The Hammock Observer 8-20-26

THE HAMMOCK

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VOLUME 2, NO. 8

FREE ON NEWSSTANDS | THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

Pontieri, Pennington prevail in primary Election results for Republican primaries for Flagler County Commission.

Wood and Moon win School Board seats Two newcomers join the board. Tucker vs. Chong race heads to a runoff. PAGE 3A

PAGE 3A INSIDE NEW ORDINANCE

Palm Coast looks to protect historic sites as city grows. PAGE 11A

CONNECTIVITY

Flagler County approves a 190-foot cell tower despite Planning Board recommendation for denial. PAGE 8A

FULL CIRCLE

School Board candidate Rob Wood at the Palm Coast library during the final day of early voting on Aug. 15. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Emma Wood returns to the Matanzas volleyball court as a JV coach. PAGE 3B

Cathy Moon defeated Jill Woolbright in the primary. Photo courtesy of Cathy Moon

ALICE REPORT

UNF researches aquatic barriers in Flagler

INDEX

Research at over 300 sites could lead to improvements to strengthen coastal resilience. 10A

44% of Volusia, Flagler working families under financial strain. PAGE 9A

Business..................... PAGE 9B Calendar..................... PAGE 5B Cops Corner................PAGE 2A Crossword...................PAGE 7B Letters.......................PAGE 12A Public Notices............ PAGE 5C Schools....................... PAGE 6B Sports.......................... PAGE 1B Tributes ...................... PAGE 2C Real Estate................. PAGE 8B

Let’s help Luca Seizure-alert dog could be life-saving for 4-year-old Palm Coast boy.

11A

The UNF Research Team takes a minute to do a fun pose at a culvert in Flagler County. Photo By Rachel Mills

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

NEWS BRIEFS One dead in tractor-trailer crash on I-95 in Ormond Beach

One person has died in a crash early Thursday morning involving two tractortrailers on I-95 in Ormond Beach, Florida Highway Patrol reported. The crash occurred at about 2:48 a.m. in the southbound lanes of I-95 at mile marker 276. FHP reports that a 57-year-old Jacksonville man driving a tractor-trailer crashed into the back of another tractor-trailer who had stopped in the outside lane, with hazard lights on, after a previous crash with a deer. The Jacksonville man’s tractor-trailer caught fire as a result of the crash. He was pronounced dead at te scene. The driver of the other tractor-trailer, a 59-year-old man from Cape Canaveral, sustained no injuries.

Daytona man arrested after Palm Coast home invasion, shooting A Daytona Beach man was arrested after the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said he broke into a former partner’s Palm Coast home while armed and shot a man during a struggle over the gun. Deputies responded shortly after 6:30 a.m. Aug. 7 to a reported break-in and shooting at a home in Palm Coast’s F-Section. According to the Sheriff’s Office, a woman called the Flagler County Emergency Communications Center to report that an intruder was forcing his way into her home. Dispatchers could hear the confrontation escalating in the background,

and the woman reported that the intruder had a gun. During the call, dispatchers heard a gunshot, and the woman said a man had been shot in the hand. The woman identified the suspect as her former partner, 52-year-old John Lyles, of Daytona Beach. She told investigators that Lyles fled after the shooting. Lyles had moved out of the home days earlier, according to investigators, who report he was under a no-contact order involving the woman following a previous domestic battery arrest in Volusia County. Deputies located Lyle’s suspected vehicle traveling south on Interstate 95 and conducted a traffic stop. Lyles was not inside. The driver told deputies that he had given Lyles a ride to the residence because Lyles had been intoxicated. The driver said he watched Lyles enter the home, heard an argument and a gunshot and then saw Lyles run back to the vehicle. The driver told investigators that he initially tried to drive away, but Lyles jumped into the vehicle and ordered him to drive. The driver said he complied because he was afraid and believed Lyles was still armed. He later dropped Lyles off somewhere in Palm Coast before deputies stopped the vehicle. A deputy later located Lyles walking along Belle Terre Parkway near Barrister Lane and detained him. The Sheriff’s Office said a bag of cocaine was found in Lyles’ pocket during a search. Lyles was arrested on charges of burglary while armed with a firearm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony battery with prior convictions and possession of cocaine. He was taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he was being held without bond.

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The Sheriff’s Office said Lyles has previous convictions that include sale of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of heroin, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and resisting an officer with violence. At the time of his arrest, Lyles was also on bond stemming from a June 24 arrest in Volusia County and remained under the nocontact order involving the woman.

Holly Hill man arrested after reckless chase in Daytona Beach A 39-year-old Holly Hill man was arrested after the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said he fled from law enforcement during a pursuit through the Daytona Beach area Tuesday night, Aug. 11, that ended when he crashed into a deputy’s patrol vehicle. According to a social media post from the Sheriff’s Office, Jason Therrien was driving a BMW with a license plate assigned to a Nissan when he fled from an attempted traffic stop. The Sheriff’s Office said Therrien drove recklessly during the pursuit, weaving through traffic, traveling on the wrong side of the road, running red lights and reaching speeds of 40 mph over the posted limit in residential areas. Holly Hill police attempted to stop the vehicle, and Daytona Beach police deployed stop sticks, which Therrien struck before continuing to flee. A Volusia County sheriff’s deputy then deployed a second set of stop sticks. Therrien struck those as well but continued driving as his tires deteriorated, at times speeding around blind turns in the wrong lane. The pursuit ended at Old Dixie Highway and Walter Boardman Lane, where

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authorities said Therrien lost control, ran off the road and crashed into a stationary deputy’s patrol vehicle that had its emergency lights activated. Deputies then took him into custody. The Sheriff’s Office said Therrien faces three counts of aggravated reckless fleeing, along with charges of possession of crack cocaine, fentanyl, cannabis and drug paraphernalia, and driving an unregistered vehicle. He was being held at the Volusia County Branch Jail without bond.

Missouri fugitive sex offender jailed FCSO says Tampa after moving to man defrauded Palm Coast elderly Palm A Missouri fugitive and Coast woman in registered sex offender was HVAC scheme arrested Wednesday, Aug. 12, after moving into a Palm Coast home, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said. According to the Sheriff’s Office, its Fugitive Apprehension Unit was notified the morning of Aug. 12 that 40-year-old Scott Granden of St. Louis, Missouri, had moved into a home on Perthshire Lane about 12 hours earlier. Investigators said Granden was wanted in Missouri on two warrants for failing to register as a sex offender and leaving the scene of a crash. He was also wanted on a felony battery warrant out of Jacksonville. Deputies with the Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Problem Area Crime Enforcement Unit and K-9 Unit surrounded the Palm Coast home and made several announcements directing Granden to come outside. The Sheriff’s Office said Granden refused to come to the door, prompting deputies to breach the door and continue giving him commands. When he still refused to come out, deputies brought

A Tampa man was arrested after allegedly taking $4,000 from an 88-year-old Palm Coast woman for ductwork that was never completed, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Amjad Otor, 32, was arrested with assistance from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department on charges of organized scheme to defraud and theft from a person 65 years of age or older, the Sheriff’s Office said. He was later released from the Broward County Jail on $10,000 bond. The case began in February when the woman hired a company doing business as Universal Air Duct Cleaning LLC to clean ductwork at her Palm Coast home. After two men cleaned part of the system for $500, they then told the woman some of her ductwork needed to be replaced and offered to do the work for $5,000. FCSO identified Otor as one of the men. Investigators said he took $1,000 in cash from the woman and showed her a new piece of ductwork that

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old, despite looking his age and having gray hair. Deputies also found drugs in his person and he was arrested and taken to jail.

AUG. 12

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in an FCSO K-9. After commands from the K-9 handler and barking from the dog, Granden eventually exited the home and was arrested without further incident. Granden was arrested on charges of resisting without violence and violation of probation, as well as the active fugitive warrants. He was taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he was being held without bond. The Sheriff’s Office said Granden is a sex offender following a 2022 conviction for abusive sexual contact in Atlanta, Georgia.

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER 4:20 p.m. — 1800 block of Sunny Palm Drive, Ormond Beach False ID given to law enforcement officer. A 53-year-old man was arrested at his home on a warrant for a July 26 incident in which he gave deputies a false name after a traffic stop. The man had been riding an e-bike with another citizen when they both failed to stop at a stop sign at Palm Street and Fleming Avenue. While his companion provided deputies with his real identity information, the Ormond man did not. He gave deputies with “multiple conflicting variations,” according to his arrest report, and claimed to be 25 years

SWING AND A MISS 10:43 p.m. — 100 block of South Nova Road, Ormond Beach Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. A 67-year-old Ormond Beach man was arrested after he struck a transient man with a metal bat at a local fast food restaurant. Police report that the man had been in the drive-thru lane of the restaurant when he exited his vehicle and approached the victim, who was sitting with his bicycle near sthe restaurant’s dumpsters. The victim told officers he was waiting for employees to be out of sight so he could look through the dumpster for food when the man started yelling at him from his car about his bicycle

was supposed to be installed. After later telling her the work had been completed, Otor allegedly collected two additional checks totaling $3,000. The woman became suspicious and asked her handyman to inspect the work. The handyman determined that no one had been in the attic to replace the damaged duct, FCSO said. When the woman contacted the company and asked that the work she paid for be completed, her calls went unanswered. She reported the alleged fraud in March. Detectives determined Otor had allegedly given the woman a false name and was the registered owner of the vehicle used during the service call. Investigators also determined that the woman’s checks had been deposited into the company’s bank account. With assistance from Seniors vs. Crime, a partnership between FCSO and the Florida Attorney General’s Office, the woman had a certified inspector examine the ductwork who confirmed that the ducts had not been replaced. FCSO detectives worked with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The Sheriff’s Office said the department confirmed that Universal Air Duct Cleaning is out of business and does not hold a current license. The company’s owner, Tomer Nahmani, 25, of Altamonte Springs, hired Otor as a subcontractor, according to FCSO. Nahmani is not a licensed contractor. Detectives obtained a warrant for Otor’s arrest on Aug. 12. The investigation remains active and additional charges are pending. Anyone who paid Universal Air Duct Cleaning LLC, Otor or Nahmani for work that was not completed is asked to call the FCSO non-emergency line at 386-313-4911.

not having any lights. After the man struck him several times with the bat, the victim hit him back in selfdefense. One of the transient man’s strikes caused the man to become unconscious, the report states. A witness corroborated the victim’s story. When officers arrived, the 67-year-old man was lying on the pavement in the drivethru and was in and out of consciousness. The man was transported to the hospital. Once he was alert, the 67-year-old man told police that he felt frustrated due to being homeless himself and living out of his car. He told police that he “might have overreacted a bit” and would not elaborate further on the incident. He was taken to jail.

AUG. 14

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT 3:14 p.m. — 5800 block of Mango Avenue, Bunnell Obstruction without violence. A 39-year-old Bunnell woman was arrested after deputies searching for her on an outstanding warrant found her hiding under pillows in a bedroom. According to the arrest report, deputies went to the home to serve the warrant, which was related to a violation of probation involving possession of methamphetamine. When deputies arrived, several people ran inside the home before eventually coming back outside. The homeowner told deputies no one else was inside, but deputies reported hearing footsteps coming from inside the home. Deputies were then given permission to search the home. While searching a bedroom, a deputy lifted pillows on a bed and found the woman hiding underneath them, wedged between the mattress and a wall in an attempt to conceal herself, according to the report. She was taken to jail.

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

3A

Time for change? Newcomers Moon, Wood win School Board seats District 4 will be headed to a runoff between Trevor Tucker and Christy Chong. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Flagler County School Board will have at least two new members in November as voters made it clear in the Aug. 18 primary that they want change. Not only did newcomers Cathy Moon and Rob Wood win board seats, but their margins of victory were striking. Moon, a former U.S. Postal Service executive, defeated former School Board member Jill Woobright in District 1, gaining 55.93% of the vote (15,000 votes) to 44.07% (11,818 votes) for Woolbright. Wood won 59.05% of the vote (15,668 votes) to defeat incumbent Will Furry in District 2. Furry received 40.96% (10,866 votes). District 4, however, will be headed to a November runoff between current School Board Chair Christy Chong and former School Board member Trevor Tucker. The newcomer in that race, Ron Long, received 23.29% of the vote (6,156 votes), while Chong and Tucker were separated by

“I do feel like there’s a statement here that it’s time to put a School Board together that’s willing to work together and stay focused on a singular mission, and that’s taking great care of our kids, our faculty and our staff.” ROB WOOD

just 611 votes. Tucker received 10,442 votes for 39.51% of the vote, while Chong received 9,831 votes (37.2%). In 2022, Chong defeated Tucker by over 3,000 votes. Moon said she was surprised by her margin of victory. “I didn’t even assume that I was going to win,” she said. “I do think (voters) wanted change, and I think that people, to some extent, had to set apart their party and say who will bring the best outcome for our students?” Moon said voters remembered the dissension on the board when Woolbright was a member in 2020-2022. And, she said, they haven’t forgotten the board’s ninehour reorganization meeting

Christy Chong at the Palm Coast library during early voting.

School Board candidate Rob Wood at the Palm Coast library during the final day of early voting on Aug. 15. Photos by Brent Woronoff

School Board candidate Cathy Moon at the Palm Coast library during the final day of early voting on Aug. 15.

last November when, Moon said, Furry was “fighting over being vice chair when he should have been developing someone else on the board, like Lauren Ramirez or Janie Ruddy.” Wood said he’s thankful he won by a wide margin, because it means he’ll have a broad mandate. “It tells me that I have support from across our electorate,” he said. “That I have Democrats and independents and NPAs and Republicans all voting in a way that is sup-

Wood stepped down from his position at WGU in June to focus on his small exterior cleaning business and campaigning. Now, he said, he will focus on learning what it takes to be a successful School Board member. “I’ve been very upfront from the beginning that I’ve not done this before, and I’m going to have to spend some time into really understanding the role, where my influence lies and how to get things done,” he said. “I know that this is a tremendous responsibility, and I want to make sure I’m keeping the main thing the main thing, and that is how do we take great care of our students and our faculty.” Moon said her main issues will be mitigating budget constraints and finding ways to increase participation in VPK, so more children will be ready to start kindergarten. She said a lack of transportation, especially for children who live in outlying areas, such as Daytona North, is a major factor in preventing some families from enrolling in the volunteer program. Tucker, who previously served on the board for 12 years, said the issues have not changed. “It’s always how we treat

porting change.” Wood, an Air Force veteran and former program faculty leader at Western Governors University, said he believes the voters were tired of turmoil on the board. “I do feel like there’s a statement here that it’s time to put a School Board together that’s willing to work together and stay focused on a singular mission, and that’s taking great care of our kids, our faculty and our staff, and to make sure that we’re all focused on the right things,” he said.

School Board candidate Trevor Tucker outside of the Flagler County Elections Office at the Government Services Building during early voting on Aug. 14. Photo by Rick Carroll

children and how we make sure they have the best quality education possible,” he said. Chong said the school district has made great gains becoming an A-rated district due to a leadership change that resulted in LaShakia Moore becoming the superintendent. “I had something to do in bringing that new leadership in,” she said. Chong said that she is sad that Furry, her fellow conservative on the board, won’t be returning. She said she was also hopeful Woolbright would join her. “I would like to be on the board another four years,” she said. Email brent@observerlocalnews.com.

FLAGLER TURNOUT

98,714

Registered Voters

29,575

Ballots Cast

29.96% Voter Turnout

Pontieri, Pennington win Republican primaries for County Commission Pontieri won a close District 2 primary, while Pennington captured more than 54% of the vote in District 4. RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

Theresa Pontieri and Leann Pennington won their Republican primaries for the Flagler County Commission on Tuesday, Aug. 18, advancing to the November general election in Districts 2 and 4. Pontieri defeated Greg Feldman in the District 2 Republican primary with 8,336 votes, or 52.09%, to Feldman’s 7,666 votes, or 47.91%. Pontieri won the race by 670 votes.

“I’m so incredibly grateful for everyone who voted for me and supported me,” Pontieri said. “For every sign waved, door knocked, and encouraging word, I’m thankful. I can’t thank my family and friends enough for loving me through this tough journey.” Pontieri, who currently serves on the Palm Coast City Council, will now face independent candidate Raymond Royer in the Nov. 3 general election for the District 2 seat. “I appreciate the faith our community has in me, and I look forward to working hard to earn everyone’s vote in the general election,” Pontieri said. “Last but certainly not least, I thank God for this opportunity to serve.” In District 4, incumbent County Commissioner Pen-

nington received a majority of the vote in a three-candidate Republican primary. Pennington received 8,520 votes (54.58%). Drew Moss finished second with 3,847 votes (24.65%), while Anna Jones received 3,242 votes. Pennington said Tuesday night that she viewed the result as a sign that voters recognize the work the county has been doing. “It just means that we’re doing something right,” Pennington said. “We’re trying hard. I think people recognize it.” Pennington pointed to county projects, including beach improvements and road paving, as examples of progress she believes residents are beginning to notice. “We’ve had some tough

headwinds, but we’re showing that we’re working through it and we’re not just making major disruption while we do that,” she said. “We are pushing forward improvement projects like the beach and some of our road paving jobs.” Asked what she believed voters responded to in her campaign, Pennington said she believes residents understand that she is not focused on just one issue. “I think that voters know where my heart is,” Pennington said. “I think that they know I’m not a one-issue candidate. I care about everything equally.” Pennington said she has worked to build relationships throughout Flagler County and remain accessible to residents.

Theresa Pontieri celebrates her District 2 Republican primary victory with family and friends. Photo courtesy of the Pontieri family

Flagler County Commission Chair Leann Pennington during a Flagler Tiger Bay Club candidate forum. Photo by Richard Carroll

“I’m around, I’m one of you and I listen and I care,” she said. “I’ve gone to many homes and I’ve talked with many people.” One of Pennington’s most memorable moments of Election Day came before the results were posted. She said she was grocery shopping around 4 p.m. while wearing her campaign shirt when people began approaching her. “People were in every aisle saying, ‘Good luck, I voted for you,’” Pennington said. “It was just like overwhelming inside the grocery store.” Pennington said the encounters gave her confidence about the outcome. “I said, ‘I think I won,’” she said. “That’s the first moment I felt good this entire campaign.” Pennington will be on the

November ballot with a space for a write-in candidate. Denise Calderwood filed for write-in status. Pennington acknowledged Calderwood’s focus on social services and said she understands the concerns Calderwood has raised. “I think she has a strong message,” Pennington said. “She’s concerned about social services in the county and I think she uses this to platform for better social services.” Pennington closed by calling for residents to take a more positive view of the county. “I love Flagler County. I love our home. It’s beautiful,” Pennington said. “Let’s work harder to be more positive about this community. It’s got a lot of great things.” Email rich@observerlocalnews.com.

4A

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

City Council runoffs: Amaral vs. Duarte in District 2; Shelley vs. Galery in 4 Amaral led District 2 with 45% of the vote, while Shelley topped a four-candidate District 4 field with 32.06%. RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

Palm Coast voters narrowed two crowded City Council races to four candidates Tuesday, Aug. 18, sending Tony Amaral and Jeani Duarte to the November election in District 2 and Darlene Shelley and Dylana Galery forward in District 4. Amaral led the three-candidate District 2 race with 8,903 votes, or 45%. Duarte finished second with 5,970 votes, or 30.17%, while Jimmy Hengy received 4,912 votes, or 24.83%. Because no candidate

Darlene Shelley advances to the November election for the Palm Coast City Council District 4 seat.

Dylana Galery advances to the November general election after finishing second in the Palm Coast City Council District 4 race.

received more than 50% of the vote, Amaral and Duarte will face each other in November. Amaral said Tuesday night that he was excited about the result but viewed it as another step toward November. “It’s a lot to soak it in,” Amaral said. “Definitely excited. Just looking forward, you know, having some debates and taking it to November so we can win this thing all the way.” Amaral said his 45% showing was close to what he had hoped to accomplish in the primary. “That was my goal, that was my aim and kind of the number that I thought we could do,” he said. Asked what he believed voters responded to during his campaign, Amaral pointed to his longtime ties to Palm Coast and his involvement in city issues. “Just the message. I mean, homegrown, 43 years living

Tony Amaral and Jeani Duarte are moving on to the November election for the Palm Coast City Council District 2 seat. Photos by Rich Carroll

here, knowledge,” Amaral said. “I’ve brought proposals, I’ve had solutions.” Amaral thanked his supporters and said he now wants to reach voters who backed other candidates in the primary. “My goal is to earn your vote,” he said. Duarte also thanked her supporters Tuesday night and said advancing gives her an opportunity to continue making her case to voters. “It means moving on to the next victory for sure,” Duarte said. “I want to thank everybody for coming out and voting.” Duarte said she believes voters responded to her emphasis on transparency and facts. “Transparency. Honesty,”

she said. “They wanted to hear truth and they wanted to see facts. They don’t want to just hear it, they want to see it.” Heading toward November, Duarte said she plans to hold more meet-and-greets and increase her face-to-face contact with voters. “Personally, getting there, being present, being available, accessible,” Duarte said, adding that she wants “a lot of contact with people one on one and as groups.” Duarte also said she hopes to earn support from voters who backed Hengy in the primary. She described Hengy as “a great guy” and said she believes his supporters had the right intentions. The District 4 race will also continue into November after

none of its four candidates received a majority Tuesday. Shelley led the field with 6,262 votes, or 32.06%. Galery finished second with 5,262 votes, or 26.94%, giving Shelley a 1,000-vote advantage. John Kvederis received 4,580 votes, or 23.45%, and Ramon Marrero finished with 3,428 votes, or 17.55%. Shelley and Galery will now compete for the District 4 seat in the general election. Voter turnout countywide was 29.96%, with 29,575 ballots cast out of 98,714 registered voters. All 21 Flagler County precincts had reported by 8:37 p.m., along with early voting and vote-by-mail results. Email rich@observerlocalnews.com.

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

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ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

Flagler report highlights Nexus growth, demand for more hours

Flagler County approves 190-foot cell tower near Hunter’s Ridge

Nexus Center sees growing use while Palm Coast patrons call for the return of Monday hours.

A split vote, 3-2.

RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

Flagler County’s library system is seeing strong participation following the opening of the Nexus Center in Bunnell, but county officials are also hearing a clear message from Palm Coast patrons: They want their Monday library hours back. The Flagler County Library Board of Trustees gave commissioners an update on the library system during an Aug. 17 workshop, highlighting the opening of the Nexus Community Center in Bunnell, growing participation in library programs and revenue generated through passport services. Library Board of Trustees Chairman and former county commissioner Donald O’Brien told commissioners the library system circulated more than 540,000 items in 2025 and served more than 285,000 visitors. The system presented 690 youth and adult programs attended by nearly 25,000 people and provided more than 52,000 public internet workstation and wireless sessions. Volunteers also contributed more than 6,700 service hours, representing an estimated $180,000 in personnel expenses. Since opening in December, the new Bunnell library at the Nexus Center has drawn strong community inter-

est. The facility opened with nearly 45,000 books, welcomed more than 450 people for its opening events and saw 726 people take part in programs during its first month. Library use has started to shift since the Nexus Center opened in Bunnell. From December through June, circulation at the Palm Coast library dropped from 281,253 items the previous year to 254,490, while circulation in Bunnell more than doubled from 14,281 to 30,327. Foot traffic at the Palm Coast library stayed about the same, dipping slightly from 154,432 visitors to 153,250. Meanwhile, the Bunnell library saw its count jump from 6,655 to 17,301. The number of registered borrowers also grew at both locations. Library Director Holly Albanese said a recent community survey also show a common theme from Palm Coast patrons. “They wanted Mondays back,” Albanese said. “They really want their Mondays.” Albanese said several survey respondents felt Palm Coast residents had been “punished” because the branch lost operating hours following the opening of Nexus. The library’s survey collected responses from 476 patrons. Of those, 58% identified Palm Coast as the library they use, while 27% said they use both branches and 14% identified the Bunnell Nexus branch. The survey showed that library hours are a major concern for patrons. Many wanted more evening hours

and were frustrated that the library is closed on Mondays and Sundays. Students and working adults also said the current schedule can make it difficult to use the library or attend programs. Albanese said both branches continue to have strong foot traffic and circulation, but the loss of a day of operation has contributed to lower numbers at Palm Coast. “They’ve lost one day a week,” she said. The reduced schedule has also affected passport revenue at the Palm Coast branch because residents have one fewer day to use the service, Albanese said. While passport services are available at Nexus, she said some Palm Coast residents are unwilling to make the drive to Bunnell. Passport services have become a significant revenue source for the library system. The program began in 2008 and has generated more than $1.6 million in revenue, according to the annual report. The library system is also considering future improvements at its Palm Coast branch. The trustees’ strategic initiatives include a proposed 3,000-square-foot addition to the Palm Coast Community Room. The proposal would address demand for meeting space at the Palm Coast library. Albanese told commissioners the existing meeting room is only 994 square feet and is generally booked for the entire year. The proposed addition could also provide additional space during elections.

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RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

The Flagler County Commission approved a 190-foot telecommunications tower near Hunter’s Ridge on Aug. 17, despite opposition from nearby residents and a recommendation for denial from the county’s Planning and Development Board. Commissioners voted 3-2 to approve the special use for the tower at 2730 Airport Road, with Chair Leann Pennington and Commissioners Greg Hansen and Pam Richardson voting in favor. Commissioners Andy Dance and Kim Carney voted against the request. The commission later approved a related amendment to the property’s PUD site development plan by the same 3-2 vote. The tower is proposed on a roughly 10-acre property developed as the Hunter’s Ridge Storage facility. The property has been designated for light industrial use within the Hunter’s Ridge development. County planner Simone Kenny said the proposed structure is a 190-foot selfsupporting monopole. The tower would have capacity for four telecommunications users and would require an amendment to the property’s existing PUD site development plan. The 190-foot tower falls well below the 300-foot height limit allowed in nonresidential areas. It would also be farther from nearby homes than the county requires, with the closest residence about 450 feet away — 150 feet beyond the required setback. The Planning and Development Board recommended denial, concluding that the tower could potentially be better located elsewhere. County staff said the board based its recommendation on the eighth of the county’s special siting criteria, which considers whether a suitable existing tower or other structure could accommodate the proposed telecommunications equipment. Nearby residents who spoke during the public hearing supported the Planning and

Development Board’s recommendation. They questioned whether another tower was necessary at the proposed location, pointed to publicly available carrier coverage maps and argued that other locations should be considered. Residents also raised concerns about the tower’s visibility, its proximity to homes and its compatibility with the residential character of Hunter’s Ridge. The applicant’s representatives argued that existing towers were too far from the area Verizon is seeking to serve. They said the closest existing site was approximately 1.4 miles away. Carney was particularly concerned about the visual impact. “We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t build a cell tower that reaches further than two miles,” Carney said. “This is going to be ugly for our state.” Carney questioned how many more towers could eventually be constructed as Hunter’s Ridge builds out. “I mean, this is an eyesore. There’s no doubt about it,” Carney said. Richardson also questioned whether construction of another tower would necessarily translate into better cellular service. “This is not a guarantee for anybody,” Richardson said, noting that she lives near a cell tower but still experiences poor service. Dance asked whether the applicant had investigated other potential locations. “I just have a general problem with ... being forced to accept the applicant’s site because it’s convenient for them,” Dance said. County legal staff told commissioners that the issue had to be considered primarily as a land-use and zoning matter. To deny the application under the county’s eighth criterion, the commission would need competent, substantial evidence showing that a suitable existing tower or structure could provide the service sought by the applicant. Carney said the legal requirements left her struggling with the decision and questioning whether there was enough evidence to over-

turn the Planning and Development Board’s recommendation. “This is tough. This is really tough,” Carney said. “We’ve got governance outside of our body, this body, this county. We’ve got governance that’s not in our favor or our citizens’ favor.” Carney ultimately moved to deny the tower based on the eighth criterion. “We don’t have any evidence that says that the use of one or two of the other towers that are already there can’t help this situation,” Carney said. Her motion to deny failed 3-2. Commissioners then considered the related amendment to the Hunter’s Ridge Storage PUD site development plan. Staff said the amendment was necessary to add the newly approved telecommunications tower to the existing plan. The tower would be located within a landscaped area between the outdoor RV parking spaces. Residents asked commissioners to maintain landscaping, buffering, screening and lighting requirements. They said the 190-foot tower represented a significant change from the storage facility that had previously been approved. Dance suggested using the site plan amendment to ensure the property remains in compliance with its original landscaping requirements. “Anything that’s not there or is dead has to be replaced with the original specifications,” Dance said. Staff said compliance with the landscaping requirements could be checked as part of the permitting process before the tower receives final approval. Hansen then moved to approve the site plan amendment with the condition that the applicant fulfill the requirements of the original PUD site development plan. Dance voted against the amendment “for consistency” with his opposition to the tower, and Carney also voted no. Pennington, Hansen and Richardson voted in favor. The 190-foot tower will not require FAA lighting, according to county staff, because lighting is required for towers taller than 199 feet.

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

$56M Clyde Morris road 44% of local families are under financial strain project to start early Over 100,000 households in Volusia/ Flagler are struggling to cover basic needs, a new report states.

Governor visits Daytona to announce head start for road project, tout EmbryRiddle partnership.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

OBSERVER STAFF

Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Daytona Beach on Friday, Aug. 14, to announce an early start for a $56 million transportation project on Clyde Morris Boulevard. The project, aimed at improving safety and efficiency to the 3-mile corridor between Mason Avenue and Beville Road, includes raised medians, wider sidewalks, a 14-foot-wide shared-use path, traffic signal reconstruction and a new pedestrian crossing at Buccaneer Way, according to a news release from the governor’s office. A new pedestrian tunnel under Clyde Morris Boulevard, north of the main entrance to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, is also in the plans. The governor announced at the press conference at Embry-Riddle that the project will start two years ahead of schedule. “Improvements to Clyde Morris Boulevard have been a top priority for this region for years,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue. “Accelerating this project by two years will bring essential safety improvements to a very important corridor for Volusia County, Daytona Beach, and Embry-Riddle University.” DeSantis also touted the university’s new partnership with FDOT, which will provide contributions to the

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Friday, Aug. 14. Photo courtesy of the governor’s office/Facebook

transportation technology field, specifically in Advanced Air Mobility and Autonomous Vehicles. “I signed legislation last year to recognize AAM as an official mode of transportation in Florida,” DeSantis said. “Now, we’re building the infrastructure to test these emerging technologies.” Construction on the project will begin this fall. It will be built in three segments over the next three years, with a 2029 estimated completion. The governor’s press release states that AAM technology has the potential to provide new transportation options for passenger air taxis, cargo delivery, medical transportation and emergency response. “We are deeply grateful for the visionary leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature, and the Florida Department of Transportation, whose commitment has positioned our state as the nation’s leader in advanced air mobility, workforce transformation and the creation of essential jobs that will benefit Floridians for decades to come,” said Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler.

Should I pay for my utilities or fill up my car’s gas tank? Can I afford my prescription this month, or do I need that money to buy groceries for my family? These are some examples of the questions more than 100,000 families in Volusia and Flagler counties must ask themselves as the cost of living continues to worsen the affordability crisis. A new report by United Way found that in 2024, 44% of households in the two counties fell below United Way’s ALICE threshold. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. That percentage equals 102,302 households in Volusia and Flagler. It includes families that are considered in poverty by the federal government, but also those who are above the federal poverty level, according to a news release from the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties. “These are working individuals,” said Amanda Lasecki, chief operating officer for CF/UWVFC. “These are people who are working, many times, multiple jobs, and still struggling to make ends meet. It’s just one car breaking down, one air conditioner going out that can really send these households down a tough path.” What’s causing the most financial strain? Housing costs.

In the state of Florida, 78% of ALICE households who rent are considered costburdened, meaning they are paying 30% or more of their income toward rent and utilities. Nearly half of ALICE households pay 50% or more. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the fair market rent in the DeltonaDaytona Beach-Ormond Beach metro area for a studio apartment is $1,205 per month. For a three-bedroom apartment, it’s $2,241. For the Palm Coast metro area, fair market rent is higher — $1,278 for a studio and $2,468 for a three-bedroom. HUD has updated the fair market values for rent, Lasecki said, and that’s helpful. At the same time, those values are not what families are seeing. “What we’re hearing from our partners, what we’re seeing is that’s still not something that people are able to find an apartment, at that level, at that price per month,” she said. Language surrounding affordability is changing at the state level. Officials are now using “attainability” as costs to own or rent a home continue to rise, Lasecki said. “Can you even attain housing?” she said. “Let alone if it’s affordable. Can you even access housing?” Financial strain due to housing costs often leads to food insecurity, Lasecki added. Paying rent becomes the top priority and food becomes an area where they will make sacrifices. As such, United Way has established a food security fund to help those in need in the two-county area. “We also convened a food security roundtable,” Lasecki said. “This allowed our local nonprofit partners — a lot of whom are working in the food

security space, food pantries, things of that nature — to come together, share best practices, how they can work together, especially when we saw the freezes to the SNAP benefits and the WIC benefits.” For those who are primarily employed by the hospitality and service sector, this can be a major challenge. ALICE data shows that statewide, 66% of maids and housekeeping cleaners, 53% of cooks, and 46% of wait staff are below the ALICE threshold. “A lot of our businesses struggle with keeping those filled, and those households are typically ALICE households,” Lasecki said. United Way reports that a family of four in Flagler County needs an annual income of $82,175 to cover only essentials. In Volusia County, a family would need $80,484. United Way notes that this is almost three times the Federal Poverty Level of $31,200. United Way has a 211 hotline for people who need resources. Lasecki said 14,000 people a year call the hotline, which is open 24/7, and that number has increased year over year. Lasecki said their board agreed to invest in the hotline this year to better inform families of available resources, in light of decreasing grant funding at the local, state and federal level. People often think that federal benefits are enough to help people in need, she added. Some people may be out of the workforce and unaware of how much higher the cost of living is for families today. That’s why ALICE data makes a difference, she said. “I think ALICE shines a light on those folks and those households that, as you can see, are a large percentage of Volusia/Flagler counties,” Lasecki said.

BY THE NUMBERS

FLAGLER COUNTY

34%

of households are considered Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE)

10%

are in poverty

$82,420

is the median household income

53%

of residents are part of the labor force VOLUSIA COUNTY

34%

of households are considered ALICE

11%

are in poverty

$71,508

is the median household income

55%

of residents are part of the labor force STATEWIDE

34%

of households are considered ALICE

12%

are in poverty

$77,735

is the median household income

61%

of residents are part of the labor force

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

Environmental research conducted at over 300 Flagler sites The collaborative effort could lead to improvements for local wildlife, flooding. ABE MILLS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The University of North Florida Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE) is researching aquatic barriers in Flagler County. What they find could affect the local wildlife populations and flooding in the area. The project which is being funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is a collaborative effort of many organizations and educational institutions which spans multiple counties in Northeastern Florida with a goal of improving aquatic connectivity and strengthening coastal resilience. Dr. Jessica Barnes, visiting

The UNF research team: Project Coordinator Sydney Barrett, Dr. Jessica Barnes, and research assistants Sydney Rodriguez-Jaume, Carson Schwab and Elizabeth Hutchison.

assistant UNF professor, and project coordinator Sydney Barrett are leading a team of UNF environmental science

Research assistants take measurements at a culvert in Flagler County. Photos By Rachel Mills

students serving as research assistants. The team is assessing 2,300 sites across Northeast Florida, including 300 sites in Flagler County “We want to understand how these structures are functioning for fish passage and also for flood control,” Barnes said “We’ve got a culvert that was put there to allow a road to go over a stream. If it’s undersized or non-functioning, it doesn’t allow that water to go where it needs to go and it’s going to push it up into communities, into homes, into roads and create hazards for local communities.” I met the research team at a culvert on State Road 100 in Bunnell, where we witnessed a family of five baby alligators in the water. “We’ve seen wildlife and alligators moving freely through the structure,” Barnes said. “That’s what we want is the ability of aquatic wildlife and water to move through here without being impeded

or changed.” In addition, the researchers measured the depth of the water and the height of the culvert, and evaluated the surrounding area. “We pay a lot of attention to the upstream,” Barnes said. “We assess the width of the bank upstream and take some measurements that help us understand the natural width and patterns of that stream and then compare that to what’s happening right here at the culvert.” Data gathering is an important part of the process. “We’re pretty much the first step in ecological restoration, because we’re just coming in to assess what’s here,“ said research assistant Sydney Rodriguez-Jaume. Once the data is gathered, then it will be evaluated by a different team of people. “The Northeast Florida Regional Council will be working with the National Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative to prioritize sites,”

A group of five baby alligators were encountered at one of the test sites.

Barnes said. The results of this data will help guide future planning of restoration projects in the region which will help benefit the fish and wildlife in the area and help prevent unnecessary flooding for communities in Northeast Florida, especially communities on the coast.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Applications have been submitted to amend the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map designation of the subject property from Medium Density to Commercial, and to rezone the subject property from the Medium Density Residential (MOR) Zoning District to the Tourist Commercial (TC) Zoning District. The subject property is identified by the Flagler County Property Appraiser as Parcel ID No. 01-12-31-290000020-0010 pictured below. APPLICATION PCPA26-0003, ORDINANCE 2026-17: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FUTURE LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION FOR APPROXIMATELY 0.18 ACRES OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF 17TH STREET N., BETWEEN NORTH OCEAN SHORE BOULEVARD AND NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE; PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION FOR SAID PROPERTY FROM MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO COMMERCIAL; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. APPLICATION PRZ26-0003, ORDINANCE 2026-18: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESIGNATION FOR APPROXIMATELY 0.18 ACRES OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF 17TH STREET N., BETWEEN NORTH OCEAN SHORE BOULEVARD AND NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE; PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENT OF THE ZONING MAP DESIGNATION FOR SAID PROPERTY FROM MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO TOURIST COMMERCIAL; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A PUBLIC HEARING IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AT CITY HALL, 105 S. 2ND STREET, FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA AS FOLLOWS: PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026, AT 5:30 P.M. FIRST READING CITY COMMISSION: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026, AT 5:30 PM OR SOON THEREAFTER. SECOND READING CITY COMMISSION: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026, AT 5:30 PM OR SOON THEREAFTER. ALL INTERESTED PARTIES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. PLEASE DIRECT ANY QUESTIONS TO THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH AT 386-517-2000 EXT. 231. The public hearings may be continued to a future date or dates. The times and dates of any continuance of a public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing without any further published notice. The request will be heard at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers located at 105 South Second Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. If a person decides to appeal against any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearings, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk's Office at 386-517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. For further information about this request, please call the Planning & Zoning Department at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 231. More detailed information may be inspected by the public at the Planning & Zoning Department, 800 S. Daytona Avenue, Flagler Beach, during office hours.

7763-355989 Aug. 20, Oct. 1, 8, 2026

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

Seizure-alert dog could be lifesaving for Palm Coast 4-year-old The George family is seeking community support to help Luca.

RECEIVING A DIAGNOSIS

Luca’s medical journey began when he was about 6 months old. George said she and her husband noticed their son wasn’t reaching some of the milestones they would expect at that age. They spoke with his pediatrician and began working with Florida’s early intervention services. When Luca was about 8

A proposed ordinance would create a Historic Preservation Board. MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

A Palm Coast family is turning to the community for help getting a seizure-alert service dog for their 4-year-old son, Luca George, who lives with an ultra-rare genetic disorder that causes drug-resistant epilepsy. Luca has SPATA5L1 disorder, a genetic condition so rare that his mother, Mariah George, said he is one of approximately 60 children in the world who have been diagnosed with it. Luca also has cerebral palsy, hearing loss and a feeding tube. But despite everything he deals with, his mother describes him simply as a happy little boy. “Luca is a very happy boy despite everything,” George said. “He’s sitting here smiling at me right now.” The most pressing concern for Luca and his family is his epilepsy. George said Luca has experienced seizures for most of his life, and more than a dozen medications have failed to bring them under control. Currently, Luca is experiencing up to about 10 seizures a day. Just a few months ago, George said, he was having more than 40 a day. Over the past six months, the family has also noticed that his seizures have become longer and more difficult for him to recover from. The seizures don’t stop when Luca goes to sleep. That’s one of the biggest reasons his family is trying to raise $18,500 for a seizurealert service dog. During the day, Luca is almost always under someone’s supervision. At night, however, his parents have to sleep, and George said available wearable devices and cameras aren’t well suited for Luca and the types of seizures he experiences. A trained service dog could recognize when Luca is having a seizure and bark to alert his parents. “That could honestly make all the difference in potentially even saving Luca’s life,” George said.

City looks to protect historic sites RICH CARROLL

RICH CARROLL

Luca and his parents Mariah & Nicholas George. Photo courtesy of the George family

months old, he began displaying unusual movements. His parents suspected they were seizures and took him to a children’s hospital in Orlando, where he was diagnosed with epilepsy and global developmental delay. The family then began searching for an underlying cause. After three rounds of testing, Luca received his genetic diagnosis when he was about 18 months old. Today, caring for Luca is a 24-hour responsibility. A nurse works with him Monday through Friday so his parents can work, but Luca requires constant supervision. He uses a wheelchair, is fully dependent on others to help move him and receives his nutrition through a feeding tube. For his parents, nighttime brings a different kind of worry. “We go to bed every night worried that what if he has a seizure tonight and we don’t know, we don’t realize it and something happens to him,” George said. A seizure-alert dog, she said, would mean knowing someone is watching over Luca even when his parents can’t. “We’re parents, we’re human, we have to sleep,” she said. “It would, I mean, just bring so much peace of mind to our family.” GOAL: $18,500

The family’s cost for Luca’s service dog is $18,500. George said the nonprofit training organization covers approximately the other half of the dog’s total cost, which she estimated at between $30,000 and $40,000. The family is able to make payments in installments, but insurance does not cover the service dog. The George family is accustomed to facing major medical expenses that insurance does not always cover. George said the family recently received a medical bed for Luca that cost about $30,000, putting the $18,500 they need to raise for his seizure-alert dog into

Want to help?

Donations for Luca’s seizure-alert dog can be given here: https:// givebutter. com/lucaseizurealertservice-dog

perspective. “These things are unfortunately really expensive,” George said. Donations for Luca’s dog can be made through the family’s Givebutter fundraiser. Donations go directly to Dulebohn Service Dogs, a nonprofit organization, and will be designated for Luca’s dog. The family is also holding a “Pay What You Can” yard sale Aug. 22 and 23 at 20 Llama Trail in Palm Coast, with all proceeds going toward Luca’s service dog. HELPING OTHER FAMILIES

Luca’s parents’ efforts extend beyond their own son’s medical needs. George and her husband founded the SPATA Foundation, a nonprofit patient organization created to support children affected by Luca’s disorder and a related disorder. The organization advocates for and helps fund research aimed at finding potential treatments. For George, raising awareness is also about helping people understand what life looks like for children such as Luca and their families. While other parents may be preparing their 4-year-olds for preschool or taking them to playdates, George said her family’s days often revolve around therapy appointments, surgeries and medical care. George said she hopes people recognize that children have different abilities and different needs — and that those differences don’t diminish the lives they deserve to have. “Sometimes people are different,” she said, “and that’s okay.”

11A

The Palm Coast City Council is moving forward with an expanded historic preservation ordinance designed to better protect the city’s historical and archaeological resources and position Palm Coast for state certification and grant opportunities. City Attorney Marcus Duffy walked council members through the proposed ordinance during the council’s Aug. 11 meeting. Duffy said he drafted the changes at the council’s direction, building on the city’s existing historic preservation regulations and researching ordinances used by other cities and counties. The proposal will now go before the Planning and Land Development Regulation Board before returning to the City Council for two readings. The ordinance aims to protect the city’s significant historic, cultural, archaeological, aesthetic and architectural resources. Duffy said the city’s existing rules already require certain properties to undergo review by a certified professional and the state to determine whether historical resources need to be protected. One issue council members asked Duffy to address is how long a previous cultural resources survey should remain valid. Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri said advances in technology could make decades-old surveys outdated. She said she did not want a property surveyed years earlier to remain permanently

exempt from another review when newer technology could reveal resources that were previously missed. “What I don’t want is 30 years from now or even 10 years from now, land that may have done a survey 10 years prior is now exempt from this, even though there could be incredible technology improvements,” Pontieri said. She pointed to information local historian Preston Zepp has brought to her about properties where more has become known since earlier surveys were completed. Duffy agreed to research whether the ordinance could establish a time limit requiring older surveys to be renewed. Council members Charles Gambaro and Ty Miller supported considering a time threshold. The proposed ordinance would also establish a historic preservation officer appointed by the city manager and create a Historic Preservation Board. Duffy initially proposed seven board members and two alternates, but council members favored reducing the board to five members with two alternates. Members would be sought from fields including architecture, history, archaeology, planning, landscape architecture, real estate and contracting, while other residents and businesspeople could fill remaining positions. Miller said finding seven volunteers could be difficult, particularly because Palm Coast is still a relatively young city and may not initially have a large volume of historic preservation applications. Duffy said state certification would require the board to meet at least four times per year. The board would primarily make recommendations to

the City Council on designating historic resources, districts and archaeological sites. It would also review proposed changes to properties that have already received historic designation. An applicant denied by the board could appeal to the City Council. Duffy said another goal is to qualify the city under state requirements that could help Palm Coast pursue grants and nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The ordinance also establishes procedures for altering or demolishing designated historic properties and for handling discoveries of archaeological resources or human remains during construction. Gambaro praised the proposal, saying it accomplishes what the council requested. “I think this meets our intent,” Gambaro said. “... This really postures us in a better position to really take care of our historic sites.” Zepp told the council that the need to revisit older surveys is not theoretical. He cited the Hewitt Sawmill area, saying historic sites were lost when Sawmill Estates was developed because information about them was not included in paperwork from an earlier survey. Zepp said the survey associated with the property dated to 2002, while development did not begin until 2023. “Because of that, we lost some significant sites,” he said. Zepp also pointed to potential historic resources still standing in Palm Coast. He said 3 Casper Drive, which he described as the city’s first house, could be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. He also said Palm Harbor could potentially qualify as a historic district as more of its homes reach 50 years old.

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12A

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

OPINION

1000 Friends of Florida opposes Amendment 3

1000 Friends of Florida has announced its opposition to Amendment 3, the property tax measure headed to the November 2026 ballot, warning that it would sharply reduce the local revenue that pays for roads, public safety, parks and conservation while offering limited and unevenly distributed relief to homeowners. An analysis by state economists, delivered after the measure passed, projects that Amendment 3 would reduce local government property tax revenue, the primary funding source for services Floridians rely on daily, by roughly $5

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

billion in its first year and $12 billion by its fifth year. Because Florida’s communities are so varied, 1000 Friends argues a single statewide formula would hit them unequally, with the deepest impacts on less affluent rural areas and neighborhoods of full-time, homesteaded residents. To close the gap, local leaders could be forced to cut essential services, drain reserves, raise taxes on nonhomesteaded properties, and add or increase sales taxes and fees. The organization is especially concerned about impacts to community planning and conservation. Slashed city and county budgets would shrink funding for local and regional planning — which

directs public investment where communities need it — along with affordable housing, parks, and green spaces that protect Florida’s water supply, rivers and wildlife. Funding could also be cut for the five regional water management districts responsible for flood control, water quality and Everglades restoration. Credit rating agencies have warned they may downgrade local governments if the measure passes, making borrowing for infrastructure and conservation land more expensive. The organization points to a better, existing process: the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which is scheduled to convene in 2027. Email letters to the editor to brent@observerlocalnews.com.

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Hammock Beach Golf Resort to honor 9/11 with memorial climb The community is invited to come together on Friday, Sept. 11, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at the annual 9/11 Memorial Tribute Climb, held at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa at 200 Ocean Crest Drive in Palm Coast. Participation is free and attendees do not have to participate in the climb. Community members are encouraged to attend the public memorial ceremony beginning at 8:15 a.m. to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, recognize the bravery and sacrifice of first responders and ensure future generations understand the importance of Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony will include remarks and presentations from local students, the fire chief, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy and recipients of the 9/11 Memorial Tribute Climb scholarships. Attendees will also experience a bagpipe performance, a tribute from local Junior ROTC students, an American flag flyover

and additional special presentations honoring those who answered the call on Sept. 11 and in the days, months and years that followed. At precisely 8:46 a.m., the climb will begin in remembrance of the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Climbers will complete 110 flights of stairs, representing the height of the World Trade Center towers. Participants may climb at their own pace and are not required to complete all 110 flights. The 9/11 Memorial Tribute Climb is also a fundraiser supporting educational opportunities for local students and first responders pursuing careers or advancement in law enforcement, emergency medical services, paramedicine and nursing. Proceeds help provide scholarships that strengthen the future of emergency response and public safety in the county. “This is a day to pause, remember and teach the next generation about the lives we lost, the heroes who responded and the unity our country experienced,” said Lacy Martin, founder of the local memorial climb. “Whether you climb, attend the ceremony or simply stand with us in remembrance, your presence matters.”

We build community spirit and bridges of understanding through accurate and compelling journalism. We build the local economy by helping businesses strategically connect with our print and online readers. Publisher Brian McMillan, brian@observerlocalnews.com Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@observerlocalnews.com Associate Editor Brent Woronoff, brent@observerlocalnews.com Multimedia Producer Rich Carroll, rich@observerlocalnews.com Operation and Design Manager Hailey McMillan, hailey@observerlocalnews.com Marketing Consultants April Koehler, april@observerlocalnews.com; Travis Hurlbut, travis@observerlocalnews.com Office Coordinator Kay Raymond, Kay@observerlocalnews.com SUBSCRIBE For driveway delivery, visit www.observerlocalnews.com/ subscribe. TO ADVERTISE Call the office at 386-447-9723, or reach out to a marketing consultant above. Locally Owned / Publishers of the Palm Coast Observer McMillan Ink LLC 50 Leanni Way, Unit C3 Palm Coast, FL 32137

AUGUST 20, 2026

SPORTS NO SMALL POTATOES Wiley Conner, Pirates hope to break through the Bulldogs’ barrier It has been 10 years since Matanzas beat FPC on the field in the Potato Bowl game. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Matanzas running back Wiley Conner is ready for his final Potato Bowl game. “Going into this game, we’re feeling great,” the senior said after the Pirates held off Seabreeze 17-14 in a preseason kickoff classic on Aug. 14 at “The Ship.” Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast will open the season on Friday, Aug. 21, at FPC’s Sal Campanella Stadium in Flagler County’s annual Potato Bowl. The winner will get to hold onto the County Championship Trophy for the next year. “This game is super important,” Conner said. “All of our mentality is to go in there and just take back what’s ours.” The Bulldogs haven’t turned over the trophy to their northern neighbors very often. The Pirates have defeated the Bulldogs just three times in 17 meetings, but one of those was a forfeit in 2022 after FPC self-reported an ineligible player. Their two wins on the field were in 2015 and 2016. Last year’s game was close

Matanzas running back Wiley Conner breaks a tackle at the line of scrimmage in the preseason kickoff classic. Photo by Keishia McLendon

with Conner rushing for 80 yards and a touchdown in a 26-14 loss. Matanzas trailed by six points before FPC’s Logan Jacobelli caught a 55-yard touchdown pass from La’Darius Simmons with 8:30 left in the game. This year, the Bulldogs will likely see a steady dose of Matanzas running backs Con-

ner and FPC transfer Darwin Harris. Running behind an experienced offensive line, Conner carried the ball 12 times for 115 yards against Seabreeze in the kickoff classic. He left the game after the Pirates’ first offensive series of the second half. His big play was a 42-yard touchdown run on

the last play of the first quarter. “The gap was there,” he said. “An outside linebacker came out and missed the tackle — I broke the tackle. I saw no one else and took it in for the touchdown.” Harris gave Matanzas a 7-0 lead with a 3-yard touchdown run. Senior defensive backs Jez

McCoy and Brennon Friendly had first-half interceptions. and Friendly added a sack in the second half. But the Sandcrabs stopped the Pirates twice on fourth downs in the red zone and held them to a field goal on a third SEE MHS FOOTBALL PAGE 2B

FPC sophomore quarterback thrust into starting role for Potato Bowl Reid Pritt, who passed for 125 yards in a preseason jamboree, will make his first regular-season start. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast sophomore quarterback Reid Pritt was scheduled to be a sixquarter swing player for the JV and varsity teams this season. But after Bobby Starr suffered a stress fracture in his elbow, Pritt has been thrust into the Bulldogs’ starting role. With two scrimmages under

his belt, Pritt will start for FPC in the season-opening Potato Bowl against Matanzas on Friday, Aug. 21, at the Bulldogs’ Sal Campanella Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Pritt looked a little nervous in the referee scrimmage against DeLand, FPC coach Patrick Turner said, but he had a solid showing in the pre-

Sophomore quarterback Reid Pritt throws a pass against Bartram Trail in the Aug. 14 jamboree. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

season jamboree against Bartram Trail and Fleming Island on Aug. 14. Pritt completed 10 of 13 passes for 125 yards in the first-half segment against jamboree host Bartram Trail and then played two series against Fleming Island. “He gave me a lot of confidence that he’ll be able to play,” Turner said. “Reid is intelligent and very coachable and he’s a tough kid. We just have to be judicious in how we use him. We’ll do some (run-pass option) type of stuff and he’ll be fine as long as he makes consistent reads.” The Bulldogs have three other sophomore quarterbacks who now will be vying for the backup role, Turner said. “They’re all working hard, they’re extremely coachable and they all have their own traits that they bring to the table,” he said. Pritt will have a couple of talented seniors to lean on this season in wide receiver Logan Jacobelli and running back Ehimen “He-man” Ajede. Jacobelli, one of the Bulldogs’ all-time great sprinters, returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown against Bartram Trail and also caught a touchdown pass. Jacobelli caught 21 passes

for 310 yards and four touchdowns last season. At the Class 4A state track and field championships last spring, Jacobelli reached the podium three times. He ran the first leg on the statechampionship winning 4x400 relay. He also placed fifth in the 200-meter dash and broke the school record in the 100 meters with a time of 10.53 seconds to finish seventh. His 200-meter time is second-best in school history. Ajede rushed for 101 yards on four carries against Bartram, including a 77-yard touchdown scamper. Last season, he ran for 430 yards and seven touchdowns after missing almost his entire sophomore season with an injury. FPC tied Bartram Trail 20-20 in the first half of the jamboree. The Bulldogs made a lot substitutions in a 24-14 loss in the second half against Fleming Island, Turner said. Nei’cco Murphy and Yamon Jordan each intercepted a pass against Bartram Trail. Khaidyn Steward recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown against Fleming Island. “The defense did some really good things,” Turner

“Reid [Pritt] is intelligent and very coachable and he’s a tough kid. We just have to be judicious in how we use him.” PATRICK TURNER, FPC football coach

SEE FPC FOOTBALL PAGE 2B

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MHS football CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

Matanzas defensive back Jez McCoy celebrates his interception on the third play from scrimmage in the kickoff classic. The pick set up a 49-yard touchdown drive.

trip inside the 20. “I thought we played hard. I thought we played physical,” Matanzas coach Matt Forrest said. “But I think there were a lot of mistakes that we got to clean up. We knew they were going to bring pressure. Coach [Mike] Klein is, in my opinion, one of the best defensive minds in the area, if not the state, so we knew that they would give us fits. But when you get in the red zone, you’ve got to be able to move them off the ball.” Matanzas junior Cole Hardy made his first start at quarterback and completed three passes for 10 yards. Freshman Devin Davis passed for 41 yards in the second half. “Devin is a very talented freshman. But he’s a freshman,” Forrest said. “He’s got a lot of skill. He’s got talent. We just got to get him more comfortable in our system.” Conner, who rushed for over 1,100 yards last year, is very comfortable. “I thought it was awesome out there with my O-line,” he said. “Honestly, it just felt amazing to be back out here.” Seabreeze’s two fourthdown stops came in the second half against Matanzas’ younger players. But no mat-

Matanzas senior Darwin Harris takes a handoff from freshman quarterback Devin Davis. Photos by Keishia McLendon

ter who’s playing, the Pirates will have to finish drives against FPC, Forrest said. “Flagler Palm Coast is

always physical. They always fly around. They always play with a lot of energy and excitement,” Forrest said. “This is a

big game for the county. It’s a rival game. They’re going to be tough, so we’ve got to be more efficient.”

FPC football CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

said. “We played the run well. There are still some things we can tighten up.” The key heading into the county championship game is eliminating as many distractions as possible this week, Turner said. “Honestly, we’ll have more important games than this one,” Turner said, noting that the Bulldogs’ district games will have more of an impact on their chances to make the playoffs. “You want to win [the Potato Bowl] because it’s important for the county. But the main goal is to win the district and make the playoffs,” Turner said. “You can do one by doing the other. So in that regard, this game is not more important than the others. But it is important, so we’ve got to stay focused, eliminate the distractions and focus on the process.”

FPC running back Ehimen Ajede (23) runs past Fleming Island defenders for a touchdown. The extra point put the Bulldogs up 7-0. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

SIDELINES

Wood returns, coaching JV volleyball

Coe inducted into Hall of Fame

Former two-sport star for the Pirates is back at Matanzas.

Ormond Beach’s Robin Coe, the CEO of Choice Events, doing business as Winners Choice Championships, has been inducted into The Cheer Awards Hall of Fame, recognizing more than four decades of leadership in the competitive cheerleading and dance industry.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Father Lopez cross country

Father Lopez’s boys cross team finished 11th out of 17 teams at the Mike Gipson Summertime Run on Aug. 15 at Lake Mary High School. Liam Harman led the Green Wave with a 31st-place finish in 19 minutes, 5 seconds. Kylar Deaton was 53rd with a time of 19:56. Savannah Cox led the Father Lopez girls with a 66th-place finish in 25:31/ Jadyn Baron finished 109th in 28:41.

Mainland and Matanzas split in season-opening bowling match Mainland and Matanzas high schools split boys and girls competitions in a seasonopening bowling match Aug. 17 at Palm Coast Lanes. The Mainland boys blanked Matanzas 7-0, winning two out of three Baker games and

Matanzas’ JP Rabbat bowled 167, 174 in the Pirates’ season opener against Mainland.

both individual games. The Bucs won total pins, 2,588 to 1,954. Mainland’s Jack Patulski had the high game with a 244. The Bucs’ Leiten Lundell bowled a 232, Judah McFarran bowled 204, 203 and Seabreeze transfer Xavier Subia bowled a 223. Kaleb Castello led the Pirates with a 183, 192. The Matanzas girls won 7-0. With only four bowlers, Mainland did not field a complete team. The Pirates’ pin total was 1,323. Mady Hate led Matanzas with scores of 168 and 166. “I often tell her that I hope to learn to release my ball as smoothly as she does someday,” Pirates coach Jennifer Warren said.

Mainland’s Grashawn Ager bowled a 174 in the first game against Matanzas

NE Fla. Senior Golf Association North East Florida Senior Golf Association results, Aug. 10, at Halifax Plantation Golf Club. Flight A: Low gross, Jeff Easson 72. Low net, 1. Richard Heimerle 70; 2. Mark Buckler 71. Flight B: Low gross, Terry Johnson 79. Low Net, 1. Greg Bickett 71; 2. Dan Perkins 71. Flight C: Low gross: James Bugg 86. Low net, 1. Rich D‘Alessio 73; 2. Tony Miller 74. Flight D: Low gross: Jeff Calta 81. Low net, 1. James Horton 73; 2. James Storey 73. Ladies Flight: Low gross: Shauna Federico 86. Low Net, 1. Stacy Butler 75; 2. Lurisa Waldron 76.

Ormond Pop Warner teams win 4 of 6

The Ormond Beach Youth Football and Cheer Association Sandcrabs, a Pop Warner football program, won four of six games against the Port Orange Hawks in their first home games of the season on Aug. 15 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. The Sandcrabs are part of the East Coast Conference of Pop Warner and have over 225 athletes in football and cheer in their program this season, a record number of participants. The Ormond Beach winning teams were 7U (36-0), 9U (33-0), 10U (32-0) and 11U (13-0). Port Orange won 12U (6-0) and 14U (20-0). The Ormond Sandcrabs are home again on Saturday, Aug. 22, against Sanford.

Emma Wood is back home. The former Embry-Riddle softball star has returned to Matanzas High School, where she set so many athletic records and led her teams to scores of victories. She’s coaching volleyball, her No. 2 sport, and having a ball doing it. “I am home,” she said. “It’s totally full circle.” Wood and her former high school softball and volleyball teammate, Chloe Baker, are coaching the Pirates’ JV team. Wood is working full-time at Matanzas as the testing secretary. She is working with Assessments Coordinator Ashley Forrest, her assistant softball coach at Matanzas. Wood’s sister, Jordan Palmese, also works at Matanzas as a career readiness teacher. Wood said she interviewed for the full-time position, which fits her degree in aviation business supply chain. Maybe not the aviation side, but the business side falls right in, she said. She helps coordinate testing dates, supplies, proctors and classrooms. “It’s a bunch of data, and I’m no stranger to spreadsheets and data analytics,” she said. The volleyball position just fell in her lap, she said. Athletic director Zach Rigney asked her if she would be interested, so she applied. “I always said, I would love to play volleyball in college, but obviously, softball was just my life, so I never really got away from it,” she said. “I have so much love for the game, so it’s just exciting.”

Wood finished her softball career at Embry-Riddle as the school’s all-time leader in doubles with 42. She made allconference teams three years in a row. And she was an AllAmerican Scholar Athlete. At Matanzas, Emma Wood had a .487 career batting average and a 30-18 record as a pitcher with a 2.49 earned run average and 321 strikeouts in 298 innings pitched. In volleyball, she had 428 kills, including 289 with a 38.9 kill percentage her senior season. Sometimes, her JV players will come out to the gym lobby and see her picture on the wall and come back to the gym all excited, she said. Sometimes, she and Baker will join in on a drill, like when they’re playing Queen of the Court. The players are blown away by their coaches’ skill level. “We tell them, this is what you’re aiming for,” Wood said. But just as her players are impressed by her talent, so is Wood by her team’s talent. “I keep telling everyone that this is probably the most talented group of JV girls that (Matanzas has had),” Wood said. “They’re special. This is a good group of girls, and they bring it.” Matanzas head varsity coach Sharell Arnead said Wood and Baker are a good combination. The fact that they both played

“I always said, I would love to play volleyball in college, but obviously, softball was just my life, so I never really got away from it. I have so much love for the game, so it’s just exciting.” EMMA WOOD

Matanzas JV volleyball coach Emma Wood is back home. Photo by Brent Woronoff

college softball (Baker played at Southeastern University) and understand what it takes to get to the next level, make them great role models for the players, Arneaud said. “Since I did play, it helps a lot because I was in their shoes and I understand there’s going to be hard days, and there’s going to be easy days,” Wood said. “I’m really happy that I’m coaching with Chloe Baker, because she gets all of that too. So, it’s all falling into place.” Wood said she is not sure if she will help coach softball too. Coaching two sports may be too much for her first year on the job, she said. But she said she’ll leave that decision for later. Right now she is excited for the start of volleyball season. The Pirates JV and varsity teams were scheduled to play their first games on, Aug. 19, at Mainland. “We’re having a good time and everything’s coming together. We’re excited for game day,” she said. Email brent@observerlocal news.com.

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The Ormond Beach Sandcrabs junior varsity cheer squad. Courtesy photo by Stacy Wyborny

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

YOUR TOWN

the City of Palm Coast for CDBG support and upcoming land donations; ReStore staff, volunteers, construction crews; donors; board members; and staff.

Flagler Beach’s Gayle Moss honored after weight loss of 138.2 pounds

The nonprofit TOPS Club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) honored its 2025 royalty of weight loss this past spring. Gayle Moss, of Flagler Beach, and Anthony Grosso, of Kissimmee, are the 2025 Florida Queen and King. Moss lost 138.2 pounds, while Grosso lost 57.2 pounds. In a press release, Moss said she has been a TOPS member for nearly 14 years. “With an individual approach to weight loss and overall wellness, TOPS provides consistent group support, health education and recognition to encourage successful weight management,” TOPS Vice President Dave Amoroso said. Moss’ weight-loss journey began when she lived in Tennessee. “I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure,” she said. “I realized if I didn’t take control of my unhealthy eating habits, I might not live long enough to see my grandchildren grow up.” A friend suggested that Moss attend a TOPS meeting. She said she was warmly welcomed by the members and joined the next day. A few years later she relocated to Flagler Beach and transferred to a local TOPS chapter. “Listening to other members’ stories, learning new habits at meetings and serving as chapter treasurer have kept me motivated on my weight loss journey,” she said. Her biggest inspiration, she said, was her family. She exercised regularly, walking and swimming. “Consistency is key,” she said. “Reaching my goal

‘How Women Won the Vote’: AAUW celebrates Women’s Equality Day

Gayle Moss before (left) and after (right) her dramtic 138.2 pound weight loss. Courtesy Photos

weight has increased my confidence. I can shop for regular-size clothes and feel proud of how I look and feel. TOPS has changed my life, and I am deeply grateful. “My message is simple,” she said. “Never give up on your journey. With determinationand perseverance, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.” For more information on TOPS, visit www.tops.org or call 800-932-8677.

Flagler Habitat for Humanity to celebrate two home dedications Flagler Habitat for Humanity invites the community to celebrate two home dedications this month, marking homeownership milestones for two local families and recognizing the community partnerships that helped make them possible. Flagler Habitat’s home dedication No. 146, for the Coleman family, will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at 150

Bird of Paradise Drive, in Palm Coast. Home dedication No. 137, for the Martin family, is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 2304 Banana St., Bunnell. The community is invited to meet the new homeowners at both dedications. A Habitat home dedication celebrates the culmination of a partnership among the homeowner, Habitat and the wider community. Partner families complete program requirements: homeownership education, sweat equity, plus a longterm commitment to their home. Community support comes through volunteer labor, donations, public funding, business participation, ReStore revenue and local partnerships. The families’ dedications reflect support from partners across Flagler County. Flagler Habitat recognizes Pioneer Appliance for its contribution through the Community Contribution Tax Credit Program; Flagler County for its longstanding SHIP partnership;

Celebrate Women’s Equality Day on Aug. 26, with the Flagler Branch of the American Association of University Women for a free presentation of “How Women Won The Vote.” The program will be held at the Bunnell library Nexus Center at 3 p.m. commemorating the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment which granted American women the right to vote. Learn about the decades of activism by nationally known leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton as well as local suffragist Alice Scott Abbott.

Nominations for Flagler County veteran of the year

Flagler County’s Veterans Services Office is asking for nominations for its “Colonel Gary E. DeKay” Veteran of the Year Award, which will be presented on Veterans Day. The award will be presented to a living Flagler County veteran who has not only served in the United States military with honor but has used the leadership skills and abilities learned in military service to improve the Flagler County community through selfless volunteer service. “We have more than 13,000 veterans in Flagler County, and they have done so much for all of us,” Veterans Services Officer David Lydon said. “This award gives us an opportunity to say thank you as a community.” Nominations will be ac-

cepted now through Sept. 30. The Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council commissions a panel of veterans and community leaders to review and select the Veteran of the Year from the eligible candidates. The criteria for volunteer service may be for single act or for continuous service. The award’s recipient may not be a previous winner. Nominations must be postmarked no later than Sept. 30 and may not exceed three typewritten pages. The nomination must include a resume of no more than two pages with a minimum font size of 11 points that includes: period(s) of military service and branch of one of the six Armed Services or U.S. Merchant Marine; military awards and decorations; membership in nationally recognized veterans’ organizations; community and/or civic organization memberships; community and/or civic organization awards or special recognition; nominees’ addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses if available. A one-page typewritten nomination statement of no more than 250 words that describes why the individual should be selected as the Flagler County Veteran of the Year should be provided

along with the resume. Proof of military services is also required through either a DD214 or verification by a nationally recognized veteran’s organization. Mail or hand deliver nominations to: Flagler County Veteran’s Service Office, Attn: Veteran of the Year, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building 2, Bunnell, FL 32110. For more information, call Lydon at 386-313-4042.

Author visits Swillerbees in Flagler Beach

Christian author Georgia Duncan held a storytime at Swillerbees Craft Donuts & Coffee in Flagler Beach on Aug. 4. Duncan, a native of Mississippi, has lived in Palm Coast since 2020 with her husband Benjamin and children, Calleigh, 17, and Harper, 13. She published her first children’s book, “Before You Were Born,” in 2022. This year, two additional faith-based children’s books by Duncan were released, “Baby Baby, Now That You’re Here,” and “Father, Father, I Am Listening.” Duncan is an active member of New Way Church in Palm Coast, where she serves on the worship team.

Christian children’s author Georgia Duncan held a storytime at Swillerbees in Flagler Beach on Aug. 4.

ObserverLocalNews.com

LOCAL EVENTS FRIDAY, AUG. 21

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY AT THE FARM When: 5-9 p.m. Where: Florida Agricultural Legacy Learning Center, 7900 Old Kings Road N., Palm Coast Details: Presented by the museum, enjoy food trucks, local vendors, live music and a free kids zone. Visit floridaagmuseum.org.

SATURDAY, AUG. 22

ORMOND BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and 7-11 p.m. (Disco Dance) Where: Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach Details: Join the Ormond Beach Historical Society to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Enjoy family fun and games on the front lawn from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., including a mini carnival and face painting. There will also be a pancake breakfast from 8-10 a.m. Speakers will begin at 11 a.m. through 1 p.m., to be followed by Bingo. Then, in the evening, attend the 1970s Disco Dance. Tickets for the disco dance cost $50 for members and $65 for non-members. Visit ormondhistory.org. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK AND BAKE SALE When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast Details: Browse fiction, nonfiction, children’s, young adult books and more. LECTURE: ST. AUGUSTINE’S ROLE IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION When: 2-3:30 p.m. Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: Presented by Dr.

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

Trevor Bryant, a history professor at Flagler College, this lecture is part of OMAM’s special series: “America at 250: Florida’s History Through Power, People and Place.” The lecture will explore how the people of St. Augustine navigated the American Revolution. Free. Registration is requested. Register at www.ormondartmuseum.org/ classes-programs.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26

VETERANS CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS WORKSHOP When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: One of OMAM’s art instructors will guide participants through a creative project. All materials are provided and no art experience is necessary. Open to U.S. veterans and current service members, but a family member or friend age 16 or older may also register. Free program. Registration required. Visit www.ormondartmuseum.org/ classes-programs. ‘HOW WOMEN WON THE VOTE’ When: 3-4 p.m. Where: Bunnell Library at Nexus Center, 2199 Commerce Parkway, Bunnell Details: Join the American Association of Women Flagler County for a presentation on Women’s Equality Day to commemorate the ratification of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Free and open to the community. ONE-MINUTE CHALLENGES When: 4 p.m. Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library Details: Students in grades 6-12 can try their skills with one-minute challenges and receive prizes. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Ormond Beach Library. Free program. PALM COAST ASTRONOMY CLUB MEETING When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Palm Coast Public

Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast Details: Join the Palm Coast Astronomy Club for its monthly meeting. The topic will be “Inexplicable Space and Cosmology.” Everyone interested in astronomy is welcome. Meeting room is located to the right after entering the library.

THURSDAY, AUG. 27

LITTLE ARTIST WORKSHOP WITH ELC When: 10:30 a.m. to noon Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: Children ages 3-5 will use their imaginations and develop fine motor skills as they explore one of the elements of art. Afterward, the group will enjoy a story time experience. A parent or caregiver must be present with their child during the workshop. Offered in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia. Free program. Registration is required. Visit www.ormondartmuseum.org. PENINSULA WOMENS CLUB GAMES When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Peninsula Womens Club, 415 S. Peninsula Drive, Daytona Beach Details: Play Bridge, Samba, “Hand, Foot and Elbow” players. All ladies who enjoy cards welcome. Call Betsy Patton at 386-843-1061. BEATS AND EATS When: 6-8 p.m. Where: The Stage at Town Center,1500 Central Ave. Palm Coast Details: Beats and Eats is a new monthly community event that combines the familiar Food Truck Tuesday experience with live concert entertainment from the Palm Coast Concert Series. The band is Stealing Vanity and the beneficiary will be Parkinson’s of Flagler/Palm Coast.

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FOCUS ON FAITH St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bunnell sports a new mural Father Rafal Mazurowski of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bunnell had an idea. He wanted a detailed mural of their namesake at the church. St. Mary’s parishioner and artist Leigh Cortez recently made that vision come to life. Using acrylic paint, Cortez completed the mural of Mother Mary in nine days. It now is displayed on the wall above the fellowship hall doors. While she is an experienced artist with a Master of Fine Arts degree, this mural was a new venture. “I enjoyed this, because it was my first one on scaffolding that high up, so that was kind of fun,” Cortez said. Cortez left Rafal detailed updates following each painting session. He would then post Cortez’s updates, along with photos, onto the St. Mary Catholic Church Facebook

page. Cortez also brought a picture of Mary’s face with her whenever she painted the mural to make sure her depiction was accurate. The mural was completed in July; Cortez said the heat was a challenge she faced during the nine days of painting. “I usually showed up at the hottest part of the day, and then I said a prayer,” Cortez joked. Cortez said she was shocked when the praises from fellow parishioners and community members came rolling in. Some people would show up during times Cortez was painting to offer support and words of encouragement. “I was absolutely humbled by the response,” Cortez said. Prior to becoming a part of St. Mary’s, she and her husband served in the U.S military and moved every three years. After leaving, the couple decided to move to Florida, Cortez’s home state.

Artist Leigh Cortez painting the mural at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Courtesy of the church’s Facebook page

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Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates “And as soon as we pulled into St. Mary’s, it’s almost like you feel an aura, that you feel that closeness and that community, and that’s what attracted us right away,” Cortez said. Cortez has some of her art on display at “The Gallery at Tic Toc,” a contemporary art gallery in Daytona Beach. She said Rafal has visited the gallery to view some pieces of her artwork, and even purchased one of her works at an event. Cortez said Mazurowski “is definitely a patron of the arts — he absolutely reveres art.” In the future, Cortez said she is open to doing more murals for St. Mary’s. “It was exactly the painting that I needed to do, it just completely ignited the fact I should be painting,” Cortez said. On Saturdays, St. Mary’s holds a 4 p.m. Mass. On Sundays, Mass is held at 8 and 9:30 a.m. A Polish Mass is held at 11 a.m. Sundays; the founders of St. Mary’s, back in 1914, were Polish settlers. On every first Sunday of the month, following the 9:30 a.m. Mass, a breakfast is held for parishioners. September’s breakfast will be moved to Sept. 13, due to the beacon’s visitation to the parish. The church is located at 89 St. Mary’s Place in Bunnell. To contact Cortez, email leighcortezart@gmail.com. —ABBIE PACE

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

YOUR SCHOOLS Community steps up to ‘Stuff the Bus’ for Flagler students

Thanks to the generosity of community members, businesses and volunteers, this year’s “Stuff the Bus” program and summer donation drives were a resounding success, the Flagler County Education Foundation announced. Due to a remarkable turnout across multiple collections this summer, hundreds of local students stepped into their classrooms fully equipped with essential school supplies, backpacks and basic necessities needed to thrive academically and personally. “Our community has shown once again that when it comes to supporting our children, their generosity knows no bounds,” said Stephanie Ellis who leads the STUFF Bus program for the Ed Foundation. “Starting the school year with the right tools gives students confidence and levels the playing field. We are deeply moved by every individual, family and local business that stepped up to make a difference this summer.” Volunteers stuffed 1,500 backpacks with supplies including notebooks, pencils, markers, binders and hygiene kits. More than 50 local businesses, civic groups and volunteer teams hosted drop-off sites and helped sort and package supplies. Community members inter-

Barbers provided over 60 free haircuts at the fourth annual Back to School Block Party at St. Joe Plaza. Courtesy photos

ested in supporting students throughout the school year or learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities can visit flagleredfoundation.org or call 386-437-7525 ext. 1128.

One Village Foundation hosts annual Back to School block Party One Village Foundation hosted its fourth annual Back to School Block Party on Aug. 9 at the St. Joe Plaza. The event brought families and friends, local businesses, volunteers and community leaders together for a day dedicated to helping Flagler County students prepare for the school year.

“This event is truly a reflection of what can happen when a community comes together,” said Arah Williams, One Village Foundation’s founder. “We want to salute all of the wonderful people who donated supplies, our sponsors — new and returning — and everyone who participated in serving this community.” The event included the distribution of school supplies and services. Local barbers came together to provide over 60 free haircuts for children. Staff members from Scoops and Subs and Toney’s Barbershop worked together to make sure hildren were ready to head back to school looking and feeling their best. Send class notes to brent@ observerlocalnews.com.

Sherry Bolding of Lake Success Drive poses with the Garden Club at Palm Coast Selection of the Month sign for September.

YOUR TOWN Garden Club at Palm Coast honors Sherry and Stephen Bolding Sherry and Stephen Bolding of Lake Success Drive have been chosen as the Garden Club at Palm Coast’s Garden Selection of the Month for September. Moving down from Georgia in 2021, the Boldings brought

their passion for beauty and creativity to their Palm Coast home. Sherry loves English gardens but now is trying on French garden style and trying different shades and textures of green. Their large front gardens feature sculptured beds adorned with various plants, including caladium, Texas sage, ornamental pineapple, Iris, bird of paradise, coral cactus, firecracker, red crape myrtle, black diamond crape myrtle, mimosa tree and blue daze. Heading towards the back you encounter butterfly bush,

iris, canna lilies, purple mandevilla, purple salvia, foxtail fern, and amaryllis. azalea, sunshine ligustrum and coreopsis. The back yard welcomes you to a tranquil sitting area facing a little pond with red crape myrtles, alternanthera, plumbago and pink roses. The Boldings’ garden reflects their creativity, dedication and love for nature. The Garden Club meets monthly on the second Monday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center.

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

REAL ESTATE PALM COAST

ORMOND BEACH

Flagler Beach home sells for $3.3 million A

house in Flagler Beach at 346 N. 12th St., in Palma Vista, was the top real estate transaction for Aug. 1-7 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Aug. 7, for $3.3 million. Built in 1989, the house is a 4/4 and has a boat house, a boat lift, a dock, a fireplace, a pool, a hot tub and 3,929 square feet. It sold in 2002 for $330,000. The house was listed by Pam Capela, of Re/Max Select Professionals. ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos A condo at 3510 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 218, sold on Aug. 7, for $230,000. Built in 1978, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 1,201 square feet.

A condo at 3510 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit, 207, sold on Aug. 7, for $390,000. Built in 1978, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 1,201 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $389,000. A condo at 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 843, sold on Aug. 4, for $1,350,000. Built in 2007, the condo is a 3/3.5 and has 2,246 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $813,900.

Shore Blvd. sold on Aug. 3, for $2,200,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 6/5 and has an elevator and 3,706 square feet. Sunset Inlet A house at 2703 Morning Light Court sold on Aug. 6, for $805,000. Built in 2013, the house is a 4/3.5 and has an elevator and 2,749 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $698,500.

PALM COAST

Beach Haven A house at 27 Sandy Beach Way sold on Aug. 4, for $665,000. Built in 2016, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,224 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $376,900.

A house at 18 Shady Oak Lane sold on Aug. 7, for $705,000. Built in 2018, the house is a 3/2 and has an outdoor kitchen and 2,365 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $650,000. Cypress Knoll A house at 11 Edgewater Drive sold on Aug. 3, for $400,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,806 square feet. Grand Haven A house at 204 Willow Oak Way sold on Aug. 7, for $1,013,125. Built in 2012, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen, a fireplace and 2,919 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $749,000. Hammock Dunes A house at 173 Island Estates Parkway sold on Aug. 7, for $1,900,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 5/4 and has a fireplace, a pool, an outdoor kitchen and 3,370 square feet.

Breakaway Trails pool home sells for $680K A

house in Breakaway Trails at 9 Coquina Ridge Way was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-theSea for the week of July 25-31. The house sold on July 31, for $680,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a spa and 2,605 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $414,900 The house was listed by Karin Udolf Strobl, of RE/MAX Signature. JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Condos The condo at 915 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 108, sold on July 28, for $510,000. Built in 1972, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,175 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $255,000.

Matanzas Shores A house at 13 Las Brisas Way sold on Aug. 4, for $565,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,216 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $443,000.

The condo at 1926 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 102, sold on July 31, for $243,500. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,175 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $115,000.

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

The condo at 681 Wellington Station Blvd., Unit 4, sold on July 31, for $195,000. Built in 1986, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,000 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $105,500.

A condo at102 Yacht Harbor Drive, Unit 278, sold on Aug. 3, for $325,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,351 square feet. It sold in 2007 for $479,900.

ORMOND BEACH

Archers Mill The house at 3397 Arch Ave. sold on July 30, for $426,990. Built in 2026, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,108 square feet.

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Fuquay A house at 2044 S. Ocean

CORPORATE OFFICE - 386-677-SOLD (7653) 900 West Granada Blvd., Ste. 3, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 BEACHSIDE OFFICE - 386-441-SOLD (7653) 2110 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ste. B, Ormond Beach, FL 32176 PORT ORANGE OFFICE - 386-767-SOLD (7653) 301 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange, FL 32127

Welcome to 28 Peruvian Lane in desirable Tymber Crossings! This spacious Johnson-built home offers 4BR/2BA, a 2-car garage, long driveway, and built-in safe room. Enjoy added peace of mind with a 2019 Generac whole-house generator, 3 owned propane tanks, 2019 roof and A/C, storm shutters, and a termite bond through 2035. #1218190 $475,000. Patti McKinley 386-235-0462.

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NEW SMYRNA BEACH OFFICE - 386-767-SOLD (7653) 525 Canal St., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 DAYTONA BEACH SHORES OFFICE - 386-766-SOLD (7653) 3118 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 COMMERCIAL OFFICE - 386-253-8565 140 S. Atlantic Ave., Suite 202, Ormond Beach, FL 32176

Golf community living at its finest! Located just over 800 yards from LPGA International’s clubhouse, this well-maintained 3BR/2BA home features a split-bedroom layout, volume ceilings, granite countertops, natural stone backsplash, formal dining, spacious primary suite, and a screened patio overlooking the preserve. #1228815 $390,000. Michael Burgess 386-290-4588.

Breakaway Trails The house at 4 Carriage Creek Way sold on July 30, for $383,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a spa and 1,594 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $450,000. Cypress Trail The house at 75 Trailmark Court sold on July 31, for $600,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,308 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $372,500. Halifax Plantation The house at 3070 Silvermines Ave. sold on July 27, for $480,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,111 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $515,000.

The house at 1320 Antrim Circle sold on July 28, for $438,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 2,168 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $350,000.

FLAGLER BEACH

Welcome to 109 Forest Quest! This move-in-ready 3BR/2BA home in a desirable Ormond Beach neighborhood features a 2022 roof, 2021 A/C, and 2017 water heater. Enjoy a split floor plan, versatile flex room, bright open living space, and fully fenced backyard. #1221686 $385,000. Ashley McGrath 386-566-6860.

Rare Flagler Beach opportunity! Two adjoining parcels offer 50’ of direct oceanfront land plus a custom-built luxury residence. Spanning approximately 10,500± SF from Ocean Shore Blvd to S. Central Ave, the beachfront parcel offers endless possibilities for a guest home, pool, pavilion, or private oceanfront retreat. #1228151 $2,174,000. Didiayer Snyder 818-287-4008.

GEMINI CONDO

ON THE SAND at the luxurious Gemini in Ormondby-the-Sea! This completely remodeled 1,699-SF 2BR/2BA retreat offers breathtaking ocean views from every room through floor-to-ceiling windows and sliders. Enjoy granite counters, custom cabinetry, GE stainless appliances, LVP flooring, LED lighting, and a built-in bar. #1227714 $465,000. Renata Rosander 386-316-8041.

TRAILS

HUNTERS RIDGE

The townhome at 3124 Bailey

Modern updates meet private tranquility in The Trails! This beautifully updated 3BR/2.5BA twostory home sits on a spacious corner lot in the heart of Ormond Beach. Enjoy abundant natural light, a renovated kitchen, generous living spaces, home office potential, spacious secondary bedrooms, and a peaceful primary suite. #1229338 $420,000. Lindsey Wolf 407-432-3849.

Ann Drive sold on July 31, for $340,000. Built in 2017, the townhome is a 3/2 and has 1,695 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $105,000. The house at 1432 Kinnard Circle sold on July 31, for $522,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,621 square feet. It last sold in 2025 for $565,000. Hunter’s Ridge The house at 36 Hunt Master Court sold on July 31, for $502,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool and 2,308 square feet. It last sold in 2004 for $263,000. Ocean Village The house at 11 Cardinal Drive, Unit B, sold on July 27, for $245,000. Built in 1947,

WEST DAYTONA BEACH

A house in Latitude Margaritaville at 383 Margaritaville Ave. was the top real estate transaction in Daytona Beach’s 32124 zip code for the week of July 25-31. The house sold on July 29, for $765,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 2/2.5 and has a pool, a spa and 2,139 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $619,900. The house was listed by Ruth Kelly, of Bob Hodges and Sons Realty. Grande Champion The townhome at 105 Aston Grande Drive sold on July 30, for $234,000. Built in 2007, the townhome is a 4/3 and has 1,310 square feet. It last sold in 2008 for $95,000. Latitude Margaritaville The house at 338 Lost Shaker Way sold on July

the house is a 2/1 and has 852 square feet. It last sold in 2025 for $246,500. Plantation Bay The house at 1203 Ashridge Lane sold on July 28, for $475,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has a spa, a pool and 2,174 square feet. It last sold in 2008 for $279,000. Ridgehaven The house at 408 Brookhaven Trail sold on July 31, for $513,000. Built in 2026, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,791 square feet. Sable Palms The house at 1738 Palm Road sold on July 31, for $335,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,899 square feet. Trails North Forty The townhome at 196 Deer Lake Circle sold on July 31, for $245,000. Built in 1984, the townhome is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,331 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $150,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA Capistrano by the Sea The house at 8 Capistrano Drive sold on July 30, for $500,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace and 2,272 square feet. It last sold in 2011 for $240,000.

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

27, for $600,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,393 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $500,000. The house at 943 Attitude Ave. sold on July 31, for $443,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,608 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $277,500. Legends Preserve The house at 1217 Pampus Drive sold on July 27, for $420,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 2,574 square feet. Mosaic The house at 135 Azure Court sold on July 28, for $525,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,661 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $385,400.

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

BUSINESS Halifax Plantation Village retail center in Ormond Beach sells for $9M

Halifax Plantation Village, a retail center located at 3750-3768 Roscommon Drive in Ormond Beach, sold for $9 million on Wednesday, Aug. 12. The 48,966-square-foot retail center is anchored by Publix Supermarket and includes restaurants, a veterinary clinic, a nail salon, a beauty lounge and other service-oriented retailers, a press release by SVR Commercial states. The center is fully occupied. SVR Commercial agents Jeff Terwilliger, Chris Woodward, Lenny DeGirolmo, and Tyler Powell represented the buyer in the transaction. Halifax Plantation Shopping Center was built in 1999.

Ormond medspa expands to DeLand Enchanted Medical Aesthetics has opened its second Volusia County location, at 425 S. Woodland Blvd. in DeLand. The boutique medspa — whose first location is inside The Trails Shopping Center at 276 N. Nova Road — will celebrate a grand opening of its DeLand practice at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. Enchanted Medical Aesthetics was founded in 2020 by Bridget Martin and Cheryl Kimmel. Services include neuromodulators such as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin; dermal fillers and collagen-stimulating treatments; medical-grade facials and DiamondGlow; laser and energy-based skin treatments; and medical weight-loss and wellness therapies. The DeLand provider team includes nurse practitioners Natalie Eisenhut and Anna Rachman.

decades, Sally and Daniel have earned the confidence of their clients by delivering exceptional personal service. We are honored they have entrusted us with that legacy. Our commitment is simply to care for every client with the same professionalism and personal attention that made Unique Travel so respected”.

Enchanted Medical Aesthetics co-founder Bridget Martin.

Ormond travel agency grows through acquisition Odyssey Travel in Ormond Beach has acquired a Boca Raton travel agency, expanding its presence to four Florida offices. The acquisition of Unique Travel of Palm Beach, effective Aug. 1, united two long-standing Virtuoso-affiliated agencies and ensures uninterrupted service for existing clients, while enhancing luxury travel offerings throughout the state, a press release states. Odyssey Travel was founded more than 40 years ago by Karen Upchurch. It has locations Jacksonville, Ormond Beach, Viera and now Boca Raton. Unique Travel was founded more than 30 years ago by Sally Goldwasser. Upchurch and Goldwasser have worked together for decades as independent agency owners and were among the founding members of the Virtuoso luxury travel network. The acquisition came after Goldwasser and her son Daniel decided to retire. “We are excited to welcome the clients and talented advisors of Unique Travel into the Odyssey Travel family,” said John N. Upchurch, president and CEO of Odyssey Travel. “For

Chiumento Law partner Vincent Sullivan named Rising Star Chiumento Law partner Vincent L. Sullivan has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for the fifth consecutive year. The Rising Stars selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. No more than 2.5% of attorneys in each state are selected to the Rising Stars list each year. “Five consecutive years of recognition is an incredible accomplishment, and one Vincent has truly earned,” said Michael D. Chiumento III, managing partner of Chiumento Law, in a press release. “Vincent continues to distinguish himself through the quality of his work, his dedication to his clients and the leadership he brings to our firm.” Sullivan joined Chiumento Law in 2017 and became a partner in 2023. His practice

Vincent Sullivan. File photo

Heidi Petito, Jennifer Barker, Clerk of Courts Tom Bexley, Nichole Buckles and Dana Macdonald. Courtesy photos

includes civil and real estate litigation. He represents individuals and businesses throughout Flagler and Volusia counties.

Flagler County Clerk of Court expands central cashiering The Flagler County Clerk of Court & Comptroller’s Office celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated and expanded Central Cashiering

area with a ribbon cutting ceremony held on Thursday, Aug. 6. The new area is designed to improve public service and operational efficiency. The project was funded by the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners as part of the adopted FY2026 budget. Construction was completed by Commercial Construction Inc. of Ormond Beach. With a total cost of approximately $250,000, the renovation was completed on schedule and under budget, from mid-Janu-

ary to July. The expanded Central Cashiering space adds 665 square feet of workspace, including an additional 14 feet of frontline secure cashier counter stations, a new multipurpose room, a secure counting room, and improved public access with two means of ingress and egress. The office now features seven public facing workstations.

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TRIBUTES Jeffrey Daniel Alden May 18, 1972 - July 25, 2026 Jeffrey Daniel Alden, 54, of Bunnell, passed away July 25, 2026 at home after a courageous battle against cancer. Born in Brockton, MA, he grew up in Clarkston in DeKalb County GA. Jeffrey was the fiancé of Mary Boland, of Bunnell, and the son of Thomas Alden of MA and the late Dorothea (Wentworth) Alden. Jeffrey worked as an insurance adjuster for many years. He enjoyed playing football in college at Georgia Southern University. In his spare time he enjoyed watching all sports, especially football, and was huge fan of Tom Brady. His favorite hobbies were

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spending quality time at home watching videos, hunting, and fishing. Jeff was also a wonderful cook who truly enjoyed feeding his family and friends. Jeff was known for being very charming with a wonderful sense of humor. Jeffrey was a proud veteran, having served in the US Army. Jeffrey is survived by his brothers Thomas (Tommy) L. Alden Jr. and James (Jamie) G. Alden. Private services are under the care and direction of Lotus Funeral Services, 460 Palm Coast Pkwy, Ste 3, Palm Coast. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Special-

ists of North Florida Patient Assistance Foundation. Lotusfuneralservices.com

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Ronald Walker “Left” Stephenson May 13, 1947 - July 22, 2026 Ronald Walker “Lefty” Stephenson was born on May 13, 1947, in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late James and Emmaline A. Stephenson. As the youngest of five children, he proudly reminded his siblings that he was “the baby.” Throughout his life, Ronald embodied the values of love, family, service, and community, leaving an enduring legacy that will forever be cherished. Ronald received his early education at Smith Elementary School, Barrett Junior High School, and South Philadelphia High School. Following graduation, he attended Cheyney State College (now Cheyney University of Pennsylvania), where he met the love of his life, Cassandra “Sandy” Anderson. Their love story became one of the family’s favorites. While traveling back to Cheyney from South Philadelphia, Ronald asked one of Sandy’s sorority sisters if he stood a chance with her. She teasingly replied that he would have to spend more time in the library if he wanted to catch Sandy’s attention. Taking her advice to heart, Lefty and Sandy soon found themselves studying together. Their friendship blossomed into a love that would last a lifetime, and they graduated together in 1969. On July 4, 1969, Lefty and Sandy were united in holy matrimony, beginning a beautiful marriage built on love, faith, friendship, and unwavering devotion. Together

they raised two sons, Ronald Walker Stephenson II and Keino Kenyatta Stephenson, who became the pride and joy of his life. Ronald devoted 28 years to the School District of Philadelphia as an educator. Throughout his career, he inspired and mentored generations of students in South Philadelphia, earning their respect through his compassion, humor, patience, wisdom, and genuine commitment to their success. His influence reached far beyond the classroom, and many continued to remember him long after graduation. After retiring together at the age of 55, Lefty and Sandy embraced the opportunity to travel the world and enjoy more time with their family. While living in Palm Coast, Florida, he and his wife became members of the African American Cultural Society and the NAACP. Although his travels introduced him to people from every corner of the globe, whenever someone asked where he was from, Ronald would proudly proclaim, “I’m from South Philly!” Above all else, Ronald treasured his family. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. Whether sharing stories, laughter, or simply enjoying each other’s company, he made everyone feel loved and valued. Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, James

and Emmaline Stephenson; his brother, James M. Stephenson; and his sisters, Gwendolyn A. Blount and Martha L. Burwell. He leaves to celebrate and cherish his life: his devoted wife of 57 years, Cassandra “Sandy” Stephenson; his beloved sister, Catherine Z. Jasper; his sons, Ronald Walker Stephenson II (Nygai) and Keino Kenyatta Stephenson (Katrina); grandchildren, Amir Walker Stephenson, Ronald Walker Stephenson III, Robert Daniel Stephenson, Xavier Joshua Stephenson, Cameran Elijah Stephenson, and Maya Samone Millsape. Though his earthly journey has ended, Ronald’s legacy of love, education, integrity, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew him. His wisdom, unwavering pride in South Philadelphia, and his steadfast love for those closest to him will forever remain in our hearts. I’m from South Philly! Power to the People!

Anthony L. “Tony” Fiato Jr January 5, 1942 - August 6, 2026 Anthony Louis “Tony” Fiato Jr., 84, of Binghamton, (and Palm Coast, FL), passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, after being surrounded by the love of his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony (Teddy) L. Fiato Sr. and Nellie (Marcello) Fiato, and brother-in-law, Richard Cole, and many very special close and dear friends. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Claire, his children Chris (Barbara), Greg (Alison), grandchildren Michael, Nicholas, Joshua (Bri), Jacob, Noah and Hannah Shick, great grandchildren, Jackson, Jenna, and Carter, his sisters, Shirely (Daniel) Walsh, Dawn Cole, brother Jerry (Darlene) Kocik, sister in laws, Bethy (Gary) McLean, Barbara McLean, brother-in-law George (Christine) Mclean and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his loyal dog, Tasha. Tony lived a life defined by hard work, humility, and devotion to his family. On July 27, 1963, he married the love of his life, Mary Claire “Claire” Fiato. Together they shared 63 years of marriage, raising their family and building a life filled with love, dedication, and countless memories. Tony started his career by joining the Plumbers and Pipefitters union, and after years with Stellmack, he began a career with IBM. When Tony retired from IBM, he fulfilled his dream building Fiato’s Apple Orchard. The orchard became more than a business, it became a place where families gathered, enjoyed hayrides, warm treats,

the petting zoo, and lasting memories were made. Tony ‘s fondest memories of the Orchard were the children that it served. Tony was also well known for carrying on the “Fiato Sausage” tradition. Tony was happiest outdoors. Whether working in the orchard, hunting with lifelong friends, building or repairing almost anything, or reloading shells, he found joy in staying busy. He built much of the family’s home on Reynolds Circle with his own hands and was known for a garage filled with tools, parts, and supplies that reflected a lifetime of creativity and craftsmanship. He truly was a jack of all trades and could build or fix anything. When his sons raced motocross, Tony was always there as their trusted mechanic and their biggest supporter. Although he often joked that he wasn’t much of a beach person, Tony never missed the family’s annual beach vacation because being together mattered most. Later, he and Claire enjoyed over fifteen years as snowbirds, in Palm Coast, Florida, where they built many new friendships and special relationships. Tony loved Claire’s cooking, Italian food, chocolate milkshakes, hunting and hunting trips out West, clay bird shooting, and especially the companionship of his faithful pets. He found comfort in the belief that one day he would be reunited with them on Rainbow Bridge. Following two back surgeries, Tony worked hard to regain his strength. His family

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Supporting Families Beyond Funeral Services is especially grateful to his loving brother-in-law George McLean for the care, encouragement, and support that helped him through his recovery to get him back on his feet. Special thanks also to the care givers from Home Instead who supported the family in their time of need the last weeks of his life. Tony will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, outdoorsman, craftsman, and friend. His greatest legacy is not only the orchard, the sausage he made, or the things he built, the friendships he had, but the family he loved and the values of hard work, kindness, and integrity that he passed on to future generations. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Broome County Humane Society or a charity of your choice in Tony’s memory. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Court Street, Binghamton, Saturday August 29, 2026 at 10 a.m. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Friday August 28, 2026 from 4 to 6 p.m.

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICES

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

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

FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Fire & Ice Wellness, located at 24 Old Kings Rd N, Suite A, in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County, FL 32137, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated 8/11/2026. Kristopher Wiltfong 7763-355918 Aug. 20, 2026 Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of zoomin groomin, located at 20 Kankakee Trail, in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County, FL 32164, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated 8/16/2026. Lake Life Pet Spa LLC 7763-356446 Aug. 20, 2026

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Community Thrift Store, located at 785 S. Nova Rd, in the City of Ormond Beach, Flagler County, FL 32174, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated 8/17/2026. Natalia Parkinson 7763-356553 Aug. 20, 2026 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Jessica Neves INC DBA Major Auto Repair gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 09/07/2026 08:00 AM at 15 Hargrove Ln BLDG 6 unit i , Palm Coast, FL 32137 pursuant to subsection 713.585 of the Florida Statutes. Jessica Neves INC DBA Major Auto Repair reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1J4RS4GG4BC644575 2011 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO 7763-356111 Aug. 20, 2026 LEGAL NOTICE $17,285.23 USD was seized via search warrant by the Flagler County Sheriff 's Office pursuant to a search warrant issued on July 16, 2026. The funds originated from victim located in Flagler County, and were taken fraudulently and under false pretenses on or around April 30, 2026. 7763-356114 Aug. 20, 27, 2026

FIRST INSERTION

FIRST INSERTION

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2025 CA 000462 CALCON MUTUAL MORTGAGE LLC DBA ONETRUST HOME LOANS, Plaintiff, vs. THOMAS RICHARD MARLETTE; KIMBERLY ANN MARLETTE; DONALD J. FREER, JR.; SALINAS SHELL CONTRACTING, LLC; WATERSIDE HOMES RENOVATIONS AND DESIGNS INC., Defendants. NOTICE OF SALE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered on August 7, 2026, in Case No. 2025 CA 000462 of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein CALCON MUTUAL MORTGAGE LLC DBA ONETRUST HOME LOANS, is Plaintiff, and THOMAS RICHARD MARLETTE, KIMBERLY ANN MARLETTE, DONALD J. FREER, JR., SALINAS SHELL CONTRACTING, LLC, WATERSIDE HOMES RENOVATIONS AND DESIGNS INC, are Defendants, the Office of Tom W. Bexley, Flagler County Clerk of the Court, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash beginning at 11:00 AM on-line at www.flagler.realforeclose. com on September 18, 2026, in accordance with Section 45.031, Florida Statutes, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 15, ARMAND BEACH EAST, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 8, PAGE 21, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Also known as: 9 SWEETBAY DR, PALM COAST, FL 32137 together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus funds from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim in accordance with Section 45.031, Florida Statutes. Dated this 12th day of August 2026. SOKOLOF REMTULLA, LLP Counsel for Plaintiff 1800 NW Corporate Blvd, Suite 302 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Telephone: (561) 507-5252 Facsimile: (561) 342-4842 Primary e-mail: mshapanka@sokrem.com Secondary e-mail: pleadings@sokrem.com By: /s/ Matthew Shapanka Matthew Shapanka, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 52874 August 20, 27, 2026 26-00265G

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 CP 357 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF LEONARD J. MOSCO Deceased. The administration of the estate of Leonard J. Mosco, deceased, whose date of death was March 19, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, 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 CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is August 20, 2026. Personal Representative: Leonard R. Mosco 100 Bella Harbor Court, Unit 108 Palm Coast, Florida 32137 Attorney for Personal Representative: Diane A. Vidal Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324 CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Telephone: (386) 445-8900 Fax: (386) 445-6702 E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com Secondary E-Mail: proserv@legalteamforlife.com August 20, 27, 2026 26-00266G

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 CP 000425 IN RE: ESTATE OF NANCY ALANA RICKS, Deceased. The administration of the estate of NANCY ALANA RICKS, Deceased, whose date of death was June 1, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for FLAGLER County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd. 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 WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other people 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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. A personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211. The date of first publication of this notice is August 20, 2026. RICHARD RICKS, Personal Representative Attorney for Personal Representative: Scott R. Bugay, Esquire Florida Bar No. 5207 2501 Hollywood Blvd. Suite 206 Hollywood, FL 33020 Telephone: (954)767-3399 Fax: (305) 945-2905 Primary Email: Scott@srblawyers.com Secondary Email: genesis@srblawyers.com August 20, 27, 2026 26-00268G

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold

a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P.M. on the 1st day of September 2026, for the purpose of hearing Ordinance 2026-XX (Application No. FLUMA-2026-07), before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110. ORDINANCE 2026-XX

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA AMENDING THE CITY OF BUNNELL 2035 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, AS PREVIOUSLY AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR THE SMALL-SCALE AMENDMENT TO THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP IN THE FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL 2035 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RELATIVE TO CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TOTALING 14.92± ACRES IN THE CITY OF BUNNELL LIMITS FROM FLAGLER COUNTY "AGRICULTURE AND TIMBERLANDS" AND "COMMERCIAL: HIGH INTENSITY" TO CITY OF BUNNELL "COMMERCIAL-MEDIUM (COM-M)"; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR ASSIGNMENT OF THE LAND USE DESIGNATIONS FOR THE PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR RATIFICATION OF PRIOR ACTS OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF MAPS BY REFERENCE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND DIRECTIONS TO THE CODE CODIFIER AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell's website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City's website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this Ordinance can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex, 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)

7763-356614 Aug. 20, 2026

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

NOTICE OF RULE MAKING BY THE GRAND HAVEN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FOR ENACTING A RULE PERTAINING RECALL PETITION PROCEEDINGS A public hearing will be conducted by the Board of Supervisors of the Grand Haven Community Development District (“District”) on September 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at The Grand Haven Village Center, Grand Haven Room, 2001 Waterside Parkway, Palm Coast, Florida 32137. The public hearing will provide an opportunity for the public to address a proposed rule pertaining to Recall Petition Proceedings (the “Rule”). Specific legal authority for the rule includes sections 190.0071, 190.011(5), 190.012(3), 120.54 and 120.81, Florida Statutes (2025). Any person who wishes to provide the District with a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative as provided by section 120.541(1), Florida Statutes, must do so in writing within twenty-one (21) days after publication of this notice. The public hearing may be continued to a date, time and place to be specified on the record at the hearing. A Notice of Rule Development was published in this newspaper on or before August 13, 2026. If anyone chooses to appeal any decision of the District’s Board with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person is required to have a verbatim record of the proceedings including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based and should ensure that such a record is made accordingly. Any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Manager at the address and number below. A copy of the proposed rule may be obtained by contacting the District Manager at 250 International Parkway, Suite 208, Lake Mary, Fl. 32746, (321) 263-0132, howard@cddmanagers.com. Howard McGaffney, District Manager Grand Haven Community Development District 7763-356501 Aug. 20, 2026 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Please take notice Go Store It - Flagler Beach located at 4601 E. Moody Blvd. Suite A7, Bunnell, FL 32110 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of household goods and other personal property stored in the following units: 8 Elias Armstrong 21 Elias Armstrong 77 Monique Scott 145 Lewis Wertman 152 Xiondra Williams 415 elias Armstrong Sale will be held September 8, 2026 at 11:30am via storagetreasures.com. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 83.806. 7763-355050 Aug. 20, 27, 2026 NOTICE OF FORFEITURE A White 2007 Nissan Maxima, Florida License Plate 29BBHK, VIN 1N4BA41E37C830770, was seized for forfeiture by the Flagler County Sheriff 's Office on or about July 14, 2026. The vehicle was seized at or near 210 E. Short Street, Bunnell, Florida 32110. The Flagler County Sheriff 's Office is holding the above-described property pursuant to a pending forfeiture action, Case No. 2026 CA 000536, in the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for Flagler County, Florida. 7763-356110 Aug. 20, 2026 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA FRED REBARBER, PLAINTIFF, V. ZANDER BURGER, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS TRUSTEE OF 28 SEA VISTA LAND TRUST; RODERICK JAMES PALMER, INDIVIDUALLY, AND AS TRUSTEE OF THE 28 SEA VISTA LAND TRUST; BUSINESS SUITES CORPORATION, A FLORIDA CORPORATION, RFLF 7, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY; SEA COLONY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION; UNKNOWN TENANTS/OCCUPANTS, AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST DEFENDANTS, DEFENDANTS. CASE NO. 2026 CA 000263 NOTICE OF ACTION FOR FORECLOSURE TO: RODERICK JAMES PALMER, individually and as Trustee of the 28 Sea Vista Land Trust, Defendant, and to all parties claiming interests by, through, under, or against said Defendant, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title, or interest in the real property described below. YOU ARE NOTIFIED that you have been designated as a Defendant in a legal proceeding filed against you to foreclose a mortgage encumbering the following described real property located in Flagler County, Florida: LOT 350, SUBDIVISION PLAT OF SEA COLONY, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 27, PAGES 30 THROUGH 39, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. The action was instituted in the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for Flagler County, Florida, and is styled: Fred Rebarber, Plaintiff, v. Zander Burger, individually and as Trustee of the 28 Sea Vista Land Trust; Roderick James Palmer, individually and as Trustee of the 28 Sea Vista Land Trust; Business Suites Corporation, a Florida corporation; RFLF 7, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; Sea Colony Homeowners Association, Inc., a Florida not-for-profit corporation; Unknown Tenants/ Occupants; and All Unknown Parties Claiming Interests By, Through, Under, or Against Defendants, Defendants. Case No. 2026 CA 000263 You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to the action on Maria Soto, Esq., DENISE L. ADKINS, P.A., 866 East S.R. 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708, Plaintiff 's attorney, on or before the thirtieth (30th) day following the first publication of this Notice of Action,

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. The Court has authority in this action to enter a judgment or decree in Plaintiff 's interest that will be binding upon you. Dated: 8/5/2026 TOM BEXLEY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COMPTROLLER By: /s/ Amy Perez Deputy Clerk Crvil Division Kim C. Hammond Justice Center 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building 1 Bunnell, Florida 32110 7763-355494 Aug. 13, 20, 2026 NOTICE OF FORFEITURE Notice is hereby given that the following property: Black Chevrolet El Camino (FL LP: ECA46) (VIN: 1GCCW80H4ER170588); $13,476.00 in U.S. Currency; and Multiple designer bags, shoes and clothing as specified in Exhibit A were seized for forfeiture by the Flagler County Sheriff 's Office on or about June 6, 2026 as a result of an investigation into the Harris Drug Trafficking Organization and the execution of a search warrant. The Flagler County Sheriff 's Office is holding the above-described property pursuant to a pending forfeiture action, Case No. 2026 CA 000490, in the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for Flagler County, Florida. 7763-355451 Aug. 13, 20, 2026 NOTICE OF FORFEITURE Notice is hereby given that the following property: Black Ford Truck (FL LP: 19UGW) (VIN: 1FT7W2BT7FEC11465) was seized for forfeiture by the Flagler County Sheriff 's Office on or about June 6, 2026, during the arrest of Claude Christopher Harris, following an extensive investigation into the Harris Drug Trafficking Organization and the execution of a search warrant. The Flagler County Sheriff 's Office is holding the above-described property pursuant to a pending forfeiture action, Case No. 2026 CA 000491, in the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for Flagler County, Florida. 7763-355458 Aug. 13, 20, 2026 NOTICE OF FORFEITURE Notice is hereby given that the following property: Black Tesla, Florida License Plate E82FA, VIN 5YJ3E1EB8NF236497; $30,689.00 in U.S. Currency; and Multiple pieces of jewelry were seized for forfeiture by the Flagler County Sheriff 's Office on or about June 10, 2026. The property was seized during the execution of a search warrant at 85 Farragut Drive, Palm Coast, Florida 32164. The Flagler County Sheriff 's Office is holding the above-described property pursuant to a pending forfeiture action, Case No. 2026 CA 000499, in the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for Flagler County, Florida. 7763-355446 Aug. 13, 20, 2026 NOTICE OF FORFEITURE Notice is hereby given that the following property: $41,820.00 in U.S. Currency; and Multiple pieces of jewelry as specified in Exhibit A were seized for forfeiture by the Flagler County Sheriff 's Office on or about June 11, 2026. The property was seized during the execution of a search warrant at 40 Pinebrook Drive, Palm Coast, Florida. The Flagler County Sheriff 's Office is holding the above-described property pursuant to a pending forfeiture action, Case No. 2026 CA 501 in the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for Flagler County, Florida. 7763-355449 Aug. 13, 20, 2026 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION VYSTAR CREDIT UNION, PLAINTIFF, VS. ANDREA MARIE FIGLIOLINI A/K/A ANDREA FIGLIOLINI; ET AL, DEFENDANT(S) CASE NO.: 2026 CA 000378 NOTICE OF ACTION TO: ANDREA MARIE FIGLIOLINI A/K/A ANDREA FIGLIONINI Last known address: 13 Whitehall Ct., Flagler Beach, FL 32136 Current address: 13 Whitehall Ct., Flagler Beach, FL 32136 UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF ANDREA MARIE FIGLIOLINI A/K/A ANDREA FIGLIONINI Last known address: 13 Whitehall Ct., Flagler Beach, FL 32136 Current address: Unknown YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose the Mortgage covering the following property described as follows, to-wit: LOT 22, FAIRCHILD OAKS, PHASE 1, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 31, PAGE(S) 2 AND 3, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA Property Address: 13 Whitehall Ct., Flagler Beach, FL 32136 has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it, on Michelle L. Glass, Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is 7545 Centurion Parkway, Ste. 103, Jacksonville, FL 32256 within 30 days after the first publication of this notice, or 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 Amended Complaint. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court this 5 day of August, 2026. TOM BEXLEY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: /s/ Amy Perez As Deputy Clerk A copy of this Notice of Action, Complaint, Lis Pendens, Civil Cover Sheet, Email Designation, and Case Management Conference Orders, if any, were sent to the Defendant(s) and address named above, if address is available. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding,

you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114; (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 1(800) 955-8770. This is an attempt to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 7763-355731 Aug. 13, 20, 2026 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Flagler County, Florida and Incorporated Areas The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within Flagler County, Florida and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or FIS report for Flagler County, Florida and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. However, before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/ fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627). 7763-354888 Aug. 13, 20, 2026 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that TLOA OF FLORIDA LLC the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2024 / 1264 Year of Issuance:2024 Description of Property: LOT 26, BLOCK 28, WYNNFIELD SECTION 23 PALM COAST, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 8, PAGE(S) 23 THROUGH 38, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Name in which assessed: KYLE WILLIAMS, LATISA WILLIAMS All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https://flaglerclerk.gov/ TaxDeedAuction on the 8th day of September, 2026 at 9 a.m. Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Stephanie Tolson, Deputy Clerk File # 26-073 TDC 7763-350622 Jul. 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 2026 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that BRENDA M. STALLWORTH EMPLOYEE PROFIT SHARING PLAN 401(K) TRUST the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2024 / 1257 Year of Issuance:2024 Description of Property: LOT 33 OF BLOCK 8, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF WYNNFIELD, SECTION 23, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 8, AT PAGE 26, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Name in which assessed: JOHN R HOWARD All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https://flaglerclerk.gov/ TaxDeedAuction on the 8th day of September, 2026 at 9 a.m. Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Stephanie Tolson, Deputy Clerk File # 26-074 TDC 7763-350784 Jul. 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 2026 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that BRENDA M. STALLWORTH EMPLOYEE PROFIT SHARING PLAN 401(K) TRUST the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2024 / 761 Year of Issuance:2024 Description of Property: THE NORTHEAST HALF OF LOTS SEVEN (7) AND EIGHT (8) OF BLOCK 124 IN THE BUNNELL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY'S ALLOTMENT AS PER PLAT FILED WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. THE SAID

ABOVE DESCRIBED PARCEL OF LAND BEING FIFTY BY ONE HUNDRED FEET AND LOCATED IN THE TOWN OF BUNNELL, FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS PER PLAT OF BUNNELL TOWNSITE FILED WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF FLAGLER COUNTY. Name in which assessed: EUGENE DAVIS, PEARL DAVIS All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https://flaglerclerk.gov/ TaxDeedAuction on the 8th day of September, 2026 at 9 a.m. Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Stephanie Tolson, Deputy Clerk File # 26-075 TDC 7763-350804 Jul. 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 2026

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION 48 File # 2026 CP 148 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PATRICK JOSEPH FLEBOTTE, Deceased. The administration of the Estate of Patrick Joseph Flebotte, Deceased, whose date of death was November 29, 2024, 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, Florida 32110. The name and address 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 the Decedent’s Estate on whom a copy of this Notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of 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 SECION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES 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. Leah Flebotte, 62 Piedmont Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32164 The first publication of this notice is August 20, 2026. /s/ Andrea Burns ANDREA BURNS, ESQ. Florida Bar Number: 1031966 Geiger Law, PLLC Post Office Box 352951 Palm Coast, FL 32135 (386) 264-6937 telephone Attorney for Personal Representative andrea@386lawfirm.com August 20, 27, 2026 26-00273G

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 CP 000087 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF ARMANDO HERMAN GARCIA Deceased. The administration of the estate of ARMANDO HERMAN GARCIA, deceased, whose date of death was January 14, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Building #1, Bunnell, Florida 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, 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 CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is August 20, 2026. Personal Representative: CHARLES E. GARCIA 600 Palisade Avenue Teaneck, New Jersey 07666 Attorney for Personal Representative: PAUL A. MARTIN, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1000375 4015 Calusa Lane Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 Telephone: (386) 361-3567 Fax: (386) 487-2140 E-Mail: Paul.A.Martin.Esq@gmail.com Secondary E-Mail: Paul@MartinEstateProbateLaw.com August 20, 27, 2026 26-00271G

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The Hammock

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Ormond Beach

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Daytona Beach

FIRST INSERTION PALM COAST 145 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2027 PROPOSED BUDGET(S); AND NOTICE OF REGULAR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING. The Board of Supervisors (“Board”) of the Palm Coast 145 Community Development District (“District”) will hold a public hearing and regular meeting as follows: DATE: September 10, 2026 TIME: 11:30 AM LOCATION: Flagler County Government Services Building 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 2 1st Floor Conference Room, Bunnell, Florida 32110 The purpose of the public hearing is to receive comments and objections on the adoption of the District’s proposed budget(s) for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027 (“Proposed Budget”). A regular Board meeting of the District will also be held at the above time where the Board may consider any other business that may properly come before it. A copy of the agenda and Proposed Budget may be obtained at the offices of the District Manager, Wrathell, Hunt and Associates, LLC, 2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 571-0100 (“District Manager’s Office”), during normal business hours, or by visiting the District’s website at https:// palmcoast145cdd.net. The public hearing and meeting are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law. The public hearing and/or meeting may be continued in progress to a date, time certain, and place to be specified on the record at the public hearing and/or meeting. There may be occasions when Board Supervisors or District Staff may participate by speaker telephone. Any person requiring special accommodations at the public hearing or meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Manager’s Office at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the public hearing and meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, or 1-800-955-8771 (TTY) / 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), for aid in contacting the District Manager’s Office. Each person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the public hearing or meeting is advised that person will need a record of proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based. District Manager August 20, 2026

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 CP 000363 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF LAWRENCE MICHAEL ROKHVARG Deceased. The administration of the estate of Lawrence Michael Rokhvarg, deceased, whose date of death was December 24, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 East Moody Blvd. Building 1, Bunnell, Florida 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is August 20, 2026. Personal Representative: Marina Rokhvarg 695 Peach Tree Lane Franklin Lakes, New Jersey 07417 Attorney for Personal Representative: Thomas J. Upchurch, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0015821 Upchurch Law 1616 Concierge Blvd. Suite 101 Daytona Beach, Florida 32117 Telephone: (386) 492-3871 Primary Email: service@upchurchlaw.com Secondary Email: clutes@upchurchlaw.com August 20, 27, 2026 26-00274G

26-00270G

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 CP 000443 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM JOSEPH LONG aka WILLIAM J. LONG Deceased. The administration of the estate of WILLIAM JOSEPH LONG also known as WILLIAM J. LONG, deceased, whose date of death was April 7, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, Florida 32110-0787. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: August 20, 2026. Signed on this 17th day of AUGUST, 2026. /s/ Steven J. Long STEVEN J. LONG Personal Representative 36 East Diamond Drive Palm Coast, Florida 32164 /s/ R. Kevin Korey R. KEVIN KOREY Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 89108 Korey Law, P.A. 595 W. Granada Blvd., Suite A Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 Telephone: 386-677-3431 Email: Kevin@koreylawpa.com Secondary Email: dwargo@koreylawpa.com August 20, 27, 2026 26-00272G

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold

a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P.M. on the 1st day of September 2026, for the purpose of hearing a special exception (Application No. SE-2026-13), before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110. SE-2026-13 REQUESTING APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE FOR PROJECT BUTTERFLY WITHIN THE AG&S ZONING DISTRICT.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell's website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City's website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the special exception, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the special exception at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this special exception can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex, 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes) 7763-356610 Aug. 20, 2026

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold

a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P.M. on the 1st day of September 2026, for the purpose of hearing a special exception to allow tractor trailer and semi-truck storage (Application No. SE-2026-11), before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110.

a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P.M. on the 1st day of September 2026, for the purpose of hearing a variance to increase the maximum height and reduce the total required landscaping (Application No. VAR-2026-07), before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110.

SE-2026-11

VAR-2026-06

REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE AT 3220 STEEL RAIL DRIVE TO ALLOW TRACTOR TRAILER AND SEMI-TRUCK STORAGE WITHIN THE L- 1 ZONING DISTRICT.

REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR A VARIANCE ON PARCEL IDS: 10-12-30-085001830- 0010, 10-12-30-0650-000C0-0010, AND 10-12-30-0650-000B0-0190 TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT FROM 35 FEET TO 100 FEET AND TO REDUCE VARIOUS LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE L-1 ZONING DISTRICT.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell's website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City's website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the special exception, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the special exception at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this special exception can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex, 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)

7C

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell's website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City's website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the variance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the variance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this variance can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex, 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)

7763-356606 Aug. 20, 2026

7763-356604 Aug. 20, 2026 NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold

a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P.M. on the 1st day of September 2026, for the purpose of hearing a variance to increase the maximum allowed impervious coverage and permit gravel as an allowable parking surface material (Application No. VAR-2026-08), before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110. VAR-2026-08 REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR A VARIANCE AT 703 EAST MOODY BOULEVARD TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED IMPERVIOUS COVERAGE FROM 50% TO 70.05% AND TO PERMIT GRAVEL AS AN ALLOWABLE PARKING SURFACE MATERIAL WITHIN THE B-2 ZONING DISTRICT.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell's website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City's website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the variance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the variance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this variance can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex, 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)

a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P.M. on the 1st day of September 2026, for the purpose of hearing Ordinance 2026-XX (Application No. ZMA-2026-05), before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110.

SUBSEQUENT INSERTIONS

ORDINANCE 2026-XX AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA PROVIDING FOR THE REZONING OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TOTALING 14.92± ACRES LOCATED AT 882 AND 998 STATE HIGHWAY 100 WEST, IN THE CITY OF BUNNELL LIMITS FROM FLAGLER COUNTY "AC, AGRICULTURAL" AND "C2, GENERAL COMMERCIAL & SHOPPING CENTER" TO CITY OF BUNNELL "B1, BUSINESS DISTRICT"; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR THE TAKING OF IMPLEMENTING ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF MAPS BY REFERENCE; REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell's website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City's website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this Ordinance can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex, 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026-CP- 0399 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF ZACHARY JOSEPH JOHNSON, Deceased. The administration of the estate of ZACHARY JOSEPH JOHNSON, deceased, whose date of death was February 27, 2026, 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, Building #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. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE

FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is August 13, 2026. Personal Representative: Signed by: Deanna Johnson DEANNA JOHNSON Attorney for Personal Representative: Signed by: Heather S. Maltby, Esq. Heather S. Maltby HEATHER@EPPGLAW.COM Florida Bar No. 116571 E.P.P.G. Law of St. Johns, PLLC 2802 North 5th Street St. Augustine, FL 32084 Telephone: 904-875-3774 August 13, 20, 2026 26-00258G

SECOND INSERTION

7763-356608 Aug. 20, 2026 PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will implement an increase to transportation, law enforcement, and parks and recreation impact fees beginning October 1, 2026. The increase in impact fee rates is pursuant to and derived from Ordinance No. 2020-06, which established the applicable impact fee schedule and scheduled adjustments. The adjusted fee amounts will become effective October 1, 2026, in accordance with Ordinance No. 2020-06 and applicable City requirements. NOTICE OF IMPACT FEE INCREASE TRANSPORTATION, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND PARKS AND RECREATION IMPACT FEE RATES WILL INCREASE EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2026 Information regarding the revised impact fee schedule and Ordinance No. 2020-06 may be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110, or through the City of Bunnell's website at www.bunnellcity.us/1208/Community-Development. Persons with questions regarding the impact fee increase may contact the Community Development Department for additional information at (386) 437-7516 PLEASE NOTE: This notice is being provided to inform the public of the impact fee increase taking effect October 1, 2026, pursuant to Ordinance No. 2020-06. The increase is not associated with a newly proposed ordinance or revised fee structure. 7763-356613 Aug. 20, 2026

7763-356612 Aug. 20, 2026

FIRST INSERTION Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of AMU Handyman located at 99 Raemoor Dr in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler, FL 32164 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 15th day of August, 2026 I AM YOU, VO, LLC August 20, 2026 26-00269G

FIRST INSERTION Fictitious Name Notice Notice is hereby given that KEYBAND LLC, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name Little Goose Market located at 9976 County Road 304, Bunnell, FL 32110, intends to register said name in Flagler County with the Division of Corporations, Florida Department of State, pursuant to section 865.09 of the Florida Statutes. August 20, 2026 26-00267G

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NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 CA 000505 WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2019-HB1 Plaintiff, vs. LINDA E. WOHLSCHLEGEL AKA LINDA ELAINE WOHLSCHLEGEL AKA LINDA ELAINE BRUYN, et. al., Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment entered in Case No. 2025 CA 000505 of the Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2019-HB1, Plaintiff, and, LINDA E. WOHLSCHLEGEL AKA LINDA ELAINE WOHLSCHLEGEL AKA LINDA ELAINE BRUYN, et. al., are Defendants, Clerk of Circuit Court, Tom Bexley will sell to the highest bidder for cash by electronic sale beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the prescribed date at http://flagler.realforeclose.com on September 18, 2026, the following described property: UNIT 72, OF ARBOR TRACE AT PALM COAST II, A CONDOMINIUM, AND AN UNDIVIDED INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS THEREOF, AND

AN EASEMENT OF USE FOR INGRESS / EGRESS, ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 1118 PAGE 63, AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO, ALL ACCORDING TO THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, must file a claim per the requirements set forth in FL Stat. 45.302. IMPORTANT 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. B-206, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 2576096, ADARequest@circuit7.org. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. DATED this 4th day of August, 2026. GREENSPOON MARDER, LLP 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Telephone: (954) 491-1120 Hearing Line: (888) 491-1120 Facsimile: (954) 343-6982 Email: gmforeclosure@gmlaw.com Email: Karissa.Chin-Duncan@gmlaw.com By: /s/Karissa Chin-Duncan Karissa Chin-Duncan, Esq. Florida Bar No. 98472 23-002749-02 / 34407.2170 / Jean Schwartz August 13, 20, 2026 26-00257G

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

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