St. Johns County Announces First-Ever Community Branding Initiative
St. Augustine, Florida, December 3, 2021 — St. Johns County is excited to announce an upcoming branding effort to reflect our diverse and growing county. This research-driven, county-wide initiative will provide an opportunity for local community members to give their input through focus groups and online participation to ensure the new brand represents St. Johns County’s unique history, diversity, and experiences. The branding initiative will help St. Johns County promote itself as a premier location to live, work, and visit.
Focus groups have limited seating, and advanced registration is required to participate. Individuals interested in participating in the focus groups should register by contacting Tera Meeks at tmeeks@sjctdc.com or 904-209-4428. Registration will be first-come, first-served. Due to limited capacity, each interested party will only be registered to attend one focus group meeting. Registration requests will be accepted until 5:00 pm Wednesday, December 15. The following focus group opportunities are available:
Tourism Based Business Focus Group
Who: Accommodations, Attractions, Restaurants, and other tourism-based businesses
When: Thursday, December 16 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Where: SJC Health and Human Services Building located at 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084
SJC Resident Focus Group
Who: Interested St. Johns County Residents
When: Thursday, December 16 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: SJC Health and Human Services Building located at 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Local Business Focus Group
Who: Professional, Industrial, Retail and other non-tourism based businesses
When: Friday, December 17 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Where: SJC Health and Human Services Building located at 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084
To be part of this exciting venture, please visit www.brandingsjc.com and share your favorite story or memory of St. Johns County. If you prefer to let pictures tell your story, post one (or a few) of you, your family, and friends at a favorite St. Johns County location. Post both stories and pictures on Instagram using #ShareYourSJC. Your photos might even be used in a social media campaign associated with the roll-out of the new brand!
Media Release: St. Johns County
Photo: St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches
AdventHealth, The NASCAR Foundation & ONE DAYTONA Partner to Provide Kid-Friendly COVID-19 Vaccine Opportunity
AdventHealth, The NASCAR Foundation and ONE DAYTONA partner to provide kid friendly COVID-19 vaccine opportunity
Event will help ease fear of shots and get kids vaccinated against COVID-19.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Dec. 3, 2021 — AdventHealth will partner with The NASCAR Foundation and ONE DAYTONA to hold a COVID-19 vaccine event for children ages 5-11. Working with AdventHealth for Children’s child life specialists, the vaccines will be given in an environment designed to help ease fears of kids who might struggle with being vaccinated in a public place. Appointments are suggested, but walk-ins will be accepted.
Parents can visit NASCARfoundation.org/vaccine to schedule an appointment online.
“We know there are children who would benefit from a more kid-friendly environment in which to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, senior executive officer of AdventHealth for Children. “There are 28 million children in the age group of 5 to 11 and none of them should die from a vaccine preventable disease. We’re hoping this event will allow more of these kids to be vaccinated.”
The event in Daytona Beach will be held at ONE DAYTONA (230 Daytona Blvd, Suite G-600, Daytona Beach, FL 32114) on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ArtHaus will contribute to the kid friendly experience by providing arts and crafts activities for the children to help entertain them while waiting on-site. In addition, kids will receive a food voucher to one of three restaurants located at ONE DAYTONA: Donnie’s Donuts (free two pack of sprinkles donuts), Jeremiah’s Italian Ice (free small Italian ice, ice cream or gelati) or Ben & Jerry’s (free kid’s scoop in a cup or sugar cone). Children will also receive a discounted offer to attend the Magic of Lights holiday drive-through display at Daytona International Speedway.
“Providing health and medical resources to children is at the heart of The NASCAR Foundation’s mission,” said Nichole Krieger, executive director of The NASCAR Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with AdventHealth and ONE DAYTONA to provide this opportunity to families in the Daytona Beach community.”
In addition to the event in Daytona, AdventHealth is providing vaccines to local pediatrician offices where children and families are accustomed to receiving vaccinations.
There is no out of pocket cost for the vaccines. Those with health insurance will be asked to provide their plan information so that an administration fee can be collected.
Other important items to note:
- Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses, and those who receive their first vaccine will be asked schedule their second vaccine appointment.
- As part of the vaccine process, those receiving the vaccine will be required to stay on-site for at least 15 minutes to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Most reported side effects are mild and include arm soreness, fatigue and headache. AdventHealth will have medical professionals on hand to assist with any reactions.
Media Release: AdventHealth for Children, Central Florida Division Corporate Communications
FCSO Arrests Juveniles who Crashed Stolen Vehicle into Patrol Car and Fled – Recovers 60g Marijuana
On December 1, 2021, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) was alerted of a stolen vehicle from Nassau County on SR 100. The occupants, later identified as Paul Jackson Jr (DOB: 5/25/2004) and Jaylen Dowell (DOB: 7/25/2006) were found sleeping in the vehicle at the Winn Dixie in Palm Coast.
Upon approaching the vehicle after tactically setting-up stop sticks, deputies observed the driver sleeping and unresponsive to verbal commands. The front driver’s door was unlocked and deputies opened it, asking the occupants to exit the vehicle. When the driver woke up, he looked at deputies, shut the driver’s side door, turned the vehicle on, and put the vehicle in reverse. Verbal commands continued for the occupants to stop the vehicle, but the driver, identified as Paul Jackson, disregarded them and deliberately crashed into an FCSO marked patrol and fled. No deputies were hurt during this incident. The stop stick deployment had not been successful when the driver drove over them.
Jackson then fled from the parking lot, traveling west onto SR 100 and then fleeing south on I-95. Deputies followed the vehicle as it was weaving in and out of traffic and accelerating up to 110 MPH. The pursuit continued for approximately 15 miles and the vehicle had exited I-95 and was fleeing north on US-1 where the Bunnell Police Department (BPD) assisted in successfully deploying stop sticks on North State Street in Bunnell. The vehicle slowed down and continued northbound on US-1 as tires deteriorated. A felony traffic stop was conducted at Martin Luther King Boulevard in Bunnell.
Once the occupants were asked to exit the vehicle, deputies noticed movement and found a third occupant sleeping in the rear seat. Upon verbal commands, he also exited and complied. During questioning, Jackson stated he did not know who the vehicle belonged to and claimed he “got it from a neighbor” in Jacksonville. One of the occupants advised they were heading to Daytona Beach for a party.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies recovered 60 grams of a leafy substance believed to be marijuana in the center console that was submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for testing. It was also discovered that Jackson did not have a driver’s license.
All three occupants have criminal histories. Jackson has previously been arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Battery on a Public or Private Education Employee, Possession of a Firearm by an Adjudicated Delinquent, Resisting a Law Enforcement Officer without Violence, Petit Theft, and Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer.
Dowell has previously been arrested for Possession of a Firearm by a Minor, Grand Theft Auto, Resisting a Law Enforcement Officer without Violence, and Hit and Run.
The third occupant, also a juvenile, has previously been arrested for Second Degree Homicide. Additional felony charges relating to this incident have been filed with the State Attorney’s Office for crimes committed in Flagler County.
“More dirtbags from another county made the mistake of stopping in Flagler County,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “These kids put multiple lives at risk, including my Deputies, while trying to flee. These juveniles are on a fast-track to state prison. I hope the juvenile justice system takes swift and harsh action before they kill someone else. Our deputies showed great restraint when they were felony assaulted with the stolen car driven by a juvenile’s intent on escaping arrest. This is another sad example of a failed juvenile justice system that allows kids with multiple serious arrests, including 2nd Degree Homicide, out of detention to terrorize the community. We thank the Bunnell Police Department for their assistance in stopping the fleeing car.”
Jackson and Dowell were arrested transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. Dowell was arrested for Trespassing and Possession of Marijuana Over 20 grams. Jackson was arrested for Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement Officer, Flee and Elude, Possession of Marijuana Over 20g, No Driver’s License, and Hit and Run – Leave Scene of Crash Resulting in Property Damage. They were placed into the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). The third juvenile was arrested on misdemeanor charges and was released by DJJ.
View Bodycam footage here: https://youtu.be/Tg48Dr4lJ9c
Melissa Morreale, Public Affairs Officer
Organizational Services Division, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
Featured Photo: Reddit
First Friday Returns to Flagler Beach with Starry Nights
Businesses downtown are looking forward to the return of First Friday and in addition to the entertainment in Veteran’s Park.
December’s First Friday coincides with a number of exciting events in the downtown area.
Lighting of the Tree and Deck Chairs for Starry Nights at 5:30 PM in Veteran’s Park including a special performance by Flagler Beach City Manager William Whitson, and REAL Blowing Snow Flurries courtesy of the Flagler Beach Business Bureau and the City of Flagler Beach.
The Pineapple Gallery next door to the Gallery of Local Art will also unveil a new outdoor sculpture this Friday at 5:30 as part of the city’s “First Friday” event.
“We’re pleased to continue to add to the arts and culture and contribute to the beautification of Flagler Beach and hope that you can attend this special unveiling ceremony,” said gallerist Audrey Scherr.
Sculptor Don Davis will be on site to help unveil his work at 208 S. Central Avenue in Flagler Beach.
Palm Coast & The Flagler Beaches will light up the Flagler Beach Pier at 6 PM with dozens of stars adorning both sides of the municipal pier and can be seen for miles along State Road A1A.
Women in Business Celebrate Growth Opportunity in Flagler
Women in Business Celebrate!
In conjunction with CareerSource Flagler/Volusia, the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce kicked off a three-phase small business program designed to help Flagler County small businesses strengthen and grow.
Phase 1 of this program included selecting local business leaders that wanted to engage in a one-year business coaching partnership (at no cost) with the Coastal Entrepreneur and Innovation Institute. Scholarship recipients and a brief overview of the 3-phase program is below:
Phase 1: “Strengthen My Business” scholarship
Phase 2: Small Business Bootcamps (January 2022)
Phase 3: Small Business Saturday (Spring 2022)
Phase 1 Progress – Scholarship Announcement and Recipient Selection & Engagement
Chamber President Greg Blosé and Coastal Entrepreneur and Innovation Institute President Joseph Roy reviewed numerous applications for the scholarship. 13 small businesses were identified as strong candidates. Mr. Roy agreed to accept all 13 candidates at no additional cost, despite only agreeing to originally partner with 10.
The Chamber has notified all 13 Strengthen My Business scholarship recipients, which are listed below:
| Company Name | Contact |
| 2K Ranch | Karla Key |
| Clean Eats Kitchen | Jodee Soltes |
| Cosmic Hippie | Amber Embers |
| Dexters Dog Snacks | Robyn Grobe |
| Flagler Fish Company | Chris & Carolyn Casper |
| Flagler Surf | Carla Cline |
| Funky Fandom Fashion | Cynthia Geiges |
| KEM Ice Cream | Elizabeth Owens |
| Peculiar People Photography | Sarah Roberts |
| Premier Chiropractic | Dr. Erika Equizi |
| Sexpertease | Erica Rivera |
| Smart Guard Shutters | Kaleigh Rickard |
| Whipped | Ariel Veroline |
These businesses will now begin meeting directly with the Coastal Entrepreneur and Innovation Institute for the next year.
Flagler Health & Florida Heiken Share the Gift of Clear Vision with Flagler County Students
Bunnell, Fla.— In 2019, the Flagler Health Department’s School Health Coordinator and registered nurse Stephanie Ear identified an opportunity that helped almost 200 Flagler County elementary school students receive free prescription eyeglasses after they failed in-school vision screenings. She connected with Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program, one of two state funded vision programs that help at-risk students achieve academic and social success, and convinced them to bring their Miami-based program to Flagler County. They agreed and three years later, the partnership continues and is stronger than ever. In fact, the program has expanded to offer vision services to all Flagler County school students. With the support of and cooperation from Flagler School district school nurses, the health department is making it possible for even more Flagler students to see clearly through its affiliation with Florida Heiken.
Florida Heiken provides free no cost eye exams and eyeglasses if necessary for Florida public school students. Thanks to Stephanie’s perseverance, the Miami-based Florida Heiken team now travels to Flagler County twice a year to screen students and offer them free prescription eyeglasses.
Stephanie and her colleagues, Luci Griggs and Allison Brown, who are also nurses, work with school nurses to identify students to participate in the program, obtain consent forms from parents and arrange for Heiken to visit schools in one of four fully outfitted vans that serve as mobile optometrist offices. Each van is equipped with all the tools a licensed eye doctor needs to provide free eye exams (with dilation) to students. School nurses schedule appointments for students to see the Heiken eye doctor during school hours and, if eyeglasses are needed, students select their own frames at the end of the visit. From there, the prescription glasses are made and delivered back to the school in a few weeks for student pick up.
The Florida Heiken partnership is a win-win for students and their parents. There’s no need to take off work or school for eye doctor appointments and no cost for the eye exam and prescription eyeglasses if corrective lenses are needed. There’s also a huge benefit associated with student success as 85 percent of what children perceive, comprehend, and remember depends on the visual system. By making sure students can see clearly, Florida Heiken is helping visually-impaired kids achieve greater academic success.
This year, Heiken has already visited several schools in Flagler County, screening more than 350 students and providing free prescription eyeglasses to as many as necessary. The organization is due to return to Flagler County in early 2022 for a second round of student screens.
To arrange for a student to receive a vision screening, please call 386-313-7069 or contact the nurse at your child’s school.
About the Florida Department of Health
The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
For information about the Florida Department of Health in Flagler, go to flagler.floridahealth.gov, call 386-437-7350, or visit 301 Dr. Carter Blvd. in Bunnell.
Media Release:
Gretchen Smithm Communications Manager & Public Information Officer
Host, “Flagler Health Matters” on WNZF News Radio 94.9FM
Florida Department of Health in Flagler
Featured Image: Flagler Health Department’s School Health team traded their nursing scrubs for “school uniforms” this past Halloween and posed in front of the Florida Heiken van. From left to right: Allison Brown, Stephanie Ear and Luci Griggs.
Light Up the Beach: Surf Illumination Set for Saturday Night
Surf Illumination – December 4, 2021
4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. – St. Augustine Beach Pier Park – Put on with the St. Augustine Beach Civic Association, this annual event is a family favorite. Featuring the lighting of the St. Augustine Beach Christmas tree, the event will also have Santa Claus and a balloon twister for children of all ages to enjoy! More than 20 vendors will have arts & crafts including holiday themed gifts. For information contact 904-347-8007.
Enjoy colorful light displays along A1A Beach Boulevard and St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park as the St. Augustine Beach LIGHTS UP THE BEACH this 2021 holiday season. The event takes place each evening from 5:30 to 10 p.m. through January 1, 2022. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine. www.staugbch.com/events/page/
Photos courtesy of Bob Samuels at the Friday Beach Art Walk on November 27, 2021.
Paintings by Sam Kates, Butterfield Gallery
