Daytona State College’s Automotive Service Technology program has been re-accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation, a non-profit organization that accredits automotive service programs.
News Briefs
DeSantis Office Dismissed from Open Records Case Over Travels, But Lawsuit Against FDLE Continues
A Leon County circuit judge has dismissed Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office from a lawsuit filed by the Washington Post over access to DeSantis’ travel records. Judge J. Lee Marsh this week issued a nine-page ruling that said DeSantis’ office is not the “custodian” of disputed records held by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The ruling did not dismiss the case against the law-enforcement agency.
Flagler County Cultural Council Awards $25,000 in Scholarships
The Flagler County Cultural Council (FC3) presented scholarships to Flagler County graduating seniors Scott Wiggins, Mae Fasnacht, April Bonilla, Winston Sjeda and Angelina DeMaio.
Sen. Rick Scott Attends Trump Trial and Calls Prosecutors ‘Thugs’
Florida Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott traveled to New York City on Thursday, where he became the first member of Congress to attend Former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial. Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom during a break from the proceedings, Scott said that the treatment that the former president was enduring was “despicable.”
No, Feeding Wildlife Isn’t Kind. It’s Potentially Dangerous, and Illegal.
The temptation to engage with wildlife by feeding them is real – especially for children – but the consequences for the animals, and the public, can be dire. Flagler County officials remind you: don’t do it.
AdventHealth Hired 10,000 Nurses Since 2020
Four years after a global pandemic rocked the health care industry and exacerbated a nationwide nursing shortage, AdventHealth celebrates a major milestone: 10,000 registered nurses hired across its Central Florida hospitals and health care locations since 2020. AdventHealth’s hospitals in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties have successfully reduced turnover by 22 percent and travel-nurses by 39 percent.
Worrisome Dry Conditions in Flagler Prompt Caution About Wildfires and Yard Kindling
The lack of recent rain means conditions are getting drier in Flagler County, increasing the potential for brushfires. Taking a few precautions now can go a long way to protect homes and businesses from these fires, which can be all too common this time of year.
Jacksonville Rep. Angie Nixon Stands With Pro-Palestine Protesters at UNF
For months, Jacksonville Democratic Rep. Angie Nixon has advocated for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. She has been labeled an antisemite for doing so, too. But last Tuesday she made an appearance at the pro-Palestine protest at the University of North Florida.
Marco Rubio Auditioning for Trump’s Vice President
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio will be one of several names being tested for Trump’s vice president at a donor retreat at the Four Seasons in Palm Beach, where Trump will be “parading the top contenders for the slot in front of rich benefactors this weekend.”
Flagler Sheriff’s Employees and Volunteers Recognized by Military, AmeriCorps and Points of Light
On Tuesday, April 30, members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) were presented with multiple prestigious awards recognizing FCSO’s support of service members and volunteers.
Trial of Andrew Mintz Over Crash in Flagler Beach Pushed to July
Several times delayed already, the trial of Andrew Mintz, the now-34-year-old Palm Coast man involved in an alleged high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash in downtown Flagler Beach, within a few feet of several elected officials and their family, has been delayed to July 15.
Florida’s New Law Requiring Disclosure of AI in Political Ads Termed Weak
“The disclaimer required by this bill is weak and unclear and fails to adequately inform Floridians of the dangerous disinformation to which they’re exposed,” said Amy Keith, the executive director of Common Cause, in a statement on Friday. “And the bill has no safety valve to take down manipulated and misleading political advertisements as fast as possible. As a result, Florida voters won’t have any meaningful protection.”
William Bartram Living History Fest at Alpine Groves Park Marks Naturalist Visit’s 250th Anniversary
On Saturday, May 11, the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department, in coordination with the St. Johns Cultural Council, will hold the 2024 Bartram Living History Fest at Alpine Groves Park, this year commemorating the 250th anniversary of naturalist William Bartram’s historic visit to Florida.
With Zero Evidence, Florida Surgeon General Says Mask Wearers ‘Just Like to Hide Their Faces’
Florida’s Surgeon General is continuing to evangelize against mask wearing like it’s 2022. His latest theory? People wearing protective coverings over their faces simply don’t want to be seen, said the state’s Chief Health Officer and doctor of medicine at the University of Florida.
Flagler Free Clinic Announces Expanded Access for More Floridians
The Flagler Free Clinic in Bunnell announces expanded eligibility for its services, thanks to a statewide bill passed recently by the Florida Senate. The newly enacted legislation, focusing on a vast array of health care improvements across the state, will significantly increase the number of Floridians eligible to benefit from the clinic’s comprehensive, no-cost health care services.
Commerce Parkway Construction Images Show Leveling of Thick, Long-Undisturbed Forest
Bunnell government has released images showing the ongoing churning-like clearing through a thick forest of pines, brush and wetlands in the first stage of construction for Commerce Parkway, the two-lane road cutting a swath from State Road 100 to the north, to U.S. 1 to the south, east and south of the city.
Seesawing Gas Prices Tick Up
Gas prices continue to seesaw: after falling to a two-year low in late December, prises rose back up, then began a pattern of declining or rising almost every week within a band of 10 to 20 cents, hitting a 2024 high in mid-March before declining a bit and rising again, as they did last week, mirroring the fluctuations of the price of oil, but with some lag.
Flagler Beach Will Declare April Sisco Deen Month in Perpetuity as Scholarship Takes Historian’s Name
The Flagler Beach City Commission on Thursday is set to be the first city to declare April “Sisco Deen Month” in perpetuity, in honor of the archivist and long-time member of the Flagler County Historical Society, who died last August at 83. Deen was a Flagler Beach resident.
St. Johns County Among 3 Finalists for Site of Florida Museum of Black History
A committee on Friday narrowed down options for the site of a Florida Museum of Black History, selecting as finalists St. Johns County, Eatonville in Orange County and Opa-locka in Miami-Dade County.
Biden Traveling to Tampa On Tuesday as Poll Numbers Show Florida Out of Play
President Joe Biden will be traveling to Tampa next week, the White House announced Thursday. Biden will appear in Tampa on Tuesday, but details of the visit were not released. Biden’s trip to Florida comes as polls show the president continues to trail presumptive Republican challenger, former President Donald Trump, in the runup to the 2024 election.
Trail Days Celebration at Waterfront Park on April 27
The City of Palm Coast, in partnership with the Flagler County Tourist Development Council, invites residents and visitors to Celebrate Trails Day on April 27, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Waterfront Park. Celebrate Trails Day offers the community a chance to engage with nature and each other by exploring over 130 miles of scenic trails in Palm Coast and Flagler County.
Palm Coast Honors Curtis Gray’s Memory and Proclaims Rise Above the Violence Day
The Palm Coast City Council on Tuesday issued a proclamation remembering Curtis Gray, the 18-year-old Flagler Palm Coast High School student gunned down in a dispute at a local strip mall on April 13, 2019, and proclaimed the date Rise Above the Violence Day.
County Government Cedes 13,000 Square Feet of Land to Hamock Dunes CDD for Road Improvements
The Flagler County Commission approved ceding 13,000 square feet of land in two strips along Hammock Dunes Parkway and Camino Del Mar Parkway, at the foot of the Hammock Dunes Bridge, to the Hammock Dunes Community Development District for $50,000 in impact fee credits.
Buddy Taylor Middle School Robotics Champs Earn Berth at International Competition
Buddy Taylor Middle School (BTMS) students Nathan Cabrera and Sophia Costa have earned bids to compete at the International SeaPerch Competition at the University of Maryland at the end of May.
Democrat Ashley Brundage Launches Campaign, Would Be 1st Transgender Member of Florida Legislature If Elected
Democrat Ashley Brundage this week opened a campaign account to run for a Hillsborough County seat in the state House and to try to become the first transgender member of the Legislature.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Honored for Commitment to Hiring Military Veterans
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that the agency has earned the designation of VETS Indexes 4 Star Employer in the 2024 VETS Indexes Employer Awards. The award recognizes the organization’s commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and the military-connected community.
Stetson University Students Vet Grocery Company for $100,000 Investment
In collaboration with Stetson University’s School of Business Administration, the Hatter Angel Network has finalized its most recent student-led investment in Grocery Shopii. This Charlotte, North Carolina-based startup offers marketing enablement technology that facilitates connections among food brands, retailers and consumers through shoppable recipe solutions.
Arbor Day and Photo Contest May 4 in Palm Coast’s Central Park
The City of Palm Coast will be holding its 19th Annual Arbor Day event on May 4th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Ave. Admission is free! Refreshments and products from vendors will be available for purchase.
Flagler County’s S&P Financial Rating Improves to AA+
Flagler County’s financial rating continues to improve, which is reflective of an improving economic climate and a stronger financial position in the county. The county received word on April 5 that Standard & Poor’s Rating Services boosted the county’s rating from AA to AA+ for its general obligation rating and from AA to AA+ for its non-ad valorem debt rating.
National Sheriff’s Association Awards Flagler Sheriff’s Office the 2024 Crime Victim Services Award
The National Sheriff’s Association (NSA) notified the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office that FCSO was selected as the winner of NSA’s Crime Victim Services Award for 2024. It’s a prestigious award that annually recognizes outstanding achievement by a sheriff’s office in support of victims.
DeSantis Lashes Out at Pot Freedom and Abortion-Rights Amendments
Gov. Ron DeSantis lashed out at two proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the November ballot, three days after the Florida Supreme Court signed off on the measures.
Rymfire Elementary Holds Multicultural Passport to Unity Event
Rymfire Elementary held its multicultural Passport to Unity event on Thursday (April 4). The purpose of this event was to showcase all the different countries represented at Rymfire and in the community.
Small Dog Park at Holland Park to Close Temporarily for Enhancements
The small dog park at James F. Holland Memorial Park will be temporarily closed for improvements beginning Monday, April 8th, and is scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 22nd. These improvements are aimed at enhancing the overall experience for Palm Coast’s furry friends and their owners.
Flagler County Cultural Council Lands Grant for Arts-Oriented Students
The Flagler County Cultural Council is proud to announce the creation of five scholarship awards for graduating high school seniors from the Flagler County school district, each in the amount of $5,000 for students with a career path in the arts.
A Free Heart Screening Detected a Local Student Athlete’s Potentially Fatal Heart Condition
In 2023, Brogan was one of 1,500 students in Volusia and Flagler counties who took part in AdventHealth’s free annual program that provides electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings, a common and painless test used to quickly screen the electrical conductivity of the heart, in addition to state-required physicals for student athletes. The screening revealed that Brogan was at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, which led to a life-saving surgery.
Palm Coast United Methodist Church Hosts Ribbon-Cutting at New Campus April 13
Palm Coast United Methodist Church is pleased to invite the public to the ribbon cutting of their new campus on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be refreshments, tours, children’s activities and fellowship. The new campus is located at 6500 Belle Terre Parkway in Palm Coast.
Palm Coast Installing Solar-Powered Flashing Traffic Beacons in School Zones
While providing and maintaining flashing traffic beacons are a requirement for all school zones in the State of Florida in accordance with the Florida Department of Transportation, the new solar devices will not only help with staying in compliance of the law, but also offer more feasible functionality.
AdventHealth and Construction Manager Top Out New Medical Plaza at SR100 Campus
The two-story, 30,000-square-foot standalone facility will serve as a vital hub for comprehensive cancer treatment, including radiation oncology and medical oncology, and will offer advanced therapies, personalized cancer care, and resources for patients and their families.
Lawn Care Without Waste: April Is Water Conservation Month
Highlighting its commitment to the preservation and sustainable use of Florida’s water resources, the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board has officially proclaimed April 2024 as Water Conservation Month. This annual recognition, now in its 24th year, serves as a reminder of the critical role water conservation plays, particularly during the dry month of April when water demands escalate due to springtime planting.
40 Flagler Schools Students Advance to International Problem Solvers Competition After Wins in Orlando
A total of 178 students from five schools (Flagler Palm Coast High School, Matanzas High School, Buddy Taylor Middle School, Indian Trails Middle School, and Rymfire Elementary School) took part in the competition, which drew 511 students from across the state. Of the Flagler Schools contingent, 40 have been invited to vie at the international competition, which will take place June 5-9 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
Go Slow and Look Down, Boaters: Manatees Are Dispersing from Their Wintering Refuges
Manatees overwinter in Florida springs, power plant discharges and other warm-water sites, relying on water that is warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. As spring brings warmer temperatures, manatees gradually disperse from their winter habitats and are more likely to be in rivers, canals and nearshore waters.
Sea Turtle Nesting Season Is Here: Tips to Be Caring
Sea turtles are starting to nest on our beaches. Residents and visitors can play a big part in helping to protect vulnerable nesting sea turtles this spring and summer while visiting Florida’s coastal habitats.
Egg’Stravaganza 2024: A Celebration of Spring in Palm Coast
The City of Palm Coast invites residents and visitors to join in the festivities at our annual Egg’Stravaganza event on Saturday, March 23rd, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Central Park in Town Center.
St. Johns County Commits to Keeping IMAX Theater Open
Following the recent transition of ownership of the IMAX Theater and World Golf Hall of Fame building, St. Johns County has reaffirmed its dedication to keeping the IMAX Theater open to the public.
AdventHealth Foundation Leads Community Business Drive to Donate 4 Defibrillators to Bunnell Police
The AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation and seven local businesses split the cost of four defibrillators, totaling $8,000, to jump start Bunnell’s effort to have 16 Automatic External Defibrillators for its police department.
Vice President Kamala Harris Will Visit Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on March 23
The White House announced Monday that Harris will visit Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Saturday, March 23, to meet with family members who lost loved ones in the 2018 mass shooting at the Parkland school, where 17 people were killed.
Palm Coast Launches Phase 2 of Imagine 2050, Its Comprehensive Plan Rewrite, on March 13
The Phase 2 community conversation workshop meetings are on March 13, 2024. There are two opportunities to participate: the first workshop is from 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m. and the second is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Wing of City Hall, located at 160 Lake Ave, Palm Coast. The workshop will include a presentation and small group discussion. This event is open to the public, welcoming all residents who wish to contribute their ideas.
‘Warbirds Over Flagler’ Returns March 23-24 ina 2-day Air Show at County Airport
Mark the calendar in ink. “Warbirds Over Flagler” at the Flagler Executive Airport returns this year as a two-day warbird fly-in event on Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24 to salute all veterans, both past and present.
InvisaCook, the Bunnell Manufacturer, Is Highlighted at JaxUSA State of the Region
As part of its continued strategic focus on increasing exposure for Flagler County businesses, the Flagler County Economic Development Office spotlighted local appliance company, InvisaCook, LLC during a panel presentation at the annual JAXUSA Partnership’s State of the Region in February.
AdventHealth Daytona Beach Contributes $15,000 to African American Entrepreneurs Association
Continuing to build partnerships across the nation, the African American Entrepreneurs Association added hometown support for their efforts in February with the addition of AdventHealth Daytona Beach.