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.
News Briefs
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.
Florida 101: A Unique Educational Opportunity for Flagler Residents
The UF/IFAS Extension Office of Flagler County is offering a new course, entitled Florida 101, beginning September 26, 2023. Florida 101 is a four week course designed for both new and seasoned residents of Flagler County who are interested in learning about the ecology of Florida and how to best take advantage of our unique climate, flora and fauna.
As Heat Peaks, FPL’s House of Savings Returns With More Savings
As the summer heat reaches its peak, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) debuts a revamped version of its interactive, augmented reality (AR) tool, the House of Savings. New this year, each time a customer completes the House of Savings mobile experience, $2 will be donated on their behalf, up to a total of $100,000, toward FPL’s Care To Share.
Flagler County Fire Rescue Paramedics Teach FPC Football Players Hands-Only CPR
Flagler-Palm Coast High School Football Head Coach Daniel Fish and Assistant Coach Jason Winkler invited Flagler County Fire Rescue Community Paramedics Rob Errett and Tracy Farmer to teach their players hands-only CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, because of recent incidents involving college athletes.
Sheriff’s Communications Supervisor Heather Robinson Is Line Supervisor of the Year
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Communications Supervisor Heather Robinson accepted the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International Line Supervisor of the Year award for 2023! Heather was recognized during the Opening General Session at APCO 2023, APCO’s Annual Conference & Expo in Nashville.
Nighttime Beachgoers Should Use MalaCompra Road Access or North Parking Lot During Turtle-Hatching Season
Flagler County officials are urging nighttime beachgoers in The Hammock to use either the MalaCompra Road access or the north parking lot during turtle-hatching season, which is now, instead of the south parking lot leading to the Mountain Bike Trail.
Palm Coast Fire Department’s Driver Engineer Leonardo Chumaceiro Retires
The Palm Coast Fire Department bids a fond farewell to Driver Engineer Leonardo “Leo” Chumaceiro as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement after a proud career spanning 37 years, dedicated to serving the City of Palm Coast.
Florida Ethics Commission: July Roundup
Meeting in Tallahassee on July 28th in closed session, the Florida Commission on Ethics took action on 41 matters, Chair Glenton “Glen” Gilzean, Jr. announced. Five of those matters were complaints considered for probable cause. A finding of probable cause is not a determination that a violation has occurred. Such a determination is made only after a full evidentiary hearing on the allegations.
Jeb Bush and Newt Gingrich Join Rick Scott Re-Election Campaign
As part of his efforts to get reelected to the U.S. Senate next year, Republican Rick Scott unveiled his National Finance Committee Wednesday, featuring a number of current and former GOP lawmakers such as Jeb Bush and Newt Gingrich.
Only 900,000 Landlines Left in Florida, Down from Peak of 12 Million
Carriers reported approximately 900,000 total landlines in Florida for 2022, about 19.5 percent fewer than in 2021, in a population of almost 22 million. Two decades ago, Florida had 12 million landlines. Florida has an estimated 23 million wireless subscriptions and over 4.6 million VoIP connections.
Rotary Club of Flagler Beach Wins Second Harvest Food Bank Award
The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach is proud to announce that it has won the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s “In it Together” Award. Rotary Club of Flagler Beach was awarded the “In it Together” award at the Second Harvest of Central Florida Partner Network Conference that took place on July 17, 2023, in Winter Park, Florida.
Flagler County Fire Rescue Receives American Heart Association Award
Flagler County Fire Rescue has distinguished itself when it comes to treating heart attack patients and has been awarded the American Heart Association “Mission: Lifeline EMS Silver” for 2023.
Flagler County Taking ‘Veteran of the Year’ Nominations Through Sept. 30
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.
Joe Avallone Takes the Reins as Head Coach of Daytona State College’s Men’s Soccer Team
In his three years as Daytona State’s men’s soccer assistant coach, Joe Avallone helped take the Falcons to three conference titles, three Southeast District titles and three trips to the NJCAA nationals. Named head coach following Bart Sasnett’s departure, Avallone says he’ll use his 30+ years of experience as a player and coach to build on that winning formula.
“Firebringer,” the StarKid Production, at City Repertory Theatre Aug. 4-7
A unique collaboration of comedians and song writers comes to the City Repertory Theatre (CRT) in August with a robust production of “Firebringer.” The production is noted as a hilarious take on what happens to the stone age when a life-changing discovery is made.
Sheriff’s Employees Donate $25,645 to Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) employees donated $25,645 to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches (FSYR) making FCSO employee’s total donations to the FSYR over $158,000 since 2017.
Supreme Court Reprimands Former Judge Who ‘Embraced’ Prosecution After Cruz Mass Murder Trial
The court unanimously issued a one-paragraph reprimand of Elizabeth Scherer, who “unduly chastised defense counsel” and “embraced members of the prosecution” after Nikolas Cruz was sentenced to life in prison last year for killing 17 students and faculty members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018.
150 Beers from Around the World at Key West BrewFest Labor Day Weekend
The annual Key West BrewFest is Aug. 31-Sept. 4. The festival is to feature more than 150 beers and ales including unique microbrews. They are to be showcased at events ranging from a mouthwatering beer pairing dinner to the oceanfront Signature Tasting Festival.
Daytona Area Home Sales Remain Steady in June
461 existing single-family homes (detached) were sold in the Daytona Beach area with median home sales price of $377,500. That’s a more than 4 percent increase in total home sales compared to June 2022, but it’s 3.5 percent lower than home sales in May.
Rest Easy, Florida Bears: State Won’t Hunt You This Year
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials confirmed Thursday that the state won’t hold a bear hunt this year. Concerns that discussion of a hunt might be on the agenda drew animal rights advocates to the commission’s meeting at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront on Thursday.
Stetson University Again Selected for Fiske Guide to Colleges 2024
The Fiske Guide to Colleges 2024, now in its 40th year, selects more than 320 colleges as the “best and most interesting” among the country’s 2,300 institutions. The bestselling guide bills itself as the “most authoritative source of information” for college-bound students and their parents.
Emergency Management Chief Guthrie Urges Precautions in Searing Heat
The heat index in Flagler County is expected to reach 110 on successive days this week. State emergency management officials are advising Floridians to ensure safety amid stifling heat.
Sheriff Staly Appointed to State Advisory Board by Agriculture Commissioner
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly has been appointed to Florida’s Private Investigation, Recovery and Security Advisory Council (PIRSAC) by Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson to fill the law enforcement position on the Board. Commissioner Simpson was elected in 2022 to serve as one of four Florida Cabinet members.
A Reminder to Anglers: Release Reef Fish with the Right Tools
Florida requires a descending device and/or venting tool be rigged and ready for use when fishing for reef fish from a vessel in state waters (within 3 nautical miles on the Atlantic and 9 nautical miles on the Gulf).
Eatonville Residents Sue Over Future of Historic Black School Site
A descendant of the founders of the Black-incorporated Town of Eatonville has joined a lawsuit contesting the Orange County School District’s control of property dedicated long ago to the education of Black children.
Father Arrested After Taking Children, 3 and 4, Without Custody
Derek Jordan, the biological father of a 3-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy, forcefully took the children though he did not have custody, and drove away from palm Coast. He was stopped and arrested on I-10.
Public Meeting Set for July 20 on Re-Paving of SR A1A in Flagler Beach
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is to hold a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. July 20 (Tuesday) about the resurfacing project plans for State Road A1A from South 8th Street to North 18th Street in Flagler Beach.
Seminole Woods and Quail Hollow Get New Palm Coast Fire Department Engine Company
The Palm Coast Fire Department (PCFD) has added a sixth engine company to expand services to the southern end of Palm Coast, including the Seminole Woods and Quail Hollow neighborhoods. PCFD’s Engine 29 has been redeployed from reserve status as the primary fire protection coverage for the area previously protected by Flagler County Fire Rescue Engine 92.
Sheriff Staly Buries Two Time Capsules Commemorating Agency Milestones
The “FCSO Centennial Time Capsule” is set to be opened on July 9th, 2067, the agency’s 150th anniversary. The second time capsule is to be opened on November 7th, 2072, the 50th anniversary of the Dedication Ceremony for the new Sheriff’s Operations Center.
Group Aiming for Abortion-Right Ballot Initiative Raises $1.94 Million in June
As of June 30, the Floridians Protecting Freedom committee had collected about $4.719 million since being formed in April. It had spent almost $4.59 million, including about $2.52 million in June.
‘Word!’ South Florida Book Festival Celebrates 50 Years of Hip-Hop Culture July 13-15
“Word! Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop Culture” brings together literature and visual and performing arts, featuring leaders, authors and scholars of Florida’s hip-hop community, from July 13 to 15 at Broward County Library’s African American Research Library & Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale.
Court Revives One-Handed Man’s Disability Case Against Universal’s Volcano Bay
A federal appeals court Friday cleared the way for a lawsuit filed by a man who was barred from a ride at an Orlando water park because he has only one hand.
Hurricane Forecast Increases from 13 to 18 Named Storms This Season
A new forecast for this hurricane season predicts 18 named storms, with winds of at least 39 miles per hour; nine hurricanes, with winds of at least 74 mph; and four major hurricanes, with winds of at least 111 mph.
Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence for Christian Cruz in Volusia Murder
The court, in a 5-1 opinion, rejected arguments by Death Row inmate Christian Cruz that stemmed from his co-defendant, Justen Charles, receiving a life sentence in the murder of Christopher Jemery.
Florida Suspends Sales Tax on Some Appliances For a Year, But Not Electric Stoves
A year-long suspension of Florida’s 6 percent sales tax started on Saturday, applying to certain Energy Star appliances but, in yet another example of the DeSantis administration’s bewildering opposition to to clean energy, not electric stoves. Price limits apply.