A group of 14 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students took a service-learning trip to New Mexico and Arizona this summer to work with archeologists in mapping ancient cities. The unique advantages of drone technology allowed the team to document historic petroglyphs — or rock carvings — discovered on private land north of Tularosa, New Mexico.
News Briefs
700 Flagler County Residents, Mostly Kids, Participating in PAL This Summer
As part of its mission to serve the youth of Flagler County, the Flagler Sheriff’s Police Athletic League (PAL) welcomed over 700 people – mostly kids – to its various events during the summer of 2022.
Daytona State’s Engineering Technology Program Re-Accredited by ABET
Daytona State College’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program has been re-accredited by ABET, a global nonprofit, non-governmental agency that accredits programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.
Supreme Court Urged to Take Up 15-Week Abortion Law Case
Attorneys for abortion clinics and a doctor Wednesday urged the Florida Supreme Court to take up a battle about a new state law that prevents abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The attorneys filed a brief arguing that the Supreme Court should review a decision by the 1st District Court of Appeal that tossed out a temporary injunction against the law (HB 5).
Daytona Lagoon Offers Free Waterpark Admission to First Responders Sept. 10-11
Daytona Lagoon welcomes all active firefighters, lifeguards, emergency medical service (EMS) professionals and law enforcement to a free day at the water park. Daytona Lagoon’s Waterpark will be open from Noon to 6:00 p.m. on both Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11.
Woody’s BBQ Now Serving Ketchup with a Cause, Benefiting Families of Fallen and Wounded Soldiers
Woody’s Bar-B-Q is proud to announce that it is teaming up with Red Gold. Through Red Gold’s national “Ketchup with a Cause” partnership with the Folds of Honor Foundation, with every case of Red Gold ketchup Woody’s Bar-B-Q purchases to stock its restaurants, the Jacksonville, Fl.-based franchise will be doing its part to benefit the families of fallen and wounded soldiers.
County Attorney Al Hadeed Addresses Florida Tax Collectors Association on Short-Term Rentals
Flagler County Attorney Al Hadeed last week made a presentation about the proposed state preemption for advertising platforms for short-term rentals as part of the education forum for the Florida Tax Collectors Association. Tax collectors are responsible for collecting Tourist Development Tax – also referred to as resort tax, bed tax, local option tourist tax, or transient rental tax.
Ex-Public Defender Matt Shirk of Jacksonville Suspended for Year
The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday approved suspending former Jacksonville-area Public Defender Matt Shirk from practicing law for one year. Justices unanimously approved a suspension recommended in April by appointed referee Kenneth James Janesk.
David Weis Named President and CEO for AdventHealth Daytona Beach
AdventHealth has named David Weis president and CEO for AdventHealth Daytona Beach and the East Volusia market, effective Aug. 28. He will report to Audrey Gregory, PhD, president/CEO for the organization’s Central Florida Division – North Region.
Stetson University Raises Record $52.2 Million in 2021
Stetson University raised a record $52.2 million last year, providing money for scholarships, academic programs and facility improvements.
Metronet’s Bill Gilliam Will Head Palm Coast and Florida Markets
Metronet, the nation’s largest independently owned, 100 percent fiber optic provider, announced that Bill Gilliam will serve as the first Vice President and General Manager of Metronet’s Florida Market.
Applications are Open for the Palm Coast Cultural Arts Grant
As funding is expected to become available for Fiscal Year 2023 for events or programs taking place between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2023, the City is looking for grantees.
DSC Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Classroom/Lab Building on Deltona Campus
The facility, scheduled to open in Spring 2024, will be home to the college’s nursing, sonography and high-tech CNC Machining programs, supporting up to 120 nursing students, up to 40 CNC training students and up to 100 students in a new sonography program.
Flagler Beach Rotary Will Host Wellness Retreat to Benefit Project Share
The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach is pleased to announce that the club will host a Good Health for Life Wellness Retreat to benefit Project Share on Saturday, October 15, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Rotary’s Project Share, now in its 24th year, provides Christmas toys for more than 1000 children annually.
Florida Tax Collection Is $3.85 Billion Higher Than Forecast for Year
With inflation pushing up prices of taxable items, Florida’s general revenue substantially topped expectations in June and in the recently completed state fiscal year. General-revenue collections in June were $978.7 million, or 27.6 percent, higher than projected.
Sheriff Staly Is American Legion Post 115’s Law Officer of the Year
Sheriff Rick Staly, along with other First Responders who have exceeded the duty requirements expected of their position and demonstrated a distinct pattern of community service coupled with professional achievement, received awards.
Northeast Florida Fall Boat Show Set for Oct. 15-16 in Jacksonville
The North Florida Marine Association announces the Northeast Florida Fall Boat Show, Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, at the J-Tech Institute campus in Jacksonville’s Southside.
Palm Coast Fire Department’s Jeremy Barton Gets American legion’s 1st Responder Award
Palm Coast Fire Driver Engineer Jeremy Barton has been awarded the 2022 Law & Order and First Responder Award by the Flagler American Legion Post #115 for his outstanding contribution to the fire service for his leadership of the Driver Engineer Field Training program for the Palm Coast Fire Department.
Palm Coast IT Director Doug Akins Earns Certified Government Chief Information Officer Designation
The City of Palm Coast’s Information Technology Director Doug Akins recently completed the John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government’s Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) program. Director Akins is one of only 245 certified professionals in the state.
A School Supply Drive for Bunnell Elementary
In support of Bunnell Elementary School, the Bunnell Police Department is hosting a School Supply Drive now through August 10. Donations can be dropped off at the police station, 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Building 14, behind the Flagler Government Services building.
Volusia/Flagler YMCA Completes $100,000 Renovations at 3 Locations
The association-wide renovations started at the Ormond Beach branch this past February and have continued to include completion of the Holly Hill and Southeast Volusia Family YMCA locations. Planning is currently underway for renovations at the DeLand, Four Townes and Port Orange branches.
Andrew Gillum Fraud Trial Moved to April
A trial that could determine whether former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum is convicted of federal wire fraud and conspiracy charges has been delayed until April, according to an order issued by a federal judge on Thursday. Pushing the trial back to April 17 from its initially scheduled August 16 date is “reasonable and appropriate” in the case, U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor wrote in the order.
Patti King Is Flagler Beach Historical Museum’s New Director
The Flagler Beach Historical Museum’s Board of Directors are pleased to announce that Patti King has accepted the position of Museum Director. Current Director Kathy Wilcox has been in the position since 2018 and will retire in December.
Dr. Larry Petker Honors Wife Sandi with $25,000 Endowment to Daytona State College
Ormond Beach chiropractor Dr. Larry Petker and his family have established an endowed scholarship fund with the Daytona State College Foundation in memory of his beloved wife, Sandi, who passed away last December.
Sheriff Staly Elected Vice-Chair of the Florida Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors
During the Florida Sheriff’s Association (FSA) semi-annual meeting of Florida’s Sheriff’s held in Orlando on July 26, 2022, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly was elected by his fellow Sheriff’s to Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors.
Judge Upholds Osceola School Board’s Termination of Charter School Contract
Judge Lynne Quimby-Pennock issued a 65-page order backing the school board in the dispute with American Classical Charter Academy. The school board voted April 5 to terminate the contract, prompting the charter school to take the case to the state Division of Administrative Hearings.
Sheriff’s 911 Center Director Christina Mortimer Awarded Public Safety Executive Designation
Communications Director Christina Mortimer graduated from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials Institute (APCO), Certified Public Safety Executive (CPE) program. The graduation ceremony was held at the Shores Resort in Daytona Beach Shores.
Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin Is Appointed to Regional Urban Transportation Panel
The River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) carries out the urban transportation planning and programming process for all of Volusia County and the developed areas of eastern Flagler County including Beverly Beach, Flagler Beach, Palm Coast, and Bunnell.
Sheriff’s Employees Donate $20,670 to Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office employees donated $20,670 to the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches (FSYR) making FCSO employee’s total donations to the FSYR over $133,000 since 2017.
Junior Chamber and Waste Pro Cleanup S.R. 100 and Bulldog Drive
Waste Pro and the Junior Chamber of Commerce partnered today on a community cleanup near Flagler-Palm Coast High School (FPC) and SR-100.
Dr. Daniel T. Brauneck, 3rd Generation Dentists, Joins Flagler Dental
Flagler Dental Associates is pleased to welcome Dr. Daniel T. Brauneck, DMD to its practice. Dr. Brauneck is a third generation dentist who was born and raised in Palatka.
Embry-Riddle Re-Invigorates Its Study Abroad Slate
Study abroad programs at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University suspended during Covid are now back at full strength, hosting more than 200 students this summer to travel the world. Several of those students earned the opportunity thanks to rare scholarship funding.
July Rains Relieve Northeast Florida of Abnormally Dry Conditions
Recent rainfall throughout the St. Johns River Water Management District’s 18-county region, which includes Flagler County, has relieved portions of northeast Florida that had been abnormally dry after below-average rainfall in June.
Gas Below $4 a Gallon in Sight as Prices Continue to Fall
Gas prices in Florida have fallen by almost 50 cents over the past four weeks, with prices as low as $4.15 a gallon at some Orlando gas stations on Sunday, and falling below the $4.50 mark in most Palm Coast gas stations.
Gas Prices Falling Steadily, and May Continue to Fall Nearer $4 Mark as Recession Looms
Gas prices are not tumbling yet, but they’re falling, and they may continue to fall as oil producers increase production, supplies increase and fears of recession slow demand.
Contaminants Found in Oysters in Waters Around Florida
With a new state law addressing the clean-up of chemical compounds that have been widely used by industries, a Florida International University study says the substances have been found in oysters in Biscayne Bay, the Marco Island area and Tampa Bay.
Sheriff Staly to Undergo Out-Patient Surgery on July 1
Sheriff Staly is scheduled for out- patient surgery on July 1, 2022, to repair a knee injury. Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge will be the Acting Sheriff while Staly is under anesthesia.
Flagler County Seeks Volunteers for Meals on Wheels and Supplemental Food Programs
Flagler County Senior Services is looking for a few good men and women volunteers to assist with the Bread of the Mighty Food Bank’s Commodity Supplemental Food Program and Meals on Wheels.
Flagler Leadership Academy’s 3rd Class Graduates 16 from Eight Local Governments
Sixteen students – representing the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagler County Tax Collector’s Office, Flagler County Supervisor of Elections, and Flagler Schools, as well as the cities of Bunnell, Flagler Beach, and Palm Coast – were presented diplomas for completing this leadership development program.
Take the ‘Internet Speed Test’ Survey
Flagler County officials are encouraging residents to take an anonymous one-minute speed test and survey to help identify opportunities for expansion of broadband services in Florida. The survey can be completed on any device and from any location.
DSC Gets $10,000 Bank of America Grant for 1,200 At-Risk Students’ Meals
Daytona State College will use a $10,000 grant from Bank of America to provide more than 1,200 meals to low-income and under-represented students who might not otherwise have access to healthy food during the school day.
Volusia/Flagler YMCA HYDRO4 Swim Team Places 18th in U.S.
The Volusia Flagler Family YMCA’s HYDRO4 Swim Team has been recognized as a 2022 American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Top 100 Age Group Team. The team placed 18th in the USA.
Flagler County Hosts Weeklong Florida Emergency Preparedness Association Academy
Twenty-five emergency management professionals from 13 counties, the Salvation Army, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management made Flagler County their temporary home as they immersed themselves in the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA) Intermediate Academy – hosted by the county.
Flagler Clerk of Court’s Office Is Recognized for Best Practices
he Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Tom Bexley accepted the award at last week’s Florida Clerk’s summer conference. Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) recognized 55 members for participating in its second annual Best Practices Excellence Program.
DeSantis Signs Law Lowering Specialty License Plates from 150 to 135
The license-plate bill (SB 364) will cut the maximum number of specialty plates at any one time from 150 to 135, while also making some changes related to the pre-sales of plates.
FDLE Is Launching Florida Purple Alert Program for Missing Adults With Mental Disabilities
The Purple Alert will be used to assist in the location of missing adults suffering from mental, cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Inspiration of Hope Hosts Gospel Extravaganza at Palm Coast Community Center June 25
Inspiration of Hope Community Resources, Inc. is hosting a Gospel Extravaganza at 3 p.m., on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at the Palm Coast Community Center.
$200,000 Goal in Day of Giving for Bethune-Cookman University on June 17
Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) is celebrating a Day of Giving from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday, June 17. The university is asking alumni, stakeholders and those who love and support B-CU to help reach its goal of raising $200,000.
Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly Elected President of Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly is honored to have been elected as the President of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association (FDSA) with his term beginning in July 2022. Sheriff Staly previously was the Vice President for FDSA for two years.
DeSantis Defends Press Secretary Christina Pushaw, Who ‘Belatedly’ Registered as Foreign Agent
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday defended his press secretary, Christina Pushaw, after The Washington Post reported that Pushaw this week registered as a foreign agent because of previous work for the former president of the country of Georgia.