Kiteboarder still hospitalized after being slammed building

FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The kite boarder who slammed into the side of a beachside restaurant in Flagler County last week is still recovering in the hospital. 

Friends say 56-year-old Peter Vasiliades, an experienced kite boarder, was with a small group last Tuesday when the wind pushed him toward the building. He then hit it twice and fell to the ground.      

“I was very worried. I was very worried. At that point, I was just hoping for survival,” said his brother-in-law Dave Dixon. 
 
Vasiliades’ kite broke off and landed in the power lines. He was hurt so badly, he had to be airlifted to the hospital. 
 
“It’s been hard - it’s been very tough and challenging to see him like he is,” said friend Scott Holtzendorf. 
 
We’re told Vasiliades had a brain bleed, among other injuries. But one week later, he’s already out of the ICU and he's expected to male a full recovery. 
 
“When everybody came to visit him, the lady behind the counter said, ‘There’s too many people here in the hospital!’ Because everybody loves Pete,” Holtzendorf explained. 
 
He says Vasiliades is well known in Ormond Beach. Friends call him the unofficial mayor. He’s also part of a close-knit group of kite boarders, who say he’ll get back on the water when he’s ready. 
 
“We’ll definitely be back out there but it’s going to take some time,” Dixon said.