Elks Lodges Across the Nation to Honor Flag Day – A Tradition Since 1908
Chicago, IL – June 14, 2025 – Elks Lodges across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Panama Canal Zone will proudly observe Flag Day, continuing a deeply rooted tradition that began in 1908 with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The Elks remain the only fraternal organization in the country that mandates an annual formal observance of Flag Day.
The Order’s reverence for the American flag was formally established in 1908 when the Elks Grand Lodge designated June 14 as Flag Day. The tradition gained national recognition in 1916 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it a day of celebration. It became an official observance in 1949, when President Harry S. Truman—an Elks member from Independence, Missouri—signed it into law.
For 157 years, the Elks have exemplified patriotism and service, donating more than $12 billion in charitable contributions nationwide. In 2024 alone, Elks members contributed approximately $505 million in cash, goods, and volunteer time to support veterans, youth, and community needs.
With 1,841 Lodges and over 792,000 members, the Elks continue to foster American pride and civic responsibility. Membership is open to U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old and believe in God.
About the Elks
Founded in 1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is one of America’s most respected patriotic and charitable organizations. With programs that benefit veterans, youth, and local communities, the Elks remain a powerful force for good—leading with purpose, pride, and generosity.
Learn More
Website: www.elks.org Membership Info: join.elks.org
Legal Aid Leaders Highlight the Critical Role Legal Aid Plays in Disaster Response Across the South
Washington, D.C. — Legal aid leaders from across the country gathered in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, for Justice After the Storm: Disasters & Access to Justice Across the South, a legal aid forum hosted in collaboration with U.S. Representative Laurel Lee (FL-15). In addition to legal aid leaders, the event also brought together congressional staff, agency officials, and nonprofit partners to spotlight the urgent legal needs that arise before and after natural disasters across the Southern United States.
The forum featured five panelists representing legal aid organizations from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Texas. Speakers shared firsthand experiences supporting survivors in disaster-impacted communities and offered insights into building resilient recovery systems, along with tactics for ongoing outreach and support of disaster prone and vulnerable populations.
“In Florida, we know all too well the devastation that hurricanes leave behind. Long after the winds die down and the floodwaters recede, many families are still facing complicated legal challenges that can stall their recovery,” said Rep. Laurel Lee.
“Legal aid organizations are a vital resource in helping Floridians navigate these challenges and get back on their feet. By partnering with them we can strengthen our disaster response and help our neighbors navigate the long road to recovery. I’m proud to support efforts that ensure our communities have access to the resources and support they need to recover fully and prepare for the future.”
Panelists also addressed a wide range of legal challenges including displacement, housing disputes, FEMA appeals, lost documents, fraud, insurance, probate and heirs’ property, and access to public benefits. Many of the panelists emphasized how post-disaster legal needs extend long after emergency services have departed.
“Sharing the important work of grant recipients is a critical way to show where federal dollars are going, and ‘they’re going directly into communities,’” explained Ron Flagg, President of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). LSC funds civil legal aid organizations like Community Legal Services in every congressional district in the United States.
“Civil legal aid isn’t about Washington — it’s about helping people back home. Every day, legal aid providers in communities across the country help Americans navigate serious legal challenges that affect their families, health, housing and livelihoods. Whether it’s a veteran struggling to access benefits or a disaster survivor trying to rebuild, legal aid is a vital local service that strengthens communities across the country,” Flagg added. According to data from the Legal Services Corporation, only 8% of the civil legal problems facing Florida’s low-income residents receive any legal help.
The forum also explored how legal aid organizations incorporate lessons learned from major disasters to improve outreach and service delivery, especially in rural and underserved communities. In doing so, they help individuals not only recover but also prepare for future disaster impacts.
“Many Americans are familiar with the recovery process after a disaster strikes, such as assessing damage and obtaining food, water, or first aid. What many don’t know is legal aid steps in to help survivors rebuild their lives, navigate complex systems, and secure the stability they need to move forward,” said Jeff Harvey, Chief Executive Officer of Community Legal Services. “Legal aid staff are trained and prepared to help our neighbors in need during the most difficult times. If you or someone you know needs information on civil legal issues or needs legal assistance and may qualify for our services, disaster-related or otherwise, go to LegalAccessForAll.org for more information.”
Participating organizations included:
Community Legal Services • Bay Area Legal Services • Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida • Florida Rural Legal Services • Legal Services of Greater Miami • Legal Services of North Florida • Three Rivers Legal Services • Georgia Legal Services Program • Southeast Louisiana Legal Services • Legal Aid of North Carolina • Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid
###
About Community Legal Services
Community Legal Services (CLS) aims to enhance the lives of those we serve through accessible legal support, assistance, and education. We call it “Legal Access for All”. As a PILLAR in the community since 1966, our dedicated staff attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and advocates have worked diligently to solve civil legal problems that impact the daily lives of Central Florida residents. In 2026, CLS will proudly celebrate 60 years of service—honoring a legacy of advocacy and access to justice for all. For more information, please visit LegalAccessForAll.org.
CLS is a proud grantee of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States. LSC is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974. For more than 50 years, LSC has provided financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 130 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. For more information on LSC, please visit https://www.lsc.gov/.
Tuition Freeze Approved for 15th Consecutive Year at Daytona State College
DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (June 13, 2025) – Recognizing the need to keep college affordable for all students, Daytona State College is freezing tuition and associated fees for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. This marks the 15th consecutive year of no increases in tuition and associated fee rates. The DSC District Board of Trustees approved the tuition freeze Thursday at its regular monthly meeting.
“Offering students an affordable education is an investment in our community,” said Dr. Tom LoBasso, President of Daytona State College. “Providing top-notch educational opportunities positions all of our students to further their studies, embark on rewarding careers, and improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.”
The tuition freeze applies to all Daytona State bachelor’s, associates, career and technical certificate programs, as well as adult education. In 2015, Daytona State was the only state college to lower tuition by two percent.
Daytona State’s tuition remains well below the national average and the U.S. Department of Education ranks DSC among the most affordable public four-year institutions in the country. A Florida resident can expect to pay approximately half the cost for an associate level or a bachelor’s degree at DSC compared to the cost at a Florida public university.
# # #
Offering more than 100 certificates, associate and bachelor’s degree programs, Daytona State College is the leader in education and workforce training needs of Volusia and Flagler counties and beyond. The College enrolls approximately 23,000 students a year at its seven campuses, with graduates serving in critical fields including healthcare, emergency services and public safety, business, education, hospitality, engineering, project management, accounting, computer science, digital media, and more.
Daytona State has been recognized as a leader in higher education numerous times. U.S. News & World Report ranks the College among the Top Tier Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. The U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center ranks DSC among the top 50 most affordable public four-year institutions in the country, with less than half the tuition of the national average. And U.S. News & World Report has ranked DSC among its Top Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans multiple times.
BUNNELL PUBLIC NOTICE, Coming Soon: Changes to Residential Recycling Program
To act responsibly on behalf of our citizens and improve our recycling efforts, the City of Bunnell will be implementing changes to the residential recycling program.
Effective August 1, 2025, only the following items should be placed in the YELLOW-LIDDED recycling carts: Clean Cardboard
Clean = free from food stains, excessive packing tape, no wax coating, no foil lining
Cardboard = Corrugated cardboard (used for shipping boxes); Paperboard (like cereal boxes, shoe boxes; soda/drink boxes, etc.); Cardboard tubes (from paper towels, toilet paper, wrapping paper)
How to Prepare for Recycling:
Empty the box of any packing materials (plastic, foam, etc.)
Remove tape, labels, or staples as much as possible
Flatten the cardboard to save space (cart lids must be able to close)
Keep it dry and clean — wet cardboard can’t be recycled properly
Do not “bag” cardboard; it goes straight into the YELLOW-LIDDED CART
Residential recycling day is ONLY Wednesday
Remember the YELLOW-LIDDED CARTS are to be used for recycling ONLY and are NOT to be used as an additional Solid Waste cart or for yard waste; food waste can leak into the YELLOW-LIDDED CART causing contamination of materials later
We encourage all residents to begin adjusting their recycling habits during June and July to be ready for the August 1st effective date.
Please note that failure to follow the updated recycling guidelines may result in contamination fees being added to your utility account after August 1, 2025.
Thank you for helping us protect the environment and ensure a more efficient recycling process.
###########
A father’s heart and a surgeon’s hands: Dr. Matthew Wideroff on family, purpose and life in Palm Coast
PALM COAST, Fla., June 12, 2025 – For Dr. Matthew Wideroff, planting roots in Palm Coast felt like the right next step in both his career and family life. After years of surgical training and early practice outside the state, the Boca Raton, Florida native knew it was time to return to the place that first shaped him.
“I had to leave Florida to really understand how great it is to live here,” said Dr. Matthew Wideroff, general surgeon at AdventHealth Palm Coast. “Now that I’ve moved back and I watch my kids growing up here, I am reminded of how great of a childhood you can have, living in such a beautiful state.”
Wideroff was drawn to both the culture of the organization and the pace of life in the area.
“I like the community both within AdventHealth and Palm Coast,” he said. “It’s a good balance between getting a lot of good work done while sometimes slowing down to enjoy and appreciate life.”
Medicine runs in his family, and from an early age, he was certain he would follow the same path.
“Since I was young, I have always known I wanted to become a doctor,” said Wideroff. “In medical school, I solidified my interest in general surgery and have been focused on that ever since.”
Wideroff is a board-certified general surgeon who earned a medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Florida. He completed his residency in general surgery and fellowship in surgical critical care at the University of Iowa. For eight years, he served as a general surgeon at Monument Health in Rapid City, South Dakota.
He now finds himself practicing in a growing region with expanding needs and possibilities.
“Growth is always exciting. It means a constant supply of new opportunities. That is certainly the case in Palm Coast,” said Wideroff. “Knowing that I am joining at such a time gives me a great deal of comfort that I am where I belong.”
For those considering a career in health care, Wideroff shares that the road in health care is well paved, but long and filled with challenges. However, there is a fit for those interested in health care roles.
“Anyone who can make it through and be successful serves as a role model for aspiring doctors and health care professionals,” he said. “I have been fortunate to have many role models along the way and to serve as a role model from time to time as well.”
As a father, his purpose goes far beyond the operating room.
“Being a father is the ultimate expression of becoming a man,” he said. “You never regret the time you spend with your children. Savoring those moments, giving them your love and helping them achieve their happiness is the formula I strive for.”
This Father’s Day, Wideroff continues to build a life of service, purpose and connection: in a place that reminds him every day how much the right setting can shape a meaningful future.
UCF Economist: No, We’re Not Entering Another Recession
UCF Economist: No, We’re Not Entering Another Recession
Read Sean Snaith’s latest quarterly U.S. economic forecast here.
ORLANDO, June 13, 2025 — In his latest U.S. economic forecast, Sean Snaith miffs at the increasing difficulty of economic forecasting during the fluctuating tariffs of the Trump administration.
But Snaith, the director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, says he’s willing to make at least one bold prediction in his report released this morning:
“The tariff and trade uncertainty will not result in the U.S. economy entering a recession. It may, however, cause growth to be somewhat lower than it would have been in the absence of the disorder.”
Instead, Snaith saves his concern for a growing national debt that continues to rise, surpassing $36.9 trillion.
“It took decades to accumulate this debt, and the problem cannot be fixed until Congress acts,” Snaith says. “Unfortunately, I’m not yet convinced that Congress will undertake the required cuts to the deficit, and the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ currently being voted on suggests further delay in addressing this issue.”
If higher interest rates return to the economy, the burden of servicing the national debt will continue to rise as well, Snaith adds. And slower-than-projected economic growth (or a future recession) would also push projected deficits even higher.
Additional highlights from Snaith’s four-year U.S. economic forecast are:
-
The labor market is cooling, but still solid. Payroll job growth of 2.2% in 2023 fell to 1.3% in 2024 and will continue to slow. It is expected to hit 1.1% in 2025, 0.3% in 2026, 0.2% in 2027, and then tick up to 0.3% in 2028.
-
Despite resistance to the effects of the Federal Reserve’s tightening, the headline unemployment rate (U-3) is expected to gradually rise to 4.9% in 2027 before declining slightly in 2028. These are still historically low rates of unemployment.
-
Core consumer price inflation will continue its slow decline. By the beginning of 2027, headline inflation will be close to the Fed’s target level of 2%. The Fed prematurely started to cut interest rates in 2024 and has had to pause rate cuts thus far in 2025.
-
After two years of erosion, consumers’ purchasing power has been clawing its way back. Wage growth has surpassed inflation and is allowing households to begin repairing strained budgets and to address more than $1 trillion in credit card debt.
-
Real GDP growth hit 2.9% in 2023 and 2.8% for 2024. Growth will slow over the next several years to 1.5% in 2025, 1.7% in 2027, and stay near that level through 2028.
-
High home prices combined with 7% mortgage rates have eroded housing demand. However, low inventories will provide a floor for the sector. Housing starts declined from 1.6 million in 2022 to 1.42 million in 2023 and will continue to ease, reaching 1.33 million in 2027. However, as mortgage rates decline, starts will creep up, reaching 1.34 million in 2028.
Sean Snaith, Ph.D., is the director of UCF’s Institute for Economic Forecasting and a nationally recognized economist in the field of economics, forecasting, analysis and market sizing. He has been recognized by Bloomberg News as one of the country’s most accurate economic forecasters and has served as a consultant for both local governments and multi-national corporations. Before joining UCF’s College of Business, Snaith held faculty positions at Pennsylvania State University, American University in Cairo, the University of North Dakota and the University of the Pacific. More of Snaith’s work is available here or you can follow him @SeanSnaith.
Governor Ron DeSantis to Lead International Trade and Business Development Mission to France and the 55th International Paris Air Show
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— From Monday, June 16, through Wednesday, June 18, Governor Ron DeSantis will lead an international trade and business development mission to France. The mission will highlight Florida’s status as a global hub for aerospace, aviation, defense, and emerging technologies, while promoting expanded trade and investment opportunities for businesses interested in Florida markets.
As part of the mission, Governor DeSantis will attend the 55th International Paris Air Show—one of the world’s premier events for aerospace innovation. The show features more than 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries and draws over 300,000 visitors annually. More than two dozen leading Florida-based companies will be in attendance, showcasing the state’s cutting-edge capabilities in aviation, aerospace, and defense.
“Our next trade mission delegation is headed to France and the 55th International Paris Air Show,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida’s focus on manufacturing, aviation, and the space industry already makes it a global leader in aerospace. Our efforts on this trip will be to promote further investment in our state and bring more high-paying jobs to Florida.”
“Our presence at the Paris Air Show underscores Florida’s commitment to attracting high-value industries, supporting high-wage job creation, and expanding our global reach,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “With a $1.7 trillion economy, Florida has been ranked the #1 state economy in the nation for two years in a row, providing a strong foundation for growth in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing.”
“There has never been a better time to invest in the Sunshine State,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. From the Age of Exploration to the present, Florida’s longstanding relationship with France is built upon shared values and culture. On this trip we look forward to promoting Florida on the global stage as an international trading partner and the premier destination in the U.S. for investment.”
“Transportation is a proven economic driver, and Florida’s strategic planning and investing in world-class infrastructure is why FDOT remains a leader in transportation,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Taking the initiative to attend this trade mission and investing in these interactions with global partners sends a clear message that Florida is open for business and we stand ready to support the advancement and growth of the industry.”
Governor DeSantis will be joined by a distinguished delegation of state leaders, academic institutions, and industry representatives, including:
-
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly
-
Florida Secretary of Transportation Jared Perdue
-
Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd
-
Space Florida President & CEO Rob Long
-
University of Central Florida President Alexander Cartwright
-
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President Barry Butler
The delegation will also include representatives from the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida Institute of Technology, Seminole State College and Florida economic development organizations and companies across aerospace, defense, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics sectors.
Planned activities include meetings with dozens of companies across the military, aviation, aerospace, and transportation sectors; multiple project announcements, a Florida-focused business roundtable, a Florida Activation event, a business seminar, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Florida Pavilion. The mission will also support 15 Florida-based small and emerging companies participating in the Florida Pavilion, helping them gain access to global markets and potential investment partners.
This mission is coordinated by SelectFlorida, the state’s international commerce organization, in partnership with FloridaCommerce.
Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
NASCAR: Tickets Now On Sale for the 2026 DAYTONA 500
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 11, 2025) – Daytona International Speedway announced today that tickets are now on sale for NASCAR’s 2026 season opener the DAYTONA 500. The 68th running of The Great American Race takes to the track on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
“The DAYTONA 500 is the crown jewel race on the NASCAR schedule and we’re ready to invite everyone back to The World Center of Racing with tickets officially going on sale,” said Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway. “This iconic race continues to be a captivating event for fans that travel all over the world and we know that it’s going to be another unforgettable event here next February.”
This past February, fans were able to witness another thrilling edition of the DAYTONA 500. A caution with five laps to go sent the 67th DAYTONA 500 into overtime. On the final lap in overtime, William Byron claimed his second straight DAYTONA 500 victory by avoiding a crash on the backstretch and propelled past everyone from ninth to first place in an unbelievable finish. This served as the record 10th DAYTONA 500 win for Hendrick Motorsports, the most for any team in DAYTONA 500 history.
Though fans will have to wait until next year for the 68th running of The Great American Race, taking place on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, NASCAR racing will be back at Daytona International Speedway in just a couple months.
The Coke Zero Sugar 400 race weekend returns on Aug. 22-23, in the regular season finale for the NASCAR Cup Series, where those in attendance can witness all the intensity of superspeedway racing at DAYTONA in the last chance for drivers to make the Playoffs. Last August, Harrison Burton shuffled up the Playoff picture as he earned his first career Cup Series victory and the historic Wood Brothers Racing team’s 100th career Cup Series victory. With the final playoff spots up for grabs and the unpredictability of superspeedway racing, anything can happen at DAYTONA.
To purchase tickets to the 2026 DAYTONA 500, or to find more details regarding the upcoming Coke Zero Sugar 400 race weekend, please visit www.
About Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the World Center of Racing, boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. Some of the exciting racing events include January’s Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and Roar Before The Rolex 24, February’s DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, March’s Bike Week At DAYTONA Presented By GEICO, featuring DAYTONA Supercross and the DAYTONA 200, the August Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend, and much more. The Speedway grounds are also used extensively for other events that include concerts (Welcome to Rockville, Heroes Honor Festival, etc.), sporting events (DAYTONA Soccer Fest, CLASH DAYTONA, etc.) civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training.
About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.
For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.
