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Palm Coast City Council Business Meeting on July 1, at 6 p.m.

By
Shannon Martin
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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:

  1. The City Council will proclaim the month of July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month.

Minutes

The following minutes will be approved:

  1. June 17, 2025, Business Meeting and June 24, 2025, Workshop Meeting

Ordinances Second Read

The following ordinances will be presented:

  1. 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.

  2. 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:

  1. 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/government/city-manager/week-in-review.

Community Legal Services Welcomes New Chief Growth Officer and Announces Strategic Leadership Advancements

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

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:

  • 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.

  • 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

By
Dr. Joe Saviak
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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

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

On Monday, June 23, 2025, Second Lady Usha Vance hosted an event for National Military Family Association (NMFA) children at the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center in Williamsburg, VA.

Ms. Vance kicked off the event with brief remarks informing the children present about the opportunity to participate in her Summer Reading Challenge and then began to read to the group. Following her remarks, Ms. Vance participated in a Q&A session with the children who were excited to hear about her role as Second Lady and collectively told her all of their favorite books to read. She then helped children create their own book covers in a fun activity, and the event concluded.

“Summer is a great time for learning, and what better place to learn than while having fun at camp! I am very grateful to the Jamestown 4-H and NMFA team members who made this event possible,” said Second Lady Usha Vance.

For more information on the Second Lady Summer Reading Challenge please visit www.wh.gov/read.

Media Release: Office of the Vice President.

Join the United Flagler 4th Community Celebration on July 4, 2025

By
Shannon Martin
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Palm Coast – Flagler County Government and the Cities of Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and Bunnell invite all Flagler County residents and visitors to attend the United Flagler 4th Community Celebration on Friday, July 4th, 2025.

The day begins with the beloved Stars and Stripes Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach. The parade will start at 9:00 a.m. sharp and follow its traditional route along A1A in Flagler Beach, traveling from North 6th Street to South 6th Street.

After the parade, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a full day of fun at First Friday in Veterans Park in Flagler Beach. Set against the backdrop of the beach, the event will feature live music by Soulfire, brought to you by SURF 97.3 FM. Enjoy complimentary hot dogs and apple pies, tie-dye t-shirts, Al’s Big Air bounce house, water slides, a foam party, and a watermelon eating contest.

The highlight of the day will be Fireworks Over the Runways at the Flagler Executive Airport (accessible via Fin Way), with gates opening to the public at 5:00 p.m. At this family-friendly event, guests can explore a variety of vendors, including food trucks, a beer garden, and kids’ activities, while enjoying music from a live DJ on the main stage.

At 6:30 p.m., local dignitaries and elected officials will recite the Declaration of Independence and a performance of the National Anthem by Melanie DiMartino. As the evening continues, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and find a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy the festivities, which culminate in a spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 p.m. Portable restrooms and a handwashing station will be available for convenience.

Guest parking for Fireworks Over the Runways, including handicapped spaces, will be located at the back of the airport on the south side, accessible only via Fin Way off South Belle Terre Boulevard. This is the sole event entrance this year—there will be no access to the front of the airport and no parking at Flagler Palm Coast High School. Airport Road and Bulldog Drive will be closed to traffic at 5 p.m. To accommodate attendees, additional parking spaces have been added this year, ensuring plenty of room for all guests. As a reminder, parking is not permitted along South Belle Terre Boulevard—guests must use the designated parking areas on Fin Way.

Please be aware that there is no cost associated with entry, parking, or participation in the event. Glass bottles are strictly prohibited. The airport will remain operational throughout the day, with a temporary closure during the fireworks show. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Palm Coast Public Works Department and Flagler County Assist volunteers, will oversee traffic control, crosswalks, and parking. Carpooling is strongly encouraged to ensure the accommodation of as many guests as possible.

Save the date and join us for a day filled with fun, entertainment, and patriotic celebration! All event information will be available at UnitedFlagler4th.com. Stay updated with the latest news and information through various digital communication channels:

Flagler County Government: Website Facebook
City of Palm Coast: Website Facebook
City of Flagler Beach: Website Facebook
City of Bunnell: Website Facebook

TDJF’s Driven to Give Gloves Program Spotlights Atlanta Race with 70 Participating NASCAR Drivers

By
Kendall Lambert
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 26, 2025) – The annual Driven to Give Gloves Program from The Dale Jr. Foundation, one of the nonprofit’s most popular programs, returns this year to support the Dale and Amy Earnhardt Fund at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The annual auction, set for June 26, includes many noteworthy participants such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Larson and Joey Logano.

During the NASCAR race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway in June, 70 NASCAR drivers will wear the Dale Earnhardt Jr.-inspired skeleton gloves during competition to help raise funds and awareness for the hospital’s life-saving work with children from all over the country.

Every pair is autographed by both the driver who wore them in competition at Atlanta and by Earnhardt Jr., the NASCAR Hall of Famer with two Daytona 500 victories and a 15-time NASCAR Most Popular Driver. Each glove set has a certificate of authenticity as well.

The proceeds will help support the Dale and Amy Earnhardt Fund’s efforts to enable Nationwide Children’s Hospital to support the courageous patients and their families in the area of pediatric injury rehabilitation, research, and prevention.

Auction Start Date and Time: Thursday, June 26 at 8:30p PT/ 11:30p ET
Auction End Date and Time: Monday, June 30 at 8:00p PT/ 11:00p ET
Starting Bid for all Gloves: $30.00

Once the auction is complete, the Gloves and Certificate of Authenticity will be shipped approximately four weeks after the auction ends.

About The Dale Jr. Foundation

The Dale Jr. Foundation is a charity dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals with a focus on youth, the resources to improve their confidence and education, and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary goals. The Dale Jr. Foundation has made a monumental impact in the local community since its beginning. Dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals, with a focus on youth, the resources to achieve extraordinary goals, TDJF has contributed to more than 300 charities nationally and locally, including The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Blessings in a Backpack, Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, FeedNC, and Mooresville Christian Mission. For more information, visit www.thedalejrfoundation.org.

About Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Named to the Top 10 Honor Roll on U.S. News & World Report ‘s 2018-19 list of “Best Children’s Hospitals,” Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of America’s largest not-for-profit freestanding pediatric healthcare systems providing wellness, preventive, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitative care for infants, children and adolescents, as well as adult patients with congenital disease. Nationwide Children’s has a staff of more than 13,000 providing state-of-the-art pediatric care during more than 1.4 million patient visits annually. As home to the Department of Pediatrics of The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Nationwide Children’s physicians train the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric specialists. The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of the Top 10 National Institutes of Health-funded freestanding pediatric research facilities. More information is available at NationwideChildrens.org.

About The NASCAR Foundation

The NASCAR Foundation is a leading charity that works to improve the lives of children who need it most in NASCAR® racing communities through the Speediatrics® Children’s Fund and the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The NASCAR Foundation, designated as a 4-Star Charity by Charity Navigator® for its strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency, has contributed more than $46 Million to impact the lives of more than 1.7 million children across the country since 2006.

FWC Preparing to Implement New Law to Improve Vessel Accountability and Reduce Derelict Vessels

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is preparing to implement a new law aimed at strengthening vessel accountability and enhancing protections for Florida’s waterways. Senate Bill 164, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 19, will go into effect on July 1, 2025.

This legislation is designed to help reduce the number of at-risk and derelict vessels across the state and improve enforcement tools for FWC officers and partner agencies. Key provisions of the new law include:

  • Clarified Ownership Standards: The definition of “vessel owner” is clarified, and a valid vessel title will now serve as prima facie (presumed) evidence of ownership.
  • Stronger Requirements for At-Risk Vessels: Vessel owners must now complete an Effective Means of Propulsion (EMP) evaluation upon request by law enforcement.  If an officer has reason to believe the vessel lacks an effective means of propulsion and the owner is present, the evaluation must be conducted immediately or within 48 hours if notified otherwise.
  • Public Nuisance Vessel Designation: A vessel may now be declared a public nuisance — subject to removal like a derelict vessel — if the owner receives three citations related to any at-risk conditions within a 24-month period, including unpaid citations or failures to appear in court.
  • Expanded Noncriminal Infractions: Violations such as expired registration and long-term anchoring may now be addressed through mailed noncriminal citations from law enforcement.
  • More Flexible Use of Removal Funds: Derelict Vessel removal funding may now be used not only for removing DVs but also for preventive removals under the Vessel Turn-In Program and for public nuisance vessels.
  • Harsher Penalties for Repeat DV Offenders:
  • First offense: First-degree misdemeanor
  • Second offense: Third-degree felony
  • Third offense: Second-degree felony
  • No Liveaboard on Derelict Vessels: It is now a first-degree misdemeanor to live aboard a vessel that has been declared derelict by the court or the owner has not requested an administrative hearing.

Additional requirements, including an annual electronic permit issued by FWC for vessels anchoring long-term, will go into effect on July 1, 2026. The penalty for unauthorized long-term anchoring will consist of fines ranging from $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for the third or subsequent offense. If a vessel owner receives three violations within a 2-year period, the vessel may be declared a public nuisance and removed as if it were derelict. Some exemptions apply and include vessels that are government-operated, construction vessels, actively engaged in commercial or recreational fishing, docked at a public or private facility, or moored at permitted moorings.

“We have seen increasing success in our efforts to combat the ongoing derelict vessel problem in Florida’s waters,” said Capt. Travis Franklin, leader of the FWC Derelict Vessel Removal and Prevention Program.  “This new legislation enhances our efforts to not only remove derelict vessels but also prevent at-risk vessels from becoming derelict.”

Derelict vessels remain a priority for the FWC, and the multi-year initiative to reduce the number of derelict vessels on Florida’s waterways is ongoing. These vessels pose serious risks to seagrass beds, marine life, navigation, public safety and property. The Boating and Waterways Section is leading this statewide effort in partnership with local governments and law enforcement.

Leaving a vessel in a derelict condition is a crime. Derelict vessels, including those that are sinking, grounded, stripped or lacking vital systems, threaten both people and Florida’s natural resources.

For more information on derelict or vessels at risk of becoming derelict, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and select “Waterway Management” followed by “Derelict Vessel Removal Program.”

The FWC has removed nearly 200 vessels through the Vessel Turn-In Program and is actively taking applications from at-risk vessel owners. Vessel owners can call VTIP specialists at the FWC for more information on the program at 850-488-5600 or visit the VTIP website at MyFWC.com/boating and click on “Vessel Turn-In Program” on the second slider at the top of the page.  

Palm Coast Residents Get Behind-the-Scenes Look at Water Treatment

By
Shannon Martin
-

On Wednesday, June 18, a group of Palm Coast residents gained an in-depth understanding of the city’s vital water and wastewater treatment processes during a guided tour of the city’s Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant. The tour offered a firsthand look at the complex operations that ensure clean, flowing water for the community.

The tour began with an informative presentation led by Utility Deputy Director Peter Roussell and other water and wastewater treatment staff. This session provided an overview of the facilities and allowed for a lively Q&A with residents who posed some insightful questions for the tour guides. Following the presentation, participants were split into two groups, with one half touring the water treatment plant and the other half exploring the wastewater treatment plant, before rotating to experience both essential facilities.

Led by city utility staff, participants explored various sections of the facilities, learning about the science, technology, and collaborative effort involved in treating and distributing water. From initial filtration to comprehensive wastewater management, attendees left with a newfound appreciation for the intricate systems that underpin their daily lives.

The City of Palm Coast is committed to keeping residents informed and engaged, and will continue to offer these popular tours quarterly. Mark your calendars for the next opportunities on September 17 and December 10, 2025.

Tours fill up quickly, and pre-registration is required. Interested residents can secure their spot by visiting www.parksandrec.fun and searching for “Guided Tour.”

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.

Chiumento Law Partner Vincent Sullivan Named Super Lawyers Rising Star for Fourth Consecutive Year

By
Lacy Martin
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Palm Coast, FL – June 26, 2025 – Chiumento Law, is proud to announce that Partner Vincent L. Sullivan has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for the fourth consecutive year—a prestigious distinction that honors the top young attorneys in the state for their professional excellence and peer recognition.

The Rising Stars designation is awarded through a rigorous selection process, including independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. Only 2.5% of attorneys in Florida receive this honor annually, and recipients must be under the age of 40 or in practice for 10 years or less.

Vincent Sullivan has built a strong reputation for his work in civil litigation, personal injury, and insurance disputes. Since joining Chiumento Law in 2017 and becoming a partner in 2023, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional advocacy, strategic thinking, and commitment to his clients and the community.

“Vincent’s continued recognition is a testament to his hard work, talent, and dedication,” said Managing Partner Michael D. Chiumento III. “We are honored to have him on our team and proud of the impact he continues to make both in and out of the courtroom.”

Chiumento Law has been serving the legal needs of Flagler and Volusia Counties since 1973. With a legacy built on trust, integrity, and results, the firm remains committed to delivering high-quality legal services across a broad range of practice areas.

Palm Coast Fire Department Conducts Joint Training with Flagler County Sheriff’s Office

By
Patrick Appolonia
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Palm Coast, FL— Earlier this week, the Palm Coast Fire Department held a three-day joint training exercise with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office – the latest in a long line of training efforts that the two agencies have worked together on to prepare for a variety of different emergencies.

Held at the Long Creek Nature Preserve, the exercise saw the two agencies responding to simulated emergency calls in which a victim of a jet skiing accident needed serious medical attention. Each scenario incorporated the use of one of five boats provided by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, which worked collaboratively with the Fire Department to engage, stabilize, and transport the patient safely back to shore aboard the vessel so that emergency medical procedures could be implemented.

“Emergencies can have complex variables, and this training is one that really incorporates a number of those variables – from unpredictability, to performing under pressure in an unfamiliar environment,” said Lt. Dan Driscoll of the Palm Coast Fire Department. “We want to thank our partners at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for conducting this training with us and working side-by-side so that we can all be as prepared as possible for any emergency.”

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly added, “Working alongside the fire department in joint training exercises like this is essential because they expose our teams to real-life scenarios working together and weather conditions. In an emergency, every second counts, and having a seamless response between our agencies can mean the difference between life and death.”

Over three days, nearly 60 members of the Palm Coast Fire Department participated in the exercise. Learn more about the Palm Coast Fire Department by visiting https://www.palmcoast.gov/fire or follow @PalmCoastFire on social media.

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.

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Flagler News Weekly Editor: Danielle Anderson Published by Sunrise Media Group, LLC ©Flagler News Weekly, All Rights Reserved.
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