was named Male Athlete of the Year and two-sport athlete McKenzie Manhart was named Female Athlete of the Year at the Pirates’ annual awards ceremony.
Vogel placed 25th at the Class 3A state cross country meet in the fall and advanced to regionals in the 1,600and 3,200-meter races in track this spring. Manhart, a standout swimmer and softball player, will continue her softball career at Pensacola State College.
Megan Rhee, a four-year cross country and track runner, was named Female Scholar Athlete of the Year.
The dual-enrolled student has earned her associate degree
at Daytona State College. Tennis player Stanislav Valenteychik was named the Male Scholar Athlete of the Year. Valenteychik helped the Pirates advance to the Class 3A state semifinals with his only singles loss of the season coming in the state semifinals to Wiregrass Ranch, which went on to win the state championship. Valenteychik will attend the University of Florida.
Pirate grads in the postseason
Two former Matanzas softball players are playing in the college postseason. University of Florida pitcher Leah Stevens pitched the final inning in the Gators’ 12-0 win in their NCAA regional opener against Florida A&M; on May 15. UF will host a Super Regional this weekend against Texas Tech at 11 a.m. Friday, May 22 (on ESPN2), and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 23 (on ABC). A third game if necessary will be on Sunday, May 24.
Juliet Fogel is playing in the NJCAA Division II World Series with St. Johns River State College. The freshman infielder is third on the team with a .315 batting average. A third Matanzas softball alum, Emma Wood, has ended her college career at Embry-Riddle with a third consecutive selection to the All-Sunshine State Conference Team. Wood was named second-team at first base and was also selected to the All-SSC Defensive Team. She finished her senior season with a team-leading .361 batting average and started all 50 games for the Eagles. She ended her career as Embry-Riddle’s all-time leader in doubles with 42. Ortiz second in BMX state series Palm Coast resident Victor Ortiz placed second in the USA BMX Florida State Championship Series in the age 50-60 intermediate class. Ortiz placed third at the series finale May 15-17 at St. Cloud BMX to secure the runner-up spot for the series title.
NATALIE
Palm Coast’s Victor Ortiz (left) placed second in the USA BMX Florida State Championship Series in the age 50-60 intermediate class. Courtesy photo
Nole Hemmerle, Brewton-Parker University
La’Darius Simmons, Florida International University River Rodriguez, Georgian Court University
Kenneth Robinson, Brevard College
Jordan Gonzalez, Brewton-Parker University
Caden Burchfield, Warner University
Karina Marcelus, Florida A&M University
Nate Perry, Fisk University
Teagan Paulo, Andrew College
Nereyda Campos, Daytona State College
Matilda Noble, Florida Tech
Anthony Hampton, Fisk University
Alexa Calidonio, New College of Florida
Natalie Neal, Daytona State College Photos by Brent Woronoff
FPC basketball player
NEAL,
girls soccer goalie
With another large freshman class, the future looks bright for Matanzas
‘I can’t think of a spring where I’ve had more fun coaching football,’ Coach Forrest said.
With 46 rising freshmen and 34 rising sophomores partic-
ipating in Matanzas football practice this spring, the future appears bright for the Pirates.
“Just with the influx of youth and the way our program is moving along, this is the most excited I’ve been at spring practice since I’ve been here,” head coach Matt Forrest said. “I can’t think of a spring where I’ve had more fun coaching football.”
The Pirates will compete in the Pine Ridge spring jamboree at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 21. The 46 eighth graders are not allowed to participate in drills or games with players already in high school, but Forrest expects at least a few of them to challenge for spots on the varsity team when they become freshmen this fall.
Overall, the Pirates have 122 players on their roster. Forrest said the number of incoming freshmen was such a surprise
they’ve had to borrow helmets from another school. But the varsity team won’t be bustling with veterans this fall.
Matanzas is losing 23 seniors who helped lead the Pirates last season to a 7-4 record and a bid to the new Florida Invitational Tournament. But while many of the rising juniors and seniors have not received that much playing time, they’ve shown this spring that they are invested in the program, Forrest said.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the retention they’ve had in our offense and defense, even though they were in backup roles and weren’t playing very much,” Forrest said. “It’s always scary when you replace that many seniors, but for this group to be as committed as they have been this spring, it’s a real positive for our program going
forward.”
Quarterback Cole Walker set school passing records last year with 2,387 yards and 22 touchdowns. Walker is graduating this month along with his top four receivers — Ladarien Baker, Jordan Schendorf, Andrew Bass and Thomas Larywon — who caught a total of 200 passes for 2,174 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.
“Basically, every offensive yard through the air, graduated,” Forrest said.
Rising junior Cole Hardy, who threw just three passes last year as Walker’s backup, and rising sophomore Mari Arneaud will be the two quarterbacks on the field at Pine Ridge. Rising senior Brady Putis and sophomore Lukas De Freitas have been stepping up at receiver, Forrest said.
But the offense this fall will
largely be generated by rising senior running back Wiley Conner behind an experienced offensive line that lost only St. Thomas University signee Kenneth Roberts. Conner rushed for 1,108 yards and nine touchdowns and caught 10 passes for 144 yards and two more TDs last season.
Several experienced defensive players are also returning, but the holes will be filled by last year’s JV players or some select freshmen.
“We have a lot of talent in our ninth grade class — they are going to be sophomores,” Forrest said. “I also believe that there are some eighth graders that I’ve seen practice over the last two and a half weeks that are going to be fighting for some playing time on a Friday night, too. Since I’ve been here, these are by far the two biggest fresh-
man classes that we’ve had, and the numbers are not even close. And they look like really good football players.”
The eighth graders have been coming to practice throughout spring drills, Forrest said. Despite the large numbers, the JV staff, led by coach Dell Arneaud, has kept everybody engaged.
“It’s easy to get frustrated when you come out with that many,” Forrest said. “I think that’s a great job by our JV staff of getting everybody coached and everybody participating. They’re all learning our offense, our defense. [Our graduating seniors] did really well for us, and to be able to have a class to come in behind them of 46 right now, is unbelievable. It’s obviously a really positive time over here for Pirate football.”
Simmons’ touchdown catch from Miller gives Mainland varsity victory
Braylyn Simmons’ touchdown gave the Bucs a one-point win in the varsity portion of the spring game.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Just before the final play of the third quarter of Mainland’s spring football game, Bucs receiver Jaden “Melo” Parks made a suggestion to offensive coordinator AJ Mallory. The suggestion turned into a touchdown that gave Mainland a 28-27 varsity win over Coconut Creek during a spring football jamboree on Thursday, May 14, at Palm
Beach Gardens High School.
In the fourth quarter, with the teams playing backups and JV players, the Bucs scored the only touchdown to drive home with an overall 35-27 victory.
In the varsity portion, Coconut Creek scored a touchdown to take the lead with 34 seconds left in the third quarter.
“It looked like we let it slip away,” Mainland head coach Jerrime Bell said.
But Mainland responded with quarterback PJ Miller completing three straight passes for a 75-yard touchdown drive. Braylyn “Juice” Simmons scored the winning touchdown on a 35-yard catch out of the backfield.
“He made a couple of players miss and got into the end
zone,” Bell said.
With 34 seconds left, Miller completed a first-down pass to Parks, who got out of bounds. Kadin Flores then a caught a pass down the middle. A roughing-the-passer penalty moved the ball to Coconut Creek’s 35-yard line. That’s when Parks made his suggestion.
“Melo told AJ, ‘Their guys are following me. If we run Braylyn out of the backfield, he might be open,’” Bell said. “And that’s exactly what happened.”
Miller, a rising senior, is a transfer from Spruce Creek, where he passed for 1,602 yards and 13 touchdowns and ran for another 571 yards and four TDs last season.
“He commanded the
offense very well,” Bell said.
“He led four scoring drives with two touchdown passes.”
Simmons scored three of the touchdowns and rushed for more than 100 yards in two quarters. He sat out of the second quarter with “hydration issues,” Bell said.
The Bucs’ defense held the Cougars to under 100 yards rushing and and totaled five sacks but couldn’t keep Coconut Creek’s talented receivers out of the end zone.
“We stuffed the run the majority of the night without Tamaj Woodard, but Shawn Holmes stepped up and played well at linebacker,” Bell said. “They’re a good football team. Their receivers are all highly recruited guys, and they made plays. It will help us for the fall
schedule we have.”
The Bucs have another daunting schedule next season, starting with a kickoff classic at Kissimmee Osceola on Aug. 14. Mainland opens the season at home on Aug. 21 against Miami Carol City.
“Carol City is probably the most talent public high school in the state with all of their transfers,” Bell said.
From there, the Bucs will play six 2025 playoff teams — at Nease, Sanford Seminole, at Class 7A state runner-up Vero Beach, at Spruce Creek, Class 7A state champ Lake Mary and DeLand. University and Seabreeze round out the Bucs’ schedule. Mainland finished 9-3 and advanced to the Class 5A regional finals last season.
Mainland quarterback PJ Miller. Courtesy photo
Matanzas quarterback Cole Hardy. Photo by Brent Woronoff
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Richard “Robin” Foote, 76, of Jamestown (and formerly Quonochontaug) RI passed away March 17, 2026 after a brief illness. He was surrounded by the love and presence of his family. Robin was born in Windham CT, the third born of five children to Helen and Dick Foote and grew up in the close knit “Hill” neighborhood of Willimantic CT.
Robin was survived by his beloved wife Maryann (Bransford), and was the loving father of Dr. Christoper C. Foote, (Dr. Katie Foote) and the late Colin B. Foote. He was
Kate Mashamesh
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November 20, 1932 - April 23, 2026
Kate Osborn Bromley Hitchcock Mashamesh, 93, of Palm Coast, FL, passed away peacefully in her home on April 23, 2026. She was surrounded by the love of her family. Her daughters will cherish her memory. Kate was born and raised in Nyack, NY. Growing up her hobbies were singing in her church choir and performing with choral groups and drama clubs. She graduated from Plattsburgh State Teachers College and began a career that spanned almost 50 years. She taught in the Islip Public School system in Long Island, NY for 25 years; then after moving to Florida she became a full-time substitute teacher in Flagler County. She loved her students and they loved her back.
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May 8, 1931 - May 14, 2026
Dr. Milton Oliver Vassell of Palm Coast passed away the evening of May 14, 2026. He was surrounded by the love and presence of his children, Sheldon Vassell and Karyn Velez. Milton was born in Buff Bay, Jamaica, West Indies on May 8, 1931 and lived his formative years there. He immigrated to the United States to attend New York University in 1955 where he received his doctorate in Theoretical Physics and met his beloved wife, Dorine (Black). Dorine passed away in 2019.
In Loving Memory of Debra Jean Drope Today, we honor and remember Debra Jean Drope, a devoted wife, mother, sister, and a woman whose love and presence left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her.
Milton is survived by his beloved children, Sheldon Vassell and Karyn Velez, his son-in-law, Daniel Velez and granddaughter, Amelia Velez and other loving family and friends. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family on Thursday, May 21, 2026 for a homegoing celebration at the Palm Coast United Methodist Church located at 6500 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, Florida, 32137. Viewing will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and the service will be
She had a special love for animals and a natural warmth that made everyone feel welcome. Nowhere was that more evident than in the home she built alongside her husband, Bruce James Drope.
She is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth (Betsy) Bromley Jones of Palm Coast and Robyn Bromley Schaper (Timothy D. Schaper) of Concord, NH, four grandsons, one granddaughter and one great-granddaughter.
Debra was small in stature, but larger than life in personality. She was deeply loving and caring, especially toward her family, always putting their needs before her own. She worked tirelessly to provide and gave everything she had to ensure her children felt supported, safe, and cared for.
A Celebration of Life will be held July 18, 2026, at 11am at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Flagler Humane Society.
Debra’s strong work ethic was evident throughout her life. She first met her husband, Bruce James Drope, while working at Wendy’s. She later built a long and dedicated career with JCPenney, where she worked in management across various departments for several decades.
Debra found joy in cooking and baking, especially during the holidays she loved so much. Christmas and Thanksgiving were her time to shine, filling the home with warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable smell of her homemade meals and desserts. She was known for her Christmas cookies and the way she made every visit feel special. No one ever left without feeling loved and appreciated, and often with several to-go containers filled with food.
She is survived by her
or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH
FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES
IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is May 21, 2026. Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ R. Kevin Sharbaugh R. Kevin Sharbaugh
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NOTICE OF QUALIFYING PERIOD FOR CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE TOMOKA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Notice is hereby given that the qualifying period for candidates for the office of Supervisor of the Tomoka Community Development District will commence at noon on June 8, 2026, and close at noon on June 12, 2026.
Candidates must qualify for the office of Supervisor with the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections located at 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building 2, Suite 101, Bunnell, Florida 32110 (telephone: 386313-4170). All candidates shall qualify for individual seats in accordance with Section 99.061, Florida Statutes, and must also be a “qualified elector” of the District, as defined in Section 190.003, Florida Statutes. A “qualified elector” is any person at least 18 years of age who is a citizen of the United States, a legal resident of the State of Florida and of the District, and who is registered to vote with the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections. Campaigns shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 106, Florida Statutes. The Tomoka Community Development District has three (3) seats up for election, specifically seat 3, seat 4 and seat 5. Each seat carries a four-year term of office. Elections are nonpartisan and will be held at the same time as the general election on November 3, 2026, in the manner prescribed by law for general elections. For additional information, please contact the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections.
7763-345592 May. 21, 2026
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Go Store It 4601 E. Moody Blvd Suite A7 Bunnell FL, 32110 hereby gives NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE of the storage space(s) listed below, containing household and other goods will be sold for cards on June 9, 2026 at 1:00pm with the contents being sold to the highest bidder. Owner reserves the right to bid. The sale is being held to satisfy a landlord's lien, in accordance with Florida Statutes Section 83.801-83.809, and will be held online at www.storagetreasures.com
P32 Frank Dias
77 Monique Scott 159 Frank Dias
176 Wayne Fultz
409 Brian McGuinness 410 Brian McGuinness
7763-344940 May. 21, 28, 2026
GRAND HAVEN COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NOTICE OF BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REGULAR MEETING
Notice is hereby given that a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the Grand Haven Community Development District (the “District ”) will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Grand Haven Village Center, Grand Haven Room, 2001 Waterside Parkway, Palm Coast, Florida 32137. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss any topics presented to the board for consideration.
Copies of the agenda may be obtained from the District Manager, Vesta District Services, 250 International Parkway, Suite 208, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, Telephone (321) 263-0132, Ext. 193.
The meeting is open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for community development districts. The meeting may be continued in progress without additional notice to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at the meeting. There may be occasions when Staff and/or Supervisors may participate by speaker telephone.
Pursuant to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the meeting is asked to advise the District Manager’s office at least forty-eight (48) hours before the meeting by contacting the District Manager at (321) 263-0132, Ext. 193. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 711, for assistance in contacting the District Manager’s office.
A person who decides to appeal any decision made at the meeting, with respect to any matter considered at the meeting, is advised that a record of the proceedings is needed and that
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accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Grand Haven Community Development District
David McInnes, District Manager (321) 263-0132, Ext. 193 7763-346176 May. 21, 2026
NOTICE OF QUALIFYING PERIOD FOR CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE GRAND HAVEN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Notice is hereby given that the qualifying period for candidates for the office of Supervisor of the Grand Haven Community Development District will commence at noon on Monday, June 8, 2026, and close at noon on Friday, June 12, 2026. Candidates must qualify for the office of Supervisor with the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections located at 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building 2, Suite 101, Bunnell, Florida 32110, (386)3134170. All candidates shall qualify for individual seats in accordance with Section 99.061, Florida Statutes, and must also be a qualified elector of the District. A qualified elector is any person at least 18 years of age who is a citizen of the United States, a legal resident of the State of Florida and of the District, and who is registered to vote with the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections. Campaigns shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 106, Florida Statutes.
The Grand Haven Community Development District has three (3) seats up for election, specifically seats 1, 3, and 5. Each seat carries a four-year term of office. Elections are nonpartisan and will be held at the same time as the general election on Tuesday November 3, 2026, in the manner prescribed by law for general elections. For additional information, please contact the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections.
District Manager Grand Haven Community Development District 7763-346178 May. 21, 2026 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA RAYMOND LANTINEN, PLAINTIFF, V. PAMELA GILYARD AND UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF PAMELA GILYARD, DEFENDANTS.
CASE NO.: 2026 CA 000124 NOTICE OF ACTION TO: PAMELA GILYARD and UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF PAMELA GILYARD, Defendants, and to all parties claiming interest by, through, under or against Defendants, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property herein described. YOU ARE NOTIFIED that you have been designated as defendants in a legal proceeding filed against you action to foreclose a mortgage recorded on property legally described as follows: Lot 17, Block 9, Palm Coast, Map of County Club Cove, Section 16, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 6, Page 84, and as amended by instrument recorded in Official Records Book 0035, Page 0528, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. The action was instituted in the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court, Flagler County, Florida, and is styled Raymond Lantinen v. Pamela Gilyard and Unknown Spouse of Pamela Gilyard, Case No.: 2026 CA 000124. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to the action on Vincent L. Sullivan, Esq., CHIUMENTO LAW, PLLC, Plaintiffs attorney, whose address is 145 City Place, Suite 301, Palm Coast, FL 32164, on or before
NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2025 CA 000802 PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC Plaintiff(s), vs. GARY HANSEN; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, BENEFICIARIES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS, CREDITORS, LIENORS, AND TRUSTEES OF JORDAN CARRISON AND ALL OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE NAMED DEFENDANTS; THE UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION, Defendant(s). TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, BENEFICIARIES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS, CREDITORS, LIENORS, AND TRUSTEES OF JORDAN CARRISON AND ALL OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE NAMED DEFENDANTS LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: UNKNOWN CURRENT ADDRESS: UNKNOWN YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a civil action has been filed against you in the Circuit Court of Flagler County, Florida, to foreclose certain real property described as follows: LOT 8, BLOCK 13, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF WYNNFIELD, SECTION 21, A SUBDIVISION ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OR MAP THEREOF DESCRIBED IN
The date of first publication of this notice is May 21, 2026. Personal Representative: Christine Bolla Alec Bolla 5 York Garden Way, Apt 707 North York, Ontario M6A 0G9
Attorney for Personal Representative: MATTHEW C. SHAPIRO, ESQ Florida Bar Number: 0092543
RICE LAW FIRM, P.A. 222 Seabreeze Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Telephone: (386) 257-1222
E-Mail: matthewshapiro@ricelawflorida.com
2ndE-Mail: Karenbuchanan@ricelawflorida.com May 21, 28, 2026 26-00153G
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2026 CP 000164 DIVISION: 48/GAUSTAD IN RE: ESTATE OF ELIZABETH DALE KEATING a/k/a ELIZABETH D. KEATING a/k/a ELIZABETH KEATING a/k/a BETH D. KEATING The administration of the estate of ELIZABETH DALE KEATING a/k/a ELIZABETH D. KEATING a/k/a ELIZABETH KEATING a/k/a BETH D. KEATING , deceased, whose date of death was December 19, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E Moody Blvd, Bldg 1, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
MAP BOOK 7, PAGE 47, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property address: 62 Wellesley Lane, Palm Coast, FL 32164 You are required to file a written response with the Court and serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Padgett Law Group, whose address is 6267 Old Water Oak Road, Suite 203, Tallahassee, FL 32312, at least thirty (30) days from the date of first publication, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724 (386) 257-6096; Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. DATED this the day of 4/16/2026. CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT As
