St. Johns County Emergency Management Promotes Hurricane Preparedness Week
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
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
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.
Flagler Palm Coast High School Thespians to Perform “Wizard of Oz”
Tickets: The Wizard of Oz
FPC Thespians
The Wizard of Oz
The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center
May 15, 2025 – May 17, 2025
Doors Open: 6:30 PM, Show at 7 PM
Saturday Matinee 2 PM
L. Frank Baum’s classic novel comes to life in The Wizard of Oz. This faithful adaptation by the Royal Shakespeare Company features all the most beloved songs and moments from the 1939 classic film, brought to life onstage. Young Dorothy Gale is swept away from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz. There, she encounters a host of whimsical characters: good witches, bad witches, animals that talk, scarecrows that walk, and things magical to behold. To find her way home, she must journey along the Yellow Brick Road to see the mysterious and all-powerful Wizard in Emerald City.
Along the way, she makes new friends, but must also brave many dangers, including the Wicked Witch of the West, who will stop at nothing to get her hands on Dorothy’s magical ruby slippers. To make it home safely, Dorothy must learn an important lesson: there’s no place like home.
If you have any questions please call the box office at (386) 437-7547
The show starts at 7:00 PM. The doors will open at 6:30 PM.
TICKETS HERE
4th Annual CFP Car Show Roaring into Flagler Beach on May 24
Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens is hosting its 4th Annual CFP Car Show, taking place on Sat., May 24, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 511 Old Kings Road South, Flagler Beach, FL.
This free, family-friendly event invites the community to enjoy a morning of classic cars, community spirit, and support for a great cause. Attendees will be treated to free ice cream and lunch while admiring a wide range of classic and custom vehicles. A $10 donation is encouraged for car show participants, with all proceeds benefiting Wreaths Across America, an organization dedicated to honoring and remembering fallen U.S. veterans through wreath-laying ceremonies at national cemeteries.
“We are thrilled to host this event again and to support such an important cause,” said Craig Flagler Palms General Manager Sal Passalaqua Jr.-LFD. “It’s a great way to bring the community together and honor our nation’s heroes.”
Admission is free for spectators. Vehicle owners interested in participating can arrive on-site the morning of the event.
Celebrate Creativity at the Spring Arts Festival in Palm Coast on May 17
Join us on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center (975 Central Ave., Palm Coast, FL 32164) for the Spring Arts Festival, a vibrant afternoon showcasing the talents of local artists and crafters from across Flagler County.
Presented in part by the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County Cultural Council (FC3), and Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches, this free event invites residents and visitors alike to experience the area’s flourishing arts scene. FC3’s mission is simple yet powerful: to advocate, support, and foster collaboration for the arts and humanities right here in Flagler County!
From handmade fine art to unique crafts, local vendors will open their booths from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering unique pieces perfect for every taste and budget. Bring your appetite, too—food trucks will be on-site, serving delicious meals throughout the event.
Admission and parking are free, so come out, explore, and support the talented artisans who make Flagler County a more colorful and connected place. Enjoy music by Planet e Studios and the Palm Coast Community Band! For more information and vendor registration details, visit www.flaglerartsandculture.org/
Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/
FWC and partners reintroduce frosted elfin caterpillars in north Florida
FWC and partners reintroduce frosted elfin caterpillars in north Florida
Caterpillars of the rare frosted elfin butterfly were released earlier this month as part of an experimental program to reintroduce the species across north Florida. The reintroduction of this small butterfly within Ichetucknee Springs State Park comes after three years of organization and preparation by staff from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Tall Timbers, the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Florida Park Service.
The frosted elfin is currently under consideration for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act and is one of Florida’s wildlife Species of Greatest Conservation Need. This handsome butterfly is now rare or has disappeared from most of its historic range in the eastern U.S. and southern Canada. Florida has the largest remaining populations in the Southeast.
Using wild-caught elfins from the Florida Panhandle, a captive breeding program was established at the Florida Museum of Natural History to produce individuals to release into good — but elfinless — habitat in north Florida. Sites chosen include fire-managed sandhill with large patches of the butterfly’s host plant, sundial lupine.
During the release, the captive-raised frosted elfin caterpillars were placed directly onto sundial lupine plants to continue feeding. The reintroductions were done with caterpillars that were nearly mature enough to crawl down the plant and choose a site in the leaf litter to begin pupation. The team is also testing whether the use of protective enclosures around the plants improves the success of the elfin reintroduction. Team members will be monitoring the reintroduction area during the next year’s flight period, from February to April, to see if adult frosted elfins emerge.
This project is partially funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To learn more about the frosted elfin visit the FWC’s species profile by going to MyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitats, clicking on “species profiles” under “Learn More about Florida Wildlife” and select “Invertebrates” under “Filter by category” to find the frosted elfin page.
Featured Photo: FWC staff transported frosted elfin caterpillars from the lab at the Florida Museum of Natural History to the reintroduction site at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. These caterpillars were introduced on sundial lupine, their host plant, both in enclosures and in the open. Such as, mesh enclosures covered patches of sundial lupines in bloom at the reintroduction sight.
Community Emergency Response Team Training begins June 10th
SUMMER CERT
REGISTRATION IS OPEN –
CLASS STARTS ON JUNE 10, 2025
DAY TIME HOURS!!!
June 10 – June 26, 2025
Tuesdays, Wednesday & Thursdays 1:00pm – 4:00pm
(except June 26th, 9am – 4pm, lunch included)
Flagler County Emergency Operations Center
1769 E Moody Blvd. Building #3 Bunnell, FL 32110
Full Schedule:
Tuesday, June 10 – Disaster Preparedness
Wednesday, June 11 – CERT Organization
Thursday, June 12 – Disaster Medical Operations – Part 1
Tuesday, June 17 – Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2
Wednesday, June 18 – Disaster Psychology
Thursday, June 19 – Fire Safety & Utility Controls
Tuesday, June 24 – Light Search & Rescue Operations
Wednesday, June 25 – CERT & Terrorism
*Thursday, June 26 Morning – Course Review, Final Exam &
Simulation Brief
Afternoon – Disaster Simulation and Graduation
The Flagler County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains neighbors to prepare for, respond to, and assist in recovering from local emergencies. CERT is a nationally certified curriculum that allows people to train with subject matter experts. Previous experience is not necessary!
Attendance is necessary at ALL sessions to receive certification.
(If unable to attend a session, it can be made up in another class. You will then receive your certificate upon completion)
Upon completion of the classes, volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and emergency kit!
REGISTER HERE
Questions?
Call 386-597-2950 or Email CERT@flaglervolunteer.org
Flagler County extends the burn ban another 7 days to protect against wildfire threat
April 30, 2025 – Flagler County is extending its burn ban for an additional seven days given the persistent dry conditions.
“We had one fast-growing wildfire last week and our goal is to stave off others until we get some significant rain,” said Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker. “If you haven’t already, clear the area around your house of anything that will go up in flames easily – including stacks of firewood, portable propane tanks, and dead, dry vegetation.”
The burn ban prohibits the following:
-
Discharge/use of fireworks, sparklers, flares, or other items containing any “explosive compound”
-
Open burning, including the use of fire pits and containers
-
Outdoor cookers and grills unless continuously attended by an adult
-
Throwing matches, cigarettes, or other burning materials from vehicles
-
Parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas
