Ormond Beach’s Dream Kitchen & Baths Expands Showroom Hours to Include Saturdays
Michael Monroe, owner of Dream Kitchen & Baths, is pleased to announce that beginning this month, the showroom will now be open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
This expanded schedule offers more flexibility for homeowners and clients who wish to explore kitchen and bath design options but are unable to visit during the week.
“We understand that busy schedules can make it hard for people to plan their dream remodel during the workweek,” said Michael Monroe. “By opening on Saturdays, we’re making it easier for our clients to visit the showroom, view our design options firsthand, and discuss their projects with our team.”
Dream Kitchen & Baths has served the Ormond Beach community and beyond since 2011, specializing in kitchen and bath remodels, cabinetry for new home construction, and custom home solutions including entertainment centers, home offices, and closet storage systems. The team offers a wide selection of cabinetry, countertop options, flooring ideas, and assistance with plumbing features, as well as complete labor services for remodeling projects.
The Design Center Showroom is located at 1451 US Highway 1 in Ormond Beach. New hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and evenings by appointment.
African American Entrepreneurs Association Honored as SBA North Florida District Office Community Partner of the Year
Orlando, FL – May 21, 2025 — The African American Entrepreneurs Association (AAEA) was proudly recognized as the Community Partner of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) North Florida District Office during a prestigious ceremony held at the Citrus Club in Orlando, Florida.
This award, presented in partnership with the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC), celebrates AAEA’s outstanding commitment to supporting and empowering African American entrepreneurs through education, resources, and strategic partnerships.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the SBA and SBDC,” said Leslie Giscombe, Founder & CEO of the AAEA. “This award reflects our ongoing mission to uplift minority-owned businesses and create equitable opportunities for success in our communities.”
The SBA Community Partner of the Year Award highlights organizations that demonstrate excellence in fostering small business growth, access to capital, and mentorship. The AAEA’s initiatives have significantly contributed to the vitality and diversity of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in North Florida.
For more information about the African American Entrepreneurs Association and its programs, visit www.aaeassociation.org.
Palm Coast Flagler Regional Chamber Postpones Legislative Luncheon
Legislative Luncheon – Postponed
Due to the extension of the legislative session in Tallahassee, the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber announced the postponement of their upcoming Legislative Luncheon with Sen. Tom Leek and Rep. Sam Greco.
According to the notice, Chamber staff is working closely with Sen. Leek and Rep. Greco’s staff to find a date that allows them both to participate and provide meaningful insights into the decisions made in Tallahassee —and how those decisions will impact Flagler County.
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Anti-Swatting and School Safety Bills
WINTER HAVEN, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida House Bill 279, False Reporting, into law to increase penalties for the misuse of emergency communication systems, particularly false 911 calls that lead to public safety responses (“swatting”).
“Swatting is a tactic of cowards who use fake reports to law enforcement to harass people who they disagree with politically. Today, Florida gets even tougher on swatting,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I signed HB 279 which introduces felony charges for individuals who make false 911 reports that result in significant harm. If you try this in our state, you will face punishment.”
Swatting is the malicious act of making hoax calls to report an emergency, in an attempt to trigger a response by law enforcement. Swatting can have violent and even deadly consequences. These are not victimless crimes. These acts are wasteful and create dangerous situations for the public, victims, and for our law enforcement officers.
Florida House Bill 279:
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Enhances penalties for false 911 calls that cause emergency response:
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2nd Degree Felony if the false reporting leads to death.
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3rd Degree Felony is the false reporting results in serious injury.
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Requires repeat offenders to face enhanced charges.
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Mandates restitution is required to repay law enforcement and compensate victims.
Governor DeSantis also signed Florida Senate Bill 1470 “School Safety” into law, which:
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Expands upon the school guardian program to authorize childcare facilities to utilize guardians, just like our public schools and private schools.
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Requires the security agency employing a school security guard to be responsible for all training and screening-related costs for a school security guard.
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Revises school access control requirements (campus access doors, classroom doors, gates, and other access points).
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Requires that a person who serves as a school security guard be approved by the sheriff. Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Florida Attorney General Names FCSO Deputy as Finalist for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
BUNNELL, Fla. — Today, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier recognized Flager County Sheriff’s Office Master Detective Kyle Gaddie as one of six finalists for the Attorney General’s “Officer of the Year” award during the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Ceremony in Tallahassee. Of the six finalists, Sunrise Police Department Detective Robert Padron was ultimately named “Officer of the Year.”
Master Deputy Kyle Gaddie was selected among the most elite ranks of 47,000 law enforcement officers across the State of Florida for demonstrating exceptional service or heroism while going above and beyond the call of duty.
“We are extremely proud of Master Detective Kyle Gaddie’s dedication and exceptional service in Flagler County. The Florida Sheriff’s Association nominated him as runner-up for last Year’s FSA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year because of his unwavering dedication to serving his community,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I would to like congratulate Master Deputy Gaddie for being a finalist and congratulate this year’s winner, Sunrise Police Detective Padron, along with all of this year’s finalists for their outstanding achievements and hard work.”
Master Detective Kyle Gaddie began his career with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in 2016 as a patrol deputy and currently serves in the Investigative Services Division. During his career, Gaddie has earned numerous accolades, including three Life Saving Awards, multiple Unit Citations and Certificates of Appreciation, and Employee of the Month for August 2021. In 2024, he was named a finalist for the Florida Sheriffs Association’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and was FCSO’s nominee for the Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida’s Flagler County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
“It is truly an honor to be nominated as a finalist for this award,” said Master Detective Gaddie. “Every day I come to work with the goal of protecting and serving the people of Flagler County to the best of my ability. This nomination reflects not only my efforts but also the strength of the team around me and the support of our community.”
Thespian Troupe 5023 Brings the Magic of Oz to Flagler Audiences
PALM COAST, Fla. – It was four performances of the classic tale on stage at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center that gave audiences a chance to escape the Florida heat and head to the merry old land of Oz.
Led by director Kelly Rivera, drama teacher for Flagler Palm Coast High School, the characters were as authentic as watching the film right on your own TV. The cackling voice of the Wicked Witch of the West was perfectly captured by actress Joyce Holmes, down to her most famous line, “I’ll get you my pretty … and your little dog too!”, once again proving under the tutelage of Rivera, the story’s villain can be a major player.
(Rivera’s performance of The Little Mermaid several years back, villainess Ursula stole the show.)
Of course, performances by the Winkies, Jitterbugs, and Monkeys were just as entertaining, bringing the fantastic story of the Wizard of Oz to life.
K’imani Gervin McCoy’s modest number of appearances as Glenda, The Good Witch, didn’t overshadow the other performers but still delivered the kind of vocal performance she’s earned a reputation for. (McCoy was invited to sing the National Anthem during the opening of the Florida Legislative session in 2024.)
“I feel blessed to have worked with such talented singers, actors, and dancers both in our Thespians club and from Janice Monsanto’s FPC Dance Team,” said Director Kelly Rivera.
“I also have to mention our amazing technical crew spearheaded by Jack Neiberlein. My hometown of Oswego, NY is actually nicknamed Oz, and I myself played Dorothy in the 5th grade. I actually idolized Judy Garland as a kid and watched it every year when it was a special thing to watch annually. I had so much fun creating alongside my students to make a show that will always hold a special place in my heart. Seeing the joy on faces spanning every generation in the audience absolutely filled my heart.”
FCRC to Host Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito
The Flagler County Republican Club is excited to announce that Heidi Petito, County Administrator, will be our speaker on June 4th! She will be presenting the beach renourishment funding plan and answering any questions that members may have. Be sure to join us next month to learn all the details.
City of Palm Coast to Host Two Public Workshops to Discuss Potential Amendments to Impact Fees
Palm Coast, FL—The City of Palm Coast invites residents, business owners, and stakeholders to attend two upcoming public workshops to discuss potential amendments to the City’s Transportation, Fire, and Parks Impact Fees.
The workshops will be held at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, on Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 p.m. and Friday, May 30 at 10:00 a.m.
In addition to the public workshops, these topics will also be discussed at the Palm Coast City Council Workshop on Tuesday, May 27 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall.
These meetings provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about the impact fee structure, understand the proposed changes, and share feedback directly with City staff and City Council. Impact fees are one-time charges assessed on new development to help fund the infrastructure and public services needed to support a growing community.
All members of the public are encouraged to attend and participate. Your input is an important part of this process as the City evaluates how to maintain and improve the quality of life, public safety, and sustainable growth.
For more information, please contact the City’s Planning Division at 386-986-3736 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in the workshops or the Council meeting are entitled to assistance at no cost. Please contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at 386-986-2570 at least five (5) days before the event. For hearing-impaired assistance, please use the Florida Relay Service by calling 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (Voice).
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
Flagler County Education Foundation Marks 35 Years with Reflection
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – With decades of financial expertise and a long-standing commitment to education, Maria Lavin-Sanhudo has officially stepped into her new role as President of the Board of Directors for the Flagler County Education Foundation. She was sworn in during the organization’s annual dinner on Monday night, marking a significant milestone for both her and the foundation as it celebrates 35 years of service to the community.
A dedicated board member for many years, Lavin-Sanhudo has played a critical role in the foundation’s evolution—helping guide it through leadership transitions and supporting the Classroom to Careers flagship programs. She also chairs the foundation’s annual Mardi Gras gala, a key fundraiser for the Peter & Sue Freytag Take Stock In Children program.
“I’ve been on the board for many years, and the programs we support are incredibly fulfilling—not just for our students, but for our community and educators as well,” Lavin-Sanhudo said. “At the end of the day, our students are our future. I’m honored to work alongside Teresa [Rizzo] and the Foundation team to continue making a difference in their lives.”
The evening celebrated more than a leadership transition—it was a reflection on the foundation’s legacy and a look toward its promising future. Founding members Nancy Dance and John Gazzoli were in attendance and shared reflections on the organization’s origins at the invitation of Executive Director Teresa Rizzo.
“It was built on the shared belief that a strong public education system extends beyond the classroom,” said Dance, who served as Flagler School Board Chair when the foundation was established in 1990. “It takes all of us—parents, educators, business leaders, and community members—working together to ensure that no child is left behind due to lack of resources or opportunity. This is one of Flagler County’s greatest success stories.”
The event also highlighted the life-changing impact of the foundation’s programs. Keynote speaker Maykayla Buchanan, Director of Early Learning and Literacy at the Florida Chamber of Commerce, shared a powerful personal story about her father’s educational journey—and how teachers made all the difference.
“If we all keep showing up, keep saying yes, and keep asking what more we can do, this foundation will continue to be the force for good it’s always been,” Buchanan said.
That spirit of resilience and support was personified in the story of Aubrey, a 17-year-old student overcoming housing instability while working 35 hours a week. Rashawnda Lloyd-Miller, coordinator of the Families in Transition program, shared his inspiring journey from hardship to high school graduation, thanks to community support and programs like Chiumento CARES.
“He told me he wanted to graduate, and I was committed to helping him make that happen,” she said, earning a standing ovation. “I’m so excited to watch him walk across the stage on May 28th.”
In the 2024–25 school year, the Flagler County Education Foundation awarded 191 scholarships totaling $548,558, along with 44 teacher grants worth $69,915. An additional $38,436 was distributed through the Make It Happen program, and $59,234 went toward Classroom to Careers initiatives.
The evening concluded with the recognition of several key community partners and supporters.
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David Fowler of Alliance Financial was honored as the Make It Happen recipient.
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Michael Vasseur of Edward Jones received the Community Connection Award.
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Beaver Toyota was recognized for their ongoing support of the Beaver Toyota Fund-A-Project Teacher Grant Program.
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Chelsea Herbert was celebrated as this year’s Women in Philanthropy honoree.
Raising more than $85,000, ($94,000 updated) as the foundation looks to the future under Lavin-Sanhudo’s leadership, it remains deeply rooted in the belief that community-driven efforts can transform the lives of students—and in turn, shape the future of Flagler County.
