Despite enduring a year that advocates have derided as the “most anti-LGBTQ legislative session in history,” a nationwide report gives eight Florida cities perfect 100% scores when it comes to assessing LGBTQ+ equality in the areas of municipal policies, laws, and services. Getting maximum scores of 100 in Florida are: Tampa, Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami, Oakland Park, Orlando, and St. Petersburg.
News Briefs
Tree-Lighting Ceremony in Palm Coast’s Town Center on Nov. 25
The City of Palm Coast is inviting residents and visitors to the 12th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 25, at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast from 6 to 9 p.m.
European Village Business Leading Christmas Drive for Toys for Tots
AW Custom Kitchens Inc. is partnering with Toys-for-Tots for a non-profit Christmas toy drive. Donations to the Toys-for-Tots Foundation are accepted through December 23, and may be dropped off at AW’s showroom at 101 Palm Harbor Parkway Unit B113 at European Village.
Palm Coast’s Robert A. Ernst Is Florida Book Awards Gold and Silver Medalist for 4th Children’s Book
The Annual 2023 Florida Authors and Publishers Association President’s Book Awards has recognized Harry and the Kidnappers by Dr. Robert A. Ernst, a Palm Coast resident, in the category of Children Grades 4-6, as a Gold Medal winner, and as a Silver Medal winner in the category of Children Grades 3-5.
Palm Coast Fire Department Secures $45,000 Grant for Mobile Air Trailer
The Palm Coast Fire Department proudly announces the successful acquisition of the Fiscal Year 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, providing a grant valued at $45,453.63. This significant achievement is a testament to the department’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities and ensuring the safety of both the public and emergency responders
Stetson’s Symphony Orchestra to Bring Holiday Magic
Stetson University’s Symphony Orchestra will bring the holiday magic to downtown Mount Dora on Saturday, Dec. 2, providing a spirited musical performance as concertgoers enjoy the town’s dazzling seasonal light display.
Palm Coast Citizens Academy’s 54th Session Graduates 14 Participants
This session of the Palm Coast Citizens Academy began on September 25th and completed on November 6th. The graduates include Rebecca Durrance Leavitt, Kenneth Martin, Richard Cooper, Shara Brodsky, Corinna Martinez, Karen Martin, Carole Holden, Joe Devita, Greyson Schlobohm, Linda Constantine, Christopher Kolega, Samantha Rizzolo, and Steven Scarselli.
Gas Prices Decline to Lowest Level Since December 2022
Prices are the lowest since December 2022 and that about 20 percent of Florida gas stations have gas costing below $3 a gallon. Prices in the Palm Coast area are ranging between $3 a gallon and $3.25, with lower prices prices further south.
Gamble Rogers Folk Festival’s Monthly Concert Series at Waterworks
For over 25 years, the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival has celebrated the indelible mark he left on folk music. Now in its second year, the “Live From The Waterworks” Concert Series celebrates Rogers’ legacy by showcasing musicians that echo his hallmark talents – fingerstyle guitar artistry and storytelling.
ACLU Calls Out Florida’s Suppression of Palestinian Students’ Voices
Top leaders at the American Civil Liberties Union criticized Florida in a letter Wednesday for demanding the deactivation of chapters of a pro-Palestine student organization. More than 600 college and university leaders received the letter, urging them to reject political calls to investigate and punish student groups for exercising free speech.
Construction Begins at AdventHealth Palm Coast’s Freytag Health Plaza
Named in honor of Palm Coast residents Peter and Sue Freytag, the Health Plaza will become a vital hub for cancer treatment, primary care and rehabilitation services.
As Expected, Joy Andrews Will Move Up to St. Johns County Administrator After Interim Stint
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) today selected Joy Andrews as County Administrator. Andrews has served as Interim County Administrator for St. Johns County since July 2023. She has been with the County for the past 17 years, including the previous seven years specifically as the Deputy/Assistant County Administrator.
Indian Trails Middle School Student, 14, Accused of Threatening Another With a Kitchen Knife
A 14-year-old Indian Trails Middle School (ITMS) student was arrested early Friday morning after pulling a knife on students and staff.
Those Thin Black Tubes All Over Palm Coast Streets? They’re For a Traffic County Study.
The City of Palm Coast is currently in the process of conducting its Citywide Traffic Count Study, a biennial initiative aimed at collecting essential data to enhance traffic management and plan for future development within the city. Residents may have noticed black tubing stretched across major roadways, extending across multiple lanes.
SunRail Offers Free Rides to Magic Ticket Holders for 27 Home Games
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Orlando Magic have partnered once again to promote fans taking the Train-To-The-Game with free SunRail service and an added later train on weeknights (Monday-Friday) when the Magic have home games. The additional southbound train will give fans another travel choice to attend the game or attend an event downtown.
Palm Coast Joins Cyber Florida to Fight Online Fraud
Palm Coast collaborated with Cyber Florida Senior Fellow Stacy Arruda, Founder and CEO of the Arruda Group, to provide essential cybersecurity training for counties and municipalities, fostering a community of resilience against cyberattacks. The event was designed to empower attendees with the knowledge and tools they need to prevent and recover from cyberattacks.
Palm Coast Government Joins Flagler Humane Society for “Adopt a Dog Month”
The City of Palm Coast is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Flagler Humane Society in “Adopt a Dog Month” celebration this October. As part of this initiative, we will be featuring one lovable, adoptable dog each week, and we invite our residents to join us in recognizing the invaluable contributions of the Flagler Humane Society to our community.
Marineland’s River-To-Sea Preserve Park Will Close for Dune Restoration
The Federal Emergency Management Administration emergency dune-repair project is moving to the area of River-to-Sea Preserve in Marineland, which will close the park on weekdays beginning Monday (October 23). The southern half of the parking lot – and the restroom facilities – will be open from 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday evening.
Flagler County Commissioner David Sullivan Gets NAACP ‘Engagement’ Award
Flagler County Commissioner David Sullivan was honored by the local branch of the NAACP on October 14 when he was presented with the “Community Engagement Award” during its Freedom Fund Awards Luncheon.
Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord Addresses House Committee on Hurricane Recovery
Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord was invited to address the Florida House Select Committee Monday for the second time this year about hurricane resiliency and recovery as part of a panel discussion.
Drag Shows Can Go On in Florida: Court Rejects Ban
It’s OK to take in a drag show in Florida — a federal appeals court has upheld a block on enforcement of Florida’s anti-drag law against any entertainment venue in the state.
22nd Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic Is Oct. 27-29
What began in memory of Tommy Tant-a local surfer who, at age 24, passed away from an aortic aneurysm -has grown into a beloved event that celebrates the bond of family, friendship, and the surf culture he loved. With several events taking place in Flagler Beach the weekend of October 27-29, it will prove to be a time of fun for the youngest ‘tadpoles’ to the oldest in the master’s.
16-Year-Old Student Arrested for Biting Her Teacher at Matanzas High School
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Friday arrested a 16-year-old student at Matanzas High School after the teen got into a physical altercation with another student and bit a school staff member who was attempting to break up the fight.
Palm Coast’s 2023 Photo Contest Draws 900 Submissions and 6 Winners
With over 900 photo submissions in the City’s 2023 Annual Photo Contest, the photos capture the essence of Palm Coast across six distinctive categories: Residents, Pets, Landscape, Wildlife, Recreation, and Events. Participants were able to submit up to 20 photos per person with six chances to win a grand prize ‘Category Winner.’
Stetson Biology Professor Jean Smith Lands $500,000 National Science Foundation Grant
Assistant Biology Professor Jean Smith, PhD, has been awarded a $502,998 grant from the National Science Foundation. This is a new funding source for the NSF, and with only 62 grants awarded, Smith is the only grant recipient funded in the state of Florida. This is the largest single-investigator grant from NSF awarded to a pre-tenured faculty member at Stetson.
Tara Gugliara Appointed Manager of Intracoastal Bank’s Volusia Center
Bruce Page, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, announced the promotion of Tara Gugliara to Manager, Volusia Banking Center for the Bank.
Almost All National Parks Will Close In Government Shut-Down
Almost all National Park Service sites will be inaccessible during a partial federal government shutdown likely to start this weekend, the U.S. Interior Department said Friday.
St. Augustine Girls’ Team Wins Babe Ruth World Series Again
After winning the Florida State Championship, and taking home the win for the 8U (age 8 and under) division all together, St. Augustine’s the all-girls Creeks Softball team went on to win their biggest title yet — Champions of the Babe Ruth World Series – for the second year in a row.
Themed 60s/70s Dance Party at African American Cultural Society Saturday
On Saturday, September 30, 2023, African American Cultural Society invites the Palm Coast community to join them as they travel back in time for a themed “60’s/70’s Dance Party” in celebration of the closing of its student produced, intergenerational exhibition Summer of 1969, and to celebrate its inaugural Arts, Media, Communications, and Hospitality Internship program.
DeSantis Will Debate Gavin Newsom in Georgia in November
After weeks of negotiations, a 90-minute debate between Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom hosted by Fox News’ Sean Hannity will take place on the Fox News Channel on November 30 in Georgia. The specific location has not been announced yet.
Florida’s Minimum Wage Goes to $12 on Sept. 30
Chambers of commerce and Republican lawmakers have routinely claimed that higher minimum wages would hurt workers, cut back their hours, increase unemployment, or shutter small businesses. Those fears have not materialized in Florida.
Flagler County Drug Court Foundation Announces Fall Ride for Recovery Fundraiser on October 14th
The Flagler County Drug Court Foundation hosts the Fall Ride for Recovery fundraiser on October 14th. This exciting event promises a day filled with fun, food, and activities for a noble cause. The primary objective of this fundraiser is to provide assistance to individuals in Flagler County who are on their journey to recovery from substance abuse.
Covid Deaths in Florida Near 91,000
As of Thursday, 90,740 resident deaths from Covid-19 had been reported, according to Florida Department of Health data released Friday. That was up from 90,232 reported deaths two weeks earlier.
Hillsborough County Judge Nancy Jacobs Accused of ‘inappropriate and Disparaging’ Remarks
The panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission filed what is known as a “notice of formal charges” against Judge Nancy Jacobs, who unseated then-Circuit Judge Jared Smith in the 2022 election.
Volunteers Collect Nearly a Ton of Trash in 16th Annual Intracoastal Waterway Cleanup
Since 2008, volunteers participating in the event have collected over 27,000 pounds of trash. This year, over 190 volunteers participated in the event and recovered over 1,800 pounds of trash.
Stetson Breaks Fund-Raising Record with $65 Million Haul
Stetson University set another fundraising record for a second year in a row, raising $65 million last year for student scholarships, renovations and other areas across the institution. The outpouring of gifts and pledges from donors during the 2023 fiscal year, ending June 30, came a year after Stetson raised $52.2 million, then the largest amount on record.
Paul Renner Signals Focus on Health Care with Creation of New House Committee
Signaling that health care could be a key issue during the 2024 legislative session, House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, announced Friday that he has created the House Select Committee on Health Innovation. The committee, which will be chaired by Rep. Kaylee Tuck, R-Lake Placid, will “review issues relating to access and affordability in health care,” Renner said in a memo to House members.
Palm Coast Fire Department’s Lt. Richard Cline Retires After 25 Years of Service
The Palm Coast Fire Department bids a fond farewell to Richard “Rich” Cline as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement after a proud career spanning 25 years, dedicated to serving the City of Palm Coast.
Palm Coast Fire Department Wins $23,000 EMS Grant
The Palm Coast Fire Department proudly announces its success in securing the 2022-2023 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Matching Grant, administered by the Florida Department of Health, with a grant value of $23,183.00. This grant, part of the EMS Trust Fund, underscores the department’s ongoing commitment to elevating emergency medical services in the community.
Jay Scherr is New President, Amelia Fulmer 1st Vice President of Flagler Tiger Bay Club
Jay Scherr will serve as President of the organization, with Amelia Fulmer serving as First Vice President, Dr. Joe Saviak and Marc Dwyer as Second Vice Presidents. Gary Walsh will continue as the organization’s Secretary and Chair of the Governance Committee with Cheri Orr as Recording Secretary and Flagler Tiger Bay Club Program Manager. Jim Uveges will continue in his position as Treasurer.
‘Horrified’ SURJ Flagler Issues Statement on Bunnell Elementary’s Segregated Assembly
SURJ Flagler is horrified about the devaluation of the African American students, and how they were subjected to a “less than” self-image. Not to be forgotten is the impact of this segregation on the non-black students, where yet another false seed of academic and social superiority has been planted.
Disney Narrows Lawsuit Against Florida, Focusing on Retaliation by DeSantis Administration
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts moved Friday to narrow a federal lawsuit that alleges state officials unconstitutionally retaliated against the company because of its opposition to a 2022 law that restricted instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.
Emergency Management’s Jonathan Lord and Nealon Joseph Deploy to Madison County
Flagler County Emergency Management had scarcely returned the Emergency Operations Center to its normal activation level on Wednesday (August 30) when Director Jonathan Lord and Emergency Management Planner Nealon Joseph headed out to Madison County to assist with their recovery efforts.
Flagler Sheriff Sends 10-Member Emergency Response Team to Help in Hurricane Idalia Recovery
Ten members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team are deploying to Florida’s Big Bend region to assist in the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Idalia after being activated by the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Sheriff’s Association Task Force.
GOP Lawmaker Proposes 8-Year Term Limits for County Commissioners
A House Republican on Thursday proposed a constitutional amendment that would impose eight-year term limits on county commissioners. Rep. Michelle Salzman, R-Pensacola, filed the proposal (HJR 19) for consideration during the 2024 legislative session, which will start in January. But turnover has not been an issue on the Flagler County Commission.
Palm Coast and Flagler County Plan Their Parks
A significant move towards improving future recreational spaces in Palm Coast and Flagler County was taken as the “Planning Our Parks” Master Plan Initiative was discussed by the Parks Master Plan consultant during a Palm Coast City Council meeting in early August.
Intracoastal Bank Announces Jacqueline Yantis as Business Relationship Manager
Bruce Page, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, this week announced the addition of Jacqueline Yantis to the Intracoastal Bank team as Senior Vice President/Business Relationship Manager for the Bank. In this capacity she will be responsible for developing and servicing business banking relationships.
Women United Flagler Chapter Grant Applications Now Being Accepted
Women United Flagler, an affiliate of the Community Foundation/United Way of Volusia-Flagler, is pleased to announce that the group’s annual grants program to help empower women and children throughout the region is now open.
Kaley Cook Is Palm Coast Government’s New City Clerk
Kaley Cook has been appointed to the role of the City Clerk for the City of Palm Coast, which was announced at the August 15, 2023, City Council meeting. Ms. Cook has served as the Deputy City Clerk since 2022 and brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role.
Daniel Ernst RN Wins DAISY Award at Flagler Hospital for End-of-Life Care
Daniel Ernst, RN, a nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at Flagler Hospital, has been honored as the hospital’s DAISY Award recipient for the second quarter of 2023. Ernst was honored for his compassionate care toward an 87-year-old woman as she came to the end of her life.