Volunteer Florida Announces Service Enterprise Program
For more information—including the Service Enterprise Cohort schedule and application—please visit www.volunteerflorida.org/
Questions may be directed to: ServiceEnterprise@
Pedestrian Safety in Focus as Operation Best Foot Forward Returns for Back-to-School Season Starting July 29
To combat drivers yielding to pedestrians in school zones less than 50% of the time across Central Florida, the Best Foot Forward for Pedestrian Safety program will conduct its two-week crosswalk safety awareness campaign, Operation Best Foot Forward, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies across nine Central Florida counties.
From July 29 to August 8, 2025, plainclothes officers will cross streets at marked crosswalks, allowing drivers adequate time to slow down and stop. Those who fail to comply with Florida law will face a minimum $164 citation and three points on their driver’s license. Many of the crosswalks chosen for enforcement are near schools and school bus stop locations.
This high-visibility operation will span nine Central Florida counties: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Marion, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, & Volusia. The initiative, aligned with FDOT’s Target Zero and local Vision Zero Action Plans, aims to reduce traffic-related serious injuries & fatalities to zero.
According to a report released in 2023 from the American Academy of Pediatrics, “child pedestrian mortality rates have shown an increase of 11% since 2013, driven by increases among 10- to 14-year-olds and 15- to 19-year-olds. This operation reinforces an important message: Florida law says drivers must stop for people in crosswalks. It’s a simple action that protects lives, especially as children return to school and streets get busier.
“As kids head back to school, it’s more important than ever for drivers to be alert and follow the law at crosswalks,” said Vince Dyer, Program Manager of Best Foot Forward for Pedestrian Safety. “Operation Best Foot Forward helps remind everyone that stopping for people isn’t optional. With more students walking, biking, and rolling to class, we need to make sure everyone who uses our streets are following the law and being safe and attentive to each other.”
Operation Best Foot Forward is part of the Best Foot Forward coalition’s larger effort to improve road safety. Studies show that combining enforcement, education, and engineering over a sustained period of time increases driver compliance with pedestrian right-of-way laws, fostering a culture of respect and accountability among drivers. Some of the crosswalks chosen for this operation include:
Enforcement Agency |
Crosswalk Location |
2025 Driver Yield Rate |
Orange County Sheriff’s Office |
N. Dean Rd. & Timber Oaks Ct. |
15% |
Winter Haven Police Department |
Ave. M NW & Unity Way NW |
32% |
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office |
Bear Lake Rd. & McNeil Rd. |
26% |
St. Cloud Police Department |
Old Canoe Creek & 5th Street. |
34% |
Howey-in-the-Hills Police Dept. |
SR-19 & N. Central Ave |
16% |
Daytona Beach Police Dept. |
S. Beach St. & Cedar St. |
44% |
Orlando Police Department |
E. Michigan St. & Cayman Way |
24% |
Kissimmee Police Department |
W Columbia Ave at Central Avenue Elementary School |
13% |
For a complete schedule of the intersection locations including time and date as well as an interactive map, visit: https://www.iyield4peds.org/
About the Best Foot Forward for Pedestrian Safety Program
The Best Foot Forward for Pedestrian Safety (BFF) program is administered by the local non-profit Bike/Walk Central Florida (BWCF). BFF was created to minimize the conflict between pedestrians and drivers by focusing on one specific behavior change – getting more drivers to stop and yield for pedestrians at marked crosswalks as Florida law requires. More than a campaign, Best Foot Forward is a behavior change-based program designed to improve road safety through consistent and persistent education, high-visibility crosswalk enforcements, and low-cost engineering countermeasures at marked crosswalks. Best Foot Forward operates in nine Central Florida counties and is the largest pedestrian-focused grassroots coalition in the nation, working with more than 100 local and regional partners. Since launching in 2012, the rate of drivers yielding to people in marked crosswalks has increased from 17% to nearly 50%. To learn more, visit iyield4peds.org.
About Bike/Walk Central Florida:
Bike/Walk Central Florida (BWCF) champions active transportation by advocating for safer streets and stronger communities across the region. Since 2010, BWCF has worked to make Central Florida a healthier, more connected place where everyone can safely walk, bike and roll for transportation and recreation. Through its purpose to advance active mobility options for everyone, BWCF’s missions of stewarding partnerships, advocating for smart policies, fostering community involvement, empowering individuals, and serving as a trusted resource continues to shape a more inclusive and vibrant transportation future for Central Florida.
Alabama Manufactured Housing Association Named ARCA Menards Series Race Entitlement Partner at Talladega Superspeedway
TALLADEGA, Ala. (July 28, 2025) – Talladega Superspeedway announced today that Alabama
Manufactured Housing Association has been named the new ARCA Menards Series race entitlement partner. The Manufactured Housing 200 is set to take place next year at the iconic superspeedway as part of a multi-year deal.
“We’re proud to announce this local partnership with AMHA being named the ARCA Menards Series race entitlement sponsor,” said Brian Crichton, Talladega Superspeedway President. “This partnership brings together two iconic brands for the state of Alabama and there’s no doubt that we’ll strive to showcase the quality and innovation of manufactured housing right here in our backyard.”
Alabama Manufactured Housing Association members have set the standard for manufactured housing and the modular housing industry since 1968. AMHA member companies have provided safe, innovative and affordable housing for nearly half a million Alabama residents. AMHA now has 165 member companies and strives for quality and excellence in manufactured and modular homes.
“The manufactured housing industry is proud to partner with Talladega Superspeedway and sponsor the ARCA Menards race at Talladega,” said Lance Latham, Executive Director of Alabama Manufactured Housing Association. “Our customers love NASCAR, and this is a great opportunity for us to showcase what we have to offer to the rest of NASCAR’s fanbase. Talladega Superspeedway has already been an incredible host for us in our current partnership, and we are excited to expand that relationship, support an exciting group of rising NASCAR drivers, and give NASCAR fans an experience they will never forget!”
AMHA continues to work together through its members, retailers, manufacturers, insurance companies, communities and more to educate the public and improve the image of factory-built housing. AMHA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing members with tools and information to help shape a successful business environment and provide manufactured and modular housing for Alabama.
The NASCAR Playoffs race action at Talladega Superspeedway kicks off Friday, October 17, with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Love’s RV Stop 225 during the Round of 8 followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series United Rentals 250 on Saturday, October 18 in the Round of 8.
The excitement continues into Sunday, Oct. 19, with the return of the YellaWood 500 during the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 8 at Talladega Superspeedway. Drivers prepare to tackle the iconic 33-degree banking. Stay tuned for the 2026 schedule announcement and secure your seat for the Manufactured Housing 200, Ag-Pro 300 and Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.
For ticketing information and more details about upcoming events, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com
Fans are also encouraged to keep up with all the happenings at Talladega Superspeedway by following along on X, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as in the NASCAR Tracks App for the latest speedway news.
Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis Highlight Fully-Funded Cancer Research and Treatment Funding
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.— (July 23, 2025) Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced Florida’s continued investment in cancer research, care, and innovation. Speaking at the Borowy Family Tower at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, the Governor highlighted $218 million in funding for cancer-related initiatives this fiscal year—bringing total state investment to $1.1 billion for cancer research and treatment since 2019.
“I’m proud to announce that, this year, Florida has secured nearly $218 million for the cancer initiatives that our First Lady has championed, including the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, and the Cancer Connect Collaborative Incubator,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida is committed to continuing to be a national leader in cancer treatment and care.”
The announcement spotlighted three key, fully funded initiatives driving Florida’s cancer strategy. Funded at $127.5 million this year, the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program strengthens the quality and competitiveness of cancer care across Florida. The program provides direct funding to Florida’s four National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated hospitals and institutions working toward that designation, to include Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa), Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville), UF Shands Hospital (Gainesville)
and UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (Miami).
Originally established by the Florida Legislature in 2014, the program was renamed in 2022 to honor the First Lady’s courageous battle with cancer and her leadership in expanding collaboration statewide through Cancer Connect.
“Florida’s cancer initiatives are once again fully funded and will help those in our state who are battling this terrible disease. Beating cancer requires innovative approaches, data sharing, and a full team effort to make research and treatment breakthroughs available to all who need them,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis.
“Cancer impacts the lives of many families throughout Florida, and cases of childhood cancer are especially heart wrenching,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A Ladapo. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis and the vision of the First Lady, these focused investments in pediatric cancer research will empower four leading children’s specialty hospitals in Florida to advance innovative treatment options. Every child should have access to the most beneficial care possible, and we pray for all of the families facing these diagnoses.”
Florida’s Cancer Connect Collaborative is a first-of-its-kind national model designed to accelerate research, share best practices, and turn data into actionable results. Guided by five pillars—Data, Best Practices, Innovation, Honesty, and Funding—the initiative brings together public and private partners to reshape cancer care delivery.
Under the Collaborative, Florida launched the Cancer Connect Collaborative Incubator, now fully funded with $30 million. The Incubator will focus its first five-year cycle on pediatric cancer, which accounts for just 1% of cases nationally but impacts thousands of children and families.
Florida’s four major children’s hospitals: Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami and Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville will be eligible for multi-year grants to expand clinical trials, improve treatment protocols, and accelerate cures.
“Governor and First Lady DeSantis continue to lead with both vision and heart, investing in initiatives that truly change lives,” said Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris. “The funding allocated to launch the Cancer Connect Collaborative Incubator is an investment that will bring together Florida’s best minds in science, medicine, and health care to accelerate innovation in pediatric cancer treatment. My hope is that this is the beginning of reimagining how we fight pediatric cancer, and that we can push the boundaries of what’s possible to support families every step of the way.”
The Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, created in 2023, is aimed at supporting smaller, start-up, and rural entities focused on cutting-edge research and treatment. Following a successful first year, the Legislature approved a full $60 million for the current fiscal year.
For more information about Florida’s cancer research initiatives, visit: flcancerconnect.com.
Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Featured photo: EOG.
Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak … Making Successful Mistakes
Doing and deciding guarantees mistakes. Success and innovation require errors. Mistakes are the price of progress. They help us learn, grow, and excel. They are normal, natural, predictable, and expected. Everyone makes them. The focus is to learn from and not repeat them.
You never want employees to be afraid to admit mistakes. Even worse would be a culture which encourages them to hide them. If this persists, problems multiply and the organization could experience a real crisis. This was completely avoidable had small mistakes been effectively addressed when they actually happened.
Leaders – especially front-line supervisors – need to deal with mistakes when they occur. If not, they are repeated by the employee and replicated by others. The new policy means we do not follow the real policy. Policies and procedures usually have solid rationales. Either ensure adherence or change the policy.
When you speak with the member of the team, start positive. Secondly, learn why they did what they did. You want to understand their thinking and actions. There may be a good explanation like direction from a prior supervisor who did not follow policy. Confirm causes to select solutions. Thirdly, identify what resources or remedies are needed to ensure policy compliance and employee success. Fourthly, ask what you need to do as a leader to help them achieve the right performance. Fifthly, go over why the mistake occurred, what the employee is expected to now do differently, and ensure a clear and mutual understanding. Lastly, provide any needed tools or resources the employee needs to attain strong performance and make sure you as a supervisor or manager follow-up to confirm their positive progress. Please end the conversation on an encouraging note.
The conversation is not the end. Follow-up is essential after this meeting. Observing the employee now and receiving reports about his or her performance are needed. If the employee is adhering to the policy and doing a good job, thank the person. Recognize the good performance in real time. This helps ensure it will continue. Please let the employee know you value that they learned and can see that he or she is now consistently doing it the right way. If you are hiring the right people, they want to know they are succeeding.
If they don’t stop taking the wrong actions after your meeting with them, a different approach will be needed. It must be immediately addressed. Identify why this is still occurring. Tailor the solution to the problem.
A “can’t” should have already been remedied with training and supervision after the first meeting on this issue. Is this a “don’t” which is he or she is just not following the policy again which can have other causes and solutions. Is it a “won’t” which is he or she has no intention of conforming their conduct to the job requirements and workplace expectations? Both of these scenarios can involve progressive discipline or more consequential actions. It could mean you have the right employee in the wrong role or an employee who should not have been hired. Either way, leaders deal with it.
Supervisors and managers make two major mistakes. They either ignore the problem or they come down too hard on a good employee. Both undermine performance. Allowing the same employee to not follow policies and procedures or fail to embrace the workplace culture also hurts teamwork and morale. Our successes and failures as leaders are never invisible to others.
Your team must feel safe to admit and make mistakes. Leaders should be an example. If you are recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training as you should, employees will make mistakes, improve, and provide a solid performance during their careers. Accept that mistakes are part of the process. Let your team be free to fail, fail up, and fail forward (Abrashoff, 2002; Collins, 2001; Maxwell,1998; Starling, 2008; Welch, 2005).
#LeadershipLessonsWithDrSaviak
Palm Coast: Road Closure Planned on Farmsworth Drive Beginning July 28
Palm Coast, FL— The City of Palm Coast has scheduled a road closure on Farmsworth Drive between Fayy Lane and Fairbank Lane, where crews will be working on a utility repair project. The work is set to begin on July 28 and will last approximately two weeks.
During this time, this work zone area on Farmsworth Drive between Fayy Lane and Fairbank Lane will be closed to through traffic and detour signs will be in place to guide motorists. Inbound and outbound access via Old Kings Road for residences along the Farmsworth Drive corridor, west of Fayy Lane, will still be available by detour via Fellowship Drive. Additionally, inbound and outbound access to this area will still be available via Florida Park Drive.
Access to Farmsworth Drive East and roads in this area, which include Fayy Lane, Farmdale Lane, Farson Lane, and Fairston Place will be available directly via Old Kings Road for the duration of the project.
We would like to thank you for your patience as we work to enhance our roadway infrastructure. For more information, contact Palm Coast Customer Service at customer-service@palmcoastgov.com or 386-986-2360, or visit palmcoast.gov/connect.
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
Volunteering for Local Disasters: Special Needs Shelters
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~ Are you interested in learning about volunteering in the Special Needs Shelter during local disasters?~ Join us for an upcoming Florida Department of Health in Flagler County: Special Needs Sheltering Volunteer Meeting. The Dept of Health will be discussing sheltering plans, volunteer roles, and how we can best support our community members with special needs during emergencies.
We hope you will join us to learn more about disaster volunteering in our community! YOUR HELP IS NEEDED DURING STORMS!!! ****************************** |
Date: Wednesday, July 30
Time: 10:30AM-11:30AM
Location: EOC, 1769 E Moody Blvd, bldg #2
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Expo is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12th at the Palm Coast Community Center. Limited seating is available. Doors open at 8 a.m. – continental breakfast and exhibitors will be available with a variety of information. We have a powerful line up of speakers that begin at 9 a.m. The event will conclude by 12 noon. We will have free disaster preparedness kits for the first 100 attendees. Free admission! Open to the Public! |
| ****************************** Interested in volunteering?? CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ****************************** |
THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO FOR OUR COMMUNITY. For more information please check out our website at www.flaglervolunteer.orgIf you have any questions please contact Suzy at suzy@flaglervolunteer.orgOur work is made possible by the continued support of the following agencies and governmental organizations. |
FHC’s 2025 Affordable Housing Conference: There’s Still Room
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