The Big Five … with Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin
What was the catalyst for bringing forward a pay raise for Palm Coast City Council members?
This is about managing, planning for and protecting the future of Palm Coast with diverse, qualified leaders who have a smart management growth mentality.
How do you see this increase enhancing the quality of candidates who are willing to serve?
I believe that raising salaries would expand our pool of competent applicants, giving us a City Council we expect, need, and deserve. We should appeal to people who can afford to give us their time and talent — not only because they believe in service to their community, but also because they are suitably remunerated, based on their commitment and responsibility. We deserve a City Council that represents the demographics and diversity of our community, and one that can relate to and have an understanding of all of the citizens in our great city.
While presented as a part-time job, being an elected official is really a full-time obligation. How does the increase more accurately reflect the time commitment and responsibilities of council members?
Palm Coast City Council members do not receive pensions, cost of living increases, health care or other service benefits like those received by county commissioners or School Board members. Monthly workshops and business meetings, agenda analysis, City manager meetings, facility visits, public and municipal public appearances, and attendance at monthly appointed committee meetings in itself is a full-time job. Council members offering their full share of skill, care, and diligence invest more than a full-time effort to the job.
As Palm Coast becomes more metropolitan, are there other opportunities on your radar to bring the city up to par with similar communities across the nation? If so, can you share?
Palm Coast is building a brand as a regional destination for health care services training. In addition to nursing programs, Palm Coast will offer a variety of well-paying and necessary health care specialties that fulfill regional health care job requirements. The Palm Coast brand attracts young professionally minded job seekers to train and enjoy the amenity rich lifestyle of Palm Coast. Additionally, our high level education institutions are a magnet for research labs, pharmaceutical companies, and other businesses that enjoy close proximity to education and hospitals. Palm Coast is developing into a unique and unrivaled location destined to make a significant impact on Florida’s regional economy.
Do you think the increase makes public service more attractive for the next generation to get involved?
My business career spans nearly 50 years across 62 countries. The laws of supply and demand support the theory that hiring employees possessing valuable credentials are scarce and more demanded. Their employment is usually dependent on market or better compensation being offered.
Florida’s Economy Continues to Thrive with Largest Single Month of Growth in Manufacturing Since May 2020
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s March 2022 employment data, including a declining unemployment rate and strong job growth. In March 2022, Florida added 4,500 manufacturing jobs over the month, representing the largest single month of growth for Florida manufacturers since May 2020. The data shows that Florida’s unemployment rate has remained below the national rate for 16 consecutive months while trending downward or holding steady for 20 consecutive months. In March 2022, Florida’s unemployment rate decreased by 2.2 percentage points over the year to 3.2 percent and continued to remain below the national rate. Florida’s private sector job growth has also exceeded the nation’s for 12 consecutive months since April 2021.
“The economic data underscores that Florida is outperforming the nation by protecting the freedom Floridians need to do business and drive economic success,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Industries like manufacturing continue to see growth because Florida prioritizes workforce development and expanding opportunities for businesses and families in our state.”
“Governor DeSantis has led Florida in a positive direction by creating the most business friendly environment in the nation,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “DEO is committed to supporting the Governor’s efforts and the state’s growth by connecting communities, businesses, and families to the resources they need to thrive.”
The state’s total private sector employment increased by 496,600 (+6.5 percent) over the year in March 2022, 1.5 percentage points faster than the national growth rate of 5 percent. In March 2022, Florida’s labor force grew by 3.2 percent (325,000) over the year and grew by 42,000 (+0.4 percent) over the month. As of March 2022, Florida employers have added jobs for 23 consecutive months since May 2020.
Data in the month of March continues to indicate there are many job opportunities available for Floridians throughout the state, with nearly 510,000 jobs posted online. Floridians in search of work and new job opportunities are encouraged to turn to the CareerSource Florida network for help. Floridians can find guidance on how to register with Employ Florida and search listings of available local job openings. Career seekers also can improve their employability by perfecting resume writing and interviewing skills, establishing career goals, and pursuing customized career training. These services are provided at no cost to job seekers.
Florida Economic Indicators for March 2022 include:
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Unemployment rate is 3.2 percent, down 0.1 percentage point from the previous month’s rate and 0.4 percentage point lower than the national rate.
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Florida’s statewide unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate for 16 consecutive months, since December 2020.
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Florida’s statewide unemployment rate has declined or held steady for 20 consecutive months.
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Between March 2021 and March 2022, Florida’s labor force grew by 325,000, or 3.2 percent, faster than the national labor force growth rate of 2.4 percent over the year.
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Between March 2021 and March 2022, total private sector employment grew by 496,600 jobs (6.5%), faster than the national private sector job growth rate of 5.0 percent over the year.
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As of March 2022, Florida employers have added jobs for 23 consecutive months since May 2020. Florida’s private sector over-the-year job growth rate has exceeded the nation’s for 12 consecutive months since April 2021.
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Private sector industries gaining the most jobs over the month were:
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Professional and Business Services with 9,400 new jobs.
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Manufacturing with 4,500 new jobs.
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Financial Activities with 4,200 new jobs.
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To view the March 2022 jobs reports by region, please see below:
Fort Lauderdale
Jacksonville
Miami
Orlando
Pensacola
Southwest Florida
Tampa
West Palm Beach
To view the March 2022 employment data, visit: www.floridajobs.org/labor-
Visit Florida Insight for more information on labor market and economic data. Additionally, the Department has provided a video to assist users in explaining the data provided through Florida Insight.
Media Release & Image: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, April 15, 2022
FPC Dance Company Students Close Out Season with Sizzling Show
Flagler County, FL (April 15, 2022) A dozen seniors from Flagler Palm Coast High School graced the stage for their final performance as part of the FPC Dance Company on Thursday evening to an enthusiastic audience of family and friends.
Twenty-seven acts choreographed by students and their peers ranged from solo dance and vocal performances to duets, trios and group ensembles, expressing the joy, angst, triumph and feelings of Flagler’s youth.
Amping up the energy with hits from Salt-n-Pepa, Kanye West, Rhianna, Drake and Billy Eilish’s spoken word ‘Not My Responsibility’, performances offered dance students a chance to show their versatility and skills as they closed out the dance season.
“We have 13 graduating seniors, many going on to wonderful colleges with scholarships,” said dance teacher Janice Monsanto. “Many of them do come back and support as you can see, and I’m really proud of that.”
“We have an array of different styles that we are so proud to put on this evening, and making her debut this evening is Amaris Rodriguez who just won the ‘Do Be Nice’ Award and we’re so excited about that as well. The students and staff recognized her as the person to put a big smile on their face. She is the star of our opening dance,” noted Monsanto proudly.
Driving four hours from south Florida to watch her niece perform, Linda Hall was happy to share the moment with her sister Teresa Andrews.
“I’m so excited. I drove four hours to get here. I got out of my scrubs and got here,” said Hall. “I love her and I’m so happy for her.”
Andrews was touched to have her sister in town for the evening.
“We just love her and we’re so thankful to have family here to support Ava,” she said. “She is a sophomore, she’s been working so hard, and I’m so looking forward to this,” said Andrews.
“She didn’t get to compete in the last show, so this is a big deal to her.”
Carrying flowers and joining dance mom Evelin Matsikh, the trio chatted excitedly before the show.
“She has been dancing for many years. The school’s dance team is amazing and she’s been working hard. They practice every day and I’m always excited to see them,” said the mother of sophomore Veronica Matsikh.
The show is one of several end of year productions by Flagler Palm Coast High School’s arts programs according to Flagler Auditorium director Amelia Fulmer.
“Next Thursday we have the Starlets (April 21) which is an entirely different type of dance, then the Flagler Youth Orchestra (April 25) and Screenagers (April 26), so it’s very busy at the Auditorium this time of year,” she said.
Fulmer has worked to connect the students to their professional counterparts throughout the season. In addition to serving as the school’s dance teacher Janice Monsanto is the director of the FPC Dance Company, and says the professional connectivity is a priceless opportunity for the students.
“It’s fantastic. It gives them something to look forward to,” she said. “It gives them a connection to real people who are in show business that they can talk to about life and pursuing their dreams. There aren’t a lot of dance positions open out there right now, so to meet people who are performing worldwide professionally is a fantastic asset for them.”
Preceding the evening’s show, Fulmer announced the addition of the State Ballet of Ukraine to the 2022-23 season lineup which includes an opportunity for local dance students to audition as part of the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ ballet on January 4, 2023.
“They have a Ukrainian couple that lives here in Florida and is going to come here and hold auditions for our students that want to be on the stage in Sleeping Beauty with the professional ballet of Ukraine,” said Fulmer. “We’re really excited. We’ve had them before but this is really special.”
A Life Worth Binge Watching: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
A Life Worth Binge Watching
S1 E5: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
My Mamaw always used to say that bad things come in 3’s. I have often wondered if maybe she meant a multiple of 3. We all have those days or weeks where it seems like the universe is against us, because it’s just one unfortunate situation after another. It makes you want to just crawl in a hole and hide until the black cloud looming over you floats off into the distance. This is how I felt this week.
It all started one evening when I pulled into the garage after a long day at work. I grabbed my computer and purse and walked around the back of my car when I saw something move from the corner of my eye. I stopped in my tracks and there, two feet away from me was this huge python with fangs slithering into my garage.
Ok, so maybe it wasn’t a python and I am not sure it had fangs, but nevertheless it was a large snake. It was either a king snake or a coral and suddenly the whole he’s a good fella or red dead song got all jumbled up in my head. All I knew was that it was a snake and it was probably going to eat me. I threw my computer down, looked around and saw a broom nearby and somehow managed to fling that snake out of the garage about two feet (while screaming). It coiled up and hissed at me as I ran over to the garage opener and pressed it, just hoping that the monster didn’t charge back in before the door closed. To my relief, the door closed with the snake outside, and the day was saved. I may or may not have gone inside and poured a large shot of bourbon.
The next night, I returned home from dinner with my friend fully expecting the snake to greet me again, but alas, it must have found another household to scare. I went inside to feed my dog and the hamster that I acquired when my daughter brought it home with her from college during Spring Break and decided to leave it with me until she came back home for the summer. Being the good hamster grandma that I am, I took Chanel (AKA Rat as I fondly call her) out of her cage and let her run around the house in her hamster ball. This is sort of a nightly ritual so she can get some exercise while I take a shower. When I got out of the shower, my 80 lb dog, Bella was whining and had her nose under the entertainment center trying to reach something. Yes, you guessed it, Rat had escaped out of her ball and I thought Bella had her trapped. To my dismay, Rat was not under the entertainment center. As a matter of fact, she was nowhere to be found! Bella and I searched the house up and down and there was no sign of the three inch furball. After turning the house upside down, I gave up and decided to go to bed, hoping and praying Bella wouldn’t locate Rat while I was sleeping.
The next morning, I woke to this rustling sound beside my bed. Bella was lying on the floor next to me and I could see she heard the noise too. Sure enough, Rat was right there hiding underneath one of my decorative bed pillows! Another tragedy avoided!!!!
A couple of days later, I was getting ready to go to a concert that my daughter’s friend, Jenilyn, invited me to in Orlando. The only problem was I felt a little under the weather from all of the stress and maybe a few drinks the night before, but I was determined to not let her down. We stopped at Starbucks on the way out to get something for the road, and as I pulled out of the parking lot I got extremely nauseous and had to throw open the car door to get sick. After a few minutes, I started feeling better so I decided to suck it up and head to the concert. I wasn’t letting that keep me down. I felt fine after getting there, and enjoyed the Christian music of Chris Tomlin and Hillsong United. I was really happy she had invited me and we definitely created a funny memory together. We left the concert and on the way home, my car started making a really loud noise like it was going to explode. This continued for the duration of the trip. Luckily we made it home. The next day I found out there was a 3 inch hole in the piece that connects the two exhaust tubes underneath my car so in the shop it went. Three things, complete.
So that was my week. To say the least, it was eventful. And frustrating. And annoying. But not devastating or life shattering and for that, I am thankful. Sometimes when you go through small, unfortunate moments, it allows you to think about how blessed and lucky you are. Many people are suffering far worse circumstances. We can’t let little disturbances get us down. In the midst of every struggle lies an opportunity. It’s all in the way you look at it. At least I’m alive, loved and healthy. So what if there are nuisances? It makes life interesting. As a matter of fact, it can be kind of funny when you think about it. I mean, honestly, it’s a shame I wasn’t able to document my panic, actions, and facial expressions to share with you. I do hope that you got a laugh at my expense. You are welcome.
On another note, I would like to wish those of you who celebrate, a meaningful Good Friday and joyous Easter. Enjoy your time with family and friends and remember to not sweat the small stuff. Live every minute with love and gratitude. I plan on attending the sunrise service and I am so proud and blessed to be baptizing Jenilyn after the service in the ocean. What a glorious day to make such a big decision. I am so happy that she chose me to be a part of it. If you would like to see the baptism, join my Facebook page. I will be posting expanded photos, videos and teasers of my upcoming weekly columns going forward!
https://www.facebook.com/alifeworthbingewatching
Melodye Lewis is a Friday columnist for Flagler News Weekly giving you something to talk about over lunch. Follow @ALifeWorthBingeWatching on Facebook.
Sens. Rick Scott & Joe Manchin Fight to Block IMF Financing for Russia & Belarus
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senator Rick Scott and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced the Senate introduction of their bipartisan, bicameral Russia and Belarus SDR Exchange Prohibition Act which would prohibit the U.S. Treasury Secretary from exchanging dollars for International Monetary Fund (IMF) Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) held by Russia or Belarus. Russia and Belarus’ SDRs currently total more than $25 billion and represent unconditional liquidity for the Putin and Lukashenko dictatorships, which is being used to finance the invasion of Ukraine. Congressman French Hill has proposed companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
Senator Rick Scott said, “As Russia wages war against Ukraine and threatens democracy in Europe, the United States cannot allow the IMF to be its piggy bank and finance these attacks. Without this legislation, IMF countries could provide Putin and his thugs in Belarus with relief from the devastating sanctions that America and our fellow democracies have levied and open channels to funding from Communist China to fuel Russia’s genocide and unjust war. This bill is an important step to again make clear that the United States stands firmly with the people of Ukraine and will continue to punish Russia, and its evil ally Belarus, until Ukraine wins this war and Russia retreats. I am proud to partner with Senator Manchin and Congressman Hill on this important legislation, and urge all of our colleagues to support this bill.”
Senator Joe Manchin said, “Limiting the international financial support for Putin’s invasion of Ukraine must be a top priority for the United States and our allies. Our bipartisan, bicameral bill will prohibit the IMF from financing this unprovoked invasion by limiting Special Drawing Rights held by Russia and Belarus. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join our bipartisan legislation to limit Russia’s financing of this horrific war.”
Congressman French Hill said, “I’ve warned about the dangers of the IMF’s mistaken policy on SDRs for years and we should be very concerned about Russia’s ability to exchange its SDRs for Chinese renminbi, especially as it turns to China for trade and liquidity in response to sanctions. This bill is another effort to constrain the Russian and Belarus economies by preventing them from exchanging their IMF assets to further fund their illegal war and commit atrocities on the people of Ukraine. I thank my friends, Senator Scott and Senator Manchin, for leading this effort in the Senate and introducing companion legislation to my bill, H.R. 6899, the Russia and Belarus SDR Exchange Prohibition Act.”
The Russia and Belarus SDR Exchange Prohibition Act would:
- Prohibit the Treasury Secretary from engaging in any transaction involving the exchange of SDRs held by Russia and Belarus;
- Require the Treasury Secretary to advocate for all IMF member countries to also prohibit transactions involving the exchange of SDRs held by Russia and Belarus; and
- Give the president a national interest waiver AND sunset after 5 years or 30 days after the President reports to Congress that Russia has ceased its aggression undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Media Release: Office of U.S. Senator Rick Scott, April 14, 2022
Flagler Beach To Launch New Glass Recycling Program
April 14th, 2022 – The City of Flagler Beach, in conjunction with Earth Day 2022, is
proud to announce that we’ll be embarking on a new glass recycling initiative in April of this year.
The Flagler Beach City Commission approved the purchase of a machine that our City Sanitation Department can use to recycle glass products. We are excited to introduce the machine, nicknamed “Big Blue,” and to demonstrate how it will transform residents’ recycled glass into useable products. The machine pulverizes the recycled glass and creates both glass sand and glass gravel. These products can be used to create sand bags, decorative landscape mulch, drainage, and more!
Starting Wednesday, May 4th, 2022, Flagler Beach residents can recycle their glass products in their blue recycling bin with their aluminum and tin products. Residents are asked to separate their corrugated cardboard from the blue recycling bin. For now, we are not recycling plastic and are working on identifying local recycling options.
Flagler Beach Mayor Suzie Johnston and the entire City Commission are extremely excited about this new endeavor,
Mayor Johnston stated, “We are proud that the City of Flagler Beach runs our own
recycling program and that residents’ items are truly recycled. We’ll now be able to
recycle more than 12 tons of glass a week.”
According to the Glass Packaging Institute, “Glass is 100% recyclable and can be
recycled endlessly without loss in quality or purity” and “over a ton of natural
resources are saved for every ton of glass recycled”.
When asked about how important this equipment is to our community, our City
Manager, Mr. William Whitson, added “The addition of Big Blue is a game changer.
This will allow Flagler Beach to positively impact the environment while also creating a product that people can use and enjoy.”
Media Release: City of Flagler Beach
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Bill to Protect the Lives of Florida’s Most Vulnerable
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 5, the Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality Act, to protect the lives of Florida’s most vulnerable by prohibiting all abortions after 15 weeks of gestation. More on Governor DeSantis’ pro-family initiatives can be found here.
“House Bill 5 protects babies in the womb who have beating hearts, who can move, who can taste, who can see, and who can feel pain,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Life is a sacred gift worthy of our protection, and I am proud to sign this great piece of legislation which represents the most significant protections for life in the state’s modern history.”
HB 5 prohibits an abortion after an unborn child has reached 15 weeks of gestation. While other states such as California and Colorado are taking extreme measures against the right to life by passing legislation which denies babies in the womb any rights or protections and provides for unrestricted abortions on demand until point of birth, Florida continues to move in a pro-life direction.
In June of 2020, Governor DeSantis signed SB 404, legislation which requires written consent from a minor’s parent or legal guardian for an abortion. Last year, Governor DeSantis signed SB 2518, which helps to reduce maternal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for new mothers and children by extending postpartum eligibility for Medicaid from 60 days to 12 months post-delivery. And after seven years of legal challenges by pro-abortion activists and activist judges, Florida’s 24-hour waiting period was upheld and reinstated by a circuit court judge earlier this week.
HB 5 amends several other sections of law with the aim of further reducing fetal and infant mortality. This bill adds a requirement to the Comprehensive Statewide Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Program to target information towards pregnant women and women who may become pregnant and requires the Department of Health (DOH) to contract with local Healthy Start coalitions to establish fetal and infant mortality review (FIMR) committees in all regions of the state. Each FIMR committee is required to:
- Review and analyze rates, trends, causes, and other data related to fetal and infant mortality and morbidity in its geographic area.
- Develop findings and recommendations for interventions and policy changes to reduce fetal and infant mortality and morbidity rates.
- Engage with local communities and stakeholders to implement recommended policies and procedures to reduce fetal and infant mortality and morbidity.
HB 5 appropriates $1,602,000 in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 to DOH for this purpose and requires all hospitals that provide birthing services to participate in at least two quality initiatives developed in collaboration with the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative (FPQC) within the University of South Florida College of Public Health.
Earlier this week, Governor Ron DeSantis signed groundbreaking legislation to support fatherhood in Florida. HB 7065, which includes educational programs, mentorship programs, and one-on-one support to encourage responsible and involved fatherhood in Florida. The bill is tied to nearly $70 million in funding to provide a wide spectrum of family and youth support through the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
The combination of these measures sends a strong message that the State of Florida is truly focused on putting Florida families first.
Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Image: Miami Herald
Help Wanted: Waste Pro Hiring Event This Saturday
WHO: Waste Pro’s Palm Coast, FL Division
WHAT: Hiring Event for CDL Drivers Class A or B and Helpers
WHEN: Saturday, April 16, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Waste Pro Palm Coast Division, 401 S Bay Street, Bunnell, FL, US 32110
DETAILS:
On April 16, Waste Pro’s Palm Coast, Florida Division will host a hiring event for CDL Drivers Class A or B and Helpers. Candidates can apply online at www.wasteprousa.com. We are offering great hourly rates, full benefits, and a 401K. Retention bonuses of $2,000 are available for Drivers. Applicants for driving positions must bring their motor vehicle record, DOT medical card, and driver’s license. Interviews and road tests will be conducted onsite.
Drivers must have a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). Waste Pro is licensed by the Florida Department of Transportation to issue CDLs and is proud to offer its Co-Heart Program to employees who wish to earn one. The program typically takes approximately 90 days to complete.
Drivers and helpers are eligible to earn a $10,000 Driver Award or $5,000 Helper Award, both of which are attainable every three years when specific criteria are met.
Media Release: WastePro USA
Sheriff Rick Staly Serves as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher for National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week
National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week (NPSTW) kicked off with Sheriff Rick Staly working as a 9-1-1 dispatcher in support of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) communications specialists.
This morning, Sheriff Staly answered calls and dispatched first responders to emergency events throughout Flagler County. Sheriff Staly is well-versed in how stressful yet rewarding the job of a telecommunicator can be, as he began his career in law enforcement as a Dispatcher.
“During someone’s worst hour, our 9-1-1 dispatchers are the first ones to respond,” Sheriff Staly said. “They remain calm, reassure callers, send help their way and they never know what is waiting for them when they answer a call. I’d like to thank the men and women that serve in our Communications Center for their dedication to public safety. I’d also like to thank the community and first responder partners for making our dispatchers feel special and joining us in thanking them for all they do.”
National Public Safety Telecommunications Week is celebrated each year during the second week in April to show gratitude to the 9-1-1 call takers and communications specialists and other public safety communications staff who help others during emergencies.
The FCSO Communications Center is an accredited center and all dispatchers are state certified and licenses. In 2021 Communications Specialist First Class McKenzie Davis was the Florida Sheriff’s Association Dispatcher of the Year.
For more information on National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week visit: https://www.npstw.org/
Melissa Morreale, Public Affairs Officer
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
