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Central Florida Safety Strategic Plan Aims to Improve Traffic Safety

By
Flagler News Weekly
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DELAND, Fla. – A new Central Florida Safety Strategic Plan is unifying dozens of local governments, transportation organizations, law enforcement agencies, advocacy groups, schools, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in their efforts to improve safety on local roadways.

The plan details opportunities to develop safer streets and change behaviors, and a steering committee and focus groups are already hard at work on the priorities, known as “action steps.”

“Target Zero is Florida’s statewide goal to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways,” said FDOT District Five Safety Administrator Loreen Bobo, P.E. “The Department and its partners have had a focus on safety for years, but the new Central Florida Safety Strategic Plan allows us to share strategies and best practices more broadly. By aligning our efforts and complementing each other’s work, we’re more likely to make progress on our common goal of getting to zero.”

There are early signs the combined efforts are starting to pay off. In 2024, there were 631 traffic fatalities in the nine Central Florida counties that make up FDOT’s District Five – down 15% from the 745 traffic fatalities in 2023. The drop was the first double-digit decrease in at least 10 years.

“While we don’t know exactly why the number of traffic fatalities dropped last year, we do know there is a major emphasis on prioritizing safety in our infrastructure projects, and we’re working harder than ever – through intensive educational outreach – to encourage people to drive, walk, and bicycle as safely as possible,” Bobo said.

The partners in the unified safety effort agree there is still much to be done to improve traffic safety. The Central Florida Safety Steering Committee is made up of representatives from counties and cities and each of the five Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) and Transportation Planning Organizations (TPO) in FDOT District Five. The steering committee meets quarterly to guide the plan’s action steps. Other participants serve on focus groups working on the nine initial priorities.

“District Five, under Secretary John Tyler’s leadership, is providing a platform for collaboration, exchange of information, and to get some goals down to try and reduce these traffic accidents,” said Marion County Commissioner Craig Curry, a member of the steering committee.

Progress and resources are shared through the FDOT District Five Office of Safety website at fdot.gov/D5Safety. One of the focus groups is developing a “Getting to Zero” checklist for transportation planners and engineers at all levels of government to use when designing roadway improvements with safety features.

A recent summit for Community Traffic Safety Teams (CTST) is an example of one accomplishment this spring. Each county has a CTST made up of law enforcement officers, local government transportation engineers, school officials, FDOT safety experts, and other groups working on safety initiatives. At the CTST Summit, each team presented a case study so the teams could share ideas and learn from each other.

“I think it is a great opportunity to share best practices and ideas with other communities, and to also say what is working best for us and how we can move the area forward,” said Cape Canaveral City Councilman Don Willis, a steering committee member.

FDOT and partners will gather for the 2nd Annual Central Florida Safety Summit on Friday, May 9, in Daytona Beach to recap the start of the Safety Strategic Plan this past year and to set the stage for the work in the coming year. They plan to meet annually to keep the momentum going.

“If we are moving in the same direction and are unified in our efforts, I think it’s just a lot more powerful,” said Space Coast TPO Executive Director Georganna Gillette, a member of the steering committee. “And I think that we really have a strong shot at getting closer to zero fatalities and serious injuries.”

Group picture of the Central Florida Safety Steering Committee at the first committee meeting held on October 4, 2024

Party for Public Art Set for May 18 at Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens

By
Flagler News Weekly
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ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Join us for a party on May 18 at 4:30 pm the rooftop at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach to watch the sun go down and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and a cash bar. There will be “living statues”, entertainment by Halifax Repertory Theatre, live music, poets from the Center for Creative Happiness and so much more.  We’ll reveal the winners of our photo contests and even have a sneak peek of the next set of Seward Johnson statues that will be coming to Ormond Beach in 2026!

The Ormond Beach Arts District is saying goodbye to the group of Seward Johnson sculptures that have been along Granada Blvd. since mid-November.  The current exhibition has brought thousands of local and out-of-town visitors to Ormond Beach – visitors who also stay to experience the rest of what the city has to offer as they walk from piece to piece.  Visitor’s comments have been exuberant – “Kudos Ormond!  Speechless, breathtaking, astonishing.”  “Thank you for bringing this wonderful tour to our city!  I never thought I would have the opportunity to see it.”  “What a wonderful addition to the areas in which they have been placed.  This art is amazing!”  “What a nice way to spend an afternoon.  The sculptures are magnificent & capture everyday life beautifully.”  “Absolutely so cool, thank you so much!!”.

In celebration, the May 18 party will feature actors dressed as statues from the current collection.  Poets have been invited to write about the sculptures and photographers, who are taking pictures of the statues, will have their work displayed.

Tickets to the party are just $85 per person and can be purchased online at bit.ly/OrmondBeachArtsDistrict.  All proceeds go to support the projects of the Ormond Beach Arts District, a local, all-volunteer non-profit whose mission is to support the arts and arts education in Ormond Beach and to promoting awareness of downtown Ormond Beach as a unique area for arts, culture and history.  The Arts District works in cooperation with the City of Ormond Beach and the town’s other major arts, culture and history organizations.

For more information about the Ormond Beach Arts District and the Seward Johnson Sculpture Tour

“Art Imitates Life” visit our website at ormondarts.com or email us at info@ormondarts.com

Florida Senate Confirms Chairman Rodney Barreto for Reappointment to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Senate has confirmed Chairman Rodney Barreto for another term with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

“Chairman Barreto stays two steps ahead of the issues,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “Rodney’s conservation footprint will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Rodney Barreto

Chairman Barreto is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Barreto Group, Inc. and a Partner with Capital City Consulting Miami. Active in his community, he is a member of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, the Florida Highway Patrol Advisory Council, Vice Chairman of the Florida Council of 100, the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, and Chairman of FIFA 2026. Previously, Chairman Barreto served 10 years as an FWC Commissioner. In recognition of his leadership, FWC established the Rodney Barreto Award, which is given out annually to recognize the FWC Employee of the Year for outstanding achievements.

Prior to his career with the Barreto Group, Inc., Chairman Barreto was a City of Miami police officer. He earned his Associate of Arts degree from Miami Dade Community College and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional Studies from Barry University.

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FWC’s mission is to manage fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of the people. To learn more about the FWC, visit MyFWC.com.

FCSO Now Offering Nationwide Background Checks

By
FCSO Public Affairs Officer
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BUNNELL, Fla. — The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is now offering comprehensive, nationwide background check services to Flagler County residents through ACCESS Background Check Services.

ACCESS Background Check Services is a certified, streamlined service available for anyone needing a nationwide background check in Florida for employment, volunteering, or licensing and permitting, including firearms permits. The service covers national criminal background checks, national sex offender background checks, terrorist watch list checks, and more.

Background checks and fingerprinting services are available at both the Flagler Sheriff’s Operations Center, located at 61 Sheriff E.W. Johnston Drive in Bunnell, and the District 2 – Palm Coast Office, located at 14 Palm Harbor Village Way in Palm Coast. Background checks and fingerprinting services will generally be available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Citizens in need of a background check are encouraged to make an appointment and pay online, but appointments and payment may be made on-site. A valid email address, government-issued photo ID, and credit or debit card are required to register for a background check. The cost of a background check ranges between $60 and $105, depending on the type of background check required. Citizens can receive more information, view prices, register, and pay for a background check by visiting flaglersheriff.com/background-check.

“We are excited to have the ability to offer easy and convenient nationwide background checks at both our Operations Center in Bunnell and our District 2 Office in Palm Coast,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Previously, we could only provide a Flagler County-only record check, and we know that many employers wanted more than that. This is another example of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office working to serve our residents however we can.”

Town Hall on National Policies Impacting Floridians to Feature David Jolly

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

Palm Coast, FL – Flagler County will be the site of a policy discussion led by David Jolly focused on the national issues impacting the daily lives of Floridians. Join us on May 14, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Palm Coast United Methodist Church located at 6500 Belle Terre Parkway.

David Jolly, known for his fiercely independent analysis of national policies and the state of American politics, has been featured on prominent platforms such as MSNBC, CNN, HBO, NBC, Time, USA Today, Roll Call, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Tampa Bay Times.

Guests across the political spectrum are encouraging to bring their most pressing questions about the policies that impact their daily lives. Seating is limited, so be sure to register in advance to secure your spot at this essential event. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/44dfJ6G

“The host committee, which represents all political ideologies, came together because we believe that both informed citizens and civil discourse are fundamental to a healthy democracy,” said Heather Beaven. Members of the host committee are Heather Beaven, Armando Castenada, Patsy Moden, Kathy Murphy, Cindy Tetreault, and Jill Augustensen-Scott.

President Trump Announces Religious Liberty Commission Members

By
Flagler News Weekly
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President Donald J. Trump

Today, the President signed an Executive Order establishing the Religious Liberty Commission during the National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden. President Trump designated the following individuals to serve on the Religious Liberty Commission.

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (Chair). Dan Patrick was first elected Lt. Governor of Texas in 2014 and then re-elected in 2018 and 2022. He previously spent over 40 years in the media as a television anchor, conservative talk show host, and successful radio station owner. Lt. Governor Patrick led the Texas Senate in passing legislation to end the teaching of critical race theory in public schools, abolish DEI practices in our universities, place “In God We Trust” in the Texas Senate, and add “Under God” to the state pledge of allegiance. He produced the awarding winning film, “The Heart of Texas.” That film led him to start a four-year seminary program in Texas prisons in 2011. The program is now the largest in the world. In 2002, long before he was in office, Lt. Gov. Patrick wrote The Second Most Important Book You Will Ever Read, a challenge to read the most important book ever written, the Bible.

Dr. Ben Carson (Vice Chair). Rising from poverty to become one of the most renowned pediatric neurosurgeons in the world, Dr. Ben Carson served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during the first Trump Administration. Dr. Carson is the founder of the American Cornerstone Institute. His most recent book, The Perilous Fight, outlines what needs to be done to restore the foundations of family in America.

Ryan T. Anderson. Ryan Anderson, Ph.D., is the President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center. He is the author or co-author of five books, including several related to religious liberty. Anderson received his bachelor of arts degree from Princeton University and his doctoral degree in political philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. In addition to leading the Ethics and Public Policy Center, Anderson serves as the John Paul II Teaching Fellow in Social Thought at the University of Dallas.

Bishop Robert Barron. Author, speaker, and theologian, Bishop Robert Barron reaches millions of people around the world through his Word on Fire ministry, a Catholic media nonprofit that produces podcasts, videos, books, articles, and Gospel meditations. Since 2023, Bishop Barron has served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota.

Carrie Prejean Boller. Former Miss California USA and Miss USA first runner-up in 2009, Boller is the author of Still Standing: The Untold Story of My Fight Against Gossip, Hate, and Political Attacks.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Cardinal Timothy Dolan is the Archbishop of New York. A member of the Board of Trustees of The Catholic University of America, Cardinal Dolan previously served as president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and also completed terms as chair of the Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life activities and the Bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty.

Pastor Franklin Graham. Pastor Franklin Graham is the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and of Samaritan’s Purse, an organization that provides disaster relief and medical aid around the globe.

Allyson Ho. Partner at Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher, Allyson Ho has established herself as one of the United States’ premier appellate lawyers. She has presented over 100 oral arguments in federal and state courts nationwide, including five cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Dr. Phil McGraw. The longtime host of Dr. Phil and bestselling author, Dr. McGraw holds a doctorate in psychology. His most recent book, We’ve Got Issues: How You Can Stand Strong for America’s Soul and Sanity, encourages Americans to reclaim the principles of hard work, independence, faith, and ingenuity.

Eric Metaxas. Writer, speaker, and radio host, Eric Metaxas has written dozens of books, including the national bestseller, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. The story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer was so beloved by readers that it was made into a major motion picture. Metaxas has testified before Congress on the global rise of anti-Semitism and been awarded the Canterbury Medal by the Becket Fund for Religious Freedom.

Kelly Shackelford. President and Chief Executive Officer of First Liberty Institute, Shackelford is a constitutional scholar who has argued before the United States Supreme Court, winning numerous landmark religious liberty cases. Shackelford has testified before Congress on religious liberty issues and served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Texas Law School.

Rabbi Meir Soloveichik. Rabbi Meir Soloveichik is Rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel—the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. He also serves as the Director of the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University, and as a Senior Scholar at the Tikvah Fund. Rabbi Soloveichik has lectured internationally on topics relating to faith in America, the Hebraic roots of the American founding, Jewish theology, bioethics, wartime ethics, Jewish-Christian relations, and more. His recent book, Providence and Power: Ten Portraits in Jewish Statesmanship, profiles some of the great Jewish leaders throughout history.

Pastor Paula White. Pastor Paula White is the founder and president of Paula White Ministries and the National Faith Advisory Board. She is the overseer and a teaching pastor at StoryLife Church in greater Orlando, Florida. Pastor White was an advisor to President Donald Trump in the Faith and Opportunity Initiative during his first term in office, and now she serves as the Senior Advisor to the White House Faith Office.

Media Release: The White House, Office of Communications

City of St. Augustine Beach to Host Art Fair in Lakeside Park on May 3

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

St. Augustine Beach, Florida, April 29, 2025 – The City of St. Augustine Beach and the Beach Art Studio are pleased to host the 5th annual Art & Bark in the Park event on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

The event will be held in Lakeside Veterans Memorial Park, 2340 A1A South, St. Augustine Beach, 32080, and will run from 12:00 PM, to 5:00 PM. The location offers a unique backdrop of sculptures and artwork.

Melinda Conlon, Communications & Events Coordinator for the City states “The Art & Bark in the Park is a fun for the whole family community event featuring live music, local artists offering unique items for sale as well as some tasty treats for everyone. This is our 5th annual event, and we really enjoy being able to support the local arts and music community.”  Conlon continues “This year’s live music performance by the very popular artists Morrow Family Band is sponsored by the St. Johns Cultural Council and we are so appreciative to have their support since our first event four years ago.”

The city is very excited that Ayla’s Acres will attend with dogs available for adoption. They do not do same day adoptions, but people can meet their new best furry friend and fill out the application.

For general information, please visit The City of St Augustine Beach website www.staugbch.com, Facebook and Instagram page and sign up for the monthly e-newsletter by texting CITYOFSAB to 22828.

St. Johns County Emergency Management Promotes Hurricane Preparedness Week

By
SJC Public Affairs
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ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Florida, May 1, 2025—The National Hurricane Center’s Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 4 – 10, 2025, and St. Johns Emergency Management (SJCEM) is encouraging the community to plan and prepare now for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 every year.

The county’s Hurricane Preparedness Guide and other preparedness materials are available to the public at www.sjcemergencymanagement.com. Printed copies of the guide are available for free at St. Johns County Public Library System branches.

“An important first step to take in preparing for hurricane season is to find out if you’re in an evacuation zone,” SJCEM Deputy Director Kelly Wilson said. “Go to www.sjcemergencymanagement.com, click on the tool called ‘My Evacuation Zone’, and enter your St. Johns County address. If you’re in an evacuation zone, you will want to pay close attention to official sources when a storm is approaching in case your zone is asked to evacuate. Make a plan today so that you are prepared when the time comes.”

The community is also encouraged to stay informed:

Alert St. Johns

SJCEM encourages residents to sign up for emergency alerts at www.AlertStJohns.com. This system enables SJCEM to quickly provide the public with critical information in various situations. Residents will receive time-sensitive messages by the method of their choice, such as home, mobile, or business phones, email addresses, or text messages.

Nixle Alerts

SJCEM uses Nixle to provide another way to inform the community of disaster preparedness and recovery information. Individuals can text StJohnsEOC to 888777 to opt in and receive information through SMS.

Social Media

For the most local, accurate, and timely information, follow St. Johns County Emergency Management on Facebook. Ensure you don’t miss any Facebook posts by selecting Emergency Management as one of your ‘Favorites’ in the Facebook follow options.

Largest Joint Immigration Operation in Florida History Leads to 1,120 Criminal Alien Arrests During Weeklong Operation

By
Flagler News Weekly
-
Largest Joint Immigration Operation in Florida History Leads to 1,120 Criminal Alien Arrests During Weeklong Operation
The operation is a first-of-its-kind partnership between federal and state
law enforcement organizations
View the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement press release here.
MIAMI, Fla.— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with law enforcement partners from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the state of Florida, led a first-of-its-kind statewide operation April 21 to April 26 that netted 1,120 criminal illegal alien arrests — the largest number in a single state in one week in ICE’s history. Sixty-three percent of those arrested had existing criminal arrests or convictions.
Arrests included 378 criminal illegal aliens with final orders of removal issued by an immigration judge. Officers arrested various violent offenders, gang members, sex offenders, fugitives from justice and those who pose significant public safety threats. Arrests include members of several different notoriously violent foreign terrorist organizations such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Brown Pride Aztecas, Barrio Azteca, Surenos (sur-13) and 18th Street Gang.
The countries of origin of those arrested include the following:
  • 437 from Guatemala
  • 280 from Mexico
  • 153 from Honduras
  • 48 from Venezuela
  • 24 from El Salvador
  • 178 from elsewhere
Those arrested who have final orders of removal or returned to the United States illegally after being deported are subject to immediate removal from the country. The remaining aliens are in ICE custody awaiting due process before an immigration judge or pending travel arrangements for removal.
“Last week’s operational success of arresting more than 1,100 criminal illegal aliens was truly a collaborative whole-of-government effort by our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in Florida,” said ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan. “Every day, our officers take to the streets and put their lives on the line to apprehend and remove dangerous criminal aliens, transnational gang members and foreign fugitives who have illegally entered the U.S. We are united in our determination to restore integrity to our nation’s immigration system and enhance public safety for all Americans.”
The state of Florida leads the nation with 287(g) partnerships. This force-multiplying program is named for Section 287(g)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes ICE to delegate specified immigration officer functions to state and local law enforcement officials under the agency’s direction and supervision.
“I’ve insisted that Florida be the tip of the spear when it comes to state support of federal immigration enforcement. The success of Operation Tidal Wave is proof of our commitment,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. “Florida is proud to work closely with the Trump administration and help deliver on the 2024 mandate from America that our borders be secured and our immigration laws be followed. We will continue to engage in broad interior enforcement efforts. Thank you to DHS, ICE, CBP, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, and Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Commission, Florida National Guard, Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, and everyone involved for your contributions to this effort.”
“Dangerous criminals have no place in our country. We will apply CBP’s collective intelligence and operational capabilities to target those here illegally who endanger our citizens and the American way of life,” said Miami Sector Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Dinise. “Collaborative enforcement efforts such as Operation Tidal Wave, with our DHS and state of Florida law enforcement partners, leverages each of our unique authorities to protect against threats. We look forward to continuing the vital partnership with the State of Florida as we all work toward our shared goal of keeping our communities safe and our nation secure.”
During the operation, federal, state and local partners helped arrest criminal illegal aliens around Florida. ICE used field office resources, alongside federal partners, to identify priority targets for enforcement action. Law enforcement partners included ICE Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the FBI, the DEA, the ATF and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The state of Florida, under DeSantis’ direction, provided significant assistance during the statewide operation from multiple agencies.
In addition, the following sheriff’s offices also provided significant assistance to ICE during the operation:
  • Alachua County.
  • Baker County.
  • Brandford County.
  • Brevard County.
  • Clay County.
  • Hernando County.
  • Hillsborough County.
  • Indian River County.
  • Orange County.
  • Pinellas County.
  • St. John’s County.
  • Sumter County.
  • Volusia County.
Many of the criminal aliens arrested during the operation have illegally entered and been removed from the U.S. numerous times and been convicted of multiple criminal offenses. A few of the most egregious examples include:
  • Ciro Ramon Castaneda Perez, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela, and known member of the violent gang Tren de Aragua, was arrested at his residence in Holly Hill. On April 12, the Port Orange Police Department pulled over Castaneda-Perez for a traffic violation and found cocaine residue and paraphernalia in his vehicle. Castaneda-Perez has a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge.
  • Carlos Eduardo Perez Perez, a criminal illegal alien and suspected associate of the gang Tren de Aragua, was arrested April 25 at the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Tampa field office. On July 19, 2024, Perez was first encountered and arrested by U.S. Border Patrol at a checkpoint near Sierra Blanca, Texas, after he illegally entered the U.S. without parole or inspection. An immigration judge ordered Perez removed to Venezuela Aug. 26, 2024.
  • Rafael Juarez Cabrera, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala and documented MS-13 gang member, was arrested after being convicted of illegal reentry by a previously removed alien. He has been removed three times prior. He will remain in custody pending prosecution for illegal reentry after deportation
  • Luis Melito Gonzalez Arrellanno, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and active member of the Brown Pride Aztecas gang, was arrested with a criminal history that includes armed carjacking, firing a weapon, fraud and a conviction for illegal reentry after deportation. He has a final order of removal.
  • Aron Isaak Morazan Izaguirre, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, is an active known or suspected terrorist as a member of the 18th Street Gang. Izaguirre is a two-time illegal reentry and will remain in custody pending removal.
  • Miguel Rodriguez Gonzalez, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, is an active member of the Barrio Azteca gang. His criminal history includes assault, burglary, possession of marijuana, fraud and a conviction of illegal reentry after deportation. He will be held in custody pending his removal from the country.
For more news and information on ICE’s efforts to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and bolster public safety, national security and border security in Florida, follow us on X at @EROMiami.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
Video b-roll of immigration enforcement action can be found here.

Join Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park to Explore Fulfilling Volunteer Opportunities at Volunteer Appreciation and Open House

By
Danielle Anderson
-

The Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park (FROGRS) is excited to announce its Volunteer Appreciation and Open House for current and prospective volunteers. The Open House takes place Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Tradewinds Pavilion in Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, 3100 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach, FL 32136. Participants will meet current volunteers, learn about programs, and discover volunteer opportunities in the park and with FROGRS; active volunteers will receive a token of appreciation. Preregistration is not required.

“We have an amazing group of volunteers at Gamble Rogers State Park and appreciate their contributions of time and talent to assist with programs, park maintenance and resource management. This Open House will help us celebrate our current volunteers and promote greater awareness of ongoing programs and projects,” said Greg Wilson, FROGRS President. “We hope to spark interest in the park and FROGRS and recruit new volunteers to help us in our mission.”

Information tables will be set up around the Tradewinds Pavilion showcasing park and FROGRS programs such as sea turtle patrol, guided kayak tours, invasive plant removal, fundraising, outreach, and more. Representatives will be available to discuss each of the programs, answer questions and describe volunteer opportunities. Displays of our fundraising efforts and other accomplishments will be featured.

FROGRS is one of 81 statewide Citizen Support Organizations (CSOs) that support Florida’s state parks. The CSOs are nonprofit groups staffed by volunteers who help maintain Florida’s state parks and provide visitor services. The mission of FROGRS is to support Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area and North Peninsula State Park through fundraising, community involvement, educational outreach, and enhancement of park resources. New members are welcome! For more information on FROGRS, visit Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park Flagler Beach or direct inquiries to info@frogrs.com.

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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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