Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord and St. Johns County Emergency Management Deputy Director Kelly Wilson spent part of “Emergency Management Day at the Capitol” (February 7) presenting House Speaker Paul Renner with the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA) Legislative Achievement Award.
News Briefs
Updated Palm Coast’s Technical Manual for Residential Construction Compliance Is Reissued
One notable amendment mandates that all flatwork, including sidewalks, air conditioning pads, patios, and other hardscaping elements, along with the PEP tank, must not obstruct drainage flow or the maximum slope of drainage conveyance. Consequently, these features may need to be relocated to the rear of the structure to maintain effective drainage functionality.
Palm Coast Fire Department Announces Wave of Promotions
Chief Kyle Berryhill unveiled the latest promotions within the department’s ranks, demonstrating dedication to enhancing the organization. Among these notable advancements is the elevation of Driver Engineer Kalin Graham to the role of Lieutenant, succeeding Lieutenant Rich Cline, who retired this past September.
UNF Breaks Ground on New Honors Residence Hall
The University of North Florida broke ground today on a new Honors Residence Hall and living-learning community that will house more than 500 students and open in fall 2025. The four-story, 164,579-square-foot residence hall is being built on Osprey Ridge Road along the east side of the campus adjacent to Osprey Fountains. UNF’s new strategic plan, approved last month by the Florida Board of Governors, includes plans to increase enrollment to 25,000 students over five years.
City Invites Residents to Grand Opening of Palm Coast’s Southern Recreation Center
The City of Palm Coast is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the long-awaited Southern Recreation Center and the new Lehigh Trailhead, adjacent to the current Palm Coast Tennis Center, on February 23rd from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm at 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, FL 32164. These projects are pivotal steps in aligning with the priorities outlined by the community during the recent countywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
U.S. News Ranks Daytona State’s Online Bachelor’s Programs Among the Best in U.S. for 12th Straight Year
For the 12th straight year, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Daytona State College’s Online Bachelor’s Programs among the best in the nation. And DSC is again the top-ranked non-university college in the United States, advancing in the overall rankings among all colleges and universities nationwide.
Disney Is Appealing Decision Dismissing Its Free-Speech Lawsuit Against DeSantis
Disney filed a notice of appeal on Thursday, one day after U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor ruled against the company’s lawsuit seeking to overturn the governor’s replacement of the old Reedy Creek Improvement District with another governing entity that DeSantis personally controls.
Palm Coast City Council Hold Strategic Action Planning Orientation on Feb. 5
The Palm Coast City Council will hold an orientation session focused on the strategic action planning process on Monday, February 5th, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center. Facilitated by Dr. Joe Saviak, an expert in strategic planning, the session aims to chart a course for the city’s future growth and prosperity. The session is open to the public.
Florida Lawmakers Want to Raise Constitutional Amendment Approval Threshold to 66.67%
A House panel Monday approved a proposal that would make it harder to pass state constitutional amendments. Under the proposal, constitutional amendments would need support from 66.67 percent of voters to pass, up from the current 60 percent.
3rd Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Palm Coast Is Set in Town Center on Feb. 3
The City of Palm Coast will host its 3rd Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk Palm Coast on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Central Park in Town Center, beginning at 8 a.m. The previous two events raised nearly $30,000 with all proceeds going to the foundation.
Rymfire Elementary’s Allison Kucharski Is Flagler Schools’ Teacher of the Year, Jimmy Sorrentino Wins Honor
Allison Kucharski, a second-grade teacher at Rymfire Elementary School, was named Flagler County Schools’ Teacher of the Year, and Jimmy Sorrentino, Buddy Taylor Middle School’s campus advisor/security and a coach, was named District Employee of the Year Wednesday evening at the district’s annual celebration of itself at Flagler Auditorium.
Don Foley Replaces Jason Wheeler as School District’s Communication Coordinator
Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore has chosen Palm Coast resident Don Foley as the district’s new Communications Coordinator. Announced at the December 2023 School Board meeting, Foley began his duties serving the district on Jan. 8.
Proposal to Limit County Commission Terms to 12 Years Advances in Florida House
A House panel Friday approved a proposal that would impose 12-year term limits on county commissioners in most of the state, after changing an earlier version of the bill that would have led to eight-year limits.
Forbes Advisor Ranks Daytona State Among the Nation’s Best Online Nursing Programs
Forbes Advisor has recognized Daytona State College as offering one of the best affordable 100% online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) programs for 2024. The program is designed for new or working nurses who have earned an Associate Degree in Nursing interested in advancing their careers – including moving into leadership and management positions – by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
As Escambia County Bans 1,600 Titles, Including Dictionaries, a Lawsuit Is Cleared for Trial
A federal judge cleared the way for a First Amendment challenge to decisions by the Escambia County School Board to remove or restrict access to school library books. An updated list of Escambia’s now-1,600 banned titles includes five dictionaries, The Guinness Book of World Records, a Thurgood Marshall biography, Sherlock Holmes and many more.
Palm Coast Fire Department’s Battalion Chief Randy Holmes Celebrates 30 Years of Service.
Holmes embarked on his professional journey with Palm Coast Fire Department on September 12, 1993, taking on the role of Firefighter-EMT. Prior to joining, Randy was a volunteer firefighter for the Bunnell Volunteer Fire Department as well as being employed by the water utility department.
GOP Measure Would Forbid Government Agencies from Using Individuals’ Preferred Pronouns
Mirroring a House bill filed in November, a Senate Republican on Thursday proposed a measure that would place restrictions on government agencies in the use of personal pronouns.
Superintendent Appoints Angela O’Brien, a Former Special Education Executive, as Her No. 2
Superintendent LaShakia Moore is recommending the appointment of Angela O’Brien to the post of Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services. The post was previously held by Moore. O’Brien previously served as Regional Director for Pennsylvania-based New Story Schools–a national network of schools that focuses on students with special needs.
UF’s Extension Office in Flagler Offers 4-Week Florida 101 Course on State’s Ecology and How to Protect It
Florida 101 is an introduction to Florida designed for both new and seasoned residents of Flagler County who are interested in learning about the ecology of Florida, how to best take advantage of our unique climate, flora, and fauna, and how to protect it.
Women United Flagler Allocates Nearly $38,000 to Local Agencies
Women United Flagler, an affinity group of United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties, is pleased to announce the group recently distributed grants and scholarships totaling $29,350 to Flagler County Non-Profit agencies and an additional $8,644 to the United Way Community Impact Fund, which serves nonprofits in both Volusia and Flagler Counties.=
Sheriff’s Citizen Observer Patrol (COP) Unit Hosts Annual Awards Banquet
The banquet was led by volunteer Chief Roberson Brown, who leads the dedicated COP Unit volunteers in handling various tasks that allow sworn deputies to handle and investigate more serious crimes. The banquet was also attended by Sheriff Rick Staly and his wife Debbie, Chief Jon Welker, Chief David Williams, Commander Scott Vedder, and Commander Kenny Goncalves.
Palm Coast Fire Department’s Battalion Chief Dave Faust earns Executive Fire Officer Designation
The Palm Coast Fire Department celebrates Battalion Chief Dave Faust on his professional achievement of successfully completing the Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Florida Highway Patrol Graduates 21 Troopers From Its 152nd Basic Recruiting Class
Graduates completed 29 weeks of training, equivalent to 770 hours, beginning on June 5, 2023. Training included high liability classes, defensive tactics, firearms, vehicle operations, and first aid. The 152nd class included five military veterans representing the Army, Air Force, and the United States Marine Corps. Five graduates came from law enforcement families.
Florida Senate Targets AI’s ‘Deepfakes’ in Political Ads
Concerns about materially deceptive media — so-called “deepfakes” — have accelerated as the use of artificial intelligence has become more sophisticated in recent years, prompting a member of the Florida Senate to propose civil penalties for using them in political ads.
667 Students Graduate at Embry-Riddle Fall Commencement Ceremonies
A total of 667 students from the fall 2023 graduating class walked the stage Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, to earn their diplomas at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s commencement ceremonies, held at the Ocean Center, in Daytona Beach. Of the graduates, 524 were undergraduate degree earners, 112 were master’s earners, 13 earned doctoral degrees and 18 were Worldwide Campus students who walked in the Daytona Beach ceremony.
Sheriff Staly Is Honored with Bethune-Cookman’s Law Enforcement Leadership Award
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly was recognized with the Law Enforcement Leadership Award at the 6th Annual Florida Historically Black Colleges and Universities (FL HBCUs) Law Enforcement Luncheon hosted by the Center for Law and Social Justice at Bethune-Cookman University (BCU). Sheriff Staly received the award for his leadership, community-policing engagement efforts, and for providing internships and opportunities to minority applicants and BCU interns.
Sheriff’s Shop With a Cop Raises Over $35,000 for Christmas Spree, Shattering records
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office employees contributed nearly $25,000 and community organizations another $10,000 to the Flagler Sheriff Children’s Charities Shop With A Cop event set for Dec. 15 at the Palm Coast Walmart.
St. Johns County Judge Casey Woolsey Could Face Reprimand Over Inappropriate Fundraising
St. Johns County Judge Casey Woolsey “admitted that her conduct was inappropriate” and violated judicial canons, according to a document filed Monday at the Florida Supreme Court by an investigative panel of the state Judicial Qualifications Commission.
Personal Trainer ‘Artie G’ Gardella Releases First Book, ‘Because You Have a Bucket List’
Personal trainer Artie Gardella – “Artie G” a local senior fitness specialist in Volusia and Flagler County for the past two decades, is proud to announce the release of his first book, “Because You Have a Bucket List.” To celebrate this milestone, Artie G. will host a book signing event on Saturday, December 16, at 11 am, at St Thomas Episcopal Church, located at 5400 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast.
Abortion Rights Supporters Reach 77% of Needed Signatures for Constitutional Amendment Ballot Measure
Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment that would ensure abortion rights in Florida continue moving closer to submitting enough petition signatures to get on the 2024 ballot. The Florida Division of Elections website Friday showed 687,700 valid petition signatures for the measure, which is sponsored by the political committee Floridians Protecting Freedom.
Get a Free Tree By Recycling Your Christmas Tree on Jan. 6 at the Palm Coast Fuel Depot
Recycle your Christmas tree and receive a free three-gallon tree or shrub in exchange (while supplies last) at the City’s 17th annual Christmas Tree Recycling Event. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Palm Coast Fuel Depot, 22 Utility Drive, Palm Coast.
Palm Coast Water Tower Is Getting Repainted and Rebranded
The iconic water tower is getting a makeover. Last painted in 2017, this landmark structure will undergo a comprehensive paint job and proudly feature the city’s recently adopted icon logo. This project will take approximately three weeks to complete.
County Commission Sets Committee Assignments for Coming Year
The Flagler County Commission has selected its committee assignments for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Committee assignments to these important boards provide county commissioners with community input, expertise, and diverse viewpoints that help the Board of County Commissioners make informed decisions.
Hearing Set in Ban of Palestinian Group at USF
A federal judge has scheduled a hearing Jan. 26 in a lawsuit filed by the group Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Florida after state university system Chancellor Ray Rodrigues issued an order targeting such organizations.
Kaiti Lenhart and Flagler’s Elections Team Host Supervisors of Election from 7 Counties Ahead of 2024 Contests
The Flagler County Elections Team on Wednesday hosted seven county Supervisors of Elections and their staff for the last quarterly Florida Supervisors of Election District 5 Meeting of the year. A total of 24 people attended the meeting at the supervisor’s office at the Government Services Building in Bunnell.
Palm Coast’s Starlight Parade Returns on Dec. 16, After 3-Year Hiatus
The City of Palm Coast in collaboration with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will host the much-anticipated Starlight Parade in the heart of Town Center on Saturday, December 16, 2023, in Central Park at 6 p.m.
Justice in Palestine Student Group at USF Sues DeSantis Over His Order to Ban It
The University of South Florida chapter of the group National Students for Justice in Palestine has filed a lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis and state higher-education officials over an order that called for disbanding the organization on campuses.
Attention Drivers: ‘Toys for Tickets’ Campaign Returns to Flagler Beach
The Flagler Beach Police Department is proud to announce that our annual “Toys for Tickets” safety campaign begins this Wednesday! Citizens who receive a written warning for a traffic infraction or a parking offense can volunteer to participate in a program that truly benefits the youth of our community. Citizen participation in this program is 100% voluntary.
Eight Florida Cities Get Perfect Scores in LGBTQ+ Equality Report
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.
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.