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Flagler Tiger Bay Club President Emeritus Receives Alice E. Stewart Civility Award

Flagler Tiger Bay Club President Jay Scherr and First Vice President Marc Dwyer perform 'The Big Reveal' of Fall 2025 Speakers during the event on August 19, 2025.

PALM COAST, Fla. — Annual meetings often follow a familiar rhythm: a recap of the year’s accomplishments, recognition of contributors, and a look ahead. But for the Flagler Tiger Bay Club, this year’s gathering carried a deeper significance.

Since establishing the Alice E. Stewart Civility Award in 2024, the club’s annual meeting has grown into a celebration of one of its core principles: civil discourse in politics and public life. This year, that mission came full circle as Greg Davis, co-founder and President Emeritus of the Club, was presented with the prestigious award.

Dr Joe Saviak, Marc Dwyer, Al Washington, Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge Alicia Washington, Greg Davis and Perry Mitrano attend the event on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

“I am truly overwhelmed, surprised, and honored to receive the Flagler Tiger Bay Club’s Alice Stewart Award,” said Davis.

The award is named in memory of Alice E. Stewart, a respected national political communicator and beloved honorary member of the Club, who passed away suddenly in May 2024. Known for her warmth and integrity, Stewart’s storied career spanned from local news reporting in Arkansas to national political campaigns, a Harvard Fellowship, and regular on-air commentary with CNN. She also served as Deputy Secretary of State for Arkansas.

For Flagler Tiger Bay Club members, Stewart was more than a media figure—she was a personal presence, and her sister, Heather Thompson, was more than gracious when it came to sharing Alice with the community.

Heather Thompson, sister of Alice Stewart and the 2024 recipient of the Alice E. Stewart Civility Award embraces Flagler Tiger Bay Club President Emeritus Greg Davis as the 2025 recipient on Tuesday night. Photo: Flagler News Weekly

Alice regularly attended the Club’s holiday dinner and was known for her charm and sense of humor. She especially enjoyed receiving quirky “did you know” facts about attendees, which she used to spotlight members during her visits.

Above all, Stewart was admired for her unwavering civility in the political arena.

“Alice represented the highest of Flagler Tiger Bay’s ethics, standards, and values both in her professional and her daily personal lived interactions and experiences,” said Davis. “I am very humbled and appreciative of receiving this award from Flagler Tiger Bay Club.”

Known for their commitment to civility in the community, Intracoastal Bank Senior Vice President Laura Gilvary and David Ayres, President and General Manager of Flagler Broadcasting, catch up at the Flagler Tiger Bay Club annual meeting on August 19, 2025.

Held as part of the 2025 Annual Meeting and Wine Tasting Meet & Greet, the evening also marked the start of a new speaker season. Flagler Tiger Bay Club President Jay Scherr highlighted both the community connection and the forward momentum of the Club.

“It was wonderful to see so many of our members and guests come together for our Annual Meeting and enjoy the Wine Tasting Meet and Greet,” said Scherr.

Flagler Tiger Bay Club President Jay Scherr and First Vice President Marc Dwyer perform ‘The Big Reveal’ of Fall 2025 Speakers during the event on August 19, 2025.

“A couple of highlights of the evening included the presentation of the Alice E. Stewart Civility Award to Greg Davis and the exciting reveal of our upcoming speaker series. We are honored to welcome distinguished speakers Roger Handberg, Dr. Jamie Foster, Aaron Kaplowitz, and our December Holiday Celebration Dinner keynote, Stedman Graham. Each will bring unique insights that will inspire, challenge, and expand our perspectives.”

Mike Flannery, Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge Christopher France, Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce President John Phillips and wife Ann Phillips attend the event on August 19, 2025.

Coming off a sold-out spring season, Scherr is optimistic for what’s ahead.

“We encourage everyone to register early, as these events are certain to sell out.”

Florida Inland Navigation District Commissioner Randy Stapleford samples a premium wine from La Piazza at the event on August 19, 2025.
Flagler County Commissioner Greg Hansen speaks with Flagler Tiger Bay Club 2nd Vice President Dr. Joe Saviak and the new Flagler County Attorney Michael Rodriguez.
Flagler Tiger Bay Club Board member Ed Fuller chats with newly installed board members Melissa Gabriel and Greg Feldman at the event.
Flagler Tiger Bay Club members span the community from Dignity Memorial to the Community Foundation and United Way Volusia-Flagler Counties. From left, Sal Passalaqua, Jason Stewart, Benjamin Collins, Sheila Pillath, Courtney Edgcomb and Manny Kamel.
Publisher Charlee Brazier and Chiumento Law Partner Vincent Sullivan attend the event on August 19, 2025.
Family Life Center’s Adam Campbell, guest Rayliana Giaccone, and CEO Dr. Trish Giaccone join Flagler Cares’ CEO Carrie Baird and Cheryl Tristam.
Palm Coast Vice Mayor Teresa Pontieri (center) chats with Kirk and Heather Keller at the event on Tuesday.
Flagler County Judge Andrea Totten and husband Kyle Totten attend the event on August 19, 2025.
Kim Fitzgerald, Amelia Fulmer, Melinda Morais and Margret James attend the event on August 19, 2025.

FCEF Lauds Senior Scholarship Renewals from Quantum Electrical Contractors and Girl Up! Foundation

Palm Coast, FL , August 19, 2025  The Flagler County Education Foundation proudly announces the renewal of senior scholarships from Quantum Electrical Contractors and the Girl Up! Foundation, two valued partners who continue to invest in the future of Flagler County students. Their renewed commitments reflect a shared dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Quantum Electrical Contractors continues its support through the David Wright Memorial Scholarship, honoring a legacy of passion, hard work, and opportunity. “The gift of the David Wright scholarship is always heartwarming to me as my father’s love of flying can be seen in each of the recipients, but in Jill’s case it is especially emotional as Jill‘s positivity, work ethic, and drive are the beliefs in our family and our company’s foundation,” said Joseph Wright of Quantum Electrical Contractors. “Jill is the first of the scholarship recipients to receive a second due to her dedication. We wish her the best moving forward and look to continue to support her.”

The Girl Up! Foundation has also renewed its scholarship program, dedicated exclusively to empowering young women through education and leadership. “Empowering girls through scholarships is more than support, it’s a statement of belief in their strength, brilliance, and right to lead,” said a Girl Up! Foundation representative. “We’re not just funding education; we’re fueling futures. When we offer scholarships to girls, we’re telling them: we see you, we believe in you, and your dreams matter. This is how we lift each other, by opening doors and walking through them together. By providing scholarships exclusively for girls, we are committed to advancing equity in education and leadership. These opportunities are a step toward a more inclusive future, where every young woman has the tools to achieve her full potential.”

“These scholarships are a powerful example of how community partnerships drive opportunities for students,” said Maryiotti Johnson, Assistant Director of Finance and Operations, Flagler County Education Foundation. “Quantum Electrical Contractors and the Girl Up! Foundation are not only funding education, they are shaping futures and creating lasting impact for Flagler County families.”

Scholarship applications for the Class of 2026 will open in November 2025. Eligible seniors are encouraged to apply through the Flagler County Education Foundation’s scholarship portal at https://flaglerschools.awardspring.com.

For more information about scholarship opportunities or how to support student success, please contact the Flagler County Education Foundation at asbillm@flaglerschools.com.

Charter Review Committee to Hold Inaugural Meeting on Monday, August 25

Palm Coast, FL— The City of Palm Coast’s newly-established Charter Review Committee is set to hold its inaugural meeting on Monday, August 25 at 6 p.m., inside the Jon Netts Community Wing at Palm Coast City Hall – located at 160 Lake Ave. The committee, which consists of five Palm Coast residents selected by City Council, was designated to collectively review the current city charter and propose potential amendments to the charter.

An independent moderator will be present to streamline the charter review process. The public is invited to attend all meetings of the Charter Review Committee and give their input on suggestions for revisions to the City Charter. The Charter Review Members include Patrick Miller, Michael Martin, Perry Mitrano, Donald O’Brien, and Ramon Marrero.

The Chater Review Committee will hold community meetings throughout the process, and all events will be featured on the City of Palm Coast calendar. For more information on the Charter Review Committee, please email CityClerk@palmcoastgov.com

Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review

Daytona International Speedway Once Again Set to Open and Close NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season in 2026

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2025) – The prestige and pressure return to Daytona International Speedway to open and close the NASCAR Cup Series regular season in 2026. The track announced today the dates for those event weekends, as NASCAR released its full schedule for next year for all three national series.

As previously announced, the season-opening DAYTONA 500 is set for Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. The Coke Zero Sugar 400 will take place on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, once again providing the final opportunity for Cup Series drivers to race their way into the NASCAR Playoffs.

“Winning the DAYTONA 500 is the pinnacle of our sport — the race every driver wants most,” said Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway. “A championship is a career milestone, but the DAYTONA 500 stands alone. Opening the season with the DAYTONA 500 and closing the regular season with one last shot to race into the NASCAR Playoffs keeps The World Center of Racing at the heart of sport’s biggest moments.”

In addition to the schedule news announced today, earlier this week, NASCAR announced a multi-year partnership with O’Reilly Auto Parts that makes the leader in the automotive replacement parts industry the title sponsor of what is now known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will also return to The World Center of Racing for its 2026 season opener, while the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will accompany the Cup Series on both race weekends in Daytona.

Below are the dates for the 2026 NASCAR season at Daytona International Speedway:

DAYTONA 500 race weekend (Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth):

  • Wednesday, Feb. 11 – NASCAR Cup Series DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light

  • Thursday, Feb. 12 – NASCAR Cup Series Duel at Daytona

  • Friday, Feb. 13 – NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race

  • Saturday, Feb. 14 – NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race

  • Sunday, Feb. 15 – NASCAR Cup Series DAYTONA 500

Coke Zero Sugar 400 race weekend:

  • Friday, Aug. 28 – NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola

  • Saturday, Aug. 29 – NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400

Earlier this year, William Byron captured his second straight DAYTONA 500 championship in an overtime thriller, becoming the first driver since Denny Hamlin (2019, 2020) and only the fifth overall to win The Great American Race back-to-back. The win was also a record-breaking 10th DAYTONA 500 victory for Hendrick Motorsports.

Tickets are going fast to see if Byron can make history with three in a row in the 2026 DAYTONA 500, but fans can still get great seats and Hard Rock Bet Fanzone and Pre-Race Access at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

Later this week, the Cup Series drivers will battle it out under the lights for the final spots in the 2025 NASCAR Playoffs in Saturday night’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 (7:30 p.m. ET). Several previous Cup race winners at Daytona are still looking for their first win of the season and hope their previous success at the Superspeedway translates to a 2025 Playoff berth by virtue of Saturday night’s Victory Lane celebration. RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher, as well as Justin Haley, Erik Jones, Michael McDowell, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. are all still chasing post-season glory in 2025.

Tickets are still available for Saturday night’s race at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Fans can also purchase an exclusive pre-race ticket package for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 with a reserved seat, admission to the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone, and pre-race access for Gretchen Wilson’s pre-race concert.

To view the entire 2026 NASCAR schedule, visit www.nascar.com/schedule.

About Daytona International Speedway 
Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the World Center of Racing, boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. Some of the exciting racing events include January’s Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and Roar Before The Rolex 24, February’s DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, March’s Bike Week At DAYTONA Presented By GEICO, featuring DAYTONA Supercross and the DAYTONA 200, the August Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend, and much more. The Speedway grounds are also used extensively for other events that include concerts (Welcome to Rockville, Heroes Honor Festival, etc.), sporting events (DAYTONA Soccer Fest, CLASH DAYTONA, etc.) civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.

Preserving Sacred Grounds: Cemetery Takes Action Against Wild Hog Intrusion

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FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Addressing the damage done by wild hogs, Dignity Memorial Area Manager Sal Passalaqua is taking action to restore the community’s cemetery at Craig-Flagler Palms Cemetery and Memorial Gardens to it’s pristine state.

Damage by the wild hogs at Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. Courtesy photo.

“Over the past few weeks, our cemetery has unfortunately been impacted by wild hogs rooting through the soil in search of food. These animals can be highly destructive, and the damage has understandably raised concerns from families and the community who care deeply about this sacred space. We share those concerns,” said Passalaqua.

“I want to be clear: Craig Flagler Palms is committed to maintaining our grounds with dignity, respect, and care. We take this issue very seriously and have already put solutions in motion.”

Hogs invade the memorial gardens and cemetery.

A licensed trapper was on site this week and has begun the process of baiting the hogs with corn, placed outside of the cemetery grounds, to draw them away from burial areas, in addition to cameras are being used to monitor activity so the hogs can be properly trapped and relocated shared Passalaqua.

“Our team is also working to restore the affected areas so the cemetery continues to reflect the peace and respect it deserves,” he said.

“We know how upsetting it is for families to see this type of damage, and we are being fully transparent about the challenges and the steps we’re taking to address them. This is our community cemetery, and protecting it is a responsibility we do not take lightly.”

Damage to the cemetery by the wild hogs at Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. Courtesy photo.

‘Let’s Talk Palm Coast’ Town Hall with City Council Member David Sullivan August 21

Palm Coast, FL— The latest in the ‘Let’s Talk Palm Coast’ Town Hall series featuring District 3 City Council member David Sullivan is set to take place on Thursday, August 21 at 5pm at the Palm Coast Community Center. The series, which kicked off in July, is designed to offer residents the unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with City Council Members, ask questions, and learn about all facets of local government.

Another ‘Let’s Talk Palm Coast’ Town Hall event is set to feature District 4 City Council member Charles Gambaro on Thursday, September 18 at 5pm at the Southern Recreation Center.

All Let’s Talk Palm Coast Town Hall events are free and open to the public, but due to limited seating, residents are encouraged to register in advance by visiting the city’s event registration page.

The city is committed to offering more opportunities for residents to engage with their elected leaders in ways that are personal, approachable, and informative. Whether you’re curious about city projects, want to voice a concern, or simply want to get more involved, ‘Let’s Talk Palm Coast’ is your chance to be heard, stay informed, and help shape the future of our community.

Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review.

Palm Coast City Council Workshop Meeting on August 19, at 9 a.m.

Palm Coast—The Palm Coast City Council meets regularly to discuss and vote on official City business. These meetings are open to the public, and Palm Coast residents are strongly encouraged to attend. An increase in public engagement helps to build a stronger sense of community, increase valuable discussions, and decrease division.

The agenda for the City Council Business Meeting on Tuesday, August 19, at 9 a.m. will be as follows:

Proclamations

The following proclamations will be presented:
The Utility Department will present a proclamation recognizing August 2025 as Water Quality Month.
Presentation

The following presentations will be presented:
The City Administration will provide the legislative updates md 2026 local priorities.
Minutes

The following minutes will be presented for approval:
August 5, 2025, Business Meeting
August 12, 2025, Workshop Meeting
Ordinances Second Read

The following presentations will be presented:
The Community Development Department will present Ordinance 2025-XX, which proposes a Zoning Map Amendment (Application #6253) to rezone ±36.65 acres of vacant land located at 11 Hargrove Lane from the Light Industrial and Warehousing (IND-1) zoning district to the Heavy Industrial (IND-2) zoning district.
Ordinances First Read

The following presentations will be presented:
The Community Development Department will present Ordinance 2025-XX, which proposes an amendment to Chapter 13 of the City of Palm Coast Unified Land Development Code relating to exterior residential colors.
The Community Development Department will present Ordinance 2025-XX, which proposes an amendment to the 2050 Comprehensive Plan to incorporate the City’s updated Water Supply Facilities Work Plan. The plan, developed in coordination with the St. Johns River Water Management District, ensures that the City’s future land use planning aligns with projected water demands and available supply through 2050, as required by Florida Statutes.
Resolution

The following presentations will be presented:
The Construction Management & Engineering Division will present Resolution 2025-XX, which approves a contract with Sparks Concrete, LLC., a project contingency, and a work order with GAI Consultants, Inc. for construction engineering and inspection services for the milling and resurfacing of Palm Coast Parkway from I-95 to US 1.
The Construction Management & Engineering Division will present Resolution 2025-XX, which approves a construction contract with Halifax Paving, Inc., a project contingency, and a work order with RS&H, Inc. for construction administrative services for the Belle Terre Safety Improvement Project.
The Construction Management & Engineering Division will present Resolution 2025-XX, which approves a work order with England-Thims & Miller in the amount of $3,056,636.25 for continued design services related to Phases 2A, 3, and 4 of the Matanzas Woods Parkway & Palm Coast Parkway Loop Road Project. This infrastructure project supports long-range mobility planning, regional connectivity, and future growth. The design will address roadways, stormwater systems, and future bridge crossings, with funding provided through Florida Department of Transportation grant agreements.
The Construction Management & Engineering Division will present Resolution 2025-XX, which approves a contract with Chinchor Electric, Inc., a project contingency, and a work order with RS&H, Inc. for construction administrative services related to the installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Seminole Woods Parkway and Ulaturn Trail/Airport Commerce Way.
The Construction Management & Engineering Division will present Resolution 2025-XX, seeking approval of a $481,787 cost estimate agreement with Florida Power & Light (FPL) for the relocation of distribution facilities necessary for the Matanzas Woods Parkway Expansion Project. This critical infrastructure work supports mobility planning and regional growth and is funded through a combination of FDOT grant dollars and transportation impact fees.
The Construction Management & Engineering Division will present Resolution 2025-XX, requesting City Council approval of two Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) State-Funded Grant Agreements for the Matanzas Woods Parkway Extension West Project.
The Community Development Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, seeking City Council approval of an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Flagler County to establish airport protection zoning regulations. This agreement ensures compliance with Florida Statutes and federal regulations (14 CFR Part 77), and provides a collaborative framework for reviewing developments within airport hazard areas. The ILA also formalizes coordination on projects that may affect airspace, noise levels, or future airport zoning amendments.
The Community Development Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, requesting City Council approval of the Final Assessment Roll for the Nuisance Abatement Special Assessment. This follows the adoption of Ordinance 2010-03 and subsequent Resolution 2025-109, authorizing the City to collect non-ad valorem assessments through the County Tax Collector. The resolution finalizes the assessment of properties with unresolved nuisance violations and was publicly noticed in accordance with State law.
The Financial Services Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, seeking City Council approval of the Fiscal Year 2025–26 Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for the Old Kings Road Special Assessment District. This district was created in 2005 at the request of property owners to fund four-laning improvements along Old Kings Road, from Palm Coast Parkway to SR-100. The resolution authorizes the City to certify the assessment roll to the County Tax Collector for inclusion in the 2025 property tax bills.
Consent

The following presentations will be presented:
The Construction Management & Engineering Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, requesting City Council approval of an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Palm Coast and the City of Bunnell to facilitate the closure of the at-grade Florida East Coast (FEC) Railroad crossing at Lambert Avenue and East Lambert Street. This closure will serve as a credit toward the City of Palm Coast’s request to establish a new above-grade railroad crossing in connection with the Matanzas Woods Parkway Extension – Phase 2 Project.
The Construction Management & Engineering Department will present Resolution 2025-XX seeking City Council approval of two (2) utility easements and associated agreements with Florida Power & Light (FPL) and TECO People Gas. These approvals support Phase 1 sitework and infrastructure construction for the Maintenance Operations Center.
The Construction Management & Engineering Department will present Resolution 2025-XX requesting City Council approval of a contract with The New Florida Industrial Electric, Inc., in the amount of $651,293.65 for Phase II of the Span Wire Refurbishment Project.
The Construction Management & Engineering Department recommends approval of Resolution 2025-XX, authorizing master price agreements with True Haul, LLC and Knepp’s Construction & Excavating of Florida, LLC for the purchase of aggregates and road base materials.
The Information Technology Department recommends approval of Resolution 2025-XX, authorizing a license agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the sharing of FDOT traffic camera feeds. These feeds, located along I-95 within Palm Coast and Flagler County, will enhance situational awareness and emergency response coordination for both the City and Flagler County Emergency Management. The City will leverage existing fiber infrastructure to establish connectivity, supporting future Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) collaborations with FDOT.
The City Administration will present the proposed 2026 legislative priorities for discussion and adoption.
Public Comments will be opened at the beginning and end of the workshop in accordance with Section 286.0114, Florida Statutes, and pursuant to the City Council’s Meeting Policies and Procedures. Each speaker will approach the podium, provide his/her name, and may speak for up to 3 minutes.

Please note that no proclamations are scheduled for this specific meeting. Additionally, public comments on non-agenda items will be limited to 30 minutes at the beginning and end of each meeting. This schedule is subject to change due to holidays or other unforeseen circumstances. Residents are encouraged to visit the Palm Coast City Council meeting webpage for the latest schedule and agenda updates.

Business meetings and workshops are open to the public and are streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel. Meeting agendas for all public meetings are posted in advance of each meeting on the City’s website. All agendas can be viewed here.

If you wish to obtain more information regarding the City Council’s agenda, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 386-986-3713. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk at 386-986-3713 at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review.

Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak … Real Leaders Want To Hear It

Employee silence is a strong symptom of organizational dysfunction.  Healthy, robust, and respectful discussion produces the best ideas and solves problems. You need to seek out and hear all ideas and competing views. Silence and false consensus are the enemies of teamwork, success, and innovation.

Leaders must cultivate and sustain a culture where everyone can raise their hand and say:

“I made a mistake.”

“I have a new idea.”

“You’re making a mistake.”

“I need help.”

“I can help you.”        

Everyone has to feel free and safe to speak.  We must debate ideas, not attack people.  Aim at the arguments not the person.  Yes, you may hear some unworkable or less valuable ideas, but leaders will lose out on many productive suggestions without the right climate at work.  As Steve Jobs once said, “We have wonderful debates here because the best ideas have to win.”

Few things will kill you as a leader like being surrounded by “yes” people. The job of your team is to tell you the truth. Your job is to ask and listen. Their role is not to affirm your ego.  You need to know when you are in error (Abrashoff, 2002).

Attract, recruit, reward, retain, and promote those who tell you the truth. As Gregory Davis says, “If you agree with everything I say, I don’t need you.” The yes person cares about their career not yours. Poor leaders attract and retain yes people.

Good leaders don’t have all the answers and we know it. We just ask a lot of good questions. Ask and then actively listen. Everyone inside and outside the company has to be heard.  This must be the culture you lead.

Research confirms the vast majority of the best ideas come from outside senior management.

Get out of the office, be an active listener, and create and sustain discussion. You never know from whom the next best idea will originate.  Winning ideas know no title, tenure, position, or rank.  On the U.S.S. Benfold, it was a twenty-one-year-old sailor who saved the United States Navy tens of millions of dollars a year and thousands of man hours with a simple suggestion to avoid having to repaint the entire fleet every ten months (Abrashoff, 2002).

More minds mean fewer errors, better reasoning, and greater successes. The worst performing companies and countries are where one supreme leader does all the thinking.

Never assume you know the answers. Assume you do not. If logic, evidence, and ethics validate your original idea, then you have lost nothing by having the discussion. If you were wrong and the discussion reveals it, you have been spared a potential crisis or costly mistake. Never fear the discussion. If you do and your idea is so bad it won’t survive scrutiny by others, that should tell you something.

Weak leaders love to hear themselves talk. Strong leaders love to hear from others.

Sources:  Abrashoff, 2002; Blanchard, 2011; Collins, 2001; Drucker, 2001; Grant, 2017; Kotter, 2012; Lencioni, 2012; Maxwell, 1998; Welch, 2005.

City of Palm Coast Promotes Lieutenant Patrick Juliano to Battalion Chief

Palm Coast, FL – What began as a young man’s desire to help others in 2001 with the Eastchester Volunteer Ambulance Corps in New York has grown into a decades-long career of dedication, leadership, and service to the community. Today, the Palm Coast Fire Department proudly announces the promotion of Patrick Juliano to Battalion Chief.

Juliano’s public safety trajectory launched when he earned his New York State EMT certification in 2002. In 2006, he joined the Palm Coast Fire Department as a Volunteer Firefighter and was hired as a career firefighter two years later. His journey included a brief break from the fire service to serve as the Northeast Florida Regional Manager for Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater—experience that broadened his leadership skills and knowledge of public safety operations. He returned to Palm Coast in 2017, rising through the ranks to Driver Engineer in 2018 and Lieutenant in 2021.

He holds Firefighter certifications (2007) and Paramedic certification (2009) from Daytona State College, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Flagler College, and a Master of Public Administration from Barry University.

As a certified Advanced Public Information Officer, Juliano has served as the department’s Public Information Officer, often representing the fire department on television, radio, and in print. He manages the department’s social media channels, responds to media inquiries, and ensures that the public remains informed during both emergencies and community events.

Juliano also serves as the department’s grants writer—securing vital resources for the fire department and assisting other City departments in obtaining funding. He leads as Commander of the Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard and has represented his peers as both President and current Vice President of the Palm Coast Professional Firefighters Local 4807.

“Patrick Juliano has dedicated his career to serving our residents with professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to excellence,” said Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill. “His promotion to Battalion Chief is a well-earned milestone, and we are incredibly proud to have him as a leader in our department.”

Juliano’s promotion is the latest chapter in a career defined by passion for the fire service, a commitment to public safety, and a drive to make Palm Coast stronger.

Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review

Florida TaxWatch Releases 2025 Principal Leadership Awards (PLA) Roundtable Summary, Provides Strategies of Effective School Principal Leadership

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released its 2025 Principal Leadership Awards (PLA) Roundtable Summary, which discusses the strategies, leadership techniques, insights, and challenges of effective principal leadership. The award-winning participants discussed 1) Attracting, developing, and retaining high-quality teachers; 2) Building a productive school culture; 3) Building relationships with stakeholders beyond the campus; and 4) Managing time and personnel.

Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said, “Research has consistently shown that, next to teachers, principals have the most significant impact on student academic achievement when it comes to in-school factors. Having an effective principal has the same impact as a student having an additional three months of learning per year. There is significant evidence that great principals are the primary reason our schools secure and retain those great teachers. Florida TaxWatch is proud to provide these best practices and key takeaways for policymakers and education professionals.”

Florida TaxWatch Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jeff Kottkamp said, The principal’s role as a school’s leader is to provide a learning environment that delivers a world class education for all students. Effective principals can transform low performing schools into exceptional schools with high student achievement levels. As Florida competes in the global knowledge-based economy and seeks the highest quality of life for its residents, placing the right leadership in schools is important for the continued advancement of our students and our schools.”

The greater the challenge, the greater the impact an effective principal can have on student learning; however, high quality principals have a direct and compelling impact on securing, nurturing, and retaining great teachers. There are virtually no documented instances of troubled schools being turned around without intervention by an impactful leader.

Attracting and Retaining High- Quality Teachers – Nationwide, states are struggling to hire, develop, and retain teachers. In 2024, Florida ranked 50th nationwide in teacher pay. Over the last several decades, salaries for teachers have decreased by 15.7 percent when adjusted for inflation, despite recent investments in raising teacher pay. At the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, teacher vacancy rates were at 64 percent across the state. Furthermore, a recent report from the Florida Department of Education shows a 9.8 percent decrease in people completing a teacher-education program during 2022-23. Consistent with previous years, Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teachers have the highest percentage of courses taught by out-of-field teachers. During the 2023-24 school year, the average teacher salary in Florida was $54,875 and even with the 3.26 percent increase from the previous year, compensation and salaries remain a challenge with rising inflation and cost of living expenses.

Developing Teachers – Research reveals that principals are most effective when they focus on educational instruction improvement, share decision-making with teachers, and encourage teachers to work collaboratively toward common goals that increase educational outcomes. This collaboration shows improvement in teacher efficiency, positive school cultures, and positive relationships between students, teachers, and administrators. Effective principals set the vision and initiate the leadership of teachers, which provide a sense of ownership and investment to the school’s direction.

Building Relationships with Stakeholders Beyond the Campus – Family involvement and community partnerships hold the potential to improve students’ attendance, academic achievement, and behavior. Research suggests the most crucial form of involvement is academic socialization, which is when families hold conversations with their students regarding academic expectations, educational values, and future aspirations. Schools also benefit from activating community members beyond students’ families. Community members, from local animal shelters to business leaders to pastors, help principals better understand the populations they serve.

Managing Time and Personnel – The nature of a principal’s duties requires them to spend a considerable amount of time on their non-instructional responsibilities. As a result, it is easy for principals to become office-bound. To be successful, a principal should be where the action is, which is where the students are—in the classrooms, on the playground, in the cafeteria, and around the campus. Only by observing teachers and students in their element can one truly understand their experiences, feel their existence, and know the goings-on of the entire school. And there is no substitute for that knowledge.

In 2013, Florida TaxWatch established its prestigious Principal Leadership Awards (PLA) Program to recognize and reward Florida’s highest-performing principals whose schools draw from predominantly at-risk populations, yet those students consistently outperform other schools with comparable populations. As a result of visits with winning principals and roundtable discussions, Florida TaxWatch has identified several “best practices” that are common among the winning principals. Among these are:

  • Effective principals are the first person staff members and students see each morning when they arrive at school;

  • Effective principals stress parental involvement, and have an open-door policy;

  • Effective principals care about each student, to the point where many students could easily recall one or more personal interactions with the principal that one would typically expect of a favorite teacher;

  • Effective principals are involved and engaged in the classroom, often helping to teach classes;

  • Effective principals use data prominently in developing learning curriculum;

  • Effective principals have created a collaborative culture where teachers feel their voices are heard and respected; and

  • Effective principals prioritize becoming a hub for the community and finding ways to engage guardians, whether it be providing babysitters during parent conferences or running a food pantry on campus.

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About Florida TaxWatch
As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute, and the trusted “eyes and ears” of Florida taxpayers for more than 45 years, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on taxpayers and businesses. FTW is supported by its membership via voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled FTW to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the taxpayers it has served since 1979. For more information, please visit www.floridataxwatch.org.