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Palm Coast-Flagler Chamber of Commerce Hosts 2025 Legislative Update

PALM COAST, Fla. — The Palm Coast-Flagler Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual legislative update today, providing local business leaders and residents a comprehensive overview of the key outcomes from the 2025 Florida legislative session. State Senator Tom Leek and Representative Sam Greco were on hand to discuss significant legislation impacting Flagler County, including measures on property insurance reform, infrastructure funding, and economic development. The discussion highlighted how decisions made in Tallahassee will directly impact the business climate and quality of life for both businesses and residents in Flagler County.

Members of the Palm Coast City Council and staff attend the 2025 Legislative Breakfast at the Hammock Dunes Club on August 7, 2025. From left, Palm Coast Vice Mayor Teresa Pontieri, Community Development Director John Zobler, Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill, Palm Coast City Councilman Ty Miller, Palm Coast City Councilman David Sullivan, and Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston. Photo courtesy of the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce.

More than 130 local business leaders and government officials gathered at the Hammock Dunes Club for a town-hall style event on the morning of August 7. Following opening comments by both Sen. Leek and Rep. Greco, the two legislators took questions from the audience for approximately 45 minutes. Questions and comments from the audience addressed topics including infrastructure projects, public safety, support for mental health, funding for education, access to capital for small businesses, the impact of SB-180, support for local tourism, and many more.

“Senator Leek spent the majority of his time speaking to the political infighting that occurred during the last legislative session. He surmised that, when personal attacks and political infighting take center stage, as it did in Tallahassee last year, the real work suffers,” shared Flagler County Commission Chairman Andy Dance.

“My takeaway is that we have to work harder locally to avoid that same trap. Here in Flagler County, the Commission has a clear mission, vision, and strategic plan — and our residents expect us to work together to achieve it. We owe it to the public to set aside the recriminations, focus on solutions, and restore trust by showing that their local government can lead as a team,” he said.

Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors welcome members and guests to the 2025 Legislative Breakfast held at the Hammock Dunes Club on August 7, 2025. From L-R: Ken McGevna, Ambassador (McGevna & Associates CPA), Kelsie Lombard, Membership Director (Chamber), Monica Garcia, Ambassador (Monica Clean, LLC), Donna McGevna, Ambassador (d.a.m. Designs), Vinny Amore, Ambassador (TrustCo Bank), Aryanna Romero, Social Media Intern (Chamber),Frank McManus, Ambassador (Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate), Dan Rochford, Ambassador (Adecco), Luis Perez, Ambassador. Photo courtesy of the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Leadership and management consultant Dr. Joe Saviak praised the event and ability of the lawmakers to succinctly communicate a busy 2025 session to constituents.

“It was an excellent opportunity to hear directly from State Senator Tom Leek and State Representative Sam Greco and receive a valuable briefing on all the important public policy issues which defined the 2025 regular session of the Florida Legislature,” said Saviak.

“They have proven to be highly effective lawmakers and influential advocates for Flagler County. The questions and answers were definitely illuminating. This was a stellar event for the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce. The feedback from attendees was very positive.”

Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce President John Phillips, Florida Senator Tom Leek, and Dr. Joe Saviak at the 2025 Legislative Breakfast held at the Hammock Dunes Club on August 7, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Next up on the Chamber’s schedule of events is a Meet & Greet with U.S. Congressman Randy Fine, which is scheduled for Wednesday, August 13 at 4 p.m.

For more information about that event, or to register for that event, please visit the Chamber’s website at:  Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, Dr Joe Saviak, and Austin Brownlee, Sr. VP at Brown & Brown Insurance attend the 2025 Legislative Breakfast at Hammock Dunes Club hosted by the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce on August 7, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Pink Army 5K Early Bird Registration is Now Open

Palm Coast –  The City of Palm Coast in partnership with AdventHealth Palm Coast is happy to present the Pink Army 5K on October 5, 2025. This special event raises money for breast cancer awareness, education, and screening, which is used locally in our community.

“There’s something powerful about seeing a sea of pink winding through our streets,” said John Subers, Executive Director of AdventHealth Palm Coast Health Foundation. “It sends a message louder than words. It tells every person facing breast cancer that this community shows up, stands beside them, and stays in the fight with them.”

Palm Coast’s Director of Parks and Recreation James Hirst added, “Bringing the community together is something that is always special but being able to contribute in a way that is impactful and helps spread awareness of this disease makes it even better. From those who have been diagnosed with this disease, to the friends and family who are support systems, we want them to know that they are not alone. The City of Palm Coast stands with them.”

To date, the initiative has stood to support over 600 patients, who have had more than 1,000 procedures related to breast cancer and diagnostics. All proceeds raised from the event directly support qualified Flagler County residents with early dedication screening, cancer-related education materials, and cancer diagnostics and screening. Additional funds support the purchase of the new da Vinci 5 robotic system that assists in complex cancer-related surgeries.

The Pink Army 5K will take place on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 7:45 a.m. at AdventHealth Palm Coast, 60 Memorial Medical Parkway in Palm Coast. For more information, or to register now, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PalmCoast/pink5k – receive a $5 discount if you register early using the code “EARLYBIRD.” There is a discounted Student Rate (18 and under) of only $20 per student – that code is “FlaglerParent” – both codes are valid through August 31, 2025. For sponsorship or group information, call 386-986-2323.

Those that want to contribute to the cause prior to the event will have the opportunity to do so at September’s Food Truck Tuesday event, taking place on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 5 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center where the Pink Army 5K will be the beneficiary. For more information on Food Truck Tuesday visit: https://www.palmcoast.gov/events/home/details/food-truck-tuesday

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

Loving Homes Wanted: Palm Coast Community United to Rescue Nearly 100 Cats from Local Home

Palm Coast, FL – In a powerful show of compassion and teamwork, 98 cats were rescued this week from a single home in Palm Coast, thanks to a coordinated effort by city employees, local organizations, and dedicated animal lovers.

On the day of the rescue, teams worked from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., carefully removing cats and kittens from the residence and transporting them to safety. The effort began with 96 cats, but the number has now surpassed 100 after one of the rescued cats gave birth shortly after being brought in.

What makes this rescue truly remarkable is the way the community came together. Palm Coast Animal Control, Code Enforcement, and even City employees outside of animal services stepped in to help. Their tireless work was met with an outpouring of support from local partners.

Special thanks go to:

  • Flagler Humane Society, which welcomed the cats into their facility, stayed open late and transformed their education room into a temporary haven with crates, food, and litter ready to go.

  • Salty Paws Animal Hospital and Flagler Animal Hospital, which helped examine and treat many of these feline friends.

  • East Coast Animal Hospital, which was on standby in the event that we needed more assistance.

  • Flagler Humane Society veterinarians and Dr. Shelby Wolfe from Granada Animal Hospital have volunteered to provide spay and neuter services.

  • Community Cats of Palm Coast, who lent supplies, support, and loving hands to assist with the rescue.

  • The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office played a key role in the coordination of the operation.

“This was an incredible example of what’s possible when our community comes together for a common cause,” said Palm Coast’s Code Enforcement Manager Barbara Grossman. “The dedication, care, and collaboration shown during this rescue were truly inspiring.”

Now, these cats are ready for their second chance.

To help find them loving homes, the Flagler Humane Society is hosting a special “Coffee with Cats” adoption event on Sunday, August 17, from 12 to 3 p.m. Visitors are invited to meet the cats in a relaxed environment. During the event, cat adoptions will be half price. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee while you meet your new best friend and give one of these rescued cats the fur-ever home they deserve.

For more information about adopting or supporting the rescue, please contact the Flagler Humane Society by visiting www.flaglerhumanesociety.org.

Please note that the rescued cats are not currently ready for adoption, and it is recommended that adopters wait for the August 17 event.

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 Business Meeting on August 5, at 6 p.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 5, at 6 p.m. will be as follows:

Proclamations

The following proclamation will be presented:

  1. The City Administration will proclaim August 7, 2025, as Purple Heart Day.

Minutes

 

The following minutes will be approved:

  1. July 15, 2025, Business Meeting

  2. July 22, 2025, Workshop Meeting

Appointment

 

The following appointment will be made:

  1. The Stormwater and Engineering Department recommends appointing Jessica Vorhees to the Residential Drainage Citizen Advisory Committee. Jessica currently serves as an alternate and applied for full membership following the resignation of two committee members in June 2025.

Ordinances Second Read

 

The following ordinances will be presented:

  1. The Community Development Department will present an ordinance to establish the Lighthouse Community Development District, following a petition received in May 2025.

  2. The Community Development Department will present Ordinance 2025-XX, which proposes a Future Land Use Map Amendment (Application #6154) to redesignate ±27.21 acres from Institutional to Mixed Use, enabling the City to locate Fire Station #26 following a land exchange.

  3. The Community Development Department will present a companion Zoning Map Amendment (Application #6151) ±27.21 acres from Public-Semipublic to Light Industrial and Warehouse, contingent on the land use amendment.

Ordinances First Read

 

The following ordinances will be presented:

  1. The Community Development Department will present an Ordinance 2025-XX that proposes a Zoning Map Amendment (Application #6253) to rezone ±36.65 acres at 11 Hargrove Lane from IND-1 to IND-2 to allow development of a Concrete Batch Plant. The PLDRB voted 3–3 on motions to approve and deny, forwarding the item to Council without recommendation.

Resolutions

 

The following resolution items will be presented:

  1. The Community Development Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, which approves an Interlocal Agreement with Flagler County to coordinate Airport Protection Zoning Regulations and ensure compliance with FAA and state requirements.

  2. The Community Development Department will present Resolution 2025-XX approves an agreement to transfer transportation impact fees from the County to the City for improvements at Seminole Woods Blvd and SR 100, supporting traffic impacts from the Cornerstone development.

  3. The Community Development Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, adopting the CDBG FY 2025/26 Annual Action Plan, allocating $462,211 to programs supporting housing, public services, and infrastructure for low- to moderate-income residents.

  4. The Public Works Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, which amends the Commercial Solid Waste Franchise Fee by increasing the rate to 15% of gross revenues and clarifying its application to all commercial solid waste services.

Consent

 

The following consent items will be presented:

  1. The Public Works Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, which approves cooperative agreements for storm debris removal and monitoring, expanding emergency response capabilities through pre-approved contractors.

  2. The Public Works Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, authorizing acceptance of a $5,000 FIND grant for the 2025 Palm Coast Waterway Cleanup, to be held September 20.

  3. The City Administration will present Resolution 2025-XX, which approves a contract with the Northeast Florida Regional Council to develop a community-driven economic Development Plan incorporating community input and current city planning documents.

  4. The Financial Services Department will present Resolution 2025-XX amends the Paymentus electronic billing agreement to allow ACH auto-payments to be absorbed by the Utility Fund, maintaining customer-friendly payment options

  5. The Community Development Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, approving agreements with Digital Echo and Word Wizards, Inc. for ADA document remediation services, supporting compliance with new DOJ accessibility regulations by April 2026.

  6. The Public Safety Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, approving the purchase of backup radios from Motorola Solutions to enhance fire station alerting systems and ensure uninterrupted emergency response communications.

  7. The Human Resources Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, approving a contract with PowerDMS by NEOGOV to implement policy management software, streamlining employee acknowledgment and compliance tracking.

  8. The Construction Management & Engineering Division will present Resolution 2025-XX, approving the purchase of a Flexitrax Pipe Inspection Camera System for stormwater infrastructure, enabling in-house inspections and long-term cost savings.

  9. The Utility Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, which approves a $77,900 work order with Connect Consulting, Inc., for the rehabilitation of Well SW-27, a raw water supply source for Water Treatment Plant #1.

  10. The Utility Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, authorizing agreements with six firms to provide wastewater emergency tank trucking services, ensuring preparedness during wet weather and storm events.

  11. The Utility Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, approving a Master Price Agreement with Alpha General Services, LLC for PEP tank assemblies, to be purchased and installed as needed to support City wastewater services.

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 FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review.

Magic Beach Motel Makes Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s 11 to Save, Most Endangered Historic Places in Florida List 2025

Fernandina Beach, Fla.,– The Florida Trust for Historic
Preservation announced the 2025 Florida’s 11 to Save, a list of the most threatened historic places in the state, at the 2025 Preservation on Main Street conference hosted in collaboration with Florida Main Street.

Each year, the Florida Trust announces its 11 to Save sites, which are nominated by the public and reflect the historic places that matter to local communities. The program is designed to increase the public’s awareness of the urgent need to save Florida’s historic resources, highlight the breadth of Florida’s unique history, inspire unique collaborations and empower local preservationists and community groups in their work to preserve Florida’s rich history.

The 2025 11 to Save represents endangered historic resources in Alachua, Duval, Gadsden, Levy, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Putnam, St. Johns, and Seminole counties, covering hundreds of years of history and a variety of cultural resources.

“The 2025 Florida’s 11 to Save reflect the extraordinary breadth and depth of stories that make up the cultural mosaic of our state,” said Florida Trust Board President Mike Cosden. “By safeguarding these sites, we’re not just preserving buildings and landscapes, but also the diverse histories and voices that contribute to our shared heritage.”

Inclusion in Florida’s 11 to Save is a starting point for the Florida Trust’s advocacy and education efforts and is intended to be part of a collaborative effort to identify custom solutions for each property.

 

Congressman Randy Fine to Speak at Tiger Bay Club of Volusia County in August

Staying true to his commitment to be accessible to the constituents of CD6, U.S. Congressman Randy Fine has two events scheduled next week in Flagler and Volusia counties.

Starting with a meet and greet event at the Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens on August 13th starting at 4 p.m., the ticketed event is promoted by the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce as an opportunity for business leaders to hear about key federal issues impacting the region. Chamber members may attend for $20 while non-member tickets are $40 by clicking here.

The following day the Tiger Bay Club of Volusia County will host Congressman Fine for their monthly luncheon meeting at the Halifax River Yacht Club, with the meeting starting at noon. President’s Guests may attend for $35 which includes luncheon choices and regional pre-event networking. Visit www.tigerbayclubvolusia.org for details.

 

Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak … Why Givers Produce the Most Success for Others and Themselves

This is both professional and personal counsel. It definitely works.

Always try to do good things to aid other people who need your help. Always do so without motivation for recognition or reward. Sometimes you even do good things when asked for by morally unadmirable people, but you know it will help decent individuals who require assistance.

Professor Adam Grant has studied givers, takers, and matchers (2017).

Givers have the best careers and most fulfilling lives. Givers want to help others learn, grow, and win. Be generous with others as a friend, mentor, co-worker, member of the profession, and a citizen in your community. Yes, you may get let down from time to time but it’s always the best way to live your life and conduct your career in the long run.

Matchers are constantly calculating to be certain they share only as much with someone else as they specifically got or expect to get in return from that person.

Takers don’t understand that selfishness is self-defeating. This behavior also leaves you alone and makes you miserable. They will never truly succeed in the long term in a profession or industry. Takers only call when they need something for themselves. It’s the old line, “If you only hear from them when they have a need, but they never help you succeed, clap when you win, or bother to call when they know your family has had a tragedy, you now know the real relationship.” They make horrible leaders.

No one really wants to work for or with or recommend a taker. Takers never last professionally. They are also unhappy people trying to compensate for something that’s missing. They have no genuine friends and end up lonely.

I’ve seen this many times. Your reputation is everything and it is your identity in a profession, industry, and community. It either creates or takes away both professional and personal opportunities.

If you want to succeed as a leader and a professional, you have to help others even when you are not getting something in return. At a minimum, at least understand and practice reciprocity. When a solid professional and quality individual helps you professionally or your customers or company, look for an opportunity to do the same for them.

It makes sense to send business to those who are good at that business. It builds your trust and reputation with individuals and within a profession and community. I never hesitate to mentor, refer business, provide a good reference, offer a positive quote about their new book, aid in problem-solving, and help others win too. Don’t keep score – that’s what matchers do. Feel free to give more than you receive.
Recruit, hire, evaluate, and promote individuals for being givers. Be friends with the givers. More importantly, live your life as a giver. The research confirms we are content. It turns out that the more I think of others and less of myself, the happier I will be and the better my career will be too (Grant, 2017).

#LeadershipLessonsWithDrSaviak

 

18th Annual Intracoastal Waterway Cleanup September 20

Palm Coast, FL The City of Palm Coast is inviting residents to join us, and this year’s mascot ‘Gus’ the Gator, in lending a helping hand to keep our waterways, parks and neighborhoods litter-free at the 18th Annual Intracoastal Waterway Cleanup, taking place on Saturday, September 20 from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Last year, over 200 participants collected more than a half ton of trash, significantly benefiting our stormwater systems and local wildlife. This year, we hope to achieve even more with your help.

“Over the course of the 18 years we’ve been having this event, we are proud to say that we’ve been able to make a major impact in areas of our city that need these clean up efforts the most,” said Residential Solid Waste Collections Supervisor Alyssa Roscoe. “From our waterways to our streets and sidewalks, every piece of trash collected contributes to the cause and helps us maintain the cleanliness that Palm Coast is known for.”

The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) generously supports this year’s Intracoastal Waterway Cleanup. FIND has contributed a $5,000 grant to this year’s event, bringing its total contributions to $90,000 since the event began in 2008.

“Contributing to the Intracoastal Waterway Cleanup for the past 18 years has been something that we are very proud to contribute to,” said Flagler County FIND Commissioner Randy Stapleford.” Watching the community come together for the common goal of preservation is inspiring, and goes a long way to helping to protect our environment.”

The event begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center, where participants will receive gloves, trash bags, a safety sheet, and a commemorative event t-shirt. Volunteers can choose to clean up areas along the Intracoastal Waterway or any location within city limits. Following the cleanup, there will be a community luncheon and awards ceremony at the Community Center at 11:00 a.m.

Registration is open and free for all participants. To register, visit www.palmcoastgov.com/waterwaycleanup

For sponsorship opportunities or more information, contact Alyssa Roscoe at aroscoe@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

Calling All Parrotheads! Celebrate Jimmy Buffett Day with Florida Water Tours on August 29th

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Calling all Parrotheads! On Friday, August 29th, enjoy an evening on the water with Florida Water Tours, as they host a special 2-hour sunset cruise celebrating the life and music of Jimmy Buffett. From 6:30pm to 8:30pm, toast to Buffett’s laid-back, beachcomber lifestyle with tropical tunes flowing and themed snacks and drink specials in hand. Grab your grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts, and coconut bras, and come aboard to honor everyone’s favorite beach bum.

“At Florida Water Tours, we not only love Jimmy’s music and state of mind, but we love his conservation efforts — something we too are passionate about,” shares Jessica Jadick, founder of Florida Water Tours, an ecotourism, scenic boat touring company based in St. Augustine, Florida. “Conservation and a love for protecting planet Earth is part of the legacy Jimmy Buffett left behind, and we, too, carry that same mission.”

Last year, the Florida Legislature declared the Friday before Labor Day as Jimmy Buffett Day, honoring the life and music of the beloved storyteller, musician, and philanthropist. Known as the “troubadour of the tropics,” who made the popular concoction of tequila, lime, and salt so famous, Jimmy Buffett wasn’t just singing about paradise and margaritas — his music blended humor, a carefree spirit, introspection, and nostalgia, and he created a culture all his own. Embraced by fans worldwide — the infamous, eclectic, and enthusiastic “Parrotheads” — he brought fun to so many, encouraging a vacation state of mind, and it made him a cultural icon. While his impact culturally is significant, his commitment to conservation, particularly the protection of manatees, has been equally profound. Buffett’s lifelong passion for protecting manatees and their habitats inspired him to co-found the Save the Manatee Club in 1981. He launched the Singing for Change Foundation in 1995, which donates proceeds from concert ticket sales to grassroots organizations.

“Jimmy Buffett inspires us all to this day, to stay positive and stay rooted in nature,” shares Jadick. “Help us celebrate and honor the man, myth, and legend himself!” The Jimmy Buffett Sunset Cruise is Friday, August 29th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Tickets are $45. The sunset cruise will be hosted aboard the Osprey, a 45-foot pontoon boat, and is an adults-only event. Book your tickets now as seats are limited! Florida Water Tours is located at Windward at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, 107 Yacht Club Drive, St. Augustine, Florida. There is free parking and a gift shop, which hosts an array of local, handmade goods, and everything you need for the sun and salt. Book your summertime adventure at floridawatertour.com today.

ABOUT FLORIDA WATER TOUR — Florida Water Tour offers ecotourism cruises, from family-friendly adventures to adults-only excursions. They specialize in educating youth about marine sciences through their nonprofit, Florida Water Warriors. Located at 107 Yacht Club Drive in St. Augustine, Florida, Florida Water Tours offers daily departures, private tours, and special events.