Palm Coast Fire Department Conducts Joint Training with Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
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
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Flagler Beach Fire Department Hires Deputy Fire Chief
The City of Flagler Beach Fire Department is proud to announce the appointment of Jennifer Fiveash as the new Deputy Fire Chief of the Flagler Beach Fire Department, effective June 23, 2025.
Deputy Chief Fiveash brings over 20 years of progressive experience in firefighting, training, leadership and management to the City of Flagler Beach. She is committed to enhancing operational efficiency and safety through innovation training programs and collaborative team management. Deputy Chief Fiveash has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to excellence in the fire service which will strongly be reflective of our department.
In this new role, Deputy Chief Fiveash will oversee daily departmental operations, support strategic planning initiatives, and continue fostering a culture of professionalism and service. We are confident that her leadership will further strengthen our mission to protect and serve the Flagler Beach community.
We look forward to the contributions Deputy Chief Fiveash will make in shaping the future of our department.
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Protect Local Beach Access and Expedite Coastal Restoration
SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1622, legislation that restores local authority to recognize recreational customary use of Florida’s beaches and streamlines beach restoration efforts in small Gulf Coast counties.
“Senate Bill 1622 protects public beach access and streamlines beach restoration in Gulf Coast counties,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I was happy to be in Santa Rosa Beach to sign this legislation—it is a win for recreation, for tourism and for future generations.”
Under SB 1622, counties and cities can once again adopt ordinances recognizing recreational customary use, such as walking, fishing and swimming without having to obtain costly judicial declarations on a parcel-by-parcel basis. The bill repeals a 2018 law that limited the ability of local governments to uphold long-standing public beach access traditions.
The legislation also improves the process for restoring eroded beaches in certain Gulf Coast counties for those with fewer than 275,000 residents and at least three municipalities, by allowing the state to use the mean high-water line as the erosion control line, eliminating duplicative procedures that delay critical restoration projects.
In addition, SB 1622:
Grants the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) the authority to advance restoration work in areas already declared critically eroded as of August 2024;
Ensures that beach renourishment investments are directed toward real restoration efforts;
Clarifies that the state is not expanding public ownership beyond what is already recognized by law, protecting private property rights while advancing projects in the public interest.
Governor DeSantis also highlighted his administration’s continued investments in Florida’s beaches, noting more than $550 million dedicated to beach renourishment since 2019. Following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Ian, Nicole, and Idalia, the state moved swiftly to fund recovery and repair efforts. This year’s budget includes an additional $53 million to bolster Florida’s shoreline following Hurricanes Helene, Milton, and Debby.
Florida’s beaches and near-shore coastal waters contribute more than $50 billion annually in tourism impact, support over 900,000 jobs, and serve as Florida’s first line of defense during hurricanes.
Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
St. Johns County Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Silverleaf Sportsplex and Shearwater Community Park and Library
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Florida, June 25, 2025 – On June 20, St. Johns County officials and staff held a groundbreaking ceremony next to Trout Creek Academy to celebrate the start of work on two projects: Silverleaf Sportsplex and the Shearwater Community Park and Library. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the event.
The sites represent two of the four new regional parks envisioned in the County’s $123 million regional park plan, a major step toward meeting the need for increased recreation space to service St. Johns County’s growing population.
District 4 Commissioner and Board of County Commissioners Chair Krista Joseph, District 1 Commissioner Christian Whitehurst, District 2 Commissioner Sarah Arnold, District 3 Commissioner Clay Murphy, and District 5 Commissioner Ann Taylor attended the ceremony, along with various St. Johns County administrators and staff.
“I’m really proud of our County,” Chair Joseph said. “These two projects will become a place to play, learn, and gather us as a community.”
“Up until last year, we hadn’t opened a single new park in 10 years,” Commissioner Arnold said. “And with the community growing the way it is… it’s so important, with all the young kids.”
Silverleaf Sportsplex is set to include five multipurpose fields with synthetic turf, three multipurpose fields with natural grass, areas designated for tailgating, ticketing, and food trucks. The Shearwater Community Park and Library is set to include space for recreational programs and to support the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections and St. Johns County Public Library System services, courts for pickleball and basketball, a recreational field, a splash pad, and two playgrounds.
“We only have about nine government-owned early voting locations,” Supervisor of Elections Vicky Oakes said. “As the County grows and expands… there’s more demand for our services, and more demand for places to vote. So, this is a wonderful addition.”
“This Shearwater Library aligns more specifically with [Parks and Recreation’s] target audience of children and families, affording SJCPLS the opportunity to create a unique and specialized resource for all the families in the Shearwater area,” St. Johns County Library System Director Debra Rhodes Gibson said.
“This is where St. Johns County comes together and gets to know each other, enjoy each other,” Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Kane said. “Whether it’s at their kids’ soccer games, playing pickleball with each other, going to a library, or coming to a community event. This is really about community.”
Flagler County Fire Rescue Receives American Heart Association Award
June 25, 2025 – Flagler County Fire Rescue has distinguished itself for its excellence in heart attack and stroke care and has been awarded the national American Heart Association “Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold” for 2025.
“It is a great honor to receive this award,” said Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker. “This is the second year we been awarded at the Gold-level for the care we provide patients who are experiencing the most severe form of heart attacks and strokes. The Mission: Lifeline program puts proven knowledge and guidelines in action every day, so patients have the best possible chance of survival.”
Flagler County Fire Rescue was awarded at the Silver-level in 2023.
The Target Heart Attack (STEMI) designation focuses on coordinating care between prehospital agencies and the destination hospital, according to www.heart.org. A heart attack with a completely blocked coronary artery is called a STEMI. The acronym stands for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
“With heart tracing there is a particular area that is called the ST segment. When this segment is elevated, the person is said to have a STEMI,” Tucker said. “This indicates the flow of oxygen-rich blood is being cut off to a section of the heart.”
Fire Rescue paramedics can begin patient treatment upon arrival, which is invaluable and potentially lifesaving time.
“Patients can receive medical care up to an hour sooner than someone who is driven to the hospital by a friend or relative,” said Fire Rescue Lt. Jon Moscowitz. “Paramedics are also trained to provide resuscitation efforts to someone whose heart has stopped. Patients who arrive by ambulance may also receive faster treatment at the hospital, because of earlier notification to Emergency Room staff of suspected heart attack or stroke.”
Mission: Lifeline EMS is the American Heart Association’s national initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive disease states, such as severe heart attacks and strokes. The program helps reduce barriers to prompt treatment – starting from when 9-1-1 is called, to EMS transport, and continuing through hospital treatment to discharge.
The Mission: Lifeline EMS achievement award focuses on agencies’ on-scene care, bringing to the forefront the collaboration and contributions to patient care for prehospital providers.
“The American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline EMS awards are an important way to recognize the crucial roles and performances of EMS personnel in stroke and cardiac patients’ care,” Tucker said.
Follow Flagler County Government on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FlaglerCountyGovernment.
Intracoastal Bank’s Kim Brown Receives Dual Recognition at 2025 Juneteenth Festival
Intracoastal Bank is proud to announce that team member Kim Brown-Crawford has received dual honors at the 2025 Juneteenth Festival, presented by the Juneteenth Committee, earning both the Community Recognition Award and Community Leader of the Year recognition for her outstanding commitment to community service and public engagement. The event was held on Thursday, June 19th at the Mori Hosseini Student Union Building at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.The awards recognize Brown-Crawford’s exceptional dedication to making a positive impact in the local community through her volunteer efforts and public service initiatives. The dual recognition highlights her consistent leadership and meaningful contributions to community development.
“We are incredibly proud of Kim Brown-Crawford’s achievements and the way she represents Intracoastal Bank’s commitment to our community,” said Ryan Page, President & CEO. “Her dedication to service exemplifies the values we hold dear as an organization that serves individuals and businesses throughout the Northeast and East Central Florida area.”
The 2025 Juneteenth celebration emphasized the theme “In our Ancestry, there is Strength • In our heart, there is love • In our lives, there is joy” – values that Brown-Crawford demonstrates daily through her community leadership and professional service.
Intracoastal Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Intracoastal Bancorp, Inc. Intracoastal Bank is a locally owned and operated financial institution. Intracoastal Bank’s Flagler County banking center is located at 1290 Palm Coast Parkway, NW, Palm Coast, Florida 32137. The Bank’s Volusia County Banking Center is located at 2140 LPGA Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32117. The community bank serves the Northeast and East Central Florida area. The Bank offers a full range of deposit and loan products and services tailored to meet the needs of consumer and business customers. Intracoastal provides an unmatched client experience by offering a high-touch relationship based banking with high-tech delivery solutions. The company offers state of the art convenience through digital solutions including online and mobile banking and a 24-hour ATM network. The Bank is a state chartered commercial bank, member FDIC. Corporate information and e-banking are available at www.intracoastal.bank. They can be reached at 386-447-1662, or Facebook at https:www.facebook.com/
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Arrives at City Repertory Theatre on July 11
June 16, 2025 – It may not be as old as the National Spelling Bee, but Tony and Drama Desk award-winner, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, has been charming audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor since its Broadway debut in 2005. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.
Directed by Beau Wade, with musical direction by Laniece Fagundes, City Repertory Theatre’s production features Ethan Fink, Charlotte Fletcher, Kelvin Niebla, Tyler Pate, Andrea Oliveras, Seth Kirk, Mckayla Whiteside, Christi Ana Arnold, Frank Anello, Xavier Torres, Mackinzie Rogan, and Savanna Dacosta. These adult actors play both the middle-schoolers and their supervising adults, all finding their way through life’s difficulties and triumphs.
Performances begin on July 11, 2025 and span the following three weekends with Friday and Saturday evening performances (7/11, 7/12, 7/18, 7/19, 7/25 & 7/26) at 7:30 pm. Sunday matinees are scheduled for 3 pm on 7/13, 7/20, and 7/27. Tickets are available online at crtpalmcoast.com or by calling the box office at 386-585-9415.
City Repertory Theatre is an intimate, immersive live theatre featuring innovative productions and the region’s best performers. This Fall will mark the beginning of its 15th year providing Palm Coast with remarkable theater.
You’re Invited: Flagler Volunteer Services to Host Giving Store Breakfast
~ YOU ARE INVITED ~
Flagler Volunteer Services Presents
2025 Christmas in July –
Giving Store Buffet Breakfast
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Hilton Garden Inn, Town Center
Tickets are $30 each –
Purchase tickets
•All Proceeds Benefit the Giving Store which allows children to EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF GIVING by letting them select and wrap one free gift for each member of their household during the Holiday Season.
Learn more about the Giving Store
•WIN A FABULOUS PRIZE – Bring a new, unwrapped gift(s) and exchange it for a chance ticket to win a prize!
•50/50 chance drawing! •
Join us and Make the Holidays brighter!
Become a Giving Store Sponsorship
For additional information please click on the following link: https://flaglervolunteer.org/giving-store-breakfast
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Interested in volunteering??
CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Board Approves Hansen, Rinaldi Headed for Top Spots at Matanzas, Buddy Taylor
(Flagler County, Fla.) – The Flagler Schools Board unanimously approved the selection of the two newest Principals for Flagler Schools at their monthly board meeting tonight. The Board signed off on Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore’s recommended appointments of Mike Rinaldi as the next principal of Matanzas High School (MHS) and Katie Hansen as the next principal of Buddy Taylor Middle School (BTMS).
Rinaldi has most recently served as the Coordinator of Professional Standards with Flagler Schools, where he played a critical role in leadership development and supporting districtwide professional practices. He brings with him a deep understanding of the district’s culture and a proven commitment to student success.
“I’m incredibly honored to have the opportunity to serve as Principal of Matanzas High School,” Rinaldi said. “Matanzas has a strong tradition of academic excellence and community pride. I look forward to working with our students and families, faculty and staff to build on the foundation built over the years, and help create even more opportunities for success.”
With more than 20 years of experience within K-12 education administration in the Sunshine State, Rinaldi will officially move into the Captain’s Chair of the Pirate Ship on July 1. The selection process was underway shortly after current MHS Principal Kristin Bozeman announced her resignation at the beginning of June.
Moving into the top spot at the Eagle’s Nest on July 1 will be Katie Hansen. Currently an Assistant Principal at Indian Trails Middle School, Hansen has been a valuable asset of Flagler Schools for the past 22 years. From 2014-2018, Hansen previously worked at Buddy Taylor Middle School as a Teacher Support Colleague. A former math and science teacher, Hansen is excited and proud to be selected for the position.
