Governor Ron DeSantis Unveils Thomas Jefferson Statue in Jefferson County as Part of Florida’s America250 Celebration
Learn about Florida’s role in American history;
Palm Coast Permit Portal for Backyard Chicken Pilot Program Now Live
The City of Palm Coast has launched its new Permit Portal for its Backyard Chicken Pilot Program. The program is designed to allow permitted residents of the city to own up to four (4) chickens, which they may keep on their property within the confines of a chicken coop, while abiding by the terms and guidelines outlined in the program application.
After failing to reach a consensus in August 2023 for approval of a similar program that was proposed by residents, Palm Coast City Council recently approved modified terms and reached consensus to launch the new program, which will now allow for a maximum of 50 permits, all of which will be valid for two (2) years from the date of issuance. After the allotted two years, City Council will review the data and findings of the program, at which time, considerations may be made disband, expand or continue the program.
Permits will cost $50, assessed every two years, and terms of permit distribution require all applicants of the pilot program to provide site plan examples and abide by specific terms, which include landscape screening, chicken coop size and placement guidelines and more. Terms also state that those applying to the program must live in a single-family home that is not part of a HOA. Before applying, all applicants are required to complete a Care and Raising Chickens educational course. Resources for this course and complete program guidelines can also be found on the program application.
Residents who are interested in participating can now apply by following these steps:
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Visit palmcoast.gov/building
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Click on “Homeowner Permitting”
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Scroll down to the drop-down menu and select:
“Chicken Coop – Backyard Chickens – Pilot Program”
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Download and complete all permit forms listed there.
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Once forms are completed, visit the online permitting portal at:
https://old.palmcoastgov.com/eplanreview
to submit the application electronically.
If residents need help submitting their permits online, we can link to the following resources in the release:
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Step-by-step PDF guide:
How to Submit Online
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Video tutorial:
YouTube Submission Walkthrough
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.
Help Showcase Flagler in Photos for Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Calendar Contest ‘Florida Flower Power’
July 1, 2025 – Flagler County is seeking photographers who would like to submit their images for the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) 2026 calendar contest “Florida Flower Power.”
“What a wonderful theme for amateur and professional photographers alike to show off their garden favorites or to head out into nature to capture the beauty of Flagler County’s wildflowers,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “We are fortunate to have a large pool of talented photographers who graciously share their work with us for consideration. Flagler County has had winning submissions for the past three years ensuring the rest of the state of Florida knows we are here and ready to shine. We greatly appreciate your participation.”
“Florida Flower Power” submissions can range from “colorful blooms, wildflowers, and natural landscapes that make our state unique – from native species to garden favorites,” the FAC website states.
Flagler County will submit the entries on behalf of individual photographers. The Florida Association of Counties will give winning photographers credit for their images in the calendar. In short, this is a bragging-rights competition.
“In the past when we’ve had a winning entry, FAC provided us with additional copies,” Petito said. “I fully expect that we will be able to provide calendars to the winning photographer. For the last two years, FAC honored a second Flagler County photographer by selecting another submission for additional use. One year a photo was selected to be displayed in the organization’s Tallahassee office for the legislative session, and the next year a selected image was the printed artwork for beach towels provided to conference attendees.”
Entry requirements are as follows:
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Theme – “Florida Flower Power.”
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MUST BE SHOT IN FLAGLER COUNTY (it is helpful if the location is identified).
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Photos must be at least 3000 pixels / 300 DPI and in .JPEG format. Photos may be cropped.
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Photos with logos, names, time and date stamps, or watermarks will not be accepted.
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Flagler County deadline is August 11 (Monday) so that the county can get the images prepared for submission and submitted.
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Submit to jmurphy@flaglercounty.gov.
A submission attests to the fact that the photographer/submitter has all rights and permissions to the photo (and for the images/likenesses of any identifiable people) and is allowing Flagler County to submit the photo in the 2026 Florida Association of Counties Annual Photo Contest, as well as for other county uses, none of which are for profit. Please include the following with the submission:
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“I, (full name) , hereby certify that the attached photo is the ORIGINAL WORK of the entrant. It is also understood that Flagler County will have the right to reproduce, publish and/or exhibit the work in any format including newspapers, brochures, the county website, or Facebook and other social media pages. It is further understood that Flagler County assumes no responsibility or liability for any submitted work.”
Follow Flagler County Government on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FlaglerCountyGovernment.
Featured Photo: Flagler News Weekly
City of Palm Coast Shares Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Highlights
Palm Coast—With budget season in full swing, the City of Palm Coast is presenting the Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund budget at the City Council workshop meeting on Tuesday, July 8, at 6 p.m. This budget reflects a continued commitment to responsible financial stewardship, enhanced services, and maintaining residents’ quality of life. The City Council’s priorities remain at the heart of this budget, with a focus on maintaining a healthy FUND balance while investing in public safety, infrastructure, and long-term efficiencies.
With this proposed budget, the City is meeting the City Council’s directive to reduce the General Fund millage rate by one-tenth of a mill, dropping it from the current 4.1893 to 4.0893.
The FY 2026 budget allocates key resources toward initiatives that directly support the community by investing in priorities that make a difference:
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$1 million for neighborhood street maintenance through the city’s pavement management program (microsurfacing residential roads)
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$1 million in capital investment for the Maintenance Operations Complex (MOC), supporting the city’s growing infrastructure needs
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$500,000 set aside for the saltwater canal dredging initiative to preserve navigability
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$1.3 million toward economic development incentives that aim to attract quality jobs and expand the local economy
Additionally, Palm Coast continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of residents:
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A 17% increase in public safety funding over the previous year
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Nine new Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies, with five beginning service in October and four more mid-year
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Opening of two new fire stations, fully equipped with new apparatus and staffed to serve our community
The city is also taking proactive steps to improve operations and meet future mandates:
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Implementation of ADA compliance software to meet federal accessibility requirements by April 2026
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Strategic staffing changes, including the addition of two maintenance workers and an inmate work crew to care for new rights-of-way
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Launch of a comprehensive Land Development Code (LDC) rewrite, streamlining processes and promoting responsible growth
In line with Palm Coast’s commitment to efficiency, several delicate adjustments were made to reduce costs while maintaining service levels:
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Elimination of several positions, including the Chief of Staff, a Finance Technician, and part-time hours in Communications & Marketing
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Freezing of one vacant position each in Human Resources and Information Technology
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Significant reductions in IT-related expenses, including:
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GIS Strategic Plan (shifted to grant-dependent funding): $70,500
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TCM Enterprise: $29,000
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VertexOne (Utility Customer Service): $106,000
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Axon Fusus platform: $300,000
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“This budget allows us to prioritize what matters most, while finding smarter ways to serve the community,” said Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston. “As Palm Coast continues to evolve, this balanced approach ensures we protect what makes Palm Coast a great place to live, work, learn, and play—today and into the future.”
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 or watch the live stream on the City’s YouTube channel. The next meeting discussing the budget is a workshop scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, at 6 p.m. in the Jon Netts Community Wing of City Hall, 160 Lake Avenue.
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
Trackhouse Racing and Daniel Suárez Agree to Part Ways at Conclusion of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Season
Concord, North Carolina – Trackhouse Racing and Daniel Suárez, driver of the No.99 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series, have announced their mutual decision to conclude their partnership following the 2025 season. The move allows Suárez to pursue new opportunities in his racing career.
Suárez, 33, who is an Xfinity Series Champion (2016), a two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner and the first Mexican driver to win a Cup Series race, has been with Trackhouse Racing since it began competition in 2021.
Trackhouse founder and owner Justin Marks said now is the right time to allow Suárez to pursue what’s next in his racing career.
“The role Daniel has played in the Trackhouse origin story and its first five years will remain a valued part of the company’s history forever. His commitment, work ethic and dedication to the effort is one of the most impressive things I personally have seen in my career,” Marks said.
“We will forever be thankful and honored that Daniel chose to spend many incredible years with us. We are proud of his wins, his successes, the growth of his brand, and his emergence as a valuable athlete in America’s greatest motorsport. But, most of all, I’m proud of him as a friend. I’m truly excited to see what awaits him in the next chapter of his amazing career. We are grateful for the professionalism, effort and heart he’s brought to our organization.”
Suárez will continue to compete for Trackhouse Racing for the rest of the 2025 season, as the team works to win more races and earn a playoff spot.
“I want to thank all the men and women at Trackhouse Racing for your love and support.” said Suárez.
“I’ve had some of the best years of my Cup Series career at Trackhouse. We had great successes as a team and I gained some incredible friends. We took a team nobody had even heard of in 2021 and in just a couple of years we were winning races and running up front on a weekly basis.
“Just like the seasons in a year, sometimes things change and we have mutually agreed to each go in our own direction. I wish Trackhouse nothing but the best, this No. 99 team will always be special to me. And like I always say, the best is ahead!”
Media Release: Trackhouse Racing
Delfinos at Hammock Beach Honored with Wine Spectator Award of Excellence- Third Year in a Row
Palm Coast, Fla. (July 1, 2025) – Delfinos Italian Chophouse at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, is delighted to announce that it has been honored for the third year in a row with the 2025 Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator Magazine in the publication’s annual Restaurant Awards issue. This award is a testament to the Delfinos’ exceptional wine program, as well as its commitment to providing guests with a superior dining experience.
To receive a Wine Spectator Award, a restaurant must present a wine list that complements the restaurant’s cuisine and shows a diverse range of high-quality producers. Wine Spectator evaluates wine lists based on several criteria, including the breadth and depth of selections, the accuracy of wine information, and the overall presentation.
Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa’s wine list features over 210 selections, meticulously curated to appeal to a wide range of wine enthusiasts. The list includes wines from renowned vineyards around the world, ensuring that guests can find the perfect pairing for any dish.
“We are incredibly proud to receive the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 2025. This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team at Delfinos to deliver a dining experience where exceptional cuisine and thoughtfully selected wines come together seamlessly. It’s an honor to be celebrated among the best in the industry,” says Director of Food & Beverage at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Woody Mitchell.
Wine Spectator Magazine is the leading publication for wine lovers and each year, the magazine’s Restaurant Awards issue highlights the best restaurants worldwide for wine, making this recognition a significant achievement for Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa.
For more information about Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, visit hammockbeach.com or call (877) 586-0180. To follow along on social media, visit Facebook at @HammockBeachResort, Instagram at @HammockBeach or YouTube at @HammockBeach with #lifeathammockbeach.
Palm Coast City Council Business Meeting on July 1, 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, July 1, at 6 p.m. will be as follows:
Proclamations
The following proclamations will be presented:
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The City Council will proclaim the month of July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month.
Minutes
The following minutes will be approved:
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June 17, 2025, Business Meeting and June 24, 2025, Workshop Meeting
Ordinances Second Read
The following ordinances will be presented:
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The Community Development Department will present an ordinance to approve the Transportation Impact Fees. These fees help pay for road improvements and are being adjusted based on a new study and state rules to ensure they reflect current data.
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The Community Development Department will present changes to the ordinance regarding exterior colors for homes. The proposed update would allow for light Bermuda colors with a LVR of 65 or greater.
Resolutions
The following resolution items will be made:
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The Information Technology Department will present a resolution to approve a contract with Granicus, LLC for agenda and meeting management software. This company provides a special online system that helps the City manage all its meeting agendas, minutes, and other documents on a centralized dashboard, enhancing transparency and accessibility.
Public Comments will be opened at the beginning and end of the business meeting 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.
Proclamations and award presentations during evening business meetings will now begin at 5:30 p.m., 30 minutes before the meeting start time. 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/
Community Legal Services Welcomes New Chief Growth Officer and Announces Strategic Leadership Advancements
ORLANDO, Fla. – June 17, 2025 — Community Legal Services (CLS), the largest legal aid organization in Central Florida, has appointed Tracy Jacim as its new chief growth officer (CGO). This strategic leadership transition marks a significant shift in the organization’s mission-driven growth strategy as it continues expanding its impact across a 12-county service area.
Jacim brings a bold vision and deep community ties to the role. As the CGO, she will lead fundraising and development, marketing and communications, and government relations—key pillars in driving CLS’ long-term sustainability and public impact for the past 60 years. With an accomplished background in media, communications, leadership and strategic development, Jacim brings intentionality, innovation and a results-driven approach to the role.
Jacim previously served as the president and CEO of the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, co-founded and co-led a full-service video production and communications business, and worked as a news anchor, reporter, and producer at television stations around the country including Orlando’s owns Fox 35. Her exceptional contributions while leading the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation earned her the 2021 Superwoman of the Year award presented by Orlando Family Magazine and led to her selection as the 2023-24 Impact Her Community Award honoree for the state of Florida.
“Tracy’s experience and community connections make her uniquely positioned to build on the foundation we’ve established,” said Jeffrey Harvey, CEO of CLS. “Her leadership will catalyze a new chapter of visibility, advocacy and engagement that is deeply aligned with our mission of legal access for all.”
CLS also announces two additional strategic leadership advancements:
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Nina Wilson Jones has been named director of development, bringing more than two decades of fundraising and nonprofit leadership. Since joining the organization, Jones has already made a substantial impact, driving enhanced donor engagement, campaign planning and philanthropic partnerships.
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Michelle Seckinger has been promoted to marketing and communications manager. With a strong background in digital storytelling and strategic messaging, Seckinger will lead CLS’ marketing evolution—ensuring consistency, visibility and alignment with the organization’s growth objectives.
Under Jacim’s direction, this leadership team, which includes CLS director of government relations, Adrianna Tran, will amplify the organization’s brand, strengthen public and legislative engagement, and expand philanthropic support. Their collaboration signals a clear and intentional investment in CLS’ continued growth, sustainability and community impact.
CLS extends its heartfelt gratitude to Cynthia Blackwell, who served as interim CGO for the past 11 months. Her leadership helped to establish structure and accountability across all areas of growth. Her legacy includes the launch of new donor programs and key partnership strategies that will continue to shape the organization’s future.
“We are grateful for the work Cynthia Blackwell of Cynthia Blackwell Consulting – author of The Magical Power of 3 – has done to support us,” said Harvey. “Not just the coaching, training and business development, but also stepping in as an interim CGO to help push us to the next level. She has laid a solid foundation for CLS’s continued growth that will impact the organization and the clients we serve for years to come.”
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About Community Legal Services
Community Legal Services (CLS) is a nonprofit law firm committed to providing free legal assistance to vulnerable communities across Central Florida. Serving 12 counties, CLS offers support in housing, family law, public benefits, consumer protection and more—ensuring equal access to justice, regardless of income. To learn more about CLS or get involved, visit www.LegalAccessForAll.org.
Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak … The Cost of Leadership
Why are you leading? If you seek leadership for benefits you want, it’s wrong for you and everyone else. If you are doing it right, the costs will exceed the benefits to you. If you do it well, the nonmaterial benefits (e.g., we helped others grow) exponentially exceed any possible material benefits.
If you are leading the right way for the right reasons, here’s what you get:
Difficult decisions others avoid
Accept full responsibility however things go
Be an example of consistent character
Listen and learn all the time
Long hours
Do a lot of coaching and encouraging
Never get to express negative emotions like anger or self-pity – must keep your cool
Embrace valid criticism improving when you should
Know you will always be criticized unfairly
Never be thanked or recognized for success but definitely blamed for failure
Put the needs of others first
A chance to build and sustain a successful team and positive culture
An opportunity to aid in achievement of a mission that brings real benefits things to many people
You have to actually experience far more from others winning than if you had gotten it. I remember a time when a colleague in another organization commented to me that he had not seen me so energized as that day. I explained that two dozen emerging leaders I had mentored were just promoted to greater leadership roles by the CEO and I had slept little the night before due to my excitement.
You’ll always be able to recognize us – when the group picture is taken, we push everyone else to the front and center, and we are generally off to the side or in back. Our ambition is for others. The team and mission are our motivation.
Sources: Abrashoff, 2002; Blanchard, 2011; Collins, 2001; Drucker, 2001; Grant, 2017; Kotter, 2012; Lencioni, 2012; Maxwell, 1998; Welch, 2005.
#LeadershipLessonsWithDrSaviak
Second Lady Usha Vance Highlights Summer Reading Challenge Event with Military Families
