Flagler County, Fla. (September 2, 2025) – The Flagler Tiger Bay Club is proud to announce the return of Roger B. Handberg as keynote speaker for the opening of its 2025 Fall Speaker Series. The event, set for Wednesday, September 17, 2025, will feature a timely and vital discussion titled, “The High Cost of Deception: Identifying and Preventing Scams and Fraud”.
In this keynote, Mr. Handberg will take a deep dive into the most common fraud schemes targeting individuals, families, and especially seniors across Florida. Attendees will gain insight into:
Key warning signs of scams and fraudulent activity
How fraud cases are investigated and prosecuted
Steps families can take to protect their loved ones from financial exploitation
With over two decades of prosecutorial and litigation experience, Roger Handberg brings unmatched expertise to this conversation. As the former United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, he led one of the nation’s busiest federal districts through a period of historic enforcement activity. Today, he serves as a leader in GrayRobinson’s criminal and white-collar defense practice, representing corporations and individuals facing government investigations and high-stakes litigation.
Roger’s unique insights from the front lines of the DOJ and Florida Attorney General’s Office offer a powerful lens into how fraud schemes evolve—and how they can be stopped.
Members and guests are encouraged to register early. Pre-registration is required.
Details:
Flagler Tiger Bay September 2025 Meeting with Roger B. Handberg
Palm Coast, FL— The City of Palm Coast is announcing a temporary road closure on Buffalo Grove Drive to facilitate a critical stormwater infrastructure replacement project.
Crews will close 5 Buffalo Grove Drive on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This closure is necessary to allow for the safe replacement of the stormwater infrastructure located beneath the roadway.
During the closure, traffic will be detoured to Bud Hollow Drive using Buffalo View Lane.
The City of Palm Coast appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents and motorists during this essential infrastructure upgrade. For more information, contact customer service at customer-service@palmcoastgov.com or 386-986-2360.
September 2, 2025 – Registration is open for the 2026 Flagler County Citizens’ Academy that will be held on Wednesday mornings beginning February 18, and officials invite residents to treat themselves to this enriching educational endeavor. The course is designed to introduce participants to the day-to-day operations of Flagler County government, inclusive of its elected Constitutional Officers.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents to learn about the responsibilities and operations of our county departments and because the classes are held at a variety of county facilities, participants experience first-hand the broad range of resources and capabilities that Flagler County provides,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “Local governments that support and encourage resident participation in its citizens academy is essential to foster a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities, governance structures, and the policymaking process.”
The academy will be held on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and it will wrap up with a 13th session – a Monday afternoon Board of County Commissioners Roundtable at 4 p.m. May 18, followed by graduation at the regular BOCC meeting that begins at 5 p.m.
There is no fee to attend this program, but Flagler County requires all participants to register as the class size is limited to 24 participants. Participants are asked to commit to attending all sessions.
“This academy provides a platform for citizens to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of local government. It encourages active involvement, informed discourse, and collaborative problem-solving,” Petito said. “Emphasizing residents’ participation in our citizens academy not only strengthens the fabric of our democracy but also creates a more vibrant and resilient community where diverse voices are heard and valued.”
The slated agenda is as follows:
Get to Know Your County Government | Human Resources and Veterans Affairs
Tourism, Economic Development and Culture | Flagler County History
Flagler Executive Airport
Library System and Programs | Growth Management, Planning and Compliance
Health and Human Services | Florida Department of Health
General Services (Parks, Land Management, Facilities, Fleet, and Transit)
Emergency Management | 911 | Fire Rescue
Agricultural Extension | Engineering and Public Works
Finance and Budget | Innovative Technology
Sheriff’s Office | Supervisor of Elections |Tax Collector
Clerk of the Courts | Property Appraiser | School District
Regional Agency Roundtable | Wrap-up
Graduation Monday, 4 p.m. – Board of County Commissioners Round Table | Graduation
For more information go to www.FlaglerCounty.gov/academy. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis of those county residents able to attend all sessions.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking public feedback from interested parties on proposed rule change concepts relating to outdoor caging, biosecurity, collection and transport of prohibited, live green iguanas. A series of virtual public meetings will be held on Sept. 4, 5 and 6, to present proposed rule change concepts and collect public feedback.
The proposed changes to Chapter 68-5, Florida Administrative Code will be discussed at the virtual public meetings, including alternative considerations for outdoor caging and biosecurity for live, wild-caught green iguanas possessed for sales, as well as live green iguanas possessed for exhibition and research. Other topics that will be discussed include clarifying language on the transportation of prohibited reptiles, emergency preparedness, and transport and collection specifically for wild-caught green iguanas possessed for sale. One of the goals of these proposed changes is to provide reasonable, secure alternatives for outdoor caging of green iguanas possessed for sale, exhibition or research.
To obtain feedback on these concepts from the public, the FWC’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program will host three virtual public meetings, all of which will cover the same content:
Thursday, Sept. 4, 6-8 p.m. EDT
Friday, Sept. 5, 2-4 p.m. EDT
Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m.–noon EDT
People may select which meeting best fits their schedules and join by video or telephone conferencing. To learn more about the upcoming virtual public meetings, visit MyFWC.com/Nonnatives and click on the “We need your feedback” banner near the top of the page.
Staff will use feedback from the virtual public meetings to help develop draft rule language, which will be brought before the Commission at a future meeting. Additional comments from the public are welcome by using our online commenting form or by emailing comments to NonnativeSpeciesRules@MyFWC.com.
Please note, the last available opportunity to comment on these proposed rule change concepts via this online commenting form and have your comments quantified for the November Commission meeting will be noon EDT on Oct. 20. The public is welcome to continue to submit comments on these proposed rule change concepts by emailing NonnativeSpeciesRules@MyFWC.com. All comments received after noon on Oct. 20, will be reviewed by staff as they continue through the rule making process.
Green iguanas are an invasive species in Florida and are not native to the state. More than 500 nonnative species have been reported in Florida. Eighty percent of these have been introduced via the live animal trade, with 150 species established in Florida, meaning they are reproducing in the wild. Invasive species management is a high priority for the FWC because these animals negatively impact native fish and wildlife, cause damage that is costly to repair, and can pose a threat to human health and safety. To learn more about invasive species in Florida, visit MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.
Leaders can choose to articulate a vision which informs and inspires the team. It is the company who decides they will advance to the top of the market and stay there. It is the agency of local government who determines they will win a national award for organizational excellence.
A vision is a call to action about who the organization can be or what it can achieve in the future. It needs to be realistic, feasible, relevant, meaningful, and timely. It needs to be known, understood, and acted upon as intended by everyone within the organization.
It should be data-driven and well researched. It should flow from an excellent knowledge of the internal and external organizational environment. Everyone needed to implement it should have the opportunity to help contribute ideas to the vision.
It should stretch the organization. It is long term. It involves a major commitment by the entity pursuing it. Everything within the organization must be designed and done around achieving the vision. Everyone within the organization must be “all in” to see it realized.
Organizations which select the right vision and have the leadership, culture, and team required to accomplish it can succeed. They must have the correct implementation plans. All operations must be organized around fulfilling the specific vision. The vision should be clear from everything the organization does and how they do it.
Greatness can be attained. Organizations can identify a vision that allows them to transform themselves. Leadership is critical to this process (Abrashoff, 2002; Collins, 2001; Maxwell,1998; Starling, 2008; Welch, 2005).
Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast is proud to celebrate the grand reopening of Epic Theatres of Palm Coast, following a major renovation that marks an exciting milestone for the community and the local economy. The ribbon-cutting event was held on Wednesday, August 27, at 6 p.m.
The more than $1 million renovation upgraded all 14 auditoriums with luxury electric recliners, enhanced lighting, new flooring, and advanced acoustical improvements—but that’s just the beginning. Guests can now experience:
Epic XTS Auditorium – Featuring a laser-projected, wall-to-wall screen, a thunderous 24-channel audio system, and zero-gravity recliners with imbedded shaker-seat audio for a fully immersive experience.
LUX Theatre – An exclusive auditorium for guests ages 17+, offering massaging recliners, built-in charging ports, and a premium adults-only atmosphere designed for the ultimate comfort.
“Epic Theatres has always been a place where families come together for Friday night premieres, where friends laugh until their popcorn spills, and where kids experience the magic of the big screen for the very first time,” said Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri. “On behalf of the City, I want to thank Epic Theatres for investing in Palm Coast and believing in this community. I think we can all agree—this deserves a standing ovation.”
Photo: Flagler News Weekly, Danielle Anderson
Epic Theaters’ decision to reinvest in Palm Coast underscores Town Center’s growing appeal as a hub for living, working, and playing. The renovation adds to a wave of private investment in the district, including The Promenade by Persimmon Capital, a 57,000 square foot mixed-use development set to open in late 2026. The Promenade will bring 204 premium apartments with stunning views, new restaurants, lounges, retail shops, and Class A office space—further cementing Town Center as the vibrant downtown once envisioned by City leaders and the community.
With projects like these converging, Town Center is emerging as a thriving, continuously evolving downtown district—a place where entertainment, culture, and business unite to create lasting economic impact.
The City of Palm Coast congratulates Epic Theatres on its grand reopening and thanks them for their continued investment in our community.
Teens-In-Flight is deeply saddened to announce the unexpected passing of President Ricky Carson “Ric” Lehman on Thursday, August 22, 2025, at his residence in Palm Coast, Florida. Ric’s passion, selflessness, and dedication helped lift the mission of Teens-In-Flight and changed countless young lives in our community.
Born November 11, 1955, in Battle Creek, Michigan, Ric was a graduate of Union City High School and Western Michigan University. A licensed pilot and ground flight instructor, he brought decades of aviation expertise to his role as Executive Director, Vice President, and Board Member for Teens-In-Flight. His professional background also included leadership positions as Executive Director of Spirit Horse International and President of Haven Horse Ranch in Northeast Florida.
“Ric embodied the spirit of service that defines our organization,” said Col. Jack Howell, founder of Teens-In-Flight. “As both a skilled aviator and devoted Christian, he consistently sought ways to use his talents to serve others and inspire young people to reach new heights through aviation.”
In the face of this profound loss, the Board of Directors and Teens-In-Flight family have come together, committed to carrying Ric’s vision forward. At the organization’s regularly scheduled board meeting on Saturday, August 23, Teens-In-Flight founder and former Director, Colonel Jack Howell, USMC (Ret.) was unanimously voted in as president. Colonel Howell, who is the founder and previously served as president, brings years of leadership and a deep dedication to the nonprofit’s continued service and impact.
“We are heartbroken by Ric’s passing, but united in our resolve to honor his legacy and keep his spirit alive in our mission,” said Col. Howell. “Together, we will continue to empower young people through aviation, just as Ric would have wanted.”
Ric is survived by his wife, Levita Garnett Lehman; his mother, Rulah Eloise; his sister, Cindy; sons Jarret and Jayce; stepdaughter Sara; and seven grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Parkview Church, 5435 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, Florida 32137.
Teens-In-Flight remains committed to supporting local youth and beyond through aviation education and is grateful for the outpouring of support from the community during this challenging time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Teens-In-Flight in Ric’s memory.
They are located at 275 Old Moody Blvd., Flagler County Airport, Palm Coast, FL 32164. They can be reached at 386-345-2FLY. For more information or to support Teens-In-Flight, visit teensinflight.org.
First Lady Melania Trump announced the Presidential Artificial Intelligence (AI) Challenge, inviting K-12 students and educators across America to participate.
“The Presidential AI Challenge will be the first step in preparing our next generation with a base understanding of this important new technology,” said First Lady Melania Trump.
In a recent video on AI.gov, she reflected on her own experience with AI while creating her audiobook, emphasizing the transformative potential and inherent risks of this technology. Mrs. Trump stated, “In just a few short years, artificial intelligence will be the engine driving every business sector across our economy. It is important America leads the rest of the world.”
Through initiatives like the Presidential AI Challenge, Mrs. Trump aims to empower the next generation to explore and innovate within this rapidly evolving field.
To watch the video, learn more, and sign up for the Presidential AI Challenge, please visit AI.gov/initiatives/presidential-challenge.
Media Release & Image: The White House, Office of Communications
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens to Host ISEA Innovations 2025:
The 34th Annual Open Juried Exhibition and Art Innovation Symposium
(Ormond Beach, FL — August 25, 2025) Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens will host the International Society of Experimental Artists (ISEA) for their annual exhibition, “Innovations 2025” and Art Innovation Symposium, which includes six workshops.
Admission by donation; free for members & U.S. Veterans
The museum’s main galleries will be filled with nearly 90 innovative artworks in all mediums and styles, taking the viewer on an awesome, inspiring journey. Innovations is the premier annual exhibition of ISEA, and OMAM is honored to host it this year. Experimental artists from across the globe explore, learn, and apply new techniques, new compositional approaches, and new concepts to create. Whether realistic or abstract, an innovative approach to making art is applied.
Thursday, September 18 – Exhibition Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony
5:30-8 p.m.; admission by donation; free for members and U.S. Veterans
The public is invited to celebrate the opening of “Innovations 2025,” the premier annual exhibition of the International Society of Experimental Artists (ISEA). The evening includes artist talks and light refreshments.
ART INNOVATION SYMPOSIUM: Workshops at OMAM
September 17 & 18 – What is Creativity and How Do We Access It?
Two-Day Workshop with Fran Gardner
Wednesday & Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; cost is $300.
Learn more and register at www.iseaartexhibit.org/Symposium2025.
This workshop welcomes artists of all mediums to experiment with deepening creativity, explore their artistic voice, understand how creativity functions, and develop ideas to take back to the studio.
Learn more and register at www.iseaartexhibit.org/Symposium2025.
Participants will learn new tools and ways of seeing what their old pottery and dishes can become. Gila will guide the process of breaking old pottery and creating a new work of art.
September 18 – Design Elements with Mixed Media
One-Day Workshop with Christine Peloquin
Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; cost is $150
Learn more and register at www.iseaartexhibit.org/Symposium2025.
This workshop will focus on the fundamentals of mixed media collage and design and challenge artists to unlock and find their inner voice. Artists will be working with gelli plate printing on paper and fabrics to create original and colorful mono-prints. Artists will use the mono-prints they have made, along with papers, fabrics, and found objects to create collages on wood, canvas boards or even over past work.
September 19 – Chinese Brush Painting
One-Day Workshop with Ann Kozeliski
Friday, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; cost is $160 (including materials fee)
Learn more and register at www.iseaartexhibit.org/Symposium2025.
Artists will have the opportunity to do Chinese brush painting on an organza panel to create a work of art that appears transparent but morphs into opaque — A magical feat!
September 19 – Batik Techniques
One-Day Workshop with Muffy Clark Gill
Friday, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; cost is $175 (including materials fee)
Learn more and register at www.iseaartexhibit.org/Symposium2025.
Artists will learn traditional Batik dyeing techniques — design and create their own stencil, apply it to fabric, and then dye. Artists will learn how to incorporate their creations with new media to create new work.
September 19 – Dyes with Native Plants
One-Day Workshop with Aida Tejada & Deborah Rosental
Friday, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; cost is $170 (including materials fee)
Learn more and register at www.iseaartexhibit.org/Symposium2025.
Artists will use native Florida plants to create dyes and will learn how to extract color from the plants and use them in art projects.
CLOSING EVENT
September 19 – Celebration Dinner
Friday, 6-9 p.m.; cost is $60 (seats are limited)
Register at www.iseaartexhibit.org/Symposium2025.
The final evening of the International Society of Experimental Artists Symposium will be one of celebration and entertainment, with a delicious meal and fellowship — a spectacular way to end a wonderful week of art making and camaraderie with all the artists and guests.
ABOUT ISEA
The International Society of Experimental Artists was founded in 1991 with the idea that artists working in an experimental manner need a society where they can share ideas and techniques – both old and new – and encourage the development of new talents and skills. There is a need to connect, encourage, inform and promote artists who create art by experimentation and exploration. The Society offers members three opportunities a year to exhibit their work, with the annual INNOVATIONS/Symposium as an opportunity to exhibit in a public space.
The International Society of Experimental Artists’ mission is to enthusiastically embrace creative thinking, imagination, and experimentation. ISEA promotes public interest in experimental art, encourages and supports artists’ creative journeys through exhibition, education, and communication. Since 1991 ISEA has had over 500 members in the U.S. and around the world.
ABOUT OMAM
The Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens was founded in 1946 with a mission to inspire the community through art and nature while honoring those who fought for freedom. The museum offers outreach programming for youth and veterans, creative and environmental education for all ages, and art exhibitions featuring local, national, and internationally acclaimed artists. The museum and gardens are located at 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach and are part of the beachside Ormond Arts District. The museum galleries and gift shop are open Monday-Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, noon to 4 pm. The gardens are accessible, daily, from sunrise to sunset. Admission is by donation and is free for museum members and U.S. veterans. For more information, call 386-676-3347 or visit ormondartmuseum.org.
Live entertainment is back at Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center!
We’ve got something for everyone — family fun, unforgettable music, and performances you won’t want to miss. Tickets are on sale NOW! Secure your seats before they’re gone!
🐾 Cirque du Canines – A Tail-Wagging Celebration of the Arts
📅 Saturday, September 13 – 7:00 PM
A family-fun, action-packed show starring rescued dogs performing incredible stunts and hilarious tricks!
Tickets: $20 / Kids under 12 FREE
Cirque du Canines: A Tail Wagging Celebration of the Arts
The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center
Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT
Children under 12 are Free, but must have a ticket. (Children must be accompanied by an adult) A family fun action-packed show where adopted and rescued dogs perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats. Watch as we lead the puppies and audience through comical and adorable tricks as the pooches show everyone who is really boss! Full of surprises and laugh-out-loud canine comedy this performance appeals to children of all ages. If you have any questions please call the box office …
🎶 St. Augustine Orchestra
📅 Date Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Enjoy an evening of symphonic music performed by one of Florida’s finest orchestras. A beautiful night for classical music lovers of all ages.
Tickets: $25
Landscapes and Legends – 2025 St. Augustine Orchestra Concert
The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 7:30 PM EDT
Featuring MENDELSSOHN’S Fingal’s Cave Overture, RAVEL’S Mother Goose Suite and BEETHOVEN’S Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale”.
🎤 City Lites Presents: Motown & Mo – Rocking Around the Clock
📅 On Sale August 28 at 10:00 AM
Get ready for an electrifying celebration of Motown hits and rock ’n’ roll favorites. A night filled with rhythm, soul, and nostalgia.
Tickets: $30 / Groups of 10+: $25 each
2025 Motown & Mo’s Production — Rocking Around the Clock
The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center
Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM EDT
A Motown & Mo’s Production- Rocking Around the Clock 2025A Community show with all your friends on stage! Tickets on sale August 28th at 10:00 AM $30.00/ 25.00 Group of 10 or more in a single purchase
✨ Blank Space – A Taylor Swift Tribute
📅 Date Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Step into the magic of Taylor Swift’s Eras with Blank Space, The Taylor Swift Tribute, LA’s premier tribute band. Fronted by Olivia Moretti, this show recreates Taylor’s sound and energy with dazzling visuals and choreography.
Tickets start at $25 – VIP seats are selling fast!
Blank Space “The Taylor Swift Tribute”
The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center
Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM EST
Blank Space: The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute. Are YOU ready for it? Get immersed in the extraordinary discography of superstar Taylor Swift – lyrical and musical mastery spanning across eleven original albums – with Blank Space, Los Angeles’ premier tribute band. Fronted by the charismatic Olivia Moretti, with talent that encapsulates Taylor’s unique vocal flair and embellishments with stunning accuracy, Blank Space is more than just a tribute. This show-stopping experience is a full-scale show!
