Palm Coast, FL (6/8/2022) What’s it like to be a famous fuzzy bear with your own special day? Members of the TAG V. BEAR Foundation found out as they were on hand Tuesday evening for the official proclamation, presented by Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin on behalf of the Palm Coast City Council during their business meeting.
Deeming June 9th as TAG V. BEAR Recognition Day for the work done by the foundation to support children facing adversity through some of the county’s most beloved charitable organizations such as the Flagler County Education Foundation’s STUFF Bus, Stewart-Marchman’s Project WARM, Abundant Life Ministries, Hope House, Inc., and Teens-In-Flight, with more than $50,000 in contributions, co-founder Kathy Austrino was humbled by the honor.
“I am super appreciative that they’re recognizing all of the work that my team does,” shared Austrino, who co-founded the organization with her husband nearly a decade ago. “It’s a lot and they’re so dedicated. It’s nice to be acknowledged.”
TAG V. BEAR and his partner Rita, married on June 9, 2016, have become the public symbols of the foundation’s tag line – Together Achieving Greatness. The cuddly couple mark their anniversary each year with a dinner and dance event as the foundation’s major fundraiser.
“We always plan it around the theme of the anniversary. This year’s theme was wood and iron, so that’s why we’re going to the Florida Agricultural Museum, and the favors are super cute,” said Austrino, excitedly.
This year guests will be treated to a country-themed event including barbecue dinners catered by Cool Beans Barbecue and Catering, and an array of activities including desserts by Fire in the Hole, a photo booth with the evening’s special couple – TAG and Rita, and take home snuggly bears.
“We do lottery tree raffle that’s so much fun,” said Austrino, giddy as a school girl. “There’s actually $200 worth of tickets on there, so the value is, who knows? There are all kinds of different baskets for raffle and auction.”
TAG V. Bear Foundation Board Member Ana Fajardo, Kathy Austrino, Dominic Austrino, and Beth Graham get ready for the upcoming 6th Wedding Anniversary of TAG V. Bear and Rita Real Estate on June 9, 2022 at the Flagler Agricultural Museum. Not pictured: TAG V. BEAR Foundation Board Members Richard Fay and Robyn Cottrell.
There’s even a donated gift certificate for $750 off a luxury mattress purchase being auctioned off with pillows from BEDTOP Mattress Store.
Sponsors of the fundraiser include Flagler County Commissioner Greg Hansen, Flagler County School Board member Jill Woolbright, Aqua Pools and Construction, Mike Akialis with American Mortgage.
The community is invited to join the celebration of TAG V. BEAR Recognition Day on Thursday,June 9th at the Florida Agricultural Museum from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Tickets are $40, and may be reserved by calling Kathy Austrino at (386) 931-9476.
FT. MYERS BEACH, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the signing of the Freedom First Budget and more than $1.2 billion for Everglades restoration and the protection of Florida’s water resources. Through the Freedom First Budget, Florida has now surpassed Governor DeSantis’ four-year goal with a total investment of more than $3.3 billion for Everglades restoration and the protection of water resources since 2019. Details on the environment budget can be found here. Governor DeSantis also announced that he vetoed Senate Bill 2508, which aimed to place additional regulatory hurdles on the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).
“Protecting Florida’s natural resources has been a top priority since my first day in office,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The health of the Everglades, Florida’s springs, and so many other resources are the foundation of our communities and economy and play an important role in the everyday lives of Floridians. I am committed to leaving our natural resources better than we found them so that future generations can experience what brings people from around the world to our state.”
On his first full day in office, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 19-12, which laid out his bold vision to protect Florida’s environment. Executive Order 19-12 called for a $2.5 billion investment over four years in Everglades restoration and the protection of water resources, a $1 billion increase over the previous four years. The newly signed Freedom First Budget brings the four-year total to more than $3.3 billion, more than doubling the investment of the previous four years.
“Since taking office, Governor DeSantis has demonstrated his continued commitment to protect Florida’s waters and natural resources, which are the foundation of Florida’s communities, economy, and way of life,” said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership and the historic amounts of funding his administration has secured, the state is in the best position it has ever been to take strategic action to improve our water quality, and Florida is continuing to do just that.”
This historic level of investment has allowed Florida to expedite a number of Everglades restoration projects. Under the Governor’s leadership, 48 Everglades projects have either broken ground, achieved a major milestone, or were completed, including key projects like the C-43 and C-44 reservoirs. Governor DeSantis has affirmed Florida’s commitment to expediting the EAA Reservoir project, which will provide relief from harmful discharges to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries and help send more clean water south to the Everglades. The Governor is committed to continuing to expedite projects that bring the most relief from harmful discharges and send clean water south to the Everglades.
“Today’s announcement represents Governor Ron DeSantis’ ongoing commitment to advance efforts to benefit America’s Everglades,” said Chauncey Goss, Chairman of the South Florida Water Management District. “Floridians can be confident that the investments in Everglades restoration, water quality, and resiliency will all protect the quality of life for all South Floridians. The Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 2508 is yet another example of his commitment to the protection of Florida’s water resources, and we thank Governor DeSantis for his steadfast support of Everglades restoration and efforts to send water south.”
“We thank Governor DeSantis for his strong commitment to advancing Everglades restoration,” said Everglades Foundation CEO Eric Eikenberg. “Through his actions, Governor DeSantis has shown he understands Florida’s economy runs on water. One of his first acts in office was a pledge to secure $2.5 billion for the environment during his first term in office. He not only met that goal, but he exceeded it.”
“Thank you, Governor DeSantis for standing firm in your commitment to protect Florida’s waterways by vetoing Senate Bill 2508, the bad water policy that would have reversed years of Everglades restoration, water quality progress, the elimination of Lake Okeechobee discharges, and the equitable distribution of water use, all in favor of Big Sugar,” said Captains for Clean Water Executive Director Captain Daniel Andrews. “Our organization and others worked hard to weaken 2508 and this veto is the final nail in the coffin.”
“One of the first things the Blue-Green Algae Task Force encouraged the state to do was to make water quality restoration throughout the state a funding priority,” said Chief Science Officer Dr. Mark Rains. “Over the past three years, we’ve seen historic amounts of funding going to support our natural resources and with the Freedom First Budget, the state far exceeds the Governor’s four-year goal. This will enable us to achieve significant, meaningful, and measurable nutrient reductions in waterbodies throughout the state and continue to implement the task force’s recommendations.”
This funding also supports water projects to protect and restore springs; advances water infrastructure and reduces nutrients in our waterways; utilizes grant programs to assist communities with advanced wastewater treatment and septic-to-sewer projects; implements alternative water supply projects to meet Florida’s future water needs; and combats blue-green algae and red tide that have harmful environmental and economic impacts on our communities.
Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
ORLANDO, Fla., June 8, 2022 — AdventHealth is launching a groundbreaking international research study which is now available to Central Florida residents through a partnership with the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, an organization leading an unprecedented global response to Alzheimer’s disease. This pilot study uses online digital cognitive assessment tools and a new blood test with the goal of earlier detection of the disease, allowing at-risk patients to begin treatment earlier.
Those interested in participating may visit BrainHealthFlorida.com where they will be asked to take a short online cognitive assessment which uses images of playing cards. Those who qualify following the online assessment will be scheduled for a blood test to determine the presence of a specific biomarker that could help identify early Alzheimer’s. To qualify, residents must be 65 years of age or older and have not been diagnosed with dementia.
“We know the main risk factor in developing dementia, and specifically Alzheimer’s disease, is age. Many people in our older population think that cognitive changes are normal. But there is a difference between what is normal and what might be a sign of something more serious,” said Dr. Valeria Baldivieso, a geriatrician who focuses on senior memory care and well-being at AdventHealth and one of the investigators in the trial. “It’s so important to have early detection so we can work with patients to take steps to keep dementia from progressing.”
More than 580,000 Floridians over 65 are living with Alzheimer’s disease and 806,000 people in the state are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The number of people with Alzheimer’s in Florida is expected to grow to 720,000 by 2025.
AdventHealth Orlando is one of seven sites across the globe conducting similar trials, the goal of which is to measurably increase rates of timely and accurate diagnosis. This will put affected people on the correct care pathway and reduce the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on the patient, caregivers, family and loved ones.
“We’re excited to bring access to this kind of groundbreaking care and research to our community,” said Dr. Steven R. Smith, AdventHealth’s chief scientific officer. “The combination of this kind of research and AdventHealth’s world-class brain health physicians aims to improve the lives of people struggling with cognitive issues through early intervention. We already have interventions that can slow the decline, so early detection is increasingly important.”
Prior to the public launch, the trial was available through referrals from primary care practitioners.
“We are finding enormous appetite from health care systems around the world to prepare for future Alzheimer’s treatments, but first we must help health care systems adapt to early detection,” said George Vradenburg, founding chairman of the board, Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative. “By working directly with medical professionals, researchers, people at risk, and patients, these sites will utilize cutting-edge technology to change the way we deliver care.”
The blood-based biomarker is a technology developed by C2N, St. Louis. The digital cognitive assessment was developed by Cogstate in New Haven, Connecticut.
Media Release: AdventHealth Central Florida Division
Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast’s Leadership in Training Experience (LITE) team graduated at the June 7, 2022, Palm Coast City Council Business Meeting. City Manager Denise Bevan presented each team member with a certificate and commemorative plaque. This year’s graduates include:
Palm Coast City Manager Denise Bevan with Mark Ramirez, Parks and Recreation.Palm Coast City Manager Denise Bevan with Kevin Brinkley, Public Works.
Haleigh Hand, Customer Service
Parren Flanagan, Stormwater & Engineering
James T. Parker, Public Works
Marvin Calderon, Public Works
Monica Ayala Diaz, Information Technology with Palm Coast City Manager Denise Bevan (left).
The LITE (Leadership in Training Experience) Program was created in 2012 to address the City’s needs for executive leadership and to develop additional capacity within the City. This program is intended to provide staff with the opportunity to work directly with the City Manager, and other members of the executive team, in order to provide growth opportunities for employees. The program seeks employees interested in developing leadership skills and tackling new challenges.
The program runs for up to 12 months during which time the program participants are given special project(s) to complete together as a team. This year’s project was to analyze and assess the current employee evaluation program that the City uses for new and established employees. The LITE team was able to enhance the current program by increasing the frequency of face-to-face interactions between supervisors and employees, as well as improving the questions assessed during the evaluations.
“When I think about leadership, I think about team building, mentoring, and strategic planning. All of these skills are deeply incorporated in the LITE Program at the City of Palm Coast,” City Manager Denise Bevan said. “I cannot say enough positive things about this program and the employees who have chosen to take on the extra responsibility of participating in something beyond the scope of their day to day tasks. Each one of these team members has taken this program seriously and put their heart and soul into doing the best job possible for their fellow employees.”
This mentorship program provides staff development and dually brings an overall benefit to the organization. Many previous program participants have gone on to fulfill top leadership positions within the City of Palm Coast, including City Manager Denise Bevan and Fire Chief Jerry Forte.
On Tuesday afternoon, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputies responded to a call about an assault near the ramp of I-95 southbound and Palm Coast Parkway. After a search, pursuit and apprehension of the violent subject, 29-year-old Corey Kittle was found to be wanted in Pennsylvania on multiple charges. He now faces five additional felony charges after his local crime spree.
Corey Kittle during jail booking.
When deputies arrived on scene, the victim advised the subject was last seen riding his bicycle west on Palm Coast Parkway and described him as a light-skin male with long curly brown hair, riding a blue bicycle with a yellow cooler. The suspect, known to the victim as “Corey,” had an argument with the victim the previous evening and allegedly used a fire stove to burn the victim’s clothing and made slashing motions with a machete towards him. Further information was provided by the victim where he told deputies that “Corey” struck his tent, caused damage to it, and threatened to get gasoline to burn down the tent with the victim and his dog in it.
Later in the evening, deputies located a suspect matching the description of “Corey” in the Winn Dixie parking lot in Palm Coast. Deputies advised him that they were conducting a criminal investigation and the male was hesitant, wouldn’t provide accurate identification information, becoming increasingly nervous and when deputies attempted to secure him, he pulled away and fled on foot.
The subject ran through the hedges near South-Gate Bank, continued over Cypress Point Parkway and jumped over the railing on the sidewalk, continuing through a retention pond into the Walmart parking lot. Deputies briefly lost sight of him and then observed him exit the rear door of the Walmart automotive department near the rear loading bay.
A perimeter was established around Walmart and FireFlight and the FCSO K-9 Unit responded to aid in the search efforts. K9 Baro ultimately located the subject hiding under a Walmart semi-truck trailer that was backed up to the loading dock. The subject was brought to Advent for medical clearance and was identified as 29-year-old Corey Kittle. The victim positively identified Kittle to be the subject who attacked and threatened him.
While preparing to transport him to the jail, deputies conducted a search of Kittle’s backpack and located 4.4g of a crystal-like substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine, along with a broken glass pipe.
“This is another great example of a dirt bag trying to hide in Flagler and getting caught,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “This guy is a convicted felon and fugitive wanted out of state and thinks he can and make violent threats. He found out that it is not tolerated in this community and we will put the resources into it to capture him. He can now enjoy his new accommodations at the Green Roof Inn while waiting for his one-way trip back to Pennsylvania.”
Kittle is no stranger to law enforcement. He was found to have an extraditable warrant in Pennsylvania for Failure to Appear, Dangerous Drugs, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle and Trespassing. His criminal history in Pennsylvania dates back to 2012 and he’s previously been charged with Fleeing to Elude Police, Careless Driving, Reckless Driving, Disorderly Conduct, Flight to Avoid Trial, Simple Assault and Cruelty to Animals. With a criminal history starting this year in Florida, he’s previously been arrested for Fraud/False Identification to Law Enforcement, Burglary of an Occupied Structure, Larceny – Petit Theft, Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony, Criminal Mischief and Possession of Synthetic Cannabinoid.
Kittle was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He’s was arrested for Providing a Fictitious Name to Law Enforcement, Resisting Officer without Violence, Burglary, Petit Theft, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Mischief, Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He’s being held on no bond.
ORLANDO, Fla. (6/7/2022) Nearly 4,800 attendees from more than 60 countries gathered in Orlando, Florida, June 4-8 for the 53rd annual IPW—the travel industry’s premier international marketplace and the largest generator of travel to the United States.
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IPW convened global travel professionals, including U.S. destinations, hotels, attractions, sports teams, cruise lines, airlines and transportation companies, together with international tour operators, buyers and wholesalers from around the world, to meet under one roof—the Orange County Convention Center—for 77,000 scheduled business appointments over three days that will draw future travel and tourism business to the U.S. and facilitate an industrywide recovery in international inbound travel.
The delegation also included nearly 500 members of the international and domestic media. Reporters covered the event itself, and also met with travel business and destination leaders at the Media Marketplace to generate reporting on travel to the U.S.
In a Tuesday press conference, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow noted the significance of IPW in restoring inbound travel to the U.S., but also highlighted barriers that persist—including the pre-departure testing requirement for inbound vaccinated air travelers to the U.S., despite over 40 nations that have now dropped a similar requirement, and excessive interview wait times for visitor visas.
NEW INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FORECAST
U.S. Travel also released its updated international travel forecast, which projects 65 million international arrivals in 2023 (82% of pre-pandemic levels). The forecast projects that international arrivals and spending will fully recover to 2019 levels by 2025. In an upside scenario, the U.S. could gain an additional 5.4 million visitors and $9 billion in spending by the end of 2022 if the pre-departure testing requirement were removed.
U.S. Travel’s forecast extends to 2026 and also includes an analysis on where inbound travel should be in terms of growth had the pandemic not occurred.
This year’s strong attendance at IPW signals a desire to resume robust inbound travel to the United States.
“This IPW is sending a message that the U.S. is open for business and eager to welcome travelers from around the world,” said Dow. “We are taking a huge step forward here to bring back international travel, restore jobs, and re-establish the bonds that connect our countries and cultures.”
Carnival Cruise Line President and U.S. Travel National Chair Christine Duffy and U.S. Travel Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes also spoke at the U.S. Travel press conference.
IPW also included education opportunities for delegates. IPW Focus, a new program launched in 2021, provided delegates the opportunity to participate in sessions on an array of topics from technology and innovation to research and insights, presented by thought leaders and innovators from around the industry and beyond.
Brand USA returned as premier sponsor of IPW. American Express is the official card of the U.S. Travel Association.
This is the eighth time Orlando has served as host site for IPW—more than any other U.S. city—which last welcomed the global travel event in 2015.
This marked the final IPW led by U.S. Travel’s Dow, who previously announced his departure this summer following a 17 year tenure as president and CEO of the association.
The 54th annual IPW will take place May 20-24, 2023, in San Antonio, the first time the Texas city will serve as IPW host.
U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry. In 2020, travel generated $1.5 trillion in economic output and supported 11 million jobs, a drastic decline from pre-pandemic figures. U.S. Travel’s mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related data.
Employers will either grow you or hold you back. Growing you is in their and your best interest. If they have the right mission, leadership, culture, team, and career paths for the employees they grow, they have no worry about you leaving. They want to make you want to stay.
On the other hand, some employers see your growth as a threat not an asset. They will limit learning and opportunities for you. They actually think this ensures retention when it does not. Or they simply don’t care about high turnover.
Assuming you seek learning and opportunities to have a greater impact, you must pick an employer who makes that commitment to you. If they are a “hold back” employer and you are a “move forward” employee, it is a poor fit and won’t work.
Cultures can’t hide so research employers before going to work there. Look on their webpage before you interview for their leadership and professional development opportunities. Look for their employee success stories. The employers who invest in their team are very visible about it. For example, they will have social media posts about their employees graduating from leadership and professional development programs, receiving promotions and awards, earning new degrees and certifications, and being picked by their peers to lead industry or professional associations. They love it when their employees win.
Once employed, if you want but don’t get learning and growth opportunities and it’s not you, then it’s them so you must leave. Career time is limited. Spend it on those who will invest in you.
Settle for more. Select an employer who understands you both need to win.
#LeadershipLessonsWithDrSaviak
From the Teacher: Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak is a weekly column with the esteemed Joseph C. Saviak, Ph.D., J.D., M.A., M.S., Management Consulting & Leadership Training.
WASHINGTON DC (June 6, 2022) – Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo today announced a new National Travel and Tourism Strategy that focuses federal government efforts to support the U.S. travel and tourism industry and sets an ambitious five-year goal of attracting 90 million international visitors to the United States each year. It is estimated these visitors would spend $279 billion annually—expenditures that will support job creation in communities across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia.
The Tourism Policy Council, a federal interagency council created by Congress, was charged by Secretary Raimondo with creating the strategy to focus U.S. government efforts in support of the travel and tourism sector which has been deeply and disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategy follows a four-point approach to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint, create safe and secure checkpoints, and bolster travel and tourism in underserved and underrepresented communities across the country.
Specifically, the strategy aims to: promote the United States as a premier travel destination, including broadening marketing efforts to encourage visitation to underserved and underrepresented communities; facilitate safe and efficient travel to and within the United States and its territories; ensure diverse and accessible tourism experiences with a focus on showcasing the nation’s federal lands and waters while also protecting them for future generations; and foster resilient and sustainable travel and tourism with goals to reduce the sectors’ contributions to climate change while rebuilding sectors that protect natural resources, support the tourism economy and ensure equitable development. Read the strategy and the fact sheet.
“Across all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, communities are safely welcoming back visitors. From the crown jewels of our national parks and forests, to the historic and diverse sites that tell the story of our people and culture, the United States offers destinations for international travelers like no other,” said Secretary Raimondo. “The impact of COVID-19 has taken a toll on our national and local economies, but it also has presented us with a unique opportunity to mold a more inclusive, equitable, sustainable and resilient travel and tourism industry than ever before. Our new strategy leverages the best of what the U.S. public and private sectors offer, which will promote jobs, recover lost revenues, and inspire unforgettable experiences.”
The travel and tourism sector has historically been a critical force in economic growth and employment in the United States. When non-U.S. residents purchase goods and services while in the United States, it counts as export income for the U.S. economy.
In 2020, the Department’s National Travel and Tourism Office reported that the decline in travel and tourism to and within the United States accounted for 56% of the decline in U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), and travel exports dropped 65% in 2020 when compared to 2019, or pre-pandemic levels.
However, throughout 2021, as the Biden-Harris Administration implemented a robust vaccine rollout and effective travel policies centered around health and safety, along with lifting travel restrictions when it was safe to do so, monthly overseas arrivals to the United States increased from roughly 775,000 in October 2021 to more than 2 million in April 2022. As a result, international travel to the United States has generated a trade surplus in each of the past five months indicating a positive trend toward recovery even as international travel remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Media Release: U.S. Department of Commerce
About the National Travel and Tourism Office (#NTTO)
The National Travel and Tourism Office, housed within the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, and led by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis, is the federal government’s official source for U.S. travel and tourism statistics. For more information on the National Travel and Tourism Office statistics and research programs, including interactive data monitors, factsheets, and comprehensive downloads, please visit: https://www.trade.gov/national-travel-and-tourism-office.
U.S. Travel Association Applauds New Travel & Tourism Strategy
WASHINGTON DC (June 6, 2022) – Roger Dow, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, issued the following statement upon today’s release of the federal government’s new National Travel and Tourism Strategy:
“The recovery of American travel jobs and visitor spending hinges upon the annual growth of international inbound travel. America must apply every possible resource at rebuilding it to full strength to benefit American workers and businesses in every pocket of the country.
“The new National Travel and Tourism Strategy comes at an important time when international travel spending in the U.S. was still 78% below 2019 levels in 2021.
“We commend the leadership of Commerce Secretary Raimondo and the Tourism Policy Council and applaud the ambitious goal of attracting 90 million visitor arrivals annually in the U.S. by 2027. The strategy sets out specific actions that the government can take to rebuild our travel economy and make it more globally competitive than it was before the pandemic.
“There is a lot of work ahead, but the administration must start by immediately repealing the pre-departure testing requirement for all vaccinated international air travelers and taking steps to drastically lower visa wait times.
“More than 40 nations have safely removed their pre-departure testing requirement and a recent survey found that 54% of international travelers were less likely to visit the U.S. with the requirement still in place. Average wait times for visa appointments have also soared to more than a year in some of our top source markets, which prevents millions of people from visiting.
“U.S. Travel will continue to work closely with our partners in the government to advance the strategic growth of inbound travel and to reduce the barriers to inbound travel that remain in place.”
Media Release: U.S. Travel Association
Featured Cover Image: Brand USA CEO Chris Thompson was joined by Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis, Grant Harris, who shared #NTTO’s 5 year strategy to establish the U.S. as a premiere marketing destination. Photo: Brand USA @ IPW 2022 Orlando.
Orlando, Fla. (June 6, 2022) The travel industry is booming and tour operators are ready to help clients find their perfect destinations. As one of the world’s largest travel trade shows IPW, once known as the International Pow-Wow, is in Orlando, Florida for the 53rd event this week.
Presented by the U.S. Travel Association in conjunction with Brand USA, and supporting partners, the nation’s marketing arm rolled out the red carpet with the help of Walt Disney World Resort’s EPCOT, for a cultural experience, like only Orlando could do on Sunday evening.
International performances entertained the guests during IPW Orlando 2022, while at Walt Disney Resort’s EPCOT on June 5, 2022.
Coinciding with EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival, the park was awash in spectacular floral designs and carefully crafted garden spaces, delighting visitors as they sipped and sampled their way through a world showcase of international cuisine.
In from San Antonio, Texas, Debi Saldana, Global Marketing Executive for Miles Partnership was attending her tenth IPW event, and shared what makes IPW so important for the travel and tourism industries.
“It’s mostly the experiences they get to share with everyone,” said Saldana, of the gathering’s appeal. “It’s a really great opportunity for destinations to promote themselves to people all over the world and showcase their destination in one stop.”
Debi Saldana, Angie Zok, Julie Paulson and Demetria Clemons enjoy the international cuisine during IPW Orlando 2022, while at Walt Disney Resort’s EPCOT on June 5, 2022.
Representing Brand USA, Julie Paulson, Senior Manager, Partner Marketing Programs was all smiles as she watched the guests snapping photos to commemorate their IPW visit.
“Brand USA is the nation’s DMO, so we work with all of our partners to help bring international travel to the US,” said Paulson.
“I love getting to be with the entire industry from all over the world, together, and really promote the US. It’s an amazing opportunity to be with everyone at once.”
While states can often be competitive when it comes to attracting domestic and international travelers, under the Brand USA banner, it’s all about keeping US travel top of mind for those seeking unique, quality visitor experiences.
Families pause for photos to commemorate their experience during IPW Orlando 2022, while at Walt Disney Resort’s EPCOT on June 5, 2022.
As the official marketing agency for Brand USA, Demetria Clemons, a member of the Miles Partnership team said she appreciates the camaraderie and unity Brand USA and the IPW offer when promoting US travel opportunities.
“I work specifically in the west with Visit California and so what is really great is that we’re really able to leverage investments with Brand USA, and Visit California that lowers our partners’ out of cost contribution so that they can come on and take advantage of the great value that Brand USA brings to the table.”
“Brand USA supports everyone, so our mission here is to support whatever efforts that they have in the international marketing arena, so we’re supporting everyone,” said Clemons.
Guests eagerly snapped photos with beloved Disney characters during IPW Orlando 2022, while at Walt Disney Resort’s EPCOT on June 5, 2022.
Managing eight states on the Miles Partnership team across the southeastern United States, Angie Zok is pleased by the revitalization of the industry. On Sunday night she was glad to not only welcome IPW to her home state of Florida, but reconnect with colleagues from across the world.
“Just being able to have everybody come together after COVID, seeing the industry come back to life and really understanding the struggles others have gone through but finding solutions to bring us all back up, I think that is what is the most fun,” she said.
International performances entertained the guests during IPW Orlando 2022, while at Walt Disney Resort’s EPCOT on June 5, 2022.
Flagler County, FL – It’s been a year of heartbreak for the Gilyard family, first with the loss of a promising young life just steps into adulthood with the passing of Nehemiah at the age of 18, followed by several family members in quick succession.
On the day Nehemiah would have walked across the stage to accept his high school diploma, his closest friends and family paid a visit to his final resting place. Surrounding his father Sim Gilyard in love, it was a special moment for the young men who will now help carry on their friend’s legacy after a car accident tragically took his life.
It was a very special moment and as he pulled up it was touching for him, because the boys’ presence was a surprise. Knowing the depth of their relationships with Nehemiah, it heartened him to see the boys take the time to come visit Neo before their graduation ceremony.
Lasting Legacy
A foundation was started in Nehemiah’s name, and in 2021 the Nehemiah Gilyard Scholarship Foundation awarded its first recipient just months after Neo’s passing on February 14th.
“Instead of raising money for his funeral, we wanted to give that money to a scholar athlete to further their education, going to college, military, or a trade school, so here we are today,” said his father.
“Ty’Shawn Blount, we provided $2,000 the first year. This year we awarded two scholarships, so we gave $1,000 apiece. We want to keep Neo’s name alive so every year we want to honor him and it’s going to be something that we do in a positive way.”
The scholarship fund, which the Gilyard family plans to administer under the Flagler County Education Foundation, awarded two of Neo’s longtime friends and fellow athletes this year, selected by Neo’s brothers, with scholarships for $1,000 each.
“It makes us feel really good. They’re humble, Neo was humble, and they’re just great young men. All of them,” he said of their exceptional leadership.
As Close As Brothers
It’s something Malik Daley, Flagler Palm Coast High School 2022 dual enrollment graduate and Mainland High School 2022 graduate and number 17 football player Jared “Bird” Lloyd are grateful in many ways, to receive.
“It feels good. In all honesty it’s amazing. I’m blessed and grateful to be gifted this scholarship from Neo’s family,” he said.
“I moved from Connecticut to Florida my freshman year going into sophomore year for football. When I transferred to FPC I didn’t know anybody so when I first got there I needed people to lift with. The first person I ever lifted with was Neo. Neo and I were really close and I got really close with his brother Malakai who was older than us, so all three of us used to hang out and then we used to hang out as a group for like the football team. Then his little brother came to the school, Elyjah, Ely and I got close with him and then I was close with all three of them. (Like a second family).”
“Literally the day before, I didn’t even know I was getting the scholarship. I was at Malakai’s house with Malakai and Ely, and they knew about it and I didn’t know anything about this. Ely, I talk to him almost every day. The way they honored me with the scholarship, they came to my house and woke me up out of my sleep. I was delusional, I didn’t know who was waking me up and seeing a scholarship, and then after I went to the gravesite to meet up with Malakai and a group of people who knew Neo. And then me and Malik we took pictures together.”
It was an emotional moment for Neo’s family, including his father Sim Gilyard, as well.
“He was grateful to see us there but it was emotional. When we went to that gravesite it was Neo’s day to graduate and it was a little emotional, but it was good spirits all around,“ said Lloyd.
Bird left Flagler Palm Coast High School after the passing of Nehemiah, following football coach Travis Roland to Mainland High School, but talks nearly every day to Neo’s little brother Ely, and older brother Malakai Grant. Grant was chosen as the 2019 Daytona Beach News Journal Defensive Player of the Year, and is currently a Colorado State University linebacker.
The friends have remained close, and Lloyd is set to take his place at Missouri State as a football player where he hopes to wear Neo’s number 17.
“I feel my dream is to keep Neo’s name living, the number 17, when I go to Missouri State. I leave in less than a week to go play football there, so my value of the scholarship really doesn’t match the meaning of it,” said Lloyd, hoping to highlight the Gilyard family.
“The goal is to go to Missouri State and wear 17 all four years. If I go to the NFL 17 is my number. I do not want to change it.”
Receiving the scholarship in Neo’s honor is a priceless gift he will forever treasure.
“I know he’s smiling above probably jumping up and down running around, knowing him. I know Malik and I getting the award is him watching over us. I know he’s fine with us two getting it. Neo was a great human being that got taken from us early in life. Me, others, his brothers, his family, we’re all continuing to live his name for him.”
Malik Daley also spent his senior year coping with the loss of his friend. The aspiring law school student said their relationship goes back a decade or more, growing up in the youth football scene and forging unbreakable bonds.
“Me, Malakai and Neo we started off as friends and grew closer as we entered high school,” shared Daley. “Losing him definitely had a big toll, an effect on me because he was a close friend of mine and it had never really happened before like that so seeing that happen, it was a shock. Anything can happen. Anyone can get taken away too soon. So don’t take anything for granted.”
Together with Class of ’22 track star Michael Crockett, who will begin studying health sciences this fall to become a cardiologist, the pair created keychains in Nehemiah’s honor and shared them with the family and classmates throughout the school year.
Michael Crockett and Malik Daley.
“It was something we could give out to the community that everyone could be grateful for,” said Daley.
Stepping away from athletics, the young graduates have higher education on their minds as they carry their friend with them in their hearts.
“When you lose a person like Neo, it affects a whole community,” said Crockett. “Something like that can happen to anyone. It’s something just that quick.”
“I’m proud to be a recipient and know that his legacy will still continue,” said Daley. “I’m not going to forget about him, I know that.”
If you would like more information regarding the foundation or would like to donate to the Nehemiah Gilyard Scholarship Foundation please email: support@nehemiahgilyardscholarshipfoundation.com
