Teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) beginning today will be visiting the hardest hit neighborhoods in Flagler County to aid residents applying for its Individual Assistance program.
News Briefs
West Flagler Waters Receding, Easing Fears
Residents in western Flagler County should see flood waters recede in earnest within the next 24 hours as Haw Creek near Russell Landing appears to have crested, however the high tide measures at Dunns Creek will measure slightly higher over the next week.
Palm Coast City Council Proclaims Oct. 14 Chief Jerry Forte Appreciation Day
The Palm Coast City Council recognized retiring Fire Chief Jerry Forte at the October 4 City Council Meeting with a proclamation. Mayor David Alfin has proclaimed October 14, 2022, as “Chief Jerry Forte Appreciation Day”.
85% of Flagler Customers Get Their Power Back as FPL Stages at Airport
Marineland has had 100% of its power restored, while Beverly Beach has only had 25% of its power restored. Flagler Beach and unincorporated Flagler County are each 86% restored. Bunnell is 91% restored. Palm Coast, which has the most customers, is 80% restored.
Stetson University Cancels Classes Through Friday and Issues Advisory to Students
Stetson University announced that undergraduate classes are canceled Wednesday-Friday, and issued an advisory to students, faculty and staff.
2nd Annual Flagler Open Arms Recovery Music Festival Draws Hundreds in Flagler Beach
The event included live music from Dakota & Hurley with special guests Jay Wirth, Haley Chase, David Lane Band, Musical Chairs, and Ferris Deluxe.
Flagler Beach Historical Museum Celebrates 21st Anniversary with Moondance Fundraiser
Celebrate the Flagler Beach Museum’s 21st Anniversary at their ‘Moondance’ fundraiser on October 6 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30.p.m. The event will be held at Beachfront Grille, located at 2444 S Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach.
Sheriff Did Not Have Authority to Release Man Early Without Judge’s Order, Court Rules
An appeals court Wednesday rejected a decision by the Baker County sheriff to release a man who had served only four days of a 60-day jail sentence. A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal upheld a circuit judge’s ruling that ordered Sheriff Scotty Rhoden to return Donald Shrowder to jail to serve the 60-day sentence.
Palm Coast’s Garry Lubi Re-Appointed to Daytona State College Board of Trustees
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Kelly Kwiatek and the reappointment of Garry Lubi and Dr. Randall Howard to the Daytona State College District Board of Trustees. Two current members, Sarah Dougherty and Bob Davis, are departing the Board.
Gas Prices in Palm Coast Lower than $3.40 a Gallon, Continuing 30% Drop Since Mid-June
Palm Coast gas prices dropped below $3.40 a gallon on Monday, Florida gas prices declined 3 cents per gallon last week, for a more than 30 percent price decline since the mid-June peak.
Huey Magoo’s Opens on Nova Road in Ormond Beach
Huey Magoo’s celebrated the grand opening of its newest restaurant in Ormond Beach today. This is the second Huey Magoo’s in the area for owner Buck Harris.
Republicans Complain About WESH-2’s Requirement That Debate Candidates Be Vaccinated
Scotty Moore, Republican nominee challenging incumbent Democrat Darren Soto in Congressional District 9 in Central Florida, declined an offer by WESH-2 in Orlando to participate in a virtual debate after he refused to adhere to the news outlet’s vaccine requirement.
Castillo de San Marcos Marks 350th Anniversary
Sunday, October 2, 2022, marks the 350th anniversary of the 1672 ground-breaking ceremonies for Castillo de San Marcos. Join us at the fort throughout the day to explore the 350 years of Castillo history and its impacts on St. Augustine.
A1A International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday
International Coastal Clean-Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 17, from 8 to 11 a.m. up and down the Flagler coast along State Road A1A. The event is organized and sponsored locally by Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway.
Flagler County Takes Three National Awards from Two Associations
Flagler County was honored with National Association of Counties (NACo) 2022 Achievement Awards in two categories, Health and Libraries in July, and in August it received a 2022 Award of Excellence by the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) in the category Internal Publications.
Stetson Ranked in Top 5 Regional Universities by U.S. News & World Report
Stetson University moved up higher in the Top 5 of Best Regional Universities (South) in the 2023 rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Stetson ranked No. 4, up from No. 5 last year, on the list of Best Regional Universities (South), which includes 135 schools.
Three High School Teachers Arrested in Testing Scheme for Students
Teachers Harold “Jim” Martin, Robert Herrington and Kathleen Troutman allegedly ran a scheme that involved the teachers taking the exams together and later providing what were essentially exact copies as “study guides” to students.
Palm Coast Yacht Club Holding Halloween Fundraiser for ‘Neighbors to Families’
The Palm Coast Yacht Club will host a lively Halloween party to raise money for Neighbors To Family, Inc., revolutionizing child welfare by keeping siblings together in foster care and building healthier families and communities. The event will be held at the Pine Lakes Golf Club on October 28 from six to 10 p.m.
UNF Presents 2022 MedNexus Innovation Challenge for Palm Coast Area High School Students
The University of North Florida, in partnership with the City of Palm Coast and Flagler Schools, has opened applications for the 2022 MedNexus Innovation Challenge. The challenge is a team-based entrepreneurship competition that will showcase regional high school students selected to pitch their solutions to address sleep deprivation in teenagers.
Students Use Drones To Map Ancient American Cities and Capture First-Ever Imagery of Rock Carvings
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.
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.