The Flagler Free Clinic Earns National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Award
The Flagler Free Clinic is proud to announce it has earned a 2025 Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) Quality Standards Program. This achievement reflects the clinic’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare to uninsured individuals in Flagler and Volusia counties.
The NAFC’s mission is to build healthy communities through quality, equitable, and accessible healthcare. To measure and maintain care standards across its network, the NAFC established a comprehensive set of Quality Standards, which member organizations voluntarily adopt and implement.
NAFC Quality Standards include critical areas such as Administrative Policies, Clinic and Pharmacy Responsibilities, Credentialing and Privileging Systems, Patient Care, and Risk Management.
“This recognition is a reflection of the dedication and compassion of our volunteers, staff, and supporters,” said Terri Belletto, Executive Director of the Flagler Free Clinic. “We remain committed to ensuring that every patient who walks through our doors receives the highest standard of care—free of charge.”
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the clinic continues to be a beacon of hope, providing over $2 million in medical and dental services annually thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners.
To mark this milestone, the clinic will host a Charity Golf Tournament on October 6, 2025 at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. For details on volunteering, attending, or sponsoring the event, please contact Terri Belletto at 386-437-3091 or tbelletto@flaglerfreeclinic.
Florida DBPR Provides Resources to Protect Florida Businesses and Consumers Ahead of 2025 Hurricane Season
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is providing resources to protect and educate Florida businesses and consumers ahead of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1, 2025, and ends on November 30, 2025.
“DBPR is proud to provide free resources for Floridians as they prepare for the upcoming hurricane season,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “Bad actors often use disasters as an opportunity to take advantage of Floridians, and we are committed to equipping businesses and consumers with the tools they need to protect themselves. As we approach another active hurricane season, Florida business owners and consumers are encouraged to utilize these resources to be prepared ahead of potential storms.”
VERIFY A LICENSE
Unlicensed contractors often lack the required training, experience, and insurance which can expose homeowners and businesses to poor workmanship and potential financial loss. Florida homeowners and business owners in search of professionals to complete work on residential or commercial properties should always verify a professional’s license using DBPR’s License Verification Tool at MyFloridaLicense.com.
RECOGNIZE AND REPORT SCAMS
Florida homeowners and business owners should be aware of the following unlicensed activity warning signs:
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Offers with unusually low prices.
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Requests for large, upfront cash payments.
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Lack of written contract
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Refusal to pull permits or requests for the homeowner to personally pull permits for a project.
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The use of P.O. boxes rather than physical addresses.
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Unmarked vehicles with out-of-state plates.
Floridians are encouraged to report any suspicions of unlicensed contracting activity to DBPR through the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1440, by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com, or through the DBPR Mobile App.
Industry partners can aid DBPR’s mission to combat unlicensed activity by using DBPR’s Unlicensed Activity Toolkit to educate their communities. The toolkit is available for download here.
DBPR’S DISASTER CONTRACTORS NETWORK
Established by DBPR, the Disaster Contractors Network (DCN) is a free resource connecting homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers for emergency repairs. Anyone seeking repair services can browse a directory of skilled professionals in their area. Register in five simple steps to access the directory for free here.
Florida-licensed contractors and suppliers can register with DCN here to be connected with homeowners in search of licensed services.
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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and oversees more than 1.7 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida across more than 30 fields of industry. The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. For more information, visit MyFloridaLicense.com.
NEXUS360: Flagler Unemployment Ticks Up to 4.2%
PALM COAST, FL (May 16, 2025) – Flagler County’s April 2025 unemployment rate measured 4.2%, a slight increase from February’s 4.1% unemployment rate, but 0.7% higher than it was a year ago, according to the latest data release from Florida Commerce.
“The April 2025 unemployment report shows Flagler County is not performing as well as it did last year, in terms of employment,” said Greg Blosé, CEO of local analytics and marketing firm, Nexus 360. “Although the labor force is larger than it was a year ago, Flagler County has fewer employed residents and more people in the unemployment line, which is a concerning statistic.”
Blose continued, “Year-over-year, Flagler County has 82 fewer people employed and 426 more residents standing in the unemployment line. Although Flagler County is expected to grow jobs as the tourism industry hires talent in advance of summer, this typical trend has not yet materialized. It’s also worth noting that Florida’s Consumer Sentiment Index declined for the third consecutive month to a low not seen since August 2024. This shows consumers are increasingly concerned about future economic conditions and are cautious about purchasing big ticket items.”
The number of Flagler County residents that are employed (either working in this county or another county) increased month-over-month, from 53,292 in March 2025 to 53,309 in April 2025, an increase of 17 residents.
The number of unemployed job-seeking residents in Flagler County also increased, measuring 2,336 in April 2025, up from 2,273 in March 2025, an increase of 63 residents from last month’s report.
The Flagler County labor force is reported at 55,645 residents.
For more information, contact Greg Blosé, CEO of Nexus 360, at 386-846-1864 or via email at Greg@Nexus360.ai. Learn more about Nexus 360’s Economic Reports by visiting our website, https://nexus360.ai/economicreports/
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The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach Launches Life-Saving “Drown Zero” Initiative
The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach is proud to announce the launch of Drown Zero, a life-saving initiative designed to help prevent drowning incidents in Flagler Beach.
As part of this project, the club worked with Tom Gillan, Recreation Director for the City of Flagler Beach. There are 10 Drown Zero stations equipped with life-saving flotation rings that are being installed at select beach access points throughout Flagler Beach. The initiative originated in 2017 with the Rotary Club of Cocoa Beach and was inspired by the advocacy of Wyatt Werneth, a former Brevard County Ocean Rescue Chief and longtime beach safety advocate.
Drown Zero was founded by the sister of a drowning victim, along with Werneth, a former lifeguard, in hopes of sparing other families from similar tragedies. What began in Cocoa Beach has now expanded throughout Florida and beyond, thanks to the dedication of Rotary Clubs and community partners.
The mission is simple: prevent drownings before they happen through education, awareness, and access to emergency safety equipment. Each station features a high-visibility sign marked with the beach’s cross street to assist with 911 emergency calls, along with a life ring and clear instructions — offering critical support during the moments that matter most.
“This is about empowering beachgoers to help prevent drownings,” said Art MacQueen, the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach’s Foundation Chair, and the club member that was instrumental in bringing this project to Flagler Beach. “You don’t have to be a lifeguard to make a difference. With the right tools and awareness, anyone can save a life,” MacQueen added.
The program is made possible through a partnership with Drown Zero International, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization fully funded by donations. Drown Zero International provides Made-in-the-USA flotation stations and supports community implementation of water safety programs.
Four out of the 10 available Drown Zero station sponsorship opportunities are remaining. Sponsorships are $500 and support Rotary’s mission of community service projects year round. Sponsors receive a 8.75” high x 11.75” wide space for their logo or other information featured on a station sign for one full season, which is typically May through September. The four station sponsorships that have been filled. They are; 6th Street North to Compass Real Estate | Landmark Group, 4th Street South to Moore Construction & Remodeling, 5th Street South to Flagler OARS, and 8th Street South Kessler Creative.
Available stations are; 3rd Street North, 4th Street North, 5th Street North, 7th Street North and 6th and 7th Street South.
To learn more or become a sponsor, visit https://www.
City of Palm Coast Processing Fees for Payments Effective June 1
Palm Coast, FL—Beginning June 1, 2025, the City of Palm Coast will begin passing through processing fees associated with credit card, debit card, and ACH/eCheck payments. This change follows direction from the Palm Coast City Council and applies to both online and in-person payments for a variety of City services, including Utility Bills, Code Enforcement Fines, Business Licenses, Building and Planning Permits, Business Inspection Fees, and Other miscellaneous payments.
Previously, the City absorbed these fees. Moving forward, they will be passed along to customers as part of the City’s broader cost management and fiscal responsibility strategy.
Fee Structure Effective June 1, 2025:
In-Person Payments:
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Customer Service payments made by credit/debit card: 3.5% processing fee (minimum fee: $2.50)
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Community Development payments made by credit/debit card or digital wallet: 2.45% processing fee
Online Payments:
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Utility Bills (credit/debit/digital wallet): $1.95 per transaction
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Utility Bills (ACH/eCheck): $0.43 per transaction
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All other non-utility payments (credit/debit/digital wallet): 2.45% processing fee
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All other non-utility payments (ACH/eCheck): $0.43 per transaction
Transaction Limits:
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Maximum online payment for non-Utility Billing (e.g., Building Permits): $50,000
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Maximum online payment for Utility Bills: $10,000
No fees will be charged for payments made by cash, personal or company checks, money orders, or bill payments initiated directly through your bank.
While this change represents a modest cost for customers who use credit cards or eChecks, it is projected to save the City approximately $700,000 annually—funds that can be redirected toward essential services and infrastructure improvements that benefit the entire Palm Coast community.
The City of Palm Coast appreciates the community’s understanding and support as we continue to promote long-term fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Review the City Council discussion from February 18, 2025, here: https://www.youtube.com/live/mw4CuEMnV0g?si=EsjYengOVNFEcLhY&t=6619
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
TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION: Defend Habitat Protections Under The Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries have proposed a dangerous rule (FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0034) to eliminate the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)—a move that would strip habitat protections for endangered and threatened species, including manatees.
For over 40 years, the Endangered Species Act has defined “harm” to include habitat destruction—recognizing that no species can survive without its habitat. This definition has been upheld by the Supreme Court and multiple federal courts as critical to protecting endangered and threatened species from injury or death. Eliminating it would strip protections from vital habitats—such as seagrass beds and warm-water refuges—putting the Florida manatee and countless other species at risk of habitat loss and possible extinction.
This rule ignores decades of science, law, and conservation success. Congress made it clear: habitat matters. And courts have consistently agreed.
Take immediate action: Tell the USFWS and NMFS to reject this rule and preserve the ESA’s habitat protections.
Comment deadline: May 17, 2025
Learn more.
Clerk’s Office Welcomes Former State Senator Travis Hutson as Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Affairs
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL — The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office is thrilled to announce that former Florida State Senator Travis Hutson will be joining the team as Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Affairs, effective Monday, May 19, 2025.
“It’s not often that someone with Travis’ dedication to public service and legislative accomplishments steps into a role like this at the county level,” said Clerk Brandon J. Patty. “We are honored to welcome him to the team, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to strengthen our relationships with local and state partners.”
Hutson brings over a decade of public service experience to the position, having served in the Florida Legislature since 2012, first as a Representative and later as a Senator. During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping economic, environmental, and infrastructure policy throughout the state. In 2023, he was named Senate Legislator of the Year by the Florida Clerks & Comptrollers Association after sponsoring Senate Bill 1130, which authorized clerks’ offices to retain a larger portion of fees, enhancing their ability to serve residents more effectively.
As Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Affairs, Hutson will help guide strategic initiatives and strengthen collaboration between the Clerk’s Office and government entities at both the local and state levels.
“I’m honored to join Clerk Patty and the office,” said Hutson. “As a St. Johns County local, I’m excited to come back to my roots and serve the community that has always meant so much to me. I look forward to continuing my public service in this new capacity and supporting the Clerk’s office in its governmental needs.”
Women-Owned Commercial Cleaning Company Celebrates 15 Years
For Tammy Coomer, owner of Sea Breeze Cleaning Services, celebrating 15 years in business is a joyful milestone. After years of homeschooling her son, she found herself at a crossroads when he entered public school and thrived in his advanced placement classes. Coomer decided it was time to pursue her passions. She founded Sea Breeze Cleaning Services in 2010, offering residential cleaning services. Just six months later, she expanded into commercial services, and in five years, business has doubled. Fifteen years later, Coomer and Sea Breeze Cleaning Services are thriving.
“My journey to becoming a professional cleaner started with an innocent camp competition in my youth,” explains Coomer, owner of Sea Breeze Cleaning Services. “Whoever kept their dorm the cleanest won. So, while my roommates were out playing softball, I rolled up my sleeves and cleaned the room from top to bottom – and enjoyed every minute of it. It took four days to get it perfect, but I won! It definitely planted the seeds for my future ventures.”
With a team of nine employees, Sea Breeze Cleaning Services is a woman-owned business specializing in commercial cleaning, including office spaces, churches, and even fleets of vehicles. Coomer employs a customized approach, beginning with a deep understanding of the client’s needs. One client may request only environmentally friendly products, whereas another requires specialized products and techniques to sanitize public spaces safely. Coomer and her professional cleaners have a thorough understanding of industrial-strength materials and utilize commercial-grade equipment for efficiency. Many businesses require multiple daily cleanings and may need early morning or late-night support. These needs are accommodated through scheduling flexibility, allowing clients to enjoy clean spaces without interruptions. In its fifteen years of business, Sea Breeze Cleaning Services has built a reputation for being reliable and professional. It is responsible for spaces from 8,000 to 70,000 square feet throughout Northeast Florida.
“My journey has been about more than just business,” says Coomer. “It’s about building a connection with this beautiful city and supporting the community I love. Each day, I’m grateful for my clients. My work allows them to enjoy clean and welcoming spaces, and I find that incredibly fulfilling.”
POKERATLAS TOUR RETURNS TO BESTBET ST. AUGUSTINE JUNE 5-15
