Tim and Carmen Stanford are known for their love and support of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit through their daughter Emma’s work via Emma Loves K9s. Their family is also part of a very special group of Americans known as Gold Star Families.
Today, as we recognize Memorial Day and those who have served and given their lives for our nation’s freedom, Tim Stanford shares more about his son, U.S. Army Sgt. Lukas T. Stanford.
Share with readers why Memorial Day is so powerful for your family.
On Memorial Day our family relives the moment of receiving the dreaded knock on the door. It is a day full of grief and sadness. Our emotions can become overwhelming just as they did when my son died. Every Memorial Day represents the selflessness, the character, and the love for this country that he showed.
Why should Americans never forget the true meaning behind Memorial Day?
Your freedom of speech, your freedom of choice, your freedom to protest, your freedom to enjoy your religion, and to vote are because of the soldiers who swore an oath to the Constitution and paid for it with their lives. Memorial Day has deep roots in our history as a day of remembrance. As Americans, we owe it to the families they left behind, to the freedoms they fought for on our behalf, to respect this holiday.
What can we do to better recognize those who have sacrificed everything for our nation’s freedom?
Show respect for the true meaning of Memorial Day. Remember that fellow Americans have lost mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters in defense of our country. It is important that Gold Star families are recognized in town ceremonies or programs such as the Palm Coast Fire Department. This program dedicates every year a fire truck to a fallen soldier. This year I also had a chance to watch the Memorial Day Ceremony for Fallen Officers by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Every Gold Star Family deserves and hopes for the same heartfelt ceremony.
How does your family honor your son not just Memorial Day but everyday?
Our family is committed to ensuring that his legacy continues and he is never forgotten. Luke’s name and service to this country will live on for as long as America exists, as Congresswoman Kat Cammack introduced his name in the Congressional Records. Our gratitude to her cannot be adequately expressed. Luke died 14 years ago, and not a day has passed by since then that we haven’t talked about him or shared memories, especially with his sister Emma who was 5 months old when Luke died.
How can we best honor those whose lives have been given and their families?
Take a moment to remember and honor those who risked everything and died in defense of our freedom. If you know a Gold Star Family reach out to them. It means the world to us.
Palm Coast, FL – Big trucks and getting dirty are stereotypically slated as jobs for the boys, but during the countywide Touch-A-Truck event, hosted by the City of Palm Coast on May 21st, the girls on site proved that if you’ve got the moxie, there’s a big truck for you too.
Easily the coolest truck on site, it looked like a piece of machinery straight out of an episode of G.I. Joe, brought in by Flagler County.
Liz Yates, Flagler County Asset Manager for the Road & Bridge Department and George Miller show off the amphibious excavator.
“This is an amphibious excavator. We’ll be able to go into swamps, canals and be able to clean out all the muck that’s stopping up stormwater and excess vegetative debris,” said Liz Yates, Flagler County Asset Manager for the Road & Bridge Department.
“They really, really like it. It’s very cool, it’s very high and the kids are getting a little bit scared climbing up onto it, but it’s a very good thing and it’s a lot of fun,” she said, watching George Miller help the kids navigate the equipment.
Allison Layer, Lillianna Bourke and Leann Bourke check out the big trucks.
Among the dump trucks, concrete mixers and the likes, little girls were eagerly climbing in to the cabs of the big trucks to honk the horns and have as much fun as the boys learning more.
Mom Leanna Bourke and Allison Layer, both employees of the City of Palm Coast spent their day off touring the trucks with Bourke’s daughter Lilianna Bourke who loved the Army trucks.
“It’s very exciting,” said Bourke. “We work for public works and we’re out here supporting our department and you know, we work with all these trucks too.
Looking at all the trucks, getting a feel for them, the women were happy to see the community out and involved, especially young women.
“I think that everybody should be empowered to do what they’re passionate about,” shared Layer.
Not all big wheelin’, big trucks on site were for work, and Penny Buckles, owner of Tri-County Bobcat Services let visitors check out her tricked out Yamaha Viking, six-seater side-by-side. Perfect for her line of work, it’s like the limo of rolling through the woods in style.
“We do lot grading and underbrush mowing, and the city has invited all of us contractors out here today, and this is a cool event,” said Buckles.
“This is so exciting. Watch the faces of these kids. This right here is what it’s all about. This could be a future trade, a future operator,” she said. “Anything to pique their interest is amazing.”
A monthly training series sponsored through a partnership with Flagler County Emergency Management and conducted by Flagler Volunteer Services in partnership with local organizations to engage and educate local volunteers that wish to serve during times of emergencies or disasters.
Can you help out in Flagler Beach on the 4th of July???
Volunteers are needed to assist in Flagler Beach in the following areas:
Hydration Support* –
Volunteers are needed to distribute drinks to volunteers and local police/fire rescue throughout the day.
Volunteers will drive golf carts to the various areas that traffic support and/or crowd control personnel are and make sure that everyone has hydration available to them.
The golf carts and drinks will be provided to you during your shift.
Shifts are 9:00am – 1:00pm and 1:00pm – 5:00 p.m.
Parade Staging* –
making sure that all floats are lined up in the correct positions prior to the start of the parade.
Shift is 7:00am – 10:00am with a report location of
Santa Maria Del Mar Church.
The parade starts at 10 a.m.
Traffic & Pedestrian Control Support* –
assist Flagler County Assist volunteers to help at various intersections with traffic control as well as monitor pedestrian traffic.
9:00am – 12:00noon OR 6:00pm – 10:00pm
FOOD, SNACKS, AND DRINKS WILL
BE PROVIDED
If you have an interest in helping in any of the above mentioned areas,
ALERTFlagler is a no-cost countywide service that allows subscribers to sign up for a variety of emergency notifications based on their enrolled addresses. This allows subscribers to customize notifications and their delivery method from a variety of choices including phone calls, email, SMS/text message, or through a downloadable app.
For other Disaster Preparedness Information please check out FEMA’s Monthly Individual & Community Preparedness Newsletter. This month’s edition includes information on the following: Ready Tips, CERT & Communities, Children & Disasters, Financial Resilience, Important Dates
A busy start to Memorial Day weekend leads Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputies to handle 323 calls Friday into early Saturday morning, along with Ladies Night at the Green Roof Inn. Deputies made multiple arrests, including two arrests for subjects in possession of narcotics, an arrest of a thief providing false identification to deputies and one poison peddler – who are all spending their holiday weekend behind bars.
Friday kicked off with “Ladies Night” at the Green Roof Inn after 18-year-old Kylee Hudgins and 30-year-old Amber Bruder were arrested for various drug-related charges.
Hudgins was stopped by deputies for a defaced license plate and upon approaching the vehicle, deputies’ detected an odor of marijuana leading to a probable cause search. During the search, deputies recovered 24 blue pills that were found to be Xanax. Hudgins was arrested for Possession of a Schedule IV Substance and Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs. She was released this morning on a $3,000 bond.
Deputies also responded to a “W” Section residence Friday afternoon in reference to a physical disturbance. Bruder had a local warrant for Violation of Probation for a prior domestic battery and was immediately arrested without incident. During a search, Bruder was found to be in possession of 6.8g of a white powdery substance that tested positive for Fentanyl. In addition to Bruder’s charge of Violation of Probation, she was also arrested for Possession of Fentanyl.
Dating back to 2013, Bruder has been arrested in Flagler County for Domestic Aggravated Battery, Criminal Mischief, Child Neglect with Great Bodily Harm, Battery on Law Enforcement/EMT Officer, Domestic Battery and multiple arrests for Violation of Pretrial Release. As a frequent visitor at the Green Roof Inn, Bruder is currently being held on no bond.
Around 9 p.m., deputies responded to Walmart after the Sheriff’s 9-1-1 Dispatch Center received a call about a theft. Responding deputies were advised that 31-year-old Tyawana Whittle was observed skip-scanning items at the self-checkout and caught placing unpaid merchandise into bags by a Walmart employee. When deputies questioned Whittle, she provided a driver’s license and social security number that could not be verified. Whittle finally provided accurate information and was arrested for Petit Theft, Providing a False Name/ID to Law Enforcement and Possession of a Fictitious Driver’s License. Whittle is currently residing at the Green Roof Inn on a $1,500 bond.
Early Saturday morning around 4 a.m., deputies were patrolling Seminole Woods when they observed a vehicle traveling 10mph slower than the speed limit. A traffic stop was conducted and deputies detected an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Deputies discovered approximately 16g of Crack Cocaine, 4g of powder Cocaine, 2.4g of MDMA and 10g of Marijuana. The driver, identified as 44-year-old Thomas Graves, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Due to Graves complaining of chest pains, he’s undergoing medical evaluations at Advent Health and upon release, he’ll be joining the festivities at the Green Roof Inn.
“This is one way to start Memorial Day weekend but not the recommended way,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “This weekend is about remembering our fallen military heroes that gave their life so we could enjoy ours but some people forfeit their freedom when they violate the law. Here’s your reminder that we will be out, patrolling the roadways and waterways. Please remember to abide by the laws of the roads, practice boat safety, and always drive and boat sober. And if you see something, say something! Call us at 386-313-4911 to report suspicious activity.”
Mary Louk, Barbara MacReady and Joann Soman at the annual pancake breakfast hosted by the Flagler Woman's Club.
Flagler Beach, FL – While cops and donuts go together like peas and carrots, it was the Flagler Beach Fire Department on scene for flippin’ flapjacks with the ladies of the Flagler Woman’s Club on Saturday morning.
One of more than a dozen organizations the Flagler Woman’s Club raises money for throughout the year, Flagler Beach Fire Chief Bobby Pace was pleased to lend a hand for the morning.
“Proceeds go to help the Flagler Beach Volunteer Fire Fighters Association and as always we’re thrilled to work with the Woman’s Club,” said Pace. “We’re happy to be here today.”
A former roofer, firefighter EMT Bruce Adams is excited to be part of the team, and learning the ropes from experienced fire fighters like Lt. Greg Evans in the process. The trio spent the morning meeting with residents and letting one of the newest members to the team get to know folks in the community.
“I joined the fire service because I’ve always had an interest in emergency services,” said Adams. “I went from roofing, which is a job being in the heat to firefighting, which is another job being in the heat.”
Flagler Beach Fire Department Lt. Greg Evans and Flagler Woman’s Club President Barbara MacReady at the annual pancake breakfast on May 21, 2022.
Funds raised during the pancake breakfast help with a variety of needs according to Chief Pace.
“We’re obviously going to have some foundational training come up and we use the proceeds for that as well,” he said, in addition to addressing any equipment needs that may arise.
The annual pancake breakfast marks the second event for the Flagler Woman’s Club newly installed president Barbara MacReady, following a successful golf tournament in April.
“We support our first responders, and we also have bunko that supports our other charities,” she said. “We do 13 different charities plus we do education and give scholarships. We’re very active.”
Mary Louk, Barbara MacReady and Joann Soman at the annual pancake breakfast hosted by the Flagler Woman’s Club.
Among the items on her to-do list as president, MacReady is making it a mission to welcome new members to continue the legacy of the organization, and says women are stepping up to learn more about what they do.
Introduced to the organization by MacReady, assistant treasurer Joann Soman said she loves being part of the club because of the fun, good food and camaraderie.
For more information visit the Flagler Woman’s Club at 1524 S. Central Ave. in Flagler Beach.
Friday evening, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) executed a Search Warrant at 504 S. Church Street in Bunnell after an arrest warrant was granted for 19-year-old Keyshawn Davis. He was wanted for Robbery with a Weapon for an incident that occurred the day prior, where the victim reported being beaten and robbed by Davis at the Carver Gym in Bunnell.
Keyshawn Davis’ booking photo
On Thursday afternoon, the Sheriff’s 9-1-1 Dispatch Center received a call from a male advising he was robbed while at the Carver Gym and the Bunnell Police Department (BPD) responded. The victim reported that two black males took his phone and money from his pockets and one of the males pistol-whipped him during the incident. Due to the totality of the circumstances, the investigation was launched and turned over to the FCSO Major Case Unit (MCU).
Utilizing investigative techniques, detectives were able to identify Davis as the suspect and received a signed warrant for his arrest. Around 9 p.m. last night, the FCSO SWAT Team arrived to his address and observed Davis approaching his residence. He was immediately secured without incident.
“Another dirtbag thought he could get away with violence into my county,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “This 19-year-old’s criminal history is extensive and it’s clear he won’t learn to abide by the laws. Just last year, this young career felon was arrested after a traffic stop resulted in the recovery of a stolen firearm, $15,000 cash and drugs. This is another great example of law enforcement agencies working together, and we appreciate the partnership we have the Bunnell Police Department! A reminder to the community that all acts of violence will be investigated, and we will not tolerate it in Flagler County.”
Davis’ criminal history in Flagler dates back to 2020. He’s previously been arrested for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Unlawful Use of a 2-Way Communication Device, Operating a Motor Vehicle without a Valid Drivers License, Carrying a Concealed Firearm and Grand Theft of a Firearm.
Davis is residing at the Green Roof Inn for the sixth time. He’s facing charges for Robbery with a Weapon and being held on $100,000 bond.
Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with AdventHealth will host the 10th Annual Pool Safety Day on May 28th from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., inside the Palm Coast Aquatics Center located at 339 Parkview Drive in Palm Coast.
During the event, City of Palm Coast lifeguards will lead fun activities to teach safety in and around the pool in fun and engaging ways including pool games, and more! There will also be a live safety demonstration lead by the Palm Coast Fire Department.
“We are so excited to bring this event back for our residents,” said Parks and Recreation Director James Hirst. “Events like this not only promote pool safety, they allow our residents to meet face-to-face with some of our amazing first responders and city staff. We hope to see you there for a day of fun and learning!”
The 10th Annual Pool Safety Day event is open to all with an entry fee of $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children 17 and under and seniors 65 and older.
For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 386-986-2323 or by visiting parksandrec.fun.
May 26, 2022 – The official start of hurricane season will be here rapidly, and Flagler officials are urging residents to prepare early by shopping locally and taking advantage of the upcoming Sales Tax Holiday, which runs for two weeks this year.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation May 6 designating a 2022 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday from Saturday, May 28 through Friday, June 10 – two full weeks.
During this sales tax holiday, items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax. This year’s holiday includes pet supplies.
“The addition of pet supplies is fabulous, as our pets are our family members. We ask residents to have a number of emergency supplies ready, and this is the perfect time to buy what you need or replace anything that may be out of date – all while saving a little money on the sales tax,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “Remember to test things like flashlights and replace outdated batteries.”
Lawmakers agreed to lift sales taxes during the holiday on the following items: pet carriers that cost $100 or less; pet beds that cost $40 or less; bags of pet food that cost $30 or less; bags of cat litter that cost $25 or less; leashes, collars and muzzles that sell for $20 or less; packages of pet-waste disposable bags that cost $15 or less; and, cans of pet food that cost $2 or less.
Also added this year are smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and carbon-monoxide detectors that cost $70 or less.
“As with food, water, and medications, we recommend having seven days’ worth of supplies at the ready – not just for hurricanes, but all emergencies,” Lord said. “Use this sales tax holiday to buy essentials as your first step in preparedness.”
The qualifying list of items includes the following: reusable ice packs; flashlights, lanterns and candles; batteries (excluding automobile and boat); two-way and weather band radios that are powered by battery, solar or hand-crank (some qualify even if electrical cords are included); coolers and ice chests; portable power banks; tarps; ground anchor systems; tie-downs; bungee cords; ratchet straps; and, portable generators selling for less than $1,000 to be used for providing light, communications or to preserve food in the event of a power outage.
Remember to shop locally.
“Another thing we would ask residents is to do now is to take a moment to sign up for emergency notifications at www.FlaglerCounty.gov/AlertFlagler,” Lord said. “If you know someone with special needs – someone who requires electricity, refrigeration for medication, or oxygen – encourage them or register for evacuation assistance.”
Go to www.FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency and select “Individuals with Special Needs” to register for special needs evacuation and sheltering assistance.
“We are moving away from alphabet-named evacuation zones by next hurricane season, but now is a good time to find out if you live in one of them,” Lord said. “We will also – if necessary – be calling evacuations by neighborhood, but it is always good to be aware.”
