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Flagler County Tax Collector: New Teen Driver Requirements Effective July 1, 2025

By
Shelly Edmonson
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New Teen Driver Requirements Take Effect July 1

Flagler County, FL – Beginning July 1, 2025, new requirements go into effect for Florida teens ages 15 to 17 seeking a Class E Learner’s Permit. These changes, enacted by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), are aimed at enhancing driver education and safety for new motorists.

To receive a learner’s permit, eligible teens must now complete the following:

  • 6-Hour Driver Education Course

  • 4-Hour Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) Course

  • REAL ID-Compliant Documentation, including proof of address and parental consent

“These updated requirements ensure our youngest drivers receive thorough education and training before hitting the road,” said Shelly Edmonson, Flagler County Tax Collector. “Our office is here to support families through every step of the licensing process.”

Teens and parents can find a list of required REAL ID documents by visiting flaglertax.gov and clicking on the “What Do I Bring?” section.

Driver education courses can be completed through approved providers found on flhsmv.gov or flvs.net.

Important Exceptions:

These new requirements do not apply to individuals who:

  • Hold a valid permit or driver’s license issued before July 1, 2025

  • Are transferring an out-of-state license to Florida

  • Have already completed the TLSAE course prior to July 1, 2025 (must have been at least age 14 at the time)

For questions or assistance, contact the Flagler County Tax Collector’s Office or visit www.flaglertax.gov for detailed guidance.

Governor DeSantis Signs Legislation Delivering Relief to Condo Owners

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation to provide relief to condo owners in Florida.

“Today in Clearwater, I signed legislation to deliver much-needed relief to condo owners across Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We’ve heard the concerns of condo owners throughout Florida, and we are delivering reforms that will provide financial relief and flexibility, strengthen oversight for condo associations, and empower unit owners.”

Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 913 and HB 393.

HB 913 makes changes to the regulation of condos and cooperatives, increasing transparency and accountability on condominium associations, and providing needed financial relief for condo owners. The bill:

Addresses the affordability of mandated condo safety measures.

  • Provides immediate relief from the sudden cost burden of fee assessments by extending the reserve study requirement for one year and allowing for a 2 year pause in reserve fund contributions to prioritize funding critical repairs identified in a milestone inspection.

  • Increases the replacement cost of repairs required to be reserved and considered in the Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) from $10,000 to $25,000 to prioritize more critical repairs.

  • Provides alternate funding options that give associations flexibility as they work to meet reserve funding requirements, including an on-ramp for funding of items that still have useful life left.

Enhances accountability for condo associations.

  • Empowers boards and unit owners to terminate contracts if a manger fails to follow requirements of the state’s condo laws.

  • Prohibits association managers whose license is revoked by DBPR from holding any role in a management firm or being licensed for 10 years.

Enhances oversight, transparency, and empowers condo owners to be more involved in the decision making of their associations.

  • Requires full disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and mandates competitive bidding for contracts to make repairs on condominiums, protecting associations from self-dealing and ensuring fair value for owners.

  • Requires associations to provide more information and records online, making it easier for residents to access records and understand how their communities are managed, and money is spent. Additionally, it provides associations with the ability to deliver documents electronically, saving time and money.

  • Lays the groundwork for increased participation in community meetings by allowing for increased video conference usage and electronic voting.

  • Requires condo associations to report information about their property to DBPR and provide additional association details, for state regulatory oversight.

  • Mandates data sharing among local governments and state partners to better assess compliance with building safety requirements and understand the impact of reforms.

Promotes financial transparency.

  • Includes requirements for increased financial transparency and requires that unit owners have access to their associations’ financial records.

  • Allows associations more time to complete detailed financial reports.

  • Requires funding method and related details for SIRS to be disclosed to unit owners and potential buyers and extends the time from 3 to 7 days prospective buyers have to review financial information.

HB 393 makes good improvements on the My Safe Florida Condo Pilot Program based on feedback and input from condo owners. The bill:

  • Limits grant funding to improvements that will result in a mitigation credit, discount, or other rate differential for the building or structure to which the improvement is made.

  • Lowers approval requirements from all unit owners to 75 percent of unit owners who reside in the affected structure.

  • Updates eligible improvements to allow for replacement of the roof covering.

  • Prohibits a condo from applying for an inspection or a grant if an association has not complied with SIRS and Milestone Inspection requirements.

  • Restricts eligibility to buildings that are three or more stories in height and contain at least two single-family dwellings.

Media Release & Photo: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

Palm Coast City Council Workshop Meeting on June 24, at 9 a.m.

By
Brittany N. Kershaw
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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 Workshop Meeting on Tuesday, June 24, at 9 a.m. will be as follows:

Presentations

The following presentations will be presented:

  1. The Human Resources Department will present an overview of employee health insurance. Danielle Boyle from Brown & Brown Insurance Services will provide a recap of the FY 2024-2025 health insurance performance and share renewal projections and proposed plan changes for FY 2025-2026.

  2. The Public Works Department will present a commercial hauling analysis. City staff will share the results of a comprehensive study evaluating the current non-exclusive franchise model for commercial waste hauling. The analysis was a Strategic Action Plan priority for safe and reliable services.

  3. The Finance Department will present an overview of the property tax (TRIM) process. The presentation will guide the City Council through the steps required to set the property tax rate for Fiscal Year 2026, following the previously adopted FY 2025 budget and mid-year budget review.

  4. The City Staff will present a draft Request for Proposal for the potential sale of Palm Harbor Golf Club. The presentation will include an overview of the recent appraisal, a review of the golf club’s budget, and rate scenarios needed to cover capital and operational expenses.

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.

Over $50,000,000 in Tax Refunds Goes Back to the Community Thanks to VITA’s Tax Assistance Over the Past 20 Years

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Dickerson Center- Heyward Evans, Launa Taylor, Gwendolyn Coy, Jeanette Merritt, and Tyrone Norwood

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties (CF UWVFC) began offering free VITA tax preparation in 2005, making this the 20th year providing these services to Flagler and Volusia Counties. Several current VITA volunteers have over 20 years of volunteer experience providing tax preparation. Since the first year providing VITA over 44,000 tax returns have been prepared resulting in over $50 Million in refunds coming back to our community.

As the 2024-2025 tax season ends, the VITA program (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) provided by CF UWVFC has completed $1,78,9736 in tax refunds. In total, the VITA program transmitted over 2,100 federal returns.

“I’ve been doing this for about 14 years,” says Michelle Bennett, VITA site coordinator at Grace Episcopal Church in Port Orange. “We deal with a lot of older people, and they look forward to it every year. They’re comfortable with us. And they can’t afford to go to a tax service to do their taxes.”

The success of the program would not occur without the amazing support of our 100+ VITA Volunteers who have together dedicated over 5,100 hours to serve the community.

“When I came to this area, I came from D.C. and I was already involved with VITA through the Internal Revenue Service where I worked,” says Heyward Evans, VITA tax preparer for 36 years and volunteer at the Dickerson Community Center in Daytona Beach. “It makes me feel good that they don’t have to pay anyone to do it. They just come, bring information, we prepare the returns, and they’re being helped. I just enjoy it.”

Doris Eckert and Linda Dierstein

CF UWVFC is dedicated to supporting the ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constraint Employed) populations through initiatives like the VITA program. These efforts aim to assist individuals who, despite working diligently, face the risk of falling into poverty due to unforeseen circumstances. The VITA program can give those individuals a break and potentially ensure a refund back into their hands to pay for loans or in their savings account.

“The VITA program and our VITA volunteers do more than just taxes. They’re supporting people in their time of need,” says Courtney Edgcomb, President and CEO of the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties. “They’re helping them sort through some of life’s biggest obstacles, and they’re providing a listening ear for people when they need it the most. We can’t do any of this without our VITA volunteers.”

Dickerson Center- Heyward Evans, Launa Taylor, Gwendolyn Coy, Jeanette Merritt, and Tyrone Norwood

Thank you to the following Site Locations and their amazing volunteers:

Flagler County:

  • Flagler County Public Library

Volusia County:

  • Four Towns YMCA

  • Bethune Cookman University

  • John H. Dickerson Center

  • Grace Episcopal Church

  • Stetson University Lynn Business Center

  • Fifth Third Bank Community Room

  • Daytona State College New Smyrna Beach

Are you interested in joining the VITA team? Contact us at VITA@uwvfc.org or visit our website unitedwayvfc.com/VITA to learn more.

Grace Episcopal- Paul Weiss and Michelle Bennett

###

The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties are dedicated to building a united foundation in the community by helping those in need. In 2023-2024 CF UWVFC invested $2.6 Million in 105 nonprofits serving Flagler and Volusia Counties and had a total impact of nearly $9 Million on the community. For more information, please visit the website www.UnitedWayVFC.org or call 2-1-1 (386-253-0564) if you or someone you know needs help or wants to learn how to Give, Advocate, or Volunteer.

Palm Coast Democratic Club Moves Mix & Mingle Happy Hour Beachside to New Date

By
Danielle Anderson
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Palm Coast Democratic Club

We have rescheduled our regular Mix & Mingle Happy Hour from this Wednesday (6/25) to next Wednesday, 7/2, so as not to conflict with the “Let’s Talk Palm Coast” Town Hall with Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri.

AND, we’re also trying out a new venue for our get together! Join us for “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Mix & Mingle,” Wednesday, July 2, 5-6:30pm at the new Compass Hotel, Chill Rooftop Bar, 111 South Daytona Ave, Flagler Beach. See flyer below.

The Town Hall is being held in the Waterfront Room at the Palm Coast Community Center, Wednesday, 6/25 at 6pm. There, residents can meet with Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri in a relaxed and conversational setting. This new initiative provides an open forum for residents to share feedback, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue about city services, community development, and the future of Palm Coast. Town Halls with the remaining three City Council members will be July 24. Aug 21, and Sept 18.

Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak … Attracting and Retaining The Right Team

By
Dr. Joe Saviak
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Copy of Beige Minimalist Simple and Elegant About me Profile Instagram Post - 1

Pay, benefits, and promotions certainly matter. However, there’s something else which is key to getting and keeping the right employees.

It’s the opportunity to contribute to success as a member of a respected team working on an inspiring mission with trusted leadership which attracts and retains the right employees. I’ve seen people take less in money and material benefits to have this. I know – I’ve seen myself do it.

Conversely, if you ever see people continue to work for a chronically dysfunctional organization which shows absolutely no signs of turning around and often embarrasses itself, you can be sure of two things: they are fine with failure and they have no other career options.

High performers want to contribute more and increase their impact.  As Captain Abrashoff explains, “Give them all the responsibility they can handle and then step back and watch them succeed.”

High achievers seek to serve and stay where we can work as a member of a trusted team.  We want to serve in a positive and healthy culture governed by trust, civility, respect, support, professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

The relationship between employees and their supervisors and managers is key.  Good bosses recruit and retain great employees.  Bad bosses repel and cost us good employees.  Even when talent does not want to leave the organization, we will quit a bad boss.

Talent stays when you grow it.  Learn their goals, help them advance in their desired career path, and find ways to ensure both the company and the employee wins.  Invest in their growth as professionals and leaders.  The opportunity to learn and develop is valued by high performers.

Individuals of integrity and talent want to be proud of what we do and the team on which we serve.  We want to work for organizations making positive progress.  People want to be passionate about the work they do.

We will never get or keep them unless we are who we say we are as employers.  The #1 reason talent leaves is the organization is not really who it says it was.  Ultimately, we recruit, hire, retain, and promote who we are.  Be the model employer and the leaders for whom you would want to work.  Exemplify integrity, performance, and excellence and that’s exactly who you will attract and retain.

Sources:  Abrashoff, 2002; Blanchard, 2011; Collins, 2001; Drucker, 2001; Grant, 2017; Kotter, 2012; Lencioni, 2012; Maxwell, 1998; Welch, 2005.

#LeadershipLessonswithDrSaviak

Rooted In Community, BOLD Ladies in Business Mark Five Years of Successful Growth

By
Danielle Anderson
-

PALM COAST, Fla- Perhaps it was the reciprocal words of wisdom from BOLD Ladies in Business member D’Lorah Anderson, “I Can, I Will, I Must”, or the simply honest question, “Do I belong here?” by Liz Villaneuva that defined the depth of unity among the women of the BOLD Ladies as they celebrated the fifth anniversary with the theme “Rooted in Community”.

“The answer isn’t found in comparison, it’s not found in achievement, or perfection, but in community,” continued Villaneuva, known professionally as The Brain-Based Therapist.  “When we experience genuine connection, rooted in community, our brains release oxytocin. This reduces fear, increases feelings of trust and even enhances our immune systems.”

Alina Perry-Smith

“Five years ago BOLD Ladies started as a vision, a gathering, a ripple. Today it is a bold, brilliant root system nourishing over 100 women in this very room. If you leave here today remembering only one thing, let it be this, “Comparison may keep you striving, but community will keep you rising. So don’t wait to belong, you already do.”

“Rooted, empowered and connected”, the evening featured other inspirational speakers like CurleyTail Design’s Kim Fitzgerald, Christmas Come True’s Nadine King, and former Flagler Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Lindsay Elliot, and Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge Alicia Washington.

The evening included the crowing of chapter queens and the awarding of scholarships for women in business.

BOLD Ladies including Seventh Circuit Judge Alica Washington, D’Lorah Anderson, Kim Fitzgerald, Dr. Amy Coopersmith, Cindy Dalecki and Caroline Johnson.

With a dress code of Downton Abbey, the Roaring 20’s were in full swing as attendees kicked up their heels with dance lessons courtesy of Xenia Preveziotis-Tzivaeri, music by DJ Vern, and photobooths by Candid Clicks to capture the moments.

2025 Scholarship recipients glow with their awards.

What began as a small meet up led by Ana Reyes-Ouzts and her sister Alina Perry-Smith with a handful of women in June 2020, has continued to grow with new chapters being added across the state, inspiring women to connect, build relationships, and support each other with genuine enthusiasm.

“When women lead with purpose, real change happens,” she said.

Nonprofit give back is part of the BOLD Ladies mission. Custom Kicks by King, Family Renew, Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County, and Interfaith of Marion County were recipients on Friday evening.

Since becoming a nonprofit organization in 2023 to date, BOLD Ladies has donated to 95 charities contributing a total of $84,527.07, and awarded $17,000 in scholarships to BOLD Ladies in Business.

“Last night was an unforgettable night – celebrating Bold Ladies in Business Rooted in Community 5th Anniversary Celebration – Bold Ladies in Business Corp. Five years of purpose, power, and community,” said Reyes-Ouzts.

“I’m overflowing with gratitude as we celebrate this incredible milestone. What started as a vision has grown into something deeply rooted, empowered by connection, courage, and collective. Thank you for believing, for building, and for being part of this journey.”

Vanessa Cole and Sara Meinking

2025 BOLD Ladies in Business Chapter Queens  

Broward: Ginna Tassanelli

Duval: Alice Bennett

Flagler: Sam Hayes, Rachelle Paulk, Sarah Whedbee

Marion: Denise Myford

Seminole: Lilly Mattingly

St. Johns: Erin Kelly

Volusia: Courtney Akel & Sheri Nine

Danielle Desousa

2025 BOLD Ladies in Business Scholarships

$1,000 Scholarship Recipients

Lifewave: Joy Price

Pet Friendly Lender: Danielle Desousa

Author, Publisher: Christina Kaplan

BookMark’It Bookstore: Julie Hald

Parties by Dani: Danilja Howell

 

Kirk Keller, Heather Keller, and Jay Scherr

$500 Scholarship Recipients

Sea Dreams by Sara: Sara Meinking

Aliya Photography: Carrie S.

Yonette’s Beauty Den: Yonette Turner

 

Dr. Angelo Ippolito and Denise Martino

Record-Breaking Attendance and Economic Impact at Palm Coast’s 2025 Father’s Day Lacrosse Tournament

By
Shannon Martin
-

Palm Coast – Lacrosse players, families, and fans from every corner of Florida gathered in Palm Coast over the weekend for the 22nd annual Father’s Day Lacrosse Tournament, and this year’s event was one for the books.

Held on June 14th and 15th, the tournament welcomed more than 150 teams and, with spectators, 7,500 people, and generated an estimated $1.85 million in economic impact to the Flagler County community —making it the most successful year in the event’s history and bringing the five-year tournament total to a nearly $5.5 million impact.

The tournament took place across multiple locations, including Indian Trails Sports Complex, Matanzas High School, and Wadsworth Park. Additional sites such as Ralph Carter Park, James F. Holland Memorial Park, and Belle Terre Park were also evaluated, with some unavailable due to size constraints or high community usage.

Now in its 22nd year, the Father’s Day Lacrosse Tournament is one of three major annual events hosted in Palm Coast by Florida United Lacrosse, alongside the Pumpkin Shootout and Veterans Day Invitational. These events have become a staple in the city’s sports tourism calendar, attracting elite talent and enthusiastic crowds season after season.

“This tournament continues to showcase not just incredible athletic talent, but also the unbeatable hospitality and top-tier sports facilities Palm Coast has to offer! We love seeing our fields filled with young athletes and their families, creating memories that will last a lifetime,” said James Hirst, Director of Parks and Recreation. “Hosting events like this is exactly why we invest in our parks and sports complexes—it’s about community and showing visitors what makes Palm Coast a worthy destination.”

The 2025 tournament featured a wide variety of boys’ and girls’ divisions, from 8U to high school AA level, with guaranteed gameplay across all participating teams. The Father’s Day Lacrosse Invitational is known for offering elite competition across multiple skill levels while providing families with access to nearby beaches, golf courses, restaurants, and parks, making it a complete destination weekend.

Abuut Florida United Lacrosse:

Florida United Lacrosse is dedicated to growing the game of lacrosse across the Southeast through high-quality tournaments, leagues, and clinics. With a focus on player development, competitive opportunities, and community engagement, the organization has built a strong reputation for delivering top-tier events in premier Florida destinations.

Following a sold-out event in 2024 and another packed tournament this year, organizers are encouraging teams to register early for 2026 to secure their spot. For more information, please click the following link: https://fulacrosse.com/.

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

Field Day: Ham Radio Operators On the Air for Nationwide Event June 28 – 29

By
Danielle Anderson
-

Ham radio operators from the Flagler Palm Coast Amateur Radio Club, Flagler Emergency Communications Association, Flagler County Assist, and Flagler County Amateur Radio Emergency Service in Flagler County will be participating in a national amateur radio exercise from 2:00 PM EDT on Saturday until 2:00 PM EDT on Sunday, June 28 – 29, at the Hammock Community Center, 79 Mala Compra Rd, Palm Coast, off of A1A, across from Bing’s Landing.

The event is ARRL Field Day (www.arrl.org/field-day), an annual amateur radio activity organized since 1933 by ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio in the United States.

Hams from across North America ordinarily participate in Field Day by establishing temporary ham radio stations in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service. Their use of radio signals, which reach beyond borders, bring people together while providing essential communication in the service of communities. Field Day highlights ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent, wireless communications network.

Some hams throughout the United States will also use the radio stations set up in their homes or their backyards and other locations to operate individually or with their families. Many hams have portable radio communication capability that includes alternative energy sources such as generators, solar panels, and batteries to power their equipment.

This year’s event is also noteworthy given that a particularly active hurricane season is predicted. “Hams have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers,” said Howard Pepper, Field Day Chairperson, (call sign AC4FS). “Ham radio functions completely independently of the internet and phone systems and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others,” Pepper added.

During Field Day 2024, more than 31,000 hams participated from thousands of locations across North America. According to ARRL, there are more than 750,000 amateur radio licensees in the US, and an estimated 3 million worldwide.

Among the tenets of the Amateur Radio Service is developing and practicing skills in radio technology and radio communications, and even contributing to international goodwill. Hams range in age from as young as 9 to older than 100. A self-study license guide is available from ARRL: The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual (www.arrl.org/shop/Ham-Radio-License-Manual). For more information about ARRL Field Day and ham radio, contact Howard Pepper, hpepper@gmail.com, and visit www.arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio.

On the Final Day of Florida’s Trade Mission, Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights New Air France Direct Flights Between Orlando and Paris

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

PARIS, France— During the Florida Business Seminar in Paris, Governor Ron DeSantis announced several major milestones that further strengthen Florida’s position as a global leader in international travel and aerospace innovation.

The Governor highlighted the launch of a new nonstop, year-round Air France flight between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), marking the airline’s return to Orlando after more than a decade.

“Florida’s freedom-first policies, strong economy, and commitment to remaining open for business have made our state one of the most attractive destinations in the world,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The return of direct flights between Orlando and Paris not only reflects strong demand from travelers but also creates new economic opportunities and strengthens Florida’s international ties.”

In 2024, Florida welcomed a record-setting 143 million visitors—including nearly 9 million overseas travelers. That momentum has continued into 2025, with Florida welcoming 41.2 million visitors in the first quarter alone, leading the nation in both domestic and international travel.

The new Air France service was made possible through a partnership between the State of Florida, VISIT FLORIDA, Experience Kissimmee, Visit Orlando, and Orlando International Airport. Prior to this announcement, Orlando–Paris was the largest unserved U.S.–Europe market, with nearly 80,000 annual passengers flying between the two cities without nonstop service.

Since the flights have resumed, demand has exceeded expectations—especially in premium cabins—sometimes outperforming larger markets. The new direct connection gives European travelers greater access to Florida’s world-class theme parks, convention centers, beaches, and growing business and technology sectors, while also providing Floridians with seamless connections to more than 150 destinations through Charles de Gaulle. The service is projected to generate approximately $54 million in annual economic impact for Central Florida and support jobs across multiple industries.

In Paris, Governor DeSantis also announced significant new investment in Florida’s aerospace sector with French aircraft manufacturer AURA AERO opening its first U.S. facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Research Park in Daytona Beach.

Supported by an initial $3.4 million investment from Space Florida, the new 10,000-square-foot facility will serve as the U.S. delivery and support center for AURA AERO’s INTEGRAL R trainer aircraft, while also supporting upcoming flight testing for its all-electric INTEGRAL E model.

AURA AERO also announced plans for a major second phase: construction of a 500,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Daytona Beach International Airport to produce its next-generation 19-seat hybrid-electric aircraft, ERA. This expansion is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs and further position Florida at the forefront of aviation innovation.

“Today we showcased the advantages of doing business in Florida to dozens of manufacturing and high-tech innovators who are looking to bring job creation to Florida” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Thanks to the Governor’s leadership and the commitment of our 175 Florida delegates, we were able to show a broad array of attendees Florida’s selling points: the nation’s #1 economy, #1 ranking in talent development, #1 postsecondary system, a persistent AAA credit rating, a low tax and low regulatory framework, and a collaborative public-private approach.”

“Aura Aero’s expansion is a powerful signal of the momentum behind Florida’s advanced aerospace and electric mobility sectors. This project reflects our commitment to innovation, expanding aerospace commerce, and building a more connected future,” said Rob Long, President and CEO, Space Florida.

“The return of the Paris-Orlando nonstop service offers exciting possibilities not only for the business community, but also for tourism,” said Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd.  “This flight will link two vibrant cultures and economies building a stronger connection between Florida and France.”

“Floridians are realizing true benefits due to Governor DeSantis’ focus on expanding trade and tourism with our European partners,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Today’s announcements are big wins for Floridians and will continue to support economic growth in the Central Florida region.”

Read more about the announcement here.

Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

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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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