Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
57 F
Palm Coast
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Home Blog Page 45

FCSO Court and Detention Division Chief Graduates from Florida Health Policy Leadership Academy

By
FCSO Public Affairs Officer
-
Court and Detention Services Chief Daniel Engert (center)

BUNNELL, Fla. — On April 25, Court and Detention Services Chief Daniel Engert graduated from the Florida Health Policy Leadership Academy during a ceremony at the University of Florida/Institute of Food Agricultural Sciences extension in Bunnell.

The FHPLA is an initiative to empower communities with leaders who are knowledgeable and skilled in public health policy making.  Over the nine-week class, participants learned skills to measure and monitor population health, gain understanding of pressing issues in public health, and make connections with other community leaders.

 

Court and Detention Services Chief Daniel Engert (center)

“We are very proud of the work Chief Daniel Engert continues to do for our community, especially helping individuals with addiction in our jail,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Since being elected Sheriff, it has been my vision to make the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, also known as the Green Roof Inn, one of the best facilities in the country. Maintaining positive inmate outcomes for our inmates is a top priority so they can become productive citizens and courses like this ensure we remain on the forefront of correctional services.”

In addition to Chief Engert’s recent graduation from the FHPLA, he worked with Sheriff Rick Staly to achieve correctional healthcare accreditation with the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare for the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. The FCSO Detention Facility was also awarded the 2023 American Jail Association’s Innovation Award and the Detention Facility Innovation Award from the National Institute for Jail Operations in 2022.

Save the Date: Matanzas High School Ribbon Cutting

By
Don Foley
-

Wildfire on Flagler’s west side grows from 7 to 250 acres in a couple of hours – mind burn ban

By
Julie Murphy, MPIO
-

April 25, 2025 – A fire, named the “Cowpen Fire,” that started about 3 p.m. Thursday (April 24) on the west side of Flagler County quickly grew from 7 to 250 acres in a matter of hours. Still burning, though 90% contained as of Friday morning, fire officials urge residents to be mindful of the current burn ban and to call 9-1-1 to report smoke column sightings.

There were no injuries, threatened structures, or evacuations resulting from the fire in western Flagler County off County Road 305. Crews from the Florida Forest Service (Forestry), with the assistance of Flagler County Fire Rescue, worked all night to contain the fire.

“We had the county’s UAS drone team out last night with their infrared imaging to help us get an exact picture of what this fire looks like, and to make a plan moving forward,” said Fire Chief Michael Tucker.

Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Brady Barry provided a Friday morning update.

“We will continue to assist Forestry with two attack (brush) trucks, one water tender, and one battalion,” Barry said. “Forestry, the lead agency, has the bulk of the equipment and resources.”

Those resources include a Heavy Equipment Task Force with multiple bulldozers to cut fire lines, and an Engine Strike Team of six brush trucks.

FireFlight on Thursday started dropping water on fire and was joined shortly thereafter by a Forestry helicopter out of Ocala and a fixed-wing aircraft monitoring the two helicopters to ensure a safe distance was kept as they traveled back and forth from the dipping location and the fire.

“That fixed wing is very important to the operation,” Barry said.

All fire officials urge residents to remember how dry it has been and to be diligent with fire safety habits.

Flagler County enacted a burn ban on April 22 and declared a state of local emergency to do so. The ban remains in effect for seven days.

“The conditions are becoming favorable for rapid fire growth so this action will help,” said Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker. “In addition to the ban on burning, remember that a good offense is the best defense. 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

The rule of thumb for taking personal protective measures, accepted by a variety of fire prevention agencies, including the National Fire Protection Association, is that all flammable items within 30 feet of a structure should be removed. Homeowners should clear roofs, eaves, gutters, wood decks and patios of leaves, needles, and other debris.

“Additionally, do not store things under decks or porches, and consider using rocks or gravel in those areas instead grass or mulch,” Tucker said. “Wood-driven fires, like brushfires, create embers that can be carried quite far, and tend to find their way to the same nooks and crannies where leaves accumulate.”

Barbecue coals should be fully extinguished before adding them to garbage receptacles.

Follow Flagler County Government on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FlaglerCountyGovernment.

Palm Coast Fire Department Invites Community to Light the Night for Firefighter Brant Gammon

By
Battalion Chief Patrick Juliano
-

Palm Coast – The Palm Coast Fire Department and the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation invite the community to light up their homes, businesses, and community in red for fallen firefighters.

Every year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation sponsors the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, the official national tribute to those firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. In 2017, the Foundation created Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters to recognize the 25th anniversary of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Since then, Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters has expanded to include fire departments and families lighting their homes in red.

This year the Palm Coast Fire Department lights the night for Fallen Firefighter Brant Gammon who passed away on November 3, 2022.  Firefighter-Paramedic Gammon began his career with the Palm Coast Fire Department in 2018 as a volunteer firefighter.  He joined the ranks of the career staff in October 2020 as a Firefighter-EMT; he was promoted to paramedic shortly before he passed away.

As dusk turns to dark, landmarks, homes, fire service organizations, and businesses across the country will again glow in respect from April 27 – May 4, 2025, to the fallen and their families.

Palm Coast to Celebrate 20th Annual Arbor Day with Free Trees, Butterflies, and Family Fun

By
Shannon Martin
-

Palm Coast –  Palm Coast’s favorite eco-friendly tradition is turning 20—and the City is inviting residents to dig in and celebrate! The 20th Annual Arbor Day Celebration takes place Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center (975 Central Avenue, Palm Coast, FL 32164).

This milestone event honors two decades of environmental stewardship with a variety of free, family-friendly activities designed to promote sustainability and community spirit.

Residents can take home a free 3-gallon tree from Flowing Well Tree Farm by donating a non-perishable food item to support the local food bank. Trees are available while supplies last, so early arrival is encouraged.

The celebration includes:

  • A walk-through butterfly tent and 11 a.m. butterfly release

  • Free paper shredding

  • Live performances by the Palm Coast Community Band and The Dance Method

  • A children’s activity tent, a petting zoo, and free crafts

  • Ax throwing for adventurous guests

  • Food and beverages are available for purchase

  • Native Plant and Herb available for purchase

“For 20 years, Palm Coast’s Arbor Day has been about celebrating our environment, giving back, and bringing the community together,” said Carol Mini, City of Palm Coast Urban Forester. “This year, we’re making it bigger and better than ever, and we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!”

Don’t miss this special day dedicated to trees, nature, and the Palm Coast community. The City of Palm Coast also wishes to give a special thank you to our incredible sponsors: Verdego, Florida Forest Service, Freese and Nichols, Cline Construction, Tractor Supply, and The Home Depot.

For more information, contact Urban Forester Carol Mini at (386) 986-3722 or cjmini@palmcoastgov.com.

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/government/city-manager/week-in-review

Five Below Brings Fun and Freebies to Daytona Beach, FL with the Grand Opening of an All-New Store

By
Danielle Anderson
-

WHO: Five Below, the trend-right, extreme-value brand for tweens, teens and beyond.

WHAT: Five Below is officially opening its newest store and is welcoming customers to experience all the fun, amazing value, and trendy products on Friday, April 25. The all-new Five Below is beyond belief in value and has it all, including candy and snacks, brand name beauty, the latest tech, room décor and lots more. Find all the newness and fun for way less than the others!

To celebrate the grand opening, the store will host a festive weekend filled with fun, music, kids’ activities, and special prizes. Customers who visit the store on Saturday, April 26, will receive a FREE drawstring bag (while supplies last) and can enjoy FREE hot dogs from 12pm to 3pm that same day (2 per person, while supplies last)!

Located in the International Speedway Square, the new store will offer customers the opportunity to shop the wide assortment of extreme value products spanning exciting and awesome Five Below worlds – Style, Room, Sports, Tech, Create, Party, Candy and New & Now. Additionally, the new Five Below offers convenience and fun with our Party Shop featuring a large variety of helium balloons, décor and favors. Most products range from $1-5, and customers can shop for even more extreme value items priced beyond $5.

WHEN: Store hours are as follows:

· Monday through Saturday: 10am to 9pm

· Sunday: 10am to 7pm

WHERE: Five Below

International Speedway Square

2500 W International Speedway Blvd.

Daytona Beach, FL 32114

MORE: Five Below is a leading high-growth value retailer offering trend-right, high-quality products loved by tweens, teens and beyond. We believe life is better when customers are free to “let go & have fun” in an amazing experience filled with unlimited possibilities. With most items priced between $1 and $5 and some extreme value items priced beyond $5 in our incredible Five Beyond shop, Five Below makes it easy to say YES! to the newest, coolest stuff across eight awesome Five Below worlds: Style, Room, Sports, Tech, Create, Party, Candy, and New & Now. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Five Below today has more than 1,800 stores in 44 states. For more information, please visit www.fivebelow.com or find @Five Below on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook.

Flagler County Issues Burn Ban to Protect Against Wildfire Threat Caused by Dry Conditions

By
Julie Murphy, MPIO
-

April 23, 2025 – Flagler County enacted a burn ban effective 5 p.m. Wednesday (April 23) and declared a state of local emergency to do so. The ban remains in effect for seven days.

“The conditions are becoming favorable for rapid fire growth so this action will help,” said Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker. “In addition to the ban on burning, remember that a good offense is the best defense. 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

Chapter 12, Flagler County Code, and Section 252.38(3), Florida Statutes, authorize Flagler County to declare a state of local emergency for durations of seven days and to extend them in seven-day intervals, during which time the county may waive the procedures and formalities otherwise required of political subdivisions by law.

The current Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI) mean is expected to exceed 500 for Flagler County later today, and there is no significant rainfall forecast for the next seven days. The KBDI is a range from 0 (zero) to 800 in which 0 is the wettest condition and 800 is the dryest, or drought.

The rule of thumb for taking personal protective measures, accepted by a variety of fire prevention agencies, including the National Fire Protection Association, is that all flammable items within 30 feet of a structure should be removed. Homeowners should clear roofs, eaves, gutters, wood decks and patios of leaves, needles, and other debris.

“Additionally, do not store things under decks or porches, and consider using rocks or gravel in those areas instead grass or mulch,” Tucker said. “Wood-driven fires, like brushfires, create embers that can be carried quite far, and tend to find their way to the same nooks and crannies where leaves accumulate.”

Barbecue coals should be fully extinguished before adding them to garbage receptacles.

“Please take this burn ban seriously,” Tucker said. “It’s been about a year since we’ve had one in Flagler County, so please heed our warnings.”

To see the entirety of the burn ban restrictions, please visit www.FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency and click on Emergency Notices.

Follow Flagler County Government on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FlaglerCountyGovernment.

Microgrant Program Started in 2024 to Commemorate Firm’s 60th Anniversary Expanded to Recognize More Winners in Additional Florida and Georgia Counties

By
Danielle Anderson
-

MELBOURNE, Fla. – April 22, 2025 – BRPH, a nationally ranked architecture, engineering and construction firm, announced today it will award up to 10 grants of up to $1,000 each to K-12 educators who teach science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) in selected counties throughout Florida and Georgia.

The firm created the STEAM Educator Microgrant program in 2024 in celebration of its 60th anniversary to support educators and help instill a passion for STEAM learning among elementary and secondary students. Last fall, the firm awarded $1,000 grants to six educators, three in Florida and three in Georgia.

The program was so well received, the firm has decided to expand the program to as many as 10 total grants and has expanded the number of eligible counties in both states. The grants will be used to fund hands-on and immersive projects that educators might otherwise not have funds to execute. The contest is open to educators at private, public and charter schools.

To be eligible, educators must teach in one of the following counties/school districts:

  • Florida: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Seminole, Volusia

  • Georgia: Bibb, Carroll, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Paulding, Walton

Educators must complete the application form at https://bit.ly/4hKE1rQ by July 31, 2025, and provide the following information:

  • A detailed description of the proposed project with a clear explanation of how the project relates to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics curriculum.

  • An explanation of how the proposed project will provide hands-on, immersive lesson(s) to inspire students’ interest in STEAM topics.

  • A detailed budget and timeline to explain how and when the funds will be spent, as well as the total number of students impacted. Educators may request any amount up to $1,000.

Recipients of the grants will be announced in fall 2025. See application for complete rules and requirements.

“BRPH has been providing architecture, design and engineering services for the education market throughout our 61-year history and we’re deeply invested in improving the lives of faculty, staff and students,” said Brian Curtin, CEO of BRPH. “We are especially proud to support the hard-working teachers in the districts where we do business and to help inspire the next generation of STEAM scholars who will one day join us as architects, engineers and constructors.”

Winners of the 2024 BRPH STEAM Educator Microgrants included:

  • Nicole Sherburne at Dr. W.J. Creel Elementary School in Melbourne, Fla.

  • Stephanie Thomas at Sabal Point Elementary School in Longwood. Fla.

  • Kayla Wildenthaler at MILA Elementary School in Merritt Island, Fla.

  • Kimberly Cliatt at Walnut Grove Elementary School in Covington, Ga.

  • Stephanie Schumacher at Mary Lin Elementary School in Atlanta, Ga.

  • N’neka Taylor at Michelle Obama STEM Academy in Hampton, Ga.

Winning projects included aquaponics systems, digital microscopes, LEGO building kits, soapbox derby supplies, a Monarch butterfly garden and supplies to design and build miniature houses.

ABOUT BRPH – BRPH is a technically focused, creative AEC firm dedicated to solving clients’ most challenging problems through architecture, engineering, design, interior design, construction and mission solutions. The firm partners with mission-driven clients in the aerospace, defense, manufacturing, commercial, education, entertainment and hospitality markets to identify gaps in their program delivery, then plans, designs, manages and constructs facilities and solutions that get the job done – beautifully and intelligently. Founded in 1964 to support America’s space program, BRPH is consistently ranked among the nation’s top firms and has completed a wide range of projects across the United States and throughout the world. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, BRPH operates regional offices in Jacksonville, Orlando and Boca Raton, Florida; Atlanta; Charleston, South Carolina; Huntsville, Alabama; Seattle; Phoenix; Santa Barbara and Palmdale, California. For more information, visit brph.com.

Morgan Porter Earns Broker Associate Title at Parkside Realty Group

By
Cindy Dalecki
-

Parkside Realty Group is excited to announce that Morgan Porter has officially passed her broker exam and is now a Broker Associate with the firm. This milestone marks a significant step forward in Morgan’s real estate career and a proud moment for the entire Parkside team.

Morgan brings more than just experience — she brings a mindset of never settling for “that’s not my job.” She goes the extra mile to research, find answers, and make sure her clients feel confident and informed every step of the way. Her passion for learning and growing as an expert is what truly sets her apart, and it’s a big part of why she’s reached this exciting milestone so quickly.

“Morgan brings a natural leadership quality to our team,” said Lauren McPherson, Owner of Parkside Realty Group. “Her drive, professionalism, and genuine care for her clients make her a true asset. We’re proud to see her take this next step and excited for all that’s ahead.”

As a Broker Associate, Morgan will have increased opportunities to lead, mentor, and contribute to the continued success of Parkside Realty Group — all while helping her clients navigate buying and selling with even more confidence and expertise.

For more information about Morgan Porter or ParkSide Realty Group, please visit ParkSide Realty Group at 145 City Place, Palm Coast, FL, or call 386-302-0300. Learn more online at www.palmcoasthomesforsale.net or follow ParkSide Realty Group on Facebook at facebook.com/parksiderealtygroup.

Flagler Free Clinic Receives $100K Donation from Hammock Dunes Cares

By
Cindy Dalecki
-
default

The Flagler Free Clinic is pleased to announce that it has received a $100,000 donation from Hammock Dunes Cares, matching last year’s contribution. The funds were raised during Hammock Dunes Cares’ Rally Auction, a two-week event in late February featuring activities such as tennis, croquet, bocce, a creek porch party, live music, and pickleball. The check presentation occurred on Tuesday, March 18, at Hammock Dunes.

This donation underscores Hammock Dunes Cares’ ongoing commitment to supporting vital healthcare services provided by the Flagler Free Clinic. The clinic will use the funds to continue offering essential medical care to uninsured individuals in Flagler and Volusia counties.

“We are thrilled to announce this significant donation to the Flagler Free Clinic,” said PJ Conniff, President of Hammock Dunes Cares. “This contribution reflects our deep-rooted dedication to enhancing the well-being of our community members. We commend the invaluable work of the Flagler Free Clinic and are honored to play a role in advancing their critical healthcare initiatives.”

Terri Belletto, Executive Director of the Flagler Free Clinic, expressed gratitude: “We are beyond grateful to Hammock Dunes Cares for their extraordinary generosity. This substantial donation will undoubtedly make a profound impact on the clinic’s ability to serve the healthcare needs of the community.”

In 2024, the Florida Senate passed legislation increasing the maximum income eligibility for free clinic services from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level. This expansion allows individuals and families earning up to $74,580 for a family of three to access the Flagler Free Clinic’s comprehensive, no-cost healthcare services. With a larger pool of eligible patients, the clinic’s need for funding has grown to meet the increased demand for services.

The Flagler Free Clinic strives to maximize the impact of every donation, aiming to transform each dollar received into ten dollars’ worth of comprehensive care. Continued support and involvement are vital to sustaining and enhancing its impact on residents in need.

The Flagler Free Clinic is celebrating 20 years of service with a Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, Oct. 7, 2025, at Hammock Beach’s Ocean Course. Sponsorships are not available for this fun-filled day supporting free healthcare for Flagler County’s uninsured residents.

For more information on the Flagler Free Clinic’s services, how to donate, or to become a volunteer, please contact Terri Belletto, Executive Director, (386) 437-3091or tbelletto@flaglerfreeclinic.org.

1...444546...544Page 45 of 544
Flagler News Weekly Editor: Danielle Anderson Published by Sunrise Media Group, LLC ©Flagler News Weekly, All Rights Reserved.
Contact us: FlaglerNewsWeekly@gmail.com
Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Flagler News Weekly