Fire Rescue Lt. Andrew Keppler recently retired after a 28-year career that began in 1993 with the St. John’s Park Volunteer Fire Department, which is now Flagler County Station 71.
News Briefs
Catholics for Choice Condemns U.S. Bishops for Urging Supreme Court to Restrict Abortion Rights
Catholics for Choice, which uplifts and amplifies the voices of the majority of Catholics who believe in reproductive freedom, denounced the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) today for asking the Supreme Court to uphold a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks.
Sheriff’s K-9 Unit Named Trailing Team of the Year For 2nd Year in a Row
K-9 Holmes joined the FCSO in April of 2018 and began working with Commander Gimbel. The K-9 Unit made national news after FCSO requested the help of the community in naming the first bloodhound the Agency has had in decades.
Northeast Florida Regional Airport in St. Johns Lands $700,000 Grant
This week, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $700,000 grant award to the St. Johns County Airport Authority through the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP).
Construction Begins on $9.5 Million Pedestrian Bridge over State Road 100, Linking Trail Network
Construction work for a long-anticipated pedestrian bridge crossing over State Road 100 began July 26. When completed, the bridge will link the Lehigh Trail, Old Kings Road sidewalk, conservation lands, and the Flagler County’s Bulow “Parcel D” property.
Pre-Register for Free Virtual Skywarn Storm Spotter Class August 16
Kip Bricker, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, will teach the class. It will cover everything from cloud formations to thunderstorm development to visual predictions.
Flagler Airport Director Roy Sieger Named Chairman of Florida Airports Council
Flagler Executive Airport Director Roy Sieger has been installed as the chairman of the Florida Airports Council for the coming year, increasing his leadership role with the organization he has been a member of for 15 years.
Florida Sheriffs Task Force “Operation Breaking Chains” Nets 363 Arrests in 16 Counties
“Amplifying the safety on our roads and waterways is crucial for all Floridians, including our children, and those who visit the Sunshine State,” said FSA President and Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz. “The dedicated enforcement of state laws that deal with businesses suspected of human trafficking and online operations will help to keep us all safe.”
Palm Coast Arts Organizations Looking for $3,000 Grants? Here’s Your Chance.
As $30,000 in funding is expected to become available for Fiscal Year 2022 for events or programs taking place between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022, the City is looking for new grantees. As always, preference is given to first time applicants that meet the grant requirements.
Palm Coast Wastewater Treatment Plant Honored With Award
The recognition rated the Water Treatment Plant based on its size, number of employees, hours worked, chemicals used in process, accidents and lost time injuries. In 2020, the plant proudly reported no lost time injuries and not a single accident.
Streetlight Installation Planned for Ravenwood Drive
Beginning July 21, 2021, new streetlights will begin to be installed on Ravenwood Drive in Palm Coast. The contactor will be installing conduit and hand holes on the east side of Ravenwood Dr. At this time, lane closures are not expected but motorists should be aware that there will be workers in the area and possibly crossing the road.
Palm Coast Fire Department and Mayor Recognize Firefighters who Saved Teen
The Palm Coast Fire Department (PCFD) recently recognized the efforts of firefighters for their actions in helping to save the life of a juvenile who had climbed onto the overpass of Palm Coast Parkway & I-95 bridge on Father’s Day. The teen was having a mental health crisis and was a threat to herself.
Florida Supreme Court Will Not Hear Constitutional Challenge to Mask Mandate
The Florida Supreme Court declined to take up a constitutional challenge to Palm Beach County’s decision last year to require people to wear masks during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Yard Debris Collection Cancelled Countywide and Palm Coast Parks Closed Wednesday Due to Tropical Storm Elsa
In preparation for the storm, please secure loose outdoor articles including grills, bicycles, potted plants, lawn furniture or lawn ornaments. During heavy winds, these items could become dangerous projectiles.
Utility Department to Perform Smoke Testing in Palm Coast’s Woodlands
This smoke testing will be done Monday through Thursday, June 28 through July 1. This test, which involves forcing smoke into the sanitary sewer lines, will check for leaks, breaks and defects in the system.
Imagination Vacation: In-Person Children’s Art Day Camps, Starting With Frida Kahlo
Imagination Vacation awaits children ages 7-11 this summer at Ormond Memorial Art Museum’s art and adventure day camps. This series of three-hour camps let children explore their creativity, style, and curiosity while having fun becoming a famous artist, mermaid, pirate, or honey bee.
Flagler County Graduates Second Leadership Academy Class
Flagler County Leadership Academy 2021 Graduates: Matt Adams; Jordan Butler; Holly Durrance; Nathan Hockenberry; Nealon Joseph; Joe King; Michael Lagasse; Gina Lemon; Trevor Martin; Christina Mortimer; Michael Orlando; Ashlee Ouellette; Darlene Pardiny; Tishia Peterson; Ryan Prevatt; Roy Sieger; Amy Stroger; and, Jason Wheeler.
Florida and Seven Other States, All Republican-Controlled, Enact Anti-Protest Laws
Eight states have passed laws cracking down on protest activity since Black Lives Matter protests erupted across the United States last summer, according to the International Center for Not-For-Profit Law, which tracks such legislation. Similar bills are pending in 21 states, according to the Washington, D.C.-based center.
Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program Releases 5 Endangered Sea Turtles in Ormond Beach
The fruits of The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program labor were realized with the release of five rehabbed sea turtles including two Kemp’s ridley and three greens yesterday in North Ormond Beach.
UNF MedNexus in Palm Coast Names Dr. Miriam Griffin Program Director
The University of North Florida has named Dr. Miriam Griffin as program director and assistant professor for UNF MedNexus in Palm Coast. Griffin lives in the Palm Coast area and will lead the efforts in establishing and leading the UNF MedNexus nursing cohort program beginning fall 2021.
Mad Dogs Completes Spring 2021 Season, Crowning List of Champions
Mad Dogs Flag Football of Palm Coast completed its Spring 2021 season with its Championship Weekend festivities on June 12 at Wadsworth Park in Flagler Beach.
Florida Ethics Commission: June Session Wrap-Up
Meeting in Tallahassee on June 4th in closed session, the Florida Commission on Ethics took action on 17 matters, Chair JoAnne Leznoff announced today.
Flagler Sheriff’s Steve Williams Elected as President of Florida’s Agricultural Crimes Intelligence Unit
On Thursday, May 20, 2021, Deputy First Class (DFC) Steve Williams of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) Agricultural Unit was elected as the President of the Florida Agricultural Crimes Intelligence Unit (FACIU) for the 2021-2022 year.
CareerSource Flagler Volusia Hosts Job Fairs on June 22 and 29
CareerSource Flagler Volusia will host two job fairs in the month of June: a Virtual Job Fair on Tuesday, June 22nd and an in-person Job Fair, in partnership with Derbyshire Place, on June 29th, 2021.
Chief Justice Drops Mask and Social-Distancing Requirement in Court
Florida courts are set to resume some jury trials and drop mask and social-distancing requirements, while most court proceedings will continue to take place remotely, under an order issued Friday by state Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady.
Flagler Community Paramedic Caryn Prather Honored with Red Cross’ Heroes Among Us Award
Flagler County Community Paramedic Caryn Prather on Friday was bestowed with the honor “Heroes Among Us” as a frontline worker by the American Red Cross of Central Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The award was presented for her work during the 2020 calendar year to develop a plan for a mass Covid-19 testing site, and later by continuing to individually test residents.
Palm Coast Fire Department Dedicates New Ladder Truck to FPC Graduate Sgt. Zachary J. Walters, Killed in 2010
Marine Sergeant Zachary J. Walters, killed on June 8, 2010 while on patrol in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. He was a graduate of Flagler Palm Coast High School, Class of 2005. The idea for dedicating a fire truck to the memory of a Fallen Solider was proposed by Firefighter-Paramedic Christopher Strozier, who is a Navy Veteran.
Palm Coast’s First Hybrid Citizens Academy Graduates 15 Students in 49th Session
This session’s graduates were Terri Belletto, Vincent Ciolino, James La Pierre Cutts, Felita Guy, Kelly Knott, Greg Lovekamp, Barb Lovekamp, Michael Martin, Devrie Paradowski, Nichol Sparrow, Michael West, Geraldine Wright, Andre Wright, Jim Wulff and Jan Wulff.
Florida Department of Education Goes on ‘Listening Tour’ on Proposed Controversial Civics Education Rule and Other Matters
The proposed standards that are the focus of the upcoming meetings are separate from another proposal that would impose strict guidelines on the way U.S. history is taught in public schools.
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise Now Accepts E-ZPass Statewide
A major milestone in national toll interoperability has been achieved with interoperability between two of the largest customer bases in the country. Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) is now accepting E-ZPass, bringing interoperability to millions of toll highway customers on the East Coast of the United States and as far west as Illinois.
Flagler County Public Library celebrates ‘Tails and Tales’ this Summer, kickoff party on Saturday
The Flagler County Public Library is embracing all children’s furry friends with its “Tails and Tales” Summer Reading Program that begins with a kickoff party Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Palm Coast Main Branch Library.
Flagler Vaccination Sites for May 22 through May 29
The Flagler County Health Department (DOH-Flagler) has modified its COVID-19 vaccination sites for the next week.
Flagler County Celebrates Emergency Medical Services Staff for EMS Week
Nothing shed light on the important role that Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff undertake in “Caring for Our Communities” – the theme of the 2021 EMS Week – like the coronavirus pandemic did.
Palm Coast Historical Society’s Inaugural Electric-Bike Tour of Palm Coast Set for May 23
Palm Coast resident and local FLEBIKE store owner Frank Paccilli is sponsoring and guiding the E-bike Tour of the “Core Area” of Palm Coast on Sunday, May 23 from 2 – 4:30 pm (weather permitting) to benefit the Palm Coast Historical Society and Museum.
Consortium of Local Ham Radio Clubs to Test Emergency Capabilities June 26 and 27
Ham radio operators will gather at Hammock Community Center, 79 Mala Compra Road, Palm Coast, to operate multiple Ham Radio stations for 24 hours beginning at 2 pm. Saturday, June 26th.
Flagler Fire Rescue and Others Set WaterSafe 2021 Event at Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club June 5
WaterSafe 2021 will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 5, at the Belle Terre Swim & Racquet Club, 73 Patricia Lane, Palm Coast. The typically annual event was not held in 2020 because of Covid, and this year’s event will be socially-distanced and masks will be required as a precaution.
Flagler County’s Memorial Day Service Features Vietnam War Retired Army Veteran Sgt. Melvin Morris
Morris was one of the first Soldiers to don the “green beret” at the command of President John F. Kennedy while at Fort Bragg, North Carolina on October 12, 1961. In the United States armed forces, the green beret may be worn only by soldiers awarded the Special Forces Tab, signifying they have been qualified as Special Forces soldiers.
Flagler County Airport Will Restrict Operations in May and Close For a Few Days in June to Accommodate Runway Work
A full closure at the Flagler Executive Airport will be required from 7 a.m. Friday, June 4 to no later than 7 p.m. Monday, June 7. The scope of work for this phase includes milling, paving, and airfield electrical work within the intersection of Runway 11-29 and Runway 6-24.
Join City of Palm Coast for Memorial Day Ceremony on May 31 at 8 a.m.
Join the City of Palm Coast for a Memorial Day Ceremony, “Remembering America’s Heroes,” on Monday, May 31 from 8 – 9 a.m. at Heroes Memorial Park, 2860 Palm Coast Parkway. Parking is available along Corporate Drive and at the Library.
Fire Rescue, Emergency Management and Growth Management Departments Hold Open House June 17
The open-house style event scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. June 17 at the Hidden Trails Community Center in Daytona North will provide information about the various programs and services available to residents.
Meet and Greet with Flagler Beach City Manager William Whitson on May 18
The Flagler Beach City Commission welcomes the public to a “Meet & Greet” with new City Manager William Whitson on May 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Wickline Park, 315 South 7th Street in Flagler Beach.
A New Partnership Between AdventHealth and Disney World Focuses on Guests’ Wellness
Under a renewed alliance announced today, AdventHealth will become the Official Health Care Provider at Walt Disney World Resort, as well as the Official Virtual Health Care Provider at Walt Disney World Resort.
To Business Groups’ Delight, Bill Granting Consumers More Data Privacy Dies
Business lobbyists claimed victory Friday after the demise of a bill that would have given consumers more control over personal data collected by companies.
Daytona Tortugas Announce Preliminary 2021 Roster
The Daytona Tortugas, in conjunction with the Cincinnati Reds, have announced their initial roster for the upcoming 2021 campaign, headlined by 2020 first-round pick OF Austin Hendrick and 7 of Baseball America’s top 20 Reds’ farmhands.
Colleges and Universities Could Sponsor Charter Schools
The Senate on Monday passed a measure that could lead to state colleges and universities sponsoring charter schools. Senators voted 29-11 to approve the bill (SB 1028), which would allow higher institutions, after receiving the go-ahead from the Department of Education, to solicit applications for charter schools.
Volusia Schools and AdventHealth Partner to Screen Student Athletes for Cardiac Health
Student-athletes from Volusia County Schools will for the first time be offered free electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings in addition to the annual state-required sports physical for middle and high schoolers, through a partnership with AdventHealth.
Flagler County Human Resources Director Pamela Wu Adds Feather to Leadership Cap
Flagler County government Human Resources Director Pamela Wu has added a feather to her leadership cap, as earlier this month she graduated from the National Association of Counties (NACo) High Performance Leadership Academy.
CareerSource Flagler Volusia Hosts Virtual Job Fair for Healthcare Careers on April 29
CareerSource Flagler Volusia will host the Virtual Job Fair for Healthcare Careers on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Veterans and their eligible spouses will receive priority of service and may join the event starting at 10:00 a.m. The event will be open to the general public from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Daytona State College Awarded $73,000 Career Pathways Grant to Support New Automotive Apprenticeship Program
The apprenticeship is expected to deliver approximately 2,650 hours of employer-based training through a combination of direct on-the-job training and one-on-one mentorship provided by qualified senior employees of Daytona Toyota.
Court Sides With Sumter County Teacher, Allowing Gun on Campus
An appeals court Friday sided with a Sumter County high-school teacher who challenged a school-district policy that barred him from having a gun in his car on campus.
