Wednesday Briefing: Benefit Concert For Flagler Beach Family in House Fire, the TDC’s Empty Kitty, Extinct Cougar

Today’s weather: sunny, damn hot, high of 93, low 74. Details here.
Today’s fire danger is Low. Flagler County’s Drought Index is at 490
The weather in Alice Springs, Australia: high 67, low 49. Details.
The OED’s Word of the Day: pulchritude, n.
The Live Community Calendar
Today’s jail bookings.

Today’s Briefing: Quick Links

• In Flagler and Palm Coast
• Local News Recap
• In Court
• In State Government
• Beyond
• PR Releases
• Palm Coast Construction and Development Progress Reports
• Local Road and Interstate Construction
• In the Press
• In Coming Days in Flagler and Palm Coast
• Comment of the Day (From the Comment Section)
• Cultural Coda

In Flagler and Palm Coast:

Note: all government meetings noticed below are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.

The Flagler County Tourist Development Council meets at 10 a.m. in the board chambers of the Government Services Building in Bunnell. The council will consider approving a $4,800 grant for the Palm Coast Historical Society, and will hear a request for $10,000 from the organizers of the annual Maya at the Playa event, though there’s only $5,300 available from the fund that would grant the Maya request.

The Flagler County Technical Review Committee meets at 9 a.m. in the first floor conference room of the Government Services Building.

Palm Coast’s Planning and Land Development Board was scheduled to meet today at 5:30 p.m. The meeting is cancelled.

Palm Coast’s 15-member Citizens’ Advisory Task Force meets at 5:30 p.m. at the city’s main conference room to review the city’s annual action plan, a set of recommendations for capital improvements that would be paid for with federal community development block grant dollars. The task force serves as a focal point or liaison between the city and its constituents in regard to the planning, development, implementation, and assessment of the City’s federal CDBG program. Read the plan here.

“The Art of Selling”, a business seminar, is offered by the Palm Coast Business Assistance Center from 6-8 p.m. The seminar is at City of Palm Coast offices, 160 Cypress Point Pkwy., Suite B106. Registration cost is $15. Seminar Topics will include: The seven steps of the sales process, how to improve the odds of making quota, preparation approach and discovery, and so on. The seminar will be taught by Ray Peter, Area Manager of the Florida Small Business Development Center.

Fund-raiser for the Johnson-Ghormley family, who lost their home in a fire in Flagler Beach last month: The fund-raiser takes place at the Beach Front Grille in Flagler Beach at 5:30 p.m., 2444 Ocean Shore Boulevard, with a benefit concert featuring Capt. Nick and Dana. The $10 donation at the door includes two hours of live music, nibbles and a house drink.

Ribbon Cutting: Scottys Cork & Pint Wine and Tap Room at European Village, a wine and tap room featuring craft beer and a large wine selection, with the Kevin Quinn Experience performing. Starting at 4 p.m.

Florida Association of Counties 2015 Conference: Flagler County commissioners are expected to attend the annual junket, which runs from June 16 to the 19th, and this year takes place at Sawgrass Marriott Resort, 1000 PGA Tour Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach.

Volunteers Sought for Flagler Beach Boards: Flagler Beach government is seeking two volunteers to serve on its Personnel Advisory Board, and one volunteer to serve on its Economic Development Task Force. The city invites applicants to fill out an application form at its website, or you can click here for the application, which you can then send in or fax in to the city. The address is on the form. You can also scan it and email it in. Contact City Clerk Penny Overstreet for more information: (386)-517-2000 x233

Local News Recap:

Palm Coast points the finger back at the county in the two sides’ ongoing tussle over a stalled water deal for the Flagler County Airport. The mayor of Palm Coast will meet with the chairman of the county commission, along with the city manager and the county administrator, in an attempt to resolve the matter.

The victim of a carjacking in 2013, testifying in his alleged attacker’s trial Tuesday, said he thought he was about to die that November night, after Giuseppe Verdone Jr. is accused of kidnapping him and Tasering him repeatedly. “Gong said he was handcuffed and tortured with a stun gun. Before the end of the night, Gong wound up bleeding from his head and mouth and was frantically screaming for help inside the bay area of a Palm Coast fire station,” the News-Journal’s Tony Holt reports. The trial continues today. (Paywall-protected)

No additional study for Florida Park Drive: The Palm Coast City Council voted against going forward with what would have been a roughly $42,000 traffic study of Florida Park Drive, preferring instead to wait for how traffic patterns will shake out once several road projects around town are completed. OPn the other hand, “the City Council directed City Manager Jim Landon to look into the possibility of hiring a consultant to conduct a health study relating to traffic on Florida Park Drive,” the News-Journal reports. (Paywall-protected)

Some Advances But More Retreats in School District’s Rankings in Science, History and Civics: In grade 5 science, an FCAT test (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test), the district’s ranking fell from 28 to 36 in the state, out of 67 counties. Middle school student maintained a strong ranking in the civics end-of-course exam, with 70 percent of students scoring at or above proficiency. Nevertheless, the district’s ranking fell from 11 to 15. High school students also slipped in U.S. history, from 8th in the state last year (and 13th two years ago) to 19th this year.

Mass of Criminal and Civil Records Becomes Accessible Online: Lawyers, people representing themselves in court cases, interested members of the public and others who have been making the trip to the courthouse to access records will no longer have to do so. The records will either all be available at a click, or they’ll be able to electronically lodge a request for what records remain behind a protective wall, pending the necessary redactions.

School Board Seals Agreement Reforming Disciplining of Black Students, Ending Civil Rights Complaint: Under the agreement, district approval will be required for suspensions of five or more days this coming school year, and for three or more days in the next school year, as the district attempts to phase out out-of-school suspensions entirely. The district will consider abolishing suspensions once an alternative school program is created. The district closed its alternative school during the recession, as a cost-saving measure. The school district and law enforcement also will work to reduce in-school arrests for minor offenses.

In Court:

The trial of Giuseppe Verdone continues today. He faces kidnapping, aggravated battery, armed robbery, and armed burglary charges stemming from his alleged car-jacking of a Chinese restaurant delivery driver in 2013, and his driving out of state with an underage girl. The prosecution calls more witnesses this morning. The defense then makes its case. 9 a.m. in Courtroom 401. (See a fuller story here.)

In State Government:

Note: Most proceedings below can be followed live on the Florida Channel.

The House and Senate both hold floor sessions at 10 a.m.

The Commission on Healthcare and Hospital Funding, formed by Gov. Rick Scott, will meet at 8 a.m. (University of South Florida, Patel Center for Global Solutions, 4202 East Fowler Ave., Tampa.)

Cabinet aides prepare for a meeting: Aides to Gov. Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and state Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater will meet to prepare for a June 23 Cabinet meeting. Among other things, the Cabinet is expected to consider applicants for the jobs of commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.)

Beyond:

GOP leaders meet in Washington to prepare for the possibility that the Supreme Court overturns the legality of Obamacare subsidies. Worried that such an outcome might cost the party in the 2016 elections, leaders are considering temporarily continuing subsidies for people with moderate and low incomes.

Women’s World Cup: Today teams play their final group games, with Costa Rica v. Brazil (7 p.m., FoxSports1), South Korea v. Spain (7 p.m., FoxSports2), England v. Colombia (4 p.m., FoxSports1) and Mexico v. France (4 p.m., Fox). In the Copa America, it’s Brazil v. Colombia (8 p.m., BeInsports1).

PR Releases:

Flagler County issues first vacation rental certificate: Flagler County issued the first short-term vacation rental certificate. “County staff was great and everything went very well and extremely smooth,” said local veterinarian Dr. Gary Shelton. The ordinance was approved on Feb. 19 by the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners. It was then amended in March to change the application period for existing vacation rentals from April 15 to June 1. It also provides those who qualify six months, until Dec. 1, 2015 to come into compliance with safety standards. Dr. Shelton was one of four applications received by May 27. Now 78 properties are in the application process. Many waited to apply because attorneys representing 30 Cinnamon Beach Way and Vacation Rental Pros Management filed a request for a preliminary injunction against the ordinance in March. Circuit Judge Michael S. Orfinger ruled June 1 that the ordinance complied with state law. The judged did determine the ordinance would not apply to rental agreements completed before the ordinance was approved. “I see both sides of the issue, but feel the need exists for this type of regulation,” Shelton said. “Otherwise, we will have the wild west.”

Pickleball in Palm Coast: the paddle sport that combines tennis, badminton and ping-pong – is popular in Palm Coast! The courts at Belle Terre Park have been relined and are now open for both tennis and pickleball play. The City of Palm Coast’s organized Pickleball Program will be held each Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and each Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the summer at the Belle Terre Park Tennis Courts, 339 Parkview Drive. Nets, paddles and balls are provided, and the program is free. The courts are available anytime to both pickleball and tennis players. For open pickleball, players can check out the City’s equipment (nets and paddles) at the front desk of the Frieda Zamba Swimming Pool, which is next door to the courts, during regular pool hours. Play is first-come, first-served, but is limited to one hour when others are waiting to use the courts. For more information, call Palm Coast Parks & Recreation at 386-986-2323.

Palm Coast Construction and Development Progress Reports:

The following is an update of ongoing construction and development projects in Palm Coast, through June 5:

Island Walk Shopping Center (Former Palm Harbor Shopping Center), 80 percent done: A 3rd Grease Interceptor has been installed behind the new buildings on the west end of the project. Three sewer wyes have been installed to serve the Grease Interceptors.

Palm Coast Parkway Six-Laning is 77 percent done: Widening on the north side of the parkway continues. Landscape irrigation work continues. Contractor dug up road at night on 5/28/15 to locate obstacles and clear the path for the 12″ water tie from Cypress Point Pkwy into the new 16″ water main on Boulder Rock Drive. The new 16″ coming from the west to Old Kings Rd is being prepared for tie in of the 12″ direct bury crossing of Old Kings
road to the median of Wendy’s, some of this work will be done at night.

Royal Palms Parkway Improvements, 97 percent done: Substantial Completion walkthrough 6-3.Rymfire intersection raised median 95%.

Holland Park, 18 percent done: Rough grading of site.

Palm Coast City Hall at Town Center, 51 percent done: Installation of drywall of interior walls, mechanical duct work installation, electrical conduit rough-in and fire sprinkler piping continues. Installation of exterior windows and exterior wall trim continues. Grading and layout for parking area has begun. See ongoing images of construction here.

Shops at Pine Lakes Convenience Store, 65 percent done: The package Pump Station has been set and plumbing continues. Contractor has installed the Force main into the existing manhole on Wynnfield Drive. The road lane closure for the manhole core to install the force main was completed
and the road has been repaired.

Walmart Addition, 30 percent done: Construction of new addition continues.

In the Press, In the News:

The Other Terror Threat: Right-Wingers: “In a survey we conducted with the Police Executive Research Forum last year of 382 law enforcement agencies, 74 percent reported anti-government extremism as one of the top three terrorist threats in their jurisdiction; 39 percent listed extremism connected with Al Qaeda or like-minded terrorist organizations. And only 3 percent identified the threat from Muslim extremists as severe, compared with 7 percent for anti-government and other forms of extremism. The self-proclaimed Islamic State’s efforts to radicalize American Muslims, which began just after the survey ended, may have increased threat perceptions somewhat, but not by much, as we found in follow-up interviews over the past year with counterterrorism specialists at 19 law enforcement agencies. These officers, selected from urban and rural areas around the country, said that radicalization from the Middle East was a concern, but not as dangerous as radicalization among right-wing extremists. […] Last year, for example, a man who identified with the sovereign citizen movement — which claims not to recognize the authority of federal or local government — attacked a courthouse in Forsyth County, Ga., firing an assault rifle at police officers and trying to cover his approach with tear gas and smoke grenades. The suspect was killed by the police, who returned fire. In Nevada, anti-government militants reportedly walked up to and shot two police officers at a restaurant, then placed a “Don’t tread on me” flag on their bodies. An anti-government extremist in Pennsylvania was arrested on suspicion of shooting two state troopers, killing one of them, before leading authorities on a 48-day manhunt. A right-wing militant in Texas declared a “revolution” and was arrested on suspicion of attempting to rob an armored car in order to buy weapons and explosives and attack law enforcement. These individuals on the fringes of right-wing politics increasingly worry law enforcement officials.” Charles Kurzman and David Schanzer in the Times.

Federal government ready to declare eastern cougar extinct: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Tuesday proposed removing the eastern cougar from the endangered species list, declaring that the cougars have likely been extinct for at least 70 years. Recent sightings of cougars in the Northeast are believed to be migrating western mountain lions, Florida panthers or captive animals that were released into the wild, wildlife biologists said. […] The big cats are known across the U.S. by a variety of names: Cougar, mountain lion, puma, panther, or catamount. The eastern cougar subspecies was listed as endangered in 1973. Most of the eastern cougars disappeared in the 1800s as European settlers killed them to protect themselves and their livestock and as forests were harvested and the cougar’s primary prey, white-tailed deer, nearly disappeared, officials said. The last records of eastern cougars are believed to be in Maine in 1938 and in New Brunswick, Canada, in 1932.

Black Like Who? Rachel Dolezal’s Harmful Masquerade: Ms. Dolezal may not be able to claim even a drop of African-American ancestry, but the way blackness has long been determined means that few would question a woman who presents as white but claims to be black. She was able to trade on a racist element of history to pass believably as a black woman. In the days since this story broke, many people have been quick to point out that race is merely a social construct — as if that fact changes the very real impact of race on the lives of minorities. The persistence of systemic racism means there are penalties for blackness in America. Black women — real ones — live at the nexus of that oppression and enduring sexism. The gender pay gap is steeper for them. They are more likely than their white counterparts to live in poverty, to be victims of domestic homicide and sexual assault. If Tyisha Miller and Rekia Boyd, black women who were victims of extrajudicial violence, had been able to slide into whiteness — for just a moment — they might still be alive. (Perplexingly, Ms. Dolezal told Matt Lauer that her decision to identify as black was a matter of “survival.” That is rich, indeed.) But racial oppression is not as easy to shrug off as racial advantage. This is partly because America has spent centuries ensuring that certain people can never be white. Being able to shift one’s race is a privilege.” Tamara Winfrey Harris in The Times.

On Sharks: “Yet shark attacks are an exotic rarity. There were 75 verified shark attacks last year, and 12 fatalities. Even in the US, a global hotspot, you are forty times more likely to be hospitalised by a Christmas tree ornament than by a shark. Meanwhile, to supply the shark fin soup trade alone, an estimated 73 million sharks are killed each year. Many shark populations have declined by 70 per cent or more in the last thirty years. One reason little is done about this is that although their fins fetch high prices, shark fisheries are of negligible economic value compared to, say, tuna or cod or herring, so little is done to protect stocks. And then of course humans tend to make more of a fuss over animals we can relate to – because they stand on two legs or live in charming family units, or are unthreateningly charismatic. One of the recent PR successes of the shark conservationists is the ‘walking shark’, which crawls along the sea bottom on its fins and has an appealing little face. The best-protected species are the big, peaceful filter feeders, the basking shark and particularly the whale shark, with its photogenic polka dots and mysterious long-range migration patterns. But we’re gradually becoming more enlightened. The third best-protected species is the great white, described approvingly here by E.O. Wilson as ‘one of the four or five last great predators of humanity’.” From the London Review of Books.

Road and Interstate Construction:

Palm Coast:

Palm Coast Parkway at I-95 Closed: From 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 10 through 7 a.m. Thursday, June 11, motorists and other travelers should expect eastbound and westbound lane closures along Palm Coast Parkway on the I-95 overpass between the I-95 southbound on ramp and the I-95 northbound exit ramp. A lane will remain open eastbound and westbound. These lane closures are required for the contractor to perform barrier wall operations.

Matanzas Woods Parkway closed: Matanzas Woods Parkway is closed until early August for construction of the Interstate 95 interchange. The portion of Matanzas Woods Parkway that spans I-95 will be reconstructed to accommodate four single-lane ramps for on and off access to the interstate. Other improvements include the widening of the interstate to accommodate new acceleration and deceleration lanes, wet detention ponds adjacent to the roadway, sidewalks, lighting, overhead signs and landscaping. Project details are available and regularly updated at http://www.matanzas95interchange.com. The detour map is available here.

Lane closure for Palm Coast Parkway June 8-12: The lane closures along Palm Coast Parkway and Boulder Rock Drive are set for 8 p.m. Monday, June 8, to 7 a.m. Friday, June 12. The northbound thru lane on Boulder Rock Drive from Palm Coast Parkway will be closed and traffic will be shifted into the southbound lane of Boulder Rock Drive. Additionally there will be only one left turn lane open from Palm Coast Parkway eastbound onto Boulder Rock Drive. A uniformed law enforcement officer will be on-site to direct traffic into the southbound lane on to Boulder Rock Drive. The existing two left turn lanes from Boulder Rock Drive will modified to allow one thru lane and one left turn lane. Motorists are encouraged to watch for flaggers and work zone signs. The lane closure is required in order for the contractor to install a water main across Boulder Rock Drive.

Palm Coast Parkway between Cypress Point Parkway and Florida Park Drive. IMPACTS: Lane shifts and closures will occur and this may cause traffic congestion on this already busy roadway. Most construction work will occur between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. though weather and unforeseen issues may adjust the schedules. This project will be complete by December 2015.”

Volusia: I-4 Widening from SR 44 to east of I-95, Monday and Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Eastbound/Westbound shoulder closing. Sunday through Thursday, Eastbound and Westbound lane closures as needed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday, 9:00 p.m. – 5:30 a.m. EB road closure between Canal St./SR 44 and I-95 with detour at US 92 exit ramp.Motorists should be aware of traffic shifts near Canal St./SR 44.

• Palm Coast Parkway Project Website
• Florida Department of Transportation Road Project List
• County Road 304 Project Map and Description

In Coming Days:

June 19: Sally’s Safe Haven Open House, 103 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell.

Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Flagler County Children Through Seamless Summer Freeding:  The Flagler County Schools, Food & Nutrition Services Department is please to announce that free breakfast and lunch meals will be made available at no charge to all children in the community who are 18 years of age and under. Free meals will be available at the following sites from June 8th – August 14th and closed on July 3rd. Closed site means it’s just for children who are attending camp through the school location. An open site means anyone can come in and have a meal. Menus available online at FlaglerSchools.Nutrislice.com.

Bunnell Elementary – Closed Site: 800 East Howe Street Bunnell, Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Lunch from  11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
Imagine School – Open Site:  775 Town Center Blvd Palm Coast,  Breakfast from 9 to 9:30 a.m., lunch 12:30 p.m. 
Versie Lee Mitchell Community Center – Open Site: 405 E Drain Street,  Bunnell, Breakfast, 8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., Lunch, 12:30 p.m.
Wadsworth Elementary School – Open Site: 4550 Belle Terre Parkway Palm Coast, Breakfast, 8 a.m to 9:45 a.m. , Lunch, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Reverse Church – Open Site: 4601 East Moody Blvd. Bunnell, Breakfast, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information call or email Amy Holstein, Food Service S Specialist for Flagler County Schools, 386-437-7526 x1305 or by email, [email protected]

June 23: The Estate Planning Council of the Fun Coast Host ‘Understanding Hospice Care in Our Community’ Event: The event will be held at the Holiday Inn Express, LPGA Daytona Beach, located at 137 Automall Circle, Daytona Beach from 8 to 10 a.m. The event will host a panel with representatives from all five local hospice care providers who will educate attendees on what Hospice is, the services offered, when a client would qualify for hospice, how the referral system works with hospice, and what insurance/Medicare/Medicaid covers (and doesn’t cover). Attorney Scott Selis, President of the Estate Planning Council of the Fun Coast, will be the moderator and panel participants from Florida Hospital Hospice Care, Haven Hospice, Gentiva Hospice, Halifax Health Hospice, and VITAS Healthcare will participate. The panelist will give a brief summary of the services and programs they offer above and beyond the standard level of care, and how they work with families and patients. Guests are welcome, attendees do not need to be EPCFC members. Attendees who RSVP are invited to submit questions that will be asked to each panel member. If time permits there will also be a question and answer session. Cost is $20, payable at the door. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by calling Kimberly Selis at 386-445-8900, extension 22, or emailing her at [email protected]. The Estate Planning Council of the Fun Coast is an interdisciplinary organization for professionals involved in estate planning. They strive to foster understanding of the proper relationship between the functions of the life underwriter, trust officer, attorney, accountant, financial planner, and any other party or parties having to do with estate planning, and to encourage co-operation of persons acting under those disciplines. The president is Scott Selis and they can be reached at 386-453-5934. For more information, visit http://www.epcfuncoast.org.

June 24, Veterans Pancake Breakfast: Meet with fellow Veterans and chat over breakfast, Wednesday, June 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Princeton Village, 100 Magnolia Trace Way, Palm Coast. To confirm your attendance or for more information call Laura Zublionis 386-206-9730.

June 27: The Ham Radio operators of the Flagler Emergency Communications Association, licensed by the Federal Communications Commission, will establish a nationwide communications platform simulating emergency conditions for 24 hours beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27th at the Flagler Beach Fire Department Headquarters, 320 South Flagler Avenue, Flagler Beach, Florida 32136. The simulation is part of the American Radio Relay League’s National Field Day, Tours of the operation and an opportunity to learn more about Ham Radio are available throughout the simulation period and are free to the public on a “drop by” basis, no advance arrangements are necessary, all are welcome.

June 27: Safety F.I.R.S.T. and Playing It Safe! Expo Set for June 27th in Palm Coast: The fourth annual Hurricane Expo has been renamed the Safety F.I.R.S.T. & Playing It Safe! Expo, and is scheduled for June 27th in Palm Coast. “This expo will cover all aspects of personal safety including information for seniors and children, as well as fire, wind and flood preparedness vendors, educational classes, information and demonstrations,” said event organizer Julia Fuentes. “This is a great opportunity to educate community members, young and old, about injury prevention.” The event will take place at the Legacy Academy located at 515 Palm Coast Pkwy, SW, in Palm Coast, FL on June 27th from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is free and free hot dogs will be served to children under 12 years old. The event is accepting sponsorships and vendors of all types. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to educate residents on what type of services they offer and encourage attendees to buy local during an emergency. Expo partners include Flagler Parent Magazine, Serendipity Living LLC, and My Safe and Sound Home Inc. The event is endorsed by the EOC and local municipalities. There will be family fun activities including face painting, bounce houses, balloon art, a pet zone, a bike and helmet check and more. A range of topics appealing to all age groups will be offered, such as fire safety, home safety, wind mitigation, elderly fall prevention, child passenger safety, correct CPR methods, pet preparedness and everyday personal safety. Parents can learn about poison prevention, childproofing your home, how to prepare for their families for any disaster situation. Educational classes will be hosted by The Flagler County Emergency Center, Palm Coast, Bunnell, and Flagler Beach Cities, the Homebuilders Association, My Safe & Sound Home Inc./Safety-Pulse and private sector community providers. A drive thru car seat safety checks will be available from the City of Palm Coast Fire Department. Visitors will be able to build their own first-aid kit; learn water safety; tour fire trucks; watch demonstrations conducted by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Department, Florida Hospital Decontamination Team; Flagler County Emergency Management and the Division of Forestry’s Smokey Bear. Kids can experience the City Of Palm Coast’s fire safety house. Classroom sponsorships to presenting sponsorships are available and details can be found at http://www.prepfirst.org, or by calling 904-377-4037.

Flagler Chamber Seeks Applicants for Leadership Flagler’s 23rd Class: The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for Leadership Flagler, a program that nurtures and engages the leadership skills of potential and current community leaders. Now in its 23rd year, the three-month program provides insight about Flagler County’s operations, attributes, issues and opportunities, while inspiring participants to take active roles as stewards of and advocates for positive change within the community. Ten to 15 candidates representing Flagler County’s diverse professional community are selected to participate each year. An alumni council of Leadership Flagler graduates oversees the program, selects participants and develops curriculum. Starting in late August, classes meet Wednesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. until noon with sessions on business, government, health and human services, art and culture, education, agriculture and growth management. Class members are expected to comply with the program’s attendance policy, and to complete a group community service project prior to graduation. Past Leadership Flagler Classes have supported literacy programs like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Flagler County and Josh Crews Writing Project, and Youth Leadership Flagler, a program created by Leadership Flagler 20 now in its third year of inspiring future leaders at the high school level. As a special incentive this year, the Chamber is offering an early bird tuition rate of $350 before July 31 for current members and $500 for future members. These rates will increase by $100 for participants that sign up after July 31. If you are an aspiring leader, don’t miss this once a year opportunity! Simply complete the application for Leadership Flagler 23 and return it to the Chamber before the deadline Friday, July 31. Leadership Flagler is one of nearly 700 programs nationwide devoted to shaping high-profile community leaders. Since its start in 1993, Leadership Flagler has graduated more than 230 professionals. For more information, call Rebecca DeLorenzo or Gretchen Smith at 386.437.0106.

Leadership Flagler Application, Class of 2015

Swimming lessons and lifeguard classes available at Frieda Zamba Swimming Pool: The summer swimming season is under way – and it’s so important in Florida for every member of the family to learn to swim. The City of Palm Coast offers a full lineup of swimming lessons at Frieda Zamba Swimming Pool, 339 Parkview Drive. All classes are taught under the supervision of a Red Cross-certified swim instructor. In addition, the City is offering an American Red Cross Lifeguard class at the City pool from Saturday through Tuesday, June 13-16, and space is still available in the class. Class hours vary each day. The sessions will offer the most current training in lifeguarding, first aid, CPR for the professional rescuer, and AED (automated external defibrillator) for youths, ages 15 and older. Fees are $160. For more info, call 386-986-4741 or register online: www.palmcoastgov.com/register. For swimming lessons, registration is now open, and the City is offering $5 off one session of lessons if registration is completed online at: www.palmcoastgov.com/register. Use the code SWIM15 to receive the discount. (Prices for each session shown below.) Class size is limited, so register soon. The first two sessions are under way, with three sessions still available. Learn to Swim swimming lessons are available for all ages and levels. A Learn to Swim program flier with a full description of each class is available at: www.palmcoastgov.com/pool. The schedule of classes that still have openings is as follows:
Session 3 – Monday through Thursday*, June 15-25
Parent and Child 5:30-6 p.m. $30
Learn to Swim Level 3 6:15-7 p.m. $55
Session 4 – Monday through Thursday*, July 6-16
Water Babies* 9:30-10 a.m. (*Monday-Wednesday) $30
Parent and Child 9:30-10 a.m. $30
Learn to Swim Level 1 10-10:30 a.m. $45
Learn to Swim Level 2 10:30-11 a.m. $45
Learn to Swim Level 3 11:15 a.m.-Noon $55
Session 5 – Monday through Thursday*, July 20-30
Water Babies* 9:30-10 a.m. (*Monday-Wednesday) $30
Parent and Child 9:30-10 a.m. $30
Learn to Swim Level 1 10-10:30 a.m. $45
Learn to Swim Level 2 10:30-11 a.m. $45
Learn to Swim Level 3 10:30-11:15 a.m. $55
Private lessons are also available, with instruction tailored to the skill level of the participant, from beginner to advanced level. Semi-private lessons are available for two students of similar skill level per instructor. Those lessons are arranged by appointment only. The fees are: $25 for a private 30-minute lesson and $20 per student for a semi-private 30-minute lesson. For more information, call the pool at 386-986-4741.

Registration opens for 2015 Palm Coast & the Flagler Beaches Senior Games: Active older adults can now sign up for the second annual Palm Coast & the Flagler Beaches Senior Games – offering competition in 14 sports. The Senior Games, presented by Florida Hospital Flagler Health Partners, Orthopedic & Sports Medicine, will be held Sept. 12 to 19. The Seniors Games are open to men and women ages 50 and up. Registration is $15 and includes a T-shirt and participation in one sports event; participation in each additional sports event is $5. Competition is offered in eight different age categories. “The tradition of the Senior Games is to offer fun, fellowship, fitness and competition, and that is a perfect match for Palm Coast and our surrounding community with our area’s emphasis on active lifestyle and recreation,” said Palm Coast Director of Parks & Recreation Luanne Santangelo. “Please join us in making our second annual Palm Coast & the Flagler Beaches Senior Games even bigger and better than last year’s.” To register, visit www.palmcoastgov.com/seniorgames for the registration form. Mail the form with payment to Palm Coast Parks & Recreation, attn.: Senior Games Coordinator Ginger Parnell, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast, FL 32137. Or drop it off Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, or email it to [email protected]. Checks should be payable to: City of Palm Coast. Eleven of the 14 sports being offered in the local Senior Games this year are sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation, with the Palm Coast & the Flagler Beaches Senior Games serving as a qualifier for the Florida Senior Games State Championships.

This year’s Palm Coast & the Flagler Beaches Senior Games sanctioned events are:
· Archery: Sept. 19; at Indian Trails Middle School fields, 5505 Belle Terre Pkwy., Palm Coast
· 5K Road Race: Sept. 12; at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE, Palm Coast
· Basketball: Date to be announced; at Flagler Palm Coast High School 5500 E. State Road 100, Palm Coast
· Horseshoes: Sept. 16; at Old Dixie Community Park on North Old Dixie Highway, Bunnell
· Softball: Sept. 12-19; at Flagler County Ball Fields, 2298 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell
· Pickleball: Sept. 17; at Belle Terre Park Tennis Center, 339 Parkview Drive, Palm Coast
· Tennis: Sept. 14-15; at Palm Coast Tennis Center, 1290 Belle Terre Pkwy., Palm Coast
· Table Tennis: Date to be announced; at Flagler Palm Coast High School, 5500 E. State Road 100, Palm Coast
· Indoor Volleyball: Date to be announced; at Flagler Palm Coast High School, 5500 E. State Road 100, Palm Coast
· Golf: Sept. 16; at Palm Harbor Golf Club, at 20 Palm Harbor Drive, Palm Coast
· Cycling: Sept. 13; at Wadsworth Park, 101-145 Connecticut Ave., Flagler Beach

Additional, non-sanctioned events in the competition include:
· Ballroom Dancing: Sept. 13; at Matanzas High School Pirate Theater, 3535 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast (Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Swing, Rumba and Cha Cha)
· Powerlifting (Ages 18+): Sept. 12; at Matanzas High School Field House, 3535 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast
· Golf Croquet: Sept. 12; at Ralph Carter Park, 1385 Rymfire Drive, Palm Coast

For more information, visit www.palmcoastgov.com/seniorgames or call Palm Coast Parks & Recreation at 386-986-2323.

Comment of the Day (From the Comment Section):

Nancy N., on the Kenneth Rogoff column, “To Fight Obesity, Get Government Involved.” “This proposal is inflationary and will just increase the division between the haves and have nots. It will also cost thousands of jobs. It will significantly increase the price of travel, since eating unprocessed food means cooking at home. It will shut even more people out of affordable travel. The price of eating in a restaurant will skyrocket because of the additional taxes. All of this will mean eating out and traveling will become only the purview of the very well-to-do, or very infrequent activities of anyone else. Fewer consumers partaking of the activity means fewer jobs in those sectors, and yet another social divide between classes. It’s also inflationary because less demand will lead to an increase in prices as restaurants have to charge more to cover their basic overhead. Fewer tables full means fewer people to cover the cost of the rent, the electric bill, the kitchen staff. There’s also a trickle down effect in the economy – do you think all of those corporations paying for travel for their executives are going to just eat that tax increase on their travel bills in lower profits? No, they are going to pass it along to the consumer in higher prices and go along their merry way.” Reply to Nancy N. here.

Cultural Coda:

Watch the Great Rudolph Serkin Play Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto:

(The second part of the movement is here.)