FCSO’s Commander Goncalves Graduates Florida Sheriffs Association Commanders Academy
On May 20, 2022, the Florida Sheriffs Association honored 33 graduates from the prestigious Florida Sheriffs Association’s (FSA) Commanders Academy. Among the graduates was Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) Community Policing Division District 2 Commander Kenny Goncalves.
The Commanders Academy is an exceptionally informative and educational experience that is vital for public safety leaders of the next generation. The academy has become recognized as the premier course of executive study for mid to upper-level Florida Sheriff’s Office leaders.
Leaders throughout Florida sheriffs’ offices participated in a variety of curriculums focusing on leadership, ethics, discipline, and additional subject matter areas related to upper-level leadership in law enforcement. The remaining curriculum is adjusted according to emerging trends and issues that have an impact on Florida Sheriffs Office’s and recent high-profile events.
“Being given the opportunity to participate in this outstanding academy is an honor,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “I have the opportunity to teach in this class and I’m proud of Commander Goncalves for his dedication to our community and successful completion to the Commanders Academy. The Commanders Academy maintains a standard of excellence the FCSO is proud to be part of.”
Commander Goncalves joined the FCSO in 2006 as a patrol deputy. He was transferred to our Motors Unit in 2010 and was promoted to Corporal of the Motors Unit in 2016. Shortly after, he was promoted to Sergeant in the Community Policing Division in 2017, and in January 2021, he was promoted to Commander of District 2, which encompasses the City of Palm Coast. Throughout his time with the FCSO, Commander Goncalves has received 51 Commendations, along with numerous Life-Saving Awards and Certificates of Merit.
In addition to completing this two-week training course, Commanders Academy Class 11 also raised $26,000 for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. This generous donation will help support the mission of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches in preventing delinquency and to develop lawful, resilient, and productive citizens.
For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Commanders Academy, visit: http://www.flsheriffs.org/training/commanders-academy/
Media Release: Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
Cory Lancaster Named Assistant Vice President In Stetson University Marketing
Cory Lancaster has been named Assistant Vice President for Marketing Communications and Media Relations in Stetson University’s Marketing Office, effective in July.
Lancaster joined Stetson in 2016 as director of Internal Communications and made Stetson Today, the university’s news site, into an incredibly current and consistent information source for the campus, according to an announcement this week from Bruce Chong, vice president of Marketing and Communications at Stetson.
She successfully led efforts to improve internal communications by working with the School of Business Administration’s Marketing faculty and students to survey students, faculty and staff on their preferences and needs. She almost single-handedly led efforts to update the Stetson Today website and worked with Gary Sipe, director of Web Services, to create an archive of historical information and articles, Chong wrote in the announcement.
Before Lancaster joined Stetson, she was managing editor of The Daytona Beach News-Journal and an award-winning senior reporter for the Orlando Sentinel. She served as president of the Florida Society of News Editors and organized the society’s Sunshine Sunday initiative to advocate for public records and open government. She served twice as a judge for The Pulitzer Prizes in Journalism. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida and a master’s degree from Rollins College.
Lancaster will assume the Assistant Vice President for Marketing Communications and Media Relations position as of July 1, 2022. Until then, Stetson University Magazine Editor Michael Candelaria will continue to manage the day-to-day operation as interim Assistant Vice President for Marketing Communications and Media Relations.
A Life worth Binge Watching: E5: What’s in the Pot?
A Life worth Binge Watching
S2: This is 50 E5: What’s in the Pot?
My daughter Abbie is home from college for the summer, and one of my goals while she is home is to try some new places and unique experiences with her. Last Sunday, we decided to attend a Victorian tea at the historic Hotchkiss House in Daytona on the river. This property was acquired in 2012 by The Heritage Preservation Trust. The Trust also owns Lilian Place next door, the oldest home on Daytona Beachside, built in 1884. I have always been intrigued by the yellow house on the water, so to say the least, this was the perfect setting for an afternoon tea.
When you step inside the Hotchkiss House, you’re immediately taken back in time to the Victorian era, as volunteers dressed in frilly aprons and bonnets seat you at your table. From the lace doilies to the authentic Victoriana china, each table was a picture of the past. As you would expect at a formal tea, the attendees were dressed in an array of unique and elaborate clothing choices from floral sundresses with hats, to full blown princess costumes with crowns.
As soon as we were seated, a precious volunteer immediately approached our table with a beautiful glass teapot. We could choose between an Earl Gray or a raspberry flavor, complete with dainty spoons and sugar cubes. We sipped on our tea, with our pinkie fingers out, of course. As we were enjoying our tea, our server emerged with plates full of a beautiful assortment of finger sandwiches, biscuits, salmon croquettes and delicious mini brownies. As we sampled the tasty treats, the volunteers circled around, offering more tea. To complete the experience, they served a fresh fruit shortcake with homemade whipped cream.
The Afternoon Tea package included a tour of the Lilian Place Victorian Museum next door, so we walked over to check it out. I immediately noticed how beautiful the property was, with the majestic oaks and incredible views of the river. As you enter into the old mansion, the high ceilings, carved woodwork and pine floors are reminiscent of centuries past. The antique furnishings, artifacts and period-themed decor have been donated by various individuals within the community. I highly suggest you check out this local piece of history.
As we leave behind the teapot of the past, we jump forward to a modern day hot pot experience. Abbie had been telling me about this great place down in Boca that she discovered, but this Asian cuisine experience hasn’t made it to the Volusia/Flagler area yet. The closest one we could find was in Orlando, so we took a road trip!
As we entered the Top Top Hot Pot Restaurant, the first thing I noticed was the big revolving buffet of small plates circling the center of the room. The hostess sat us at this moving food station that included a sunken burner at each seat. She explained that we would need to pick out a soup base and meat choice, which she would bring to us. I picked the mushroom base, while Abbie decided on the Tom Yum. We both chose chicken as our meat. A few minutes later the waitress returned with big metal pots full of broth that she placed inside our burners and a plate of thin-sliced, rolled-up chicken pieces. The rest of the recipe was completely our decision, as we could grab any other ingredients to cook in our pot as they passed by on the rotating all-you-can-eat buffet. There were noodles of every size and texture, vegetables, different varieties of meatballs and meat-filled dumplings as well as every seafood option that you could imagine. I chose the pork dumplings, Udon and ramen noodles, clams, crab and tofu. I was not brave enough to try the quail eggs or fish balls, maybe next time….or not!
They also had a sauce bar where you could mix up your own concoction to add to your soup. I created a mixture of peanut and soy sauce with sesame oil. I have to say, it was quite tasty! I am a fan of the Hot Pot and will definitely go again! Word of caution though, the ingredients cook quickly and the soup is very hot!
Don’t forget to join my Facebook page @alifeworthbingewatching for more photos and videos. I’d love to hear your ideas for new adventures or experiences for me to try!
Melodye Lewis is a Friday columnist for Flagler News Weekly giving you something to talk about over lunch. Follow @ALifeWorthBingeWatching on Facebook. #ALifeWorthBingeWatching
Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office Highlights 2022-2023 Budget Accomplishments
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Interim Executive Director Dennis Moore recognizes the success of the 2022 Legislative Session, which provides Florida Guardian ad Litem the opportunity to represent every child who has been abused, neglected, or abandoned and in the dependency court proceedings through no fault of their own.
“I want to thank Governor DeSantis for his leadership and vision that all children in Florida grow up safe, healthy, and educated with the ability to thrive,” said Dennis Moore, Interim Executive Director of Guardian ad Litem. “During the 2022 Legislative Session, the Governor and the Florida Legislature provided access to the resources necessary for the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office to represent and advocate for every abused and neglected child in the dependency court system for the first time in Florida’s history.”
Highlights from the FY 2022-2023 budget:
Legislative authority to spend $4.4 million of federal Title IV-E funding to represent abused, abandoned, and neglected children in the dependency court system. This will create 67.5 Full-Time Equivalent positions funded by federal dollars to represent 100% of Florida’s eligible abused, neglected, and abandoned children.
$60,000 to train 20 Guardian ad Litem employees at the Florida State University Certified Public Manager program to enhance Guardian ad Litem volunteer retention.
About Florida Guardian ad Litem
The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office represents Florida’s abused, abandoned, and neglected children in the court and community. Through the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team that includes an attorney, a trained volunteer, and a certified child advocate manager, our team provides quality legal representation for children’s best interests while assisting the child in expressing their needs and wishes. Our unique approach allows us to support the whole child, addressing their physical, educational, mental, emotional, social, and legal needs.
Media Release: 7th Circuit Guardian ad Litem
African American Entrepreneurs Association Adds Palm Coast Partner Location for Minority Entrepreneurs
Palm Coast, FL (June 3, 2022) – Since incorporating the African American Entrepreneurs Association in 2018 founder and CEO Leslie Giscombe has worked with local, state and federal partners to increase the opportunities for underserved and minority entrepreneurs.
Growing the organization’s reach, with partnerships like the Small Business Administration, Bank of America, United Way, and the Daytona Tortugas baseball team supporting the efforts of the AAEA, Giscombe was pleased to add the City of Palm Coast as a partner on Friday, June 3rd.
Meeting with the Mayor of Palm Coast David Alfin and the city’s chief community development officer Jason DeLorenzo, who helped spearhead the effort, the city is excited to add the African American Entrepreneurs Association as resource for business builders in the community.
“Business and economic opportunity are not only a strategic priority for the City of Palm Coast, they are essential to the future success of our community,” said Alfin, a staunch believer in personally building professional relationships to help further economic development that supports the city’s dynamic blueprint for the future.
“Quite honestly, even in today’s digital and online world, it’s still important to be able to sit down face-to-face with people you want to create a long-term and lasting relationship with,” he said.
“Leslie has a track record here locally in the community and brings with him a great experience from the region, as well. To help him build on that success here to benefit the residents of the City of Palm Coast is a great collaboration.”
Providing conference room space, AAEA is able to offer businesses counseling, mentorship and educational workshops in the Business Assistance Center located within Palm Coast’s City Hall building alongside other business mentoring organizations like SCORE.
“Our Business Assistance Center has changed over the years, how it works, but we still have a pretty robust mentoring system and this is just going to add to that mentoring and allow our new businesses to foster and our existing businesses to grow and continue to meet the workforce needs of the community,” said DeLorenzo.
Sharing the vision of AAEA with business leaders and academics across Florida, the organization now provides resources through the City of Palm Coast’s Business Assistance Center in addition to their locations at the University of Central Florida’s Volusia County Business Incubator in Daytona Beach, and at the Santa Fe College Gainesville Technical Entrepreneurship Center (GTEC) in Gainesville.
“I think that the important thing is partnerships and sticking to your mission,” said Giscombe. “Because we’ve stuck to that, our partners are supporting those efforts.”
The support from businesses including financial institutions is helping open up opportunity and capital for the 1.1 million minority business owners across the United States, in turn, allowing them to further invest in their communities.
“Each one of those financial institutions are now beginning to create a program and have a product which is important in the banking industry,” he said. “Besides the micro-lenders out there, the regular commercial banks are understanding that they need to incorporate a program for that segment of the population.”
Giscombe and Alfin echoed similar missions when discussing the positive impact the African American Entrepreneurs Association will bring as an asset, helping to open up opportunity for all residents working to create or grow a successful business in Palm Coast.
“I think it’s great. I appreciate the willingness to not just talk about inclusion, but acting on it,” said Giscombe.
“This is one of the meetings I had initially with the mayor. I’m really impressed, really excited. This is the first mayor that has bought into this vision of not just talking about inclusion but making an effort and being intentional about how to do it. He did it with the community in mind, knowing and looking at who our partners were, and what we have to offer. That’s the key thing,” said Giscombe.
“We also looked very carefully about the foundation and the underpinnings of this vision that we’re talking about,” said Alfin. “Cities will only prosper, they will only be sustainable if they are well-balanced. We are working every day to create that balance for the future.”
The addition of the African American Entrepreneurs Association as a resource is part of the city council’s strategic efforts to bolster and enhance the city’s business-friendly ecosystem.
“In the next couple of weeks we are going to be recruiting an economic development manager, to try to bring this vision forward. All these pieces that we’re building will be under that manager to really move the city forward economically,” said DeLorenzo.
Go Fish! FWC Announces Fish License-free in Florida Two Weekends in June
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites residents and visitors to go fishing in Florida during two license-free weekends: June 4-5 for saltwater and June 11-12 for freshwater.
License-free fishing days provide a fun opportunity for new anglers to try fishing for the first time or experienced anglers to introduce a friend or family member to a new hobby. The fishing license requirements are waived for all recreational anglers during these dates but all other rules including seasons, bag and size limits still apply.
The saltwater waiver applies to any recreational activity requiring a saltwater fishing license (e.g., crabbing, lobstering, scalloping, etc.), whether fishing from shore or a boat. A snook or spiny lobster permit also are not required on these days, however, always make sure to check recreational regulations. Plan your trip with information about places to fish.
Looking for a freshwater fishing spot? Some of Florida’s freshwater lakes have special largemouth bass swimming in them, worth big prizes! Join our TrophyCatch program’s 10th season and learn more about the 10-Tag Celebration on TrophyCatch.com.
For more information on fishing in Florida, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing. Fish all year by getting your Florida fishing license at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs the Freedom First Budget Providing Historic Investments to Support Our Communities, Promote Education, and Protect the Environment
THE VILLAGES, Fla. – The budget totals $109.9 billion and includes a record $1.24 billion in tax relief for Floridians. Florida will have historic reserves at the end of Fiscal Year 2021-2022, totaling more than $20 billion, and reserves for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 are estimated to begin the year at more than $16 billion. Florida has record levels of reserves while continuing to make historic investments in education, infrastructure, and other programs. To maintain Florida’s sound fiscal standing in the face of negative economic headwinds due to ill-conceived federal policies, Governor DeSantis vetoed $3.1 billion in spending, setting a new state record by a wide margin.
“Florida has preserved freedom and kept the economy open, which has enabled the state to outperform the nation in jobs, growth, and business formations,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our commitment to freedom has paid off. Our responsible fiscal policies have put the state in a strong position to make the record investments needed to support growth and opportunity in spite of the reckless fiscal and monetary policies of the Biden administration.”
To read the budget highlights, click HERE.
To read the veto List, click HERE.
To read the Directive from Governor Ron DeSantis to Education Commissioner Manny Diaz regarding the Florida School Recognition Program, click HERE.
“Despite the pandemic and reckless spending in Washington, Florida is fiscally stronger than ever because of Governor DeSantis’ leadership,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Our historic investments in the Freedom First budget reaffirm our steadfast commitment to infrastructure, law enforcement, the environment, and education while putting Floridians and their tax dollars first.”
FLORIDA PUTS ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIRST
The Freedom First budget gives Floridians the freedom to use their incomes to support their families, instead of supporting more government. Florida has continued to see economic growth, job growth, and labor force expansion because of meaningful investments in Florida’s communities. To build on this progress and provide relief from the Biden administration’s policies, the Freedom First budget provides $1.24 billion in tax relief to Floridians, including a gas tax holiday that lowers the price of gas in Florida by 25.3 cents and will save Floridians $200 million and a sales tax holiday on diapers and baby clothes for one year, providing $120 million in tax relief.
Florida has supported economic growth directly impacting communities – resulting in 24 consecutive months of job growth and a state unemployment rate lower than the national rate for 17 months. The Freedom First budget supports economic development by investing $30 million for the Rural Infrastructure Fund, an increase of $25 million over the current year’s budget, and $50 million for the Job Growth Grant Fund for projects that support workforce training opportunities and infrastructure improvements. The budget also invests $400 million to expand broadband, with a focus on rural communities.
Investing in highways, bridges, and ports gives Floridians the freedom to easily access work opportunities and aid in new business development. The Freedom First budget includes more than $11.7 billion for the State Transportation Work Program to support access to economic opportunities – the highest in state history.
The Freedom First budget provides $25 million for the restoration and maintenance of the Freedom Tower, to ensure that this landmark continues to be a beacon of freedom and serve as a symbol of the democratic values we hold dear.
FLORIDA PROMOTES FREEDOM THROUGH HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION
Florida continues to lead the nation in empowering students and families through educational opportunities. The Freedom First budget provides tools for schools to employ high quality educators and ensure the success of Florida’s students. These investments include $800 million for teacher pay increases, the largest increase in state history. To support student success, the budget provides the highest per student investment of $8,143 in the Florida Education Finance Program, an increase of $385 per student over FY 2021-2022. A historic nearly $400 million for safe school initiatives and mental health initiatives in Florida schools is included to ensure a safe learning environment for students.
For the economic freedom of Floridians, the Freedom First budget includes over $579 million to support workforce education programs to help Floridians fill high-demand, high-paying jobs and meet the state’s goal of becoming the best state for workforce education by 2030. More than $125 million is included for nursing education programs to assist with the nursing shortage through rewarding performance and incentivizing collaboration between nursing programs and healthcare partners.
SUPPORTING FIRST RESPONDERS AND SERVICE MEMBERS WHO PROTECT OUR FREEDOM
Florida continues to make necessary investments in our public safety and prioritize the freedom of law-abiding Floridians. Florida has seen 50 consecutive years of decreasing state crime rate due to policies that promote public safety and back law enforcement and first responders. The Freedom First budget provides local government first responders with $1,000 bonus payments, totaling $125 million, and the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program will issue signing bonuses of up to $5,000 for new recruits and out-of-state officers moving to Florida. The budget also includes $5 million for scholarships to help students complete the required training to become a law enforcement officer.
The Freedom First budget supports Florida’s National Guard and military families and reinforces the Governor’s commitment to being the most military friendly state in the nation. Florida continues to invest in programs and resources for military members and their families with a $13.5 million investment towards scholarships for children and spouses of deceased and disabled veterans to welcome military presence in our state. $7.9 million will support our National Guard and emergency response capabilities including a new headquarters for the National Guard Counter Drug Program and support for Florida Guardsmen seeking higher education degrees.
To ensure that Florida is prepared to respond during an emergency, the Freedom First budget provides $10 million to re-establish the Florida State Guard, a civilian volunteer force, to support 400 recruits to aid in Florida’s emergency preparedness for hurricanes and other disasters.
ENVIRONMENT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
Florida’s natural resources are the foundation of our state’s communities and are central to our quality of life, tourism, and economy. The Freedom First budget will bring the four-year total investment in Everglades restoration and the protection of water resources to more than $3 billion, doubling the investment of the previous four years and surpassing the goal set four years ago. This includes $500 million for Everglades restoration projects and more than $558 million for targeted water quality improvements to achieve significant nutrient reductions in key waterbodies across the state. $75 million is included in the budget to restore Florida’s world-renowned springs.
To support conservation of Florida’s natural lands, the Freedom First budget includes $733.3 million to protect our waters and prized properties while ensuring that Floridians can access to enjoy our state-owned lands. $468 million will go to the Florida Forever Program, and $264 million in record funding is included for infrastructure improvements and resource management of Florida’s award-winning state park system.
The budget includes a $35 million investment to improve water quality and combat the effects and impacts of harmful algal blooms, including blue-green algae and red tide.
The budget also includes $30 million for the care and management of manatees, including $20 million to enhance and expand the number of manatee acute care facilities and to restore spring access and habitat restoration in manatee concentrated areas.
Florida’s environment has been affected by invasive, non-native species like the Burmese Python that disrupt the natural food-chain and further threaten endangered species. The Freedom First budget provides up to $3 million for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to remove pythons from the Everglades, an increase of $2 million over the current year.
FLORIDA SUPPORT FOR HEALTH CARE FREEDOM
Florida has placed the freedom of Floridians to make their own health care choices above what the federal government wishes to force upon people. The Governor has prioritized the health of Floridians by supporting our state’s health care force, putting Seniors First, helping combat the opioid epidemic, and ensuring that veterans and disabled Floridians can receive the care they need. More than $1 billion is included in the budget for providers who serve our aging population, individuals with disabilities, high risk pregnant women and children and who perform organ transplants.
The Governor has prioritized the needs of children who are served by the child welfare system in Florida. The Freedom First budget includes nearly $361 million to provide services for foster parent support, adoption services, and the modernization of the Florida Safe Families Network System. The Freedom First budget includes nearly $70 million for mentorship programs and support to encourage responsible and involved fatherhood. To support foster parents and those who wish to adopt, the budget includes an increase of $15 million over last year’s budget to support adoption benefits for state employees and maintenance adoption subsidies and $24.8 million, an increase of $200 per month, to assist foster parents and relative or non-relative caregivers with covering the cost of childcare.
The Freedom First budget supports Florida’s most vulnerable by dedicating $100 million to support Florida’s National Cancer Institute Program to enhance Florida’s competitiveness in cancer research and care. Additionally, more than $55 million will support equipment updates and medical costs for State Veterans’ nursing homes and an additional $2 million will assist veterans in the transition to civilian life.
To continue putting Seniors First, a $21 million increase is included for care and assistance for seniors through the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative and the Community Care for the Elderly Program which will allow more than 2,000 seniors the freedom to receive services in their homes.
The need for behavioral and mental health services has increased across the state and is a priority of both the Governor and First Lady Casey DeSantis. The Freedom First budget includes nearly $294 million for community based behavioral health services and operations of state mental health treatment facilities including treatment services to address mental health issues like reducing overdoses, suicides and helping break the cycle of hospitalization and homelessness.
Press Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, June 2, 2022
Image: First Coast News
Help Wanted: City of Palm Coast to Host Job Fair June 3
Palm Coast, FL – Interested in a career in local government? Seeking competitive salary and benefit packages? Join our team – We are hiring!
The Human Resources department will be hosting a Job Fair on June 3, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center located at 305 Palm Coast Pkwy.
Bring your resumes and meet with City staff on-site to answer questions about the positions currently available. Applicants will have a chance to speak to supervisors related to their field interest.
Multiple positions are currently available and Human Resources is actively recruiting to fulfill department needs. For a full list of open positions, visit palmcoastgov.com/jobs.
For more information, contact Human Resources at human_resources@palmcoastgov.com or (386)986-3718. Stay updated on employment opportunities with the City of Palm Coast by subscribing to Job Posting Notifications.
Flagler Health Plus Bus Set to Screen Hammock Residents June 21st
Mark your calendars now for June 21st at the Hammock Community Church. Flagler County Community Paramedics and the Flagler Health + Plus Bus will be hosting a mobile health clinic at 5299 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Palm Coast, FL 32137 from 9 a.m- 1 p.m. Event is free to attend! Health screenings, diagnostic testing, wound care, cancer screenings, primary care, and much more!
