Timing Is Everything: One Night In Memphis
Palm Coast, FL – Moments in time can be even more precious when they’re unplanned and fleeting – especially ones like the evening of December 4, 1956 when four soon-to-be rock legends ended up at the same place, at the same time.
Capturing the moment at Sun Studios when a chance meeting between Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley aka the “Million Dollar Quartet” that evening became the basis for the national touring show, “One Night in Memphis: Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash”.
Written and directed by John Mueller, who plays Carl Perkins in the tribute show, it’s a trip down memory lane for audiences when music was about a simpler, more authentic time.
“I love this music because it’s before politics got intertwined into music. So it’s just where it was fun and happy and none of the craziness going on in the world right now with everybody taking sides and factions,” said Mueller, creator of the upcoming Buddy Holly tribute show ‘Winter Dance Party’ set for June 17th.
“It was just about missing my baby or I lost my baby, you know? So I love that it’s just infectious music, happy music.”
It was a near sold out crowd for the show Friday night as patrons escaped the drama of the day to return to yesteryear. Toe-tapping, singing and clapping, it was hard to sit still as the show built on each of artist’s popular hits culminating with a livewire performance together.
“It’s great to see people coming back to the theater after the pandemic,” said Mueller. “It’s just helpful to us to have bodies in seats. We feed off the audience, so it’s just great.”
Introducing a variety of new shows to the performing arts center’s patrons, Flagler Auditorium director Amelia Fulmer has found joy in delivering shows she knows her audience will love.
“I think it has to do with John Mueller, he also does ‘Winter Dance Party’. I think he has a very unique talent for creating the show and making sure the talent is good in the show,” said Fulmer of the evening’s performance.
“I think the music’s classic. It’s 66 years old, but last week we had Canadian Brass which is Mozart, which is classical music, but it’s music that has withstood time,” she said. “It’s still classic which is why we love the shows. I’m so happy to see so many people here tonight, taking in the music, that are serious music lovers.”
Greeting familiar faces and seeing new ones in the audience, Sandra Siepietoski, President of the Flagler Auditorium Governing Board was enthusiastic about the show.
“It’s bringing back memories, exciting them because they’re all having a great time, even the band,” said Siepietoski. “They’re great group. They’re performing really well and it’s exciting. You just don’t want it to end.”
Auditorium volunteer and usher Cheryl Few has a bird’s eye view of the shows while welcoming patrons to the facility and says she’s enjoyed the variety of entertainment this season.
“I love it because I get to see the shows, I get to greet the people and I get to get my Fitbit steps in,” she shared with humor. “I like the mixture of shows. I’ve liked all of them.”
Congressman Waltz Appointed Conferee to Negotiate China Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz (FL-6) released the following statement regarding his appointment by Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) as a House Republican Core Conferee from the Science, Space, and Technology Committee to the Conference Committee considering the United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA):
“The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is planning to overtake the United States militarily and economically,” said Waltz. “We are falling behind. In order to outpace the CCP and all adversaries, we must invest in American research, technologies, and manufacturing and prevent the CCP from stealing it.”
“The CCP is stealing its way to the top through intellectual property theft and espionage,” said Waltz. “As a House Republican Conferee, I will work to ensure that CHIPS Act funding for semiconductors and investments in other technologies will not be stolen by the CCP.”
“I’m glad that Representative Waltz has been named as a conferee for this critical competitiveness legislation,” said House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas. “He has been working for two years to pass legislation to strengthen U.S. competitiveness on the world stage. His bill creating a national science and technology strategy is at the core of the bipartisan Science Committee bills that form the heart of this legislation. In his previous role as the Ranking Member of our Subcommittee on Research and Technology, Representative Waltz showed a firm commitment not only to increasing our investment in science and technology, but just as importantly, to protecting that investment from theft by the Chinese Communist Party. He knows that strong research protections are a necessary component of any research and development bill. I know he’ll be a strong voice for U.S. science and technology and I’m looking forward to working with him to produce a strategic competitiveness bill.”
Media Release: Office of Congressman Mike Waltz, April 7, 2022
Flagler Schools: Free Student Physicals and ECG Screenings
AdventHealth will offer free sports pre-participation physicals and ECG screenings to Flagler School students on May 24th and 26th.
Students from all Flagler Schools, who are entering 6th–12th grades in the 2022–23 school year, are invited to attend a screening event. Students who wish to participate in their school’s athletics programs, are required to register for screenings. Please contact your school’s athletic trainer for more information.
For the first time ever, our families can take advantage of the opportunity to attend a FREE screening event at one of our high schools!
Registration is required to attend a screening event. Please visit FSSportsPhysicals.com to make an appointment.
Free AdventHealth Pre-Participation Physicals and ECG Screening Events
Date: Tuesday, May 24th
Time: 5:00–9:00pm
Location: Matanzas High School | 3535 Pirate Nation Way, Palm Coast, FL 32137
Date: Thursday, May 26th
Time: 5:00–9:00pm
Location: Flagler-Palm Coast High School | 5500 E. Highway 100, Palm Coast, FL 32164
Time: 5:00–9:00pm
Location: Flagler-Palm Coast High School | 5500 E. Highway 100, Palm Coast, FL 32164
Congressman Michael Waltz: Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns County Milestones Recognized On House Floor
HONORING THE LIFE OF MIKE JILOTY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Waltz) for 5 minutes.
Mr. WALTZ. Madam Speaker, on December 25, Volusia County, Florida,
lost a great businessman and valued community leader, Mike Jiloty.
Through Mike's hard work and personal approach to business, he received
hundreds of industry awards. Serving as the president of United Way of
Volusia and Flagler Counties, Mike fought for the health, education,
and stability of every person in his community. He dedicated his time
to the FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools to better prepare
students for their careers.
As a graduate of the Leadership Florida Class XIV, Mike used his
skills as a leader to serve his community and was honored by several
organizations, including the Volusia Association of School
Administrators, the Daytona Beach Community College Foundation, the
Conklin Center for the Blind, and the Lodging and Hospitality
Association of Volusia County.
Madam Speaker, Mike Jiloty is a true example of a servant leader. He
sought to inspire others, to make his community a better place, and he
is missed dearly. It is my honor to recognize him on the floor of the
House of Representatives today.
Honoring the 75th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson Integrating Baseball
Mr. WALTZ. Madam Speaker, Jackie Robinson once said, ``A life is not
important except in the impact it has on other lives.'' On April 15,
1947, Jackie Robinson created a lasting impact on the lives of
generations of Americans when he stepped out of the dugout at Ebbets
Field before a crowd of more than 26,000 spectators. This moment would
change the course of history and have a lasting impact for generations
as he broke the color barrier as the first African-American player in
professional baseball history.
Jackie Robinson is a true servant leader, and his life and legacy has
had a major impact across the country, including in my own
congressional district, where I am honored to have a piece of his
legacy at the Daytona City Island Ballpark where, in 1946, Jackie
Robinson played in the very first integrated major league baseball
spring training game. In 1990, in honor of the life and legacy of
Jackie Robinson, the Daytona City Island Ballpark would be renamed the
Jackie Robinson Memorial Ballpark.
Jackie Robinson's impact was felt across the Nation. It was the first
time a Black player competed with a minor league team against a major
league team since the color line was implemented in baseball in the
1880s. As we observe the 75th anniversary of his courageous act, it is
clear the impact and legacy of Jackie Robinson on the advancement of
human rights will be everlasting.
A1A Designated an All-American Road
Mr. WALTZ. Madam Speaker, of the approximately 4 million miles of
byways and highways that stretch in all directions across the United
States, there are very few that come close to the beauty, history, and
serenity that encompasses the 72-mile stretch of A1A that runs from St.
Johns County, Florida, to Flagler County. Flanked by the Atlantic Ocean
and crisscrossing the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway, for
more than 75 years the A1A
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has provided motorists with breathtaking views as it seamlessly
intertwines Florida's most remarkable coastal landscapes and deep-
rooted history.
As a kid growing up in northeast Florida, any drive along the A1A
scenic and historic coastal byway was a reminder of how lucky we were
to live in such a beautiful place.
Now, as the Representative of Florida's north central region, home to
beautiful segments of A1A, I was proud to cast one of my very first
votes in support of the Reviving America's Scenic Byways Act in
February of 2019. This act requires the Department of Transportation to
issue a request for nominations to be designated under the National
Scenic Byways Program and make publicly available a list specifying the
roads designated. President Trump signed the bill into law in September
of 2019.
I am pleased to announce in the Congressional Record that on March 29
of 2022, the ribbon-cutting ceremony occurred for the Federal Highway
Administration's designation of this beautiful stretch of A1A as an
All-American Road.
____________________
Official Transcript
USA Pickleball Hits the NASCAR Track Tonight at 7:30pm ET
On Friday, April 8th USA Pickleball will take the game off the pickleball courts and onto the NASCAR track as Ryan Truex of Joe Gibbs Racing will drive the ShopUSAPickleball.com car in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race, Call 811 Before You Dig 250 powered by Call 811.com at Martinsville
“As the fastest growing sport in America, naturally, we were thrilled when MTJ Merchandising presented to us the ShopUSAPickleball.com car they had created for Ryan Truex of Joe Gibbs Racing to run in the Xfinity Series at Martinsville Speedway,” said Justin Maloof, USA Pickleball COO. “This unique opportunity provides us with yet another way to gain exposure for the sport and continue to introduce the game to more audiences as NASCAR enthusiasts tune in on Friday night on Fox Sports 1.”
Pickleball and NASCAR enthusiasts will be able to visit ShopUSAPickleball.com to rally behind Ryan Truex and purchase a “Loud and Proud” Limited Edition Tee that features the USA Pickleball car.
“We’re excited to put ShopUSAPickleball.com as the primary sponsor on the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Supra for the Martinsville Xfinity
You may catch Ryan Truex dinking in the NASCAR garage prior to the race, so be sure to follow Joe Gibbs Racing and Ryan Truex as they provide real-time highlights on social media.
“I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the No. 18 Toyota GR Supra on Friday night at Martinsville. Jason (Ratcliff) and the team at Joe Gibbs Racing continue to bring fast Toyota GR Supra’s to the track each weekend and I feel really confident that will continue at Martinsville,” said Ryan Truex. “It’s really cool to have USA Pickleball and ShopUSAPickleball.com on our Toyota this weekend. As America’s fastest-growing sport, they are making their venture into NASCAR, and hopefully, we can go out and put on a good show for them and grab that first win of the season.”
If you’re not yet one of the 4.8 million pickleball players across the nation, visit USAPickleball.org to learn how to play the game and follow @USAPickleball on Instagram and Twitter for live action from the track.
Race Info:
The Call 811 Before You Dig 250 at Martinsville Speedway is scheduled for Friday, April 8, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Watch and listen live on Fox Sports 1, Sirius XM Channel 90 and MRN Radio.
About USA Pickleball
The USA Pickleball Association, a non-profit 501(c)(3) was established in 2005 to further the advancement of the sport on a national level. As the official governing body of pickleball in the United States, USA Pickleball promotes the growth of pickleball by maintaining the rules, setting player ratings, advancing the sport through its national network of 1,800 ambassadors, and sanctioning tournaments. Since 2013, USA Pickleball membership has grown 1,250% in its membership to nearly 57,000. More information can be found at usapickleball.org. Follow USA Pickleball on Facebook, Instagram and Twi
Media Release: USA Pickleball
Update on the James F. Holland Memorial Park Splash Pad
Palm Coast –The James F. Holland Memorial Park Splash Pad closed in fall of 2021 as the rubber pad surface was deteriorating, which became a safety hazard. The intent was for all repairs to be completed during the off-season in order to re-open in spring of 2022.
While some repairs have been made to the structures, repairs to the rubber pad surfacing is unfinished. The City of Palm Coast is working diligently with all parties including the design architects and contractors to determine next steps moving forward. Environmental supply chain issues have heavily added to the delay of a more prompt resolution.
The City recognizes the inconvenience this causes to families, however, the City’s priority is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience at all parks.
Holland Park remains open for all other recreational activities. This includes the expansive playground, sports fields, dog park, tennis and pickleball courts, covered pavilions, shuffleboard and bocce ball courts, sand volleyball court, basketball courts, and more.
To discover more of Palm Coast’s great parks and trails, visit https://www.palmcoastgov.com/parks.
Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Media Release: City of Palm Coast.
A Life Worth Binge Watching: Just Be Kind
A Life Worth Binge Watching
S1 E4: Just Be Kind
I have never been in a physical fight. To be honest, I can usually tolerate humans pretty well. My parents raised me to turn a cheek and take the high road, but this past weekend almost sent me on a different road altogether.
It started out like any normal weekend. My friend Ashley and I decided to take a trip to Jacksonville to attend the River City Smoke Show which featured bbq, bourbon and country music. We decided to purchase the VIP pass, as it seemed to offer many extras that were not included in the general admission ticket. This was our first mistake.
We arrived in Jacksonville at the same time as a torrential thunderstorm and found that the concert was delayed. We decided to make a pitstop at a really hip distillery called Manifest. We attended a great bourbon festival there a couple weeks back, so we knew it would be a fun pre-game until the rain let up. The bar area of the distillery isn’t huge but it has a great atmosphere and they create the best craft cocktails with their own Manifest spirits. Although I am not typically a fan of gin, I highly recommend the Brûlée. It had a roasted marshmallow on top that they torch to the perfect crispy-molten consistency. The showmanship and intricate presentation of the cocktails was astounding and our craft-masters, Ben and Corey were like artists sculpting the perfect beverage. This was definitely one of the high points of the evening.
After a two hour rain delay, we finally made our way over to the Metropolitan Park to the festival. When we arrived, we were a bit frustrated that our “VIP” passes didn’t include anything other than parking and a small roped off area on a portion of the front/side of the stage. The “Premium Bourbon Experience” that was advertised was not included, and the “benefit” of the VIP area was that we could buy food and liquor instead of just food and beer in the general admission area. Not the best way to start out the night, but hey, I do like bbq and was excited to hear John Michael Montgomery and John Pardi.
We made our way over to the bbq tent and to my delight, World BBQ Champion, Tuffy (The Professor) Stone was there serving up his best recipes. I have tasted a lot of bbq in my days but I can honestly say this was some of the best I have ever eaten. For $18, we received a huge portion of delicious shredded pork, juicy ribs, sweet bbq chicken and perfectly charred beef brisket along with a side of beans and slaw. When you think of bbq heaven, this was it. Tuffy was not only highly talented, but also really down to earth and friendly.
I’m sure by now you are wondering if someone took my bbq away from me mid-bite and that’s why I became a bit perturbed. No, my friends. I ate almost every bite. I’m an eater, not a fighter. So what in the world could have made this 5’2 petite woman contemplate entering the ring with a stranger? Read on, dear readers, read on!
So as I mentioned before, there was a very small area roped off for the VIP ticket holders, so as you can imagine, the area was highly crowded and space was tight. Ashley and I found a spot and patiently awaited the concert to begin. I am pretty easy going and was there to have fun and enjoy some great music. I didn’t mind when the girl in front of me kept pushing back on me because hey…it’s a concert and standing room only right? Well this woman turns around and yells in my face that I need to stop elbowing her and that she had been here for four hours. First of all, I explained to her that we have all been here that long and it was not my “elbow” that was bumping into her. I suggested perhaps she shouldn’t push back on me If she didn’t want my body parts to touch her. I stood my ground, not moving an inch while smiling a “bless your heart” kind of smile. I mean, I am a Christian woman and that’s how we do things here in the south even though she was relentless with the explicit insults.
Suddenly, I started getting taps on my shoulder by multiple concertgoers behind me offering to have my back. I felt like a little kitten with an army of lions behind me ready to pounce on their prey. Meanwhile, the feisty lady from Alaska continued having a tantrum until her friend finally intervened. With the unruly distraction tamed, we enjoyed a phenomenal concert.
I knew every word of John Michael Montgomery’s songs and sang at the top of my lungs. I hope Ms. Alaska hated my singing.
Moral of the story: never underestimate the power of strangers who stick together. I was able to walk away with class and some new friends.
This world has enough anger. Just be kind.
Melodye Lewis is a Friday columnist for Flagler News Weekly giving you something to talk about over lunch. Follow @ALifeWorthBingeWatching on Facebook.
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Jared W. Perdue as Secretary of the Department of Transportation
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his appointment of Jared W. Perdue, P.E., as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Perdue has extensive experience with FDOT where he has served for nearly 18 years, and currently serves as District Five Secretary.
“I am pleased to appoint Jared W. Perdue as Secretary of the Department of Transportation,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Secretary Perdue brings a wealth of knowledge and understands the unique aspects of Florida’s transportation industry. I am confident in his ability to lead FDOT and to continue to advance our transportation systems.”
“I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as Secretary of FDOT,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue. “I look forward to building upon Governor DeSantis’ mission for the Department.”
Jared W. Perdue, P.E., Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation
Jared W. Perdue has served at FDOT for 18 years, most recently as District Five Secretary where he was responsible for leading and developing a workforce of nearly 600 employees and managing an annual budget of nearly $1 billion. As District Five Secretary, Perdue led the completion of the I-4 Ultimate Project, FDOT’s largest project to date. He also oversaw the Wekiva Parkway project, a model transportation project for environmental conservation. Prior to his time at District Five, he served in several leadership roles within the Department.
In 2003, Perdue received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from The Citadel: The Military College of South Carolina, in Charleston.
Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
