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River to Sea TPO: Request for Public Comment
FCSO Arrests W-Section Burglars
Three Palm Coast residents are in the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility this morning on $3,500 bond each after Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputies found them illegally squatting in a Palm Coast house.
Deputies responded to the Wellstone Drive residence at approximately 7 p.m., Wednesday after reports by neighbors of seeing people moving through the residence with flashlights. FCSO would later learn that the owners of the property live in England and bought the property as a future retirement home.
After issuing verbal commands to the suspects to exit the home, Manuel Laires, Marvin Rivera-Rodriguez and Evan Villanueva came out of the property and deputies took them into custody. All three are charged with Burglary of a Dwelling – Unoccupied Unarmed and Criminal Mischief over $1,000.
Laires, 77, told deputies he paid $10,000 last week in connection with a tax lien on the property. He further stated he thought the property now belonged to him as a result of the payment. Rodriguez and Villaneuva told deputies that Laires asked them to come to the residence to help do repairs to the property. None of the parties could produce keys to the home or documentation to verify Laires’ claims.
Upon investigation, deputies found a broken double pane window in the entry way near the front door of the home. There was also an open window to the living room with the exterior screen missing. Fresh handprints were found on the outside of the glass as if it were pushed open. A similar pair of handprints were also found on locked sliding glass doors that access the master bedroom.
“Protecting our homeowners and their property are duties we take very seriously. Deputies worked together to get these burglars out of the house and into the Green Roof Inn,” Staly said. “Committing crimes in our neighborhoods will land you behind bars every time. Remember, if anything is happening on your street that seems out of place, call the Sheriff’s Office. If you see something, say something works, just like it did in this case.”
After further inspection, deputies found an estimated $2,000 of damage to the home’s breaker box, window and ceiling.
See Video Here: https://youtu.be/AjBtCTi_h24
Melissa Morreale, Public Affairs Officer
Organizational Services Division
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
Local Artist’s Work “Chuluota”, the Eagle is Proudly Displayed in City Hall
Palm Coast – The word Chuluota has several meanings “Isle of Pines,” or “Pine Island,” or “Land of Lakes and Pines” or “beautiful place,” depending upon whom you ask. The pronunciation is a derivative of the Creek Indian word “Chuluoto.” Here at City Hall, Chuluota is the given name to a public art piece donated by a local mixed-media artist named Ron Wallace.
Ron Wallace is a proud Palm Coast resident, award-winning sculptor, painter, and mixed-media artist uses primarily organic materials in all of his work. Ron is inspired by nature and mostly, by creatures of the sea.
Wallace states, “My art work is something that gives me a place to go and focus on nothing else, but what I am working on at the time. I was a scuba diver for 35 years, diving old wrecks up and down the east coast and around the world. Those years left a big impression on the sights and critters I have seen, and try to create my vision of them. My eagle was the first piece to even impress me on how he turned out. I think that is why I wanted to share it with lots of people and hope most would feel the same. What better place than City Hall!”
Chuluota the eagle is a combination of welded steel, palm tree prawns, epoxy, paint and glue. He sits upon a natural driftwood pedestal that was found in the canals of Palm Coast. This beautiful sculpture took approximately three weeks to complete.
Chuluota is currently located in the City Hall building hallway outside of the Community Development Department. Visitors are welcome during normal office hours. You can find more his collection at Ron Wallace Studios or local art shows. His next exhibit will be featured at the 11th Annual Old Town Art Show in downtown Saint Augustine at Francis Field on April 9th and 10th.
Palm Coast is fortunate to have numerous arts organizations and local artists flourishing in the city. There is a variety of Public Art pieces on display all across the City of Palm Coast and can be found at palmcoastgov.com/artsdistrict.
Media Release: City of Palm Coast
Volusia County Beach Safety Nominated for 2022 RISE Award; Calls on the Community to Vote
Rise Awards Honors Those Who Rise Above the Call of Duty to Serve Their Community
Volusia County Beach Safety announced today that it has been nominated for a 2022 RISE award for the agency category. This unique awards program is designated to recognize a department for making great strides in building up their community. Community members, friends and family may each vote once per day until March 18, 2022, by clicking on the link below. The top 10 finalists with the most votes in each category will then be reviewed by a panel of judges.
To vote click here:
https://riseawards.us.launchpad6.com/agency2022/entry/189
Axon’s RISE Awards showcase the extraordinary courage, compassion and dedication to community demonstrated by officers and agencies across the country,” said Axon CEO and founder Rick Smith. “Our hope is that the stories of heroism and valor highlighted through these awards will inspire others as much as they inspire us.”
Flagler County Technical Rescue Team Responds to Water Tower Accident in the Hammock
March 9, 2022 – Flagler County Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team responded Tuesday evening to a fall at the Hammock Water Tower. A cell tower contractor was atop the tower when he fell approximately 120 feet.
The patient was transported via ground to Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, as a trauma alert. Flagler County’s FireFlight helicopter was grounded due to inclement weather. His current condition is unknown.
“Crews worked in such an efficient, quick, and calm manner,” said Battalion Chief Brady Barry, who was on scene. “The rescue operation ran smoothly with clear communication amongst the crews.”
Flagler County Fire Rescue operates a Technical Rescue Team (TRT), recognized by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s office, which is comprised of 32 members. The technical rescue team is in place for complex rescues, natural disasters, and extrications.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the crews and their abilities to utilize their training to bring the patient to safety,” said Fire Chief Michael Tucker. “These guys and gals never cease to amaze me.”
Respondents on scene were Flagler County Engine 41, Rescue 41, Battalion 62, Engine 92, Rescue 92, and Technical Rescue Team 312 all of B shift.
Media Release: Flagler County
FireFlight Team Rescues Elderly Couple from Pellicer Creek as Daylight fades, Thunderstorm Approaches
March 9, 2022 – Daylight was waning, and a thunderstorm was fast-approaching when Flagler County’s FireFlight helicopter was called into action to rescue four boaters from Pellicer Creek, including two in their 80s.
FireFlight was dispatched at about 5:30 p.m. Monday to help locate the boaters in distress, stuck in what was later confirmed to be 4 inches of water. Pilot Todd Whaley and Flight Medic Frank Mesta located the vessel, made contact with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer sent to assist in the Intracoastal Waterway, and guided an employee from the boat rental company (also struggling in the shallow water) to the location of the distressed boaters.
“Multiple factors came into play at this time: the sun would be setting within 30 minutes; there was a rapidly approaching thunderstorm front from the west; two of the elderly occupants of the vessel were in there 80s; and, the time delay for a requested airboat from St. Johns County was undetermined,” Whaley said. “We (Whaley and Mesta) were in agreement that a helicopter evacuation would be the quickest and safest action to get the occupants to a safe location.”
The FireFlight team had already identified a landing zone – a field south of Marineland in the 9600 block of North Oceanshore Boulevard. They asked the boat rental employee to bring the elderly couple to a mud bank about 100 yards away. It took three trips to transport the four boaters to the accessible field.
“We first transported the two in their 80s, one at a time, secured appropriately on the med(ical) deck,” Whaley said. “With rain and diminishing visibly and darkness rapidly approaching, I directed Flight Medic Mesta to assess the agility of the two remaining victims. We were able to airlift them together.”
Once the four were reunited, Mesta determined that further medical rescue was not required. All information was relayed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer.
“Pilot Todd Whaley and Flight Medic Frank Mesta did a great job thinking on their feet and delivering an outstanding result – all four individuals safely rescued,” Fire Chief Michael Tucker said. “I can’t say enough about the dedication and professionalism of our entire Fire Rescue team.”
Media Release: Flagler County
It’s Official! Palm Coast Named Best City to Retire
Palm Coast – Palm Coast has been named the “Best City to Retire in 2022,” according to Retirement Living. Finding the best city for retirement requires research and thoroughly weighing personal and financial priorities.
“I think it is a testament to the high quality of life that our residents enjoy in Palm Coast,” City Manager Denise Bevan said. “This is a beautiful place to live, work, go to school, and raise a family, so I’m not at all surprised that retirees would be just as drawn to our beautiful city. We live where people vacation and we’re honored to be recognized as a great place to retire as well.”
Retirement Living explored all cities with a population greater than 80,000 residents to find the 10 best cities to retire to in 2022. Cities were rated for safety, activities, attractions and affordability for those on a fixed income.
Palm Coast topped the list at Number One. Average mortgage, sales tax rate, and cost of senior care were also strong metrics for Palm Coast.
According to Retirement Living, “Palm Coast’s population growth is riding on the back of a very healthy local economy. Retail properties range from budget-friendly to upscale stores. Upward trends in residential and commercial properties serve a population with 28% over the age of 65. Aside from shopping and great restaurants, Palm Coast offers golf resorts, fishing, formal garden tours and more.”
For the full list of the top ten cities, visit https://www.retirementliving.
Media Release: City of Palm Coast. Brittany N. Kershaw, Director of Communications and Marketing
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Announces Spring 2022 Florida Space Art Contest for K-5 Students
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez announced the launch of the 2022 Florida Space Art Contest. With March being Youth Art Month, students are encouraged to create an art piece inspired by the theme Florida is the Place for Space: Celebrating Florida’s Contributions to Space Travel and Exploration. Students in grades K-5 are invited to participate in the art contest. Student contest rules and guidelines can be found online at www.FloridaSpaceArt.com.
“As Chair of Space Florida’s Board of Directors, I am proud to launch Florida’s Space Art competition for K-5 students,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “This is an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and artistic talent while highlighting Florida’s iconic space coast, space travel, and exploration. I look forward to seeing all the submissions that, no doubt, will be out of this world.”
Space Florida, as a key sponsor of the Lieutenant Governor’s Space Art Contest, believes supporting STEAM education initiatives are an integral part of its mission.
“Space has long inspired the human imagination and we are excited to support the next generation of Florida artists develop their talents as they experience space as no others have before them,” said Space Florida CEO Frank DiBello. “We are excited to support the Lieutenant Governor through this art contest.”
About the Florida Space Student Art Contest
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez’s Space Art Contest is open to all K-5 grade students in Florida. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Submissions will be broken down in to two categories: K-2 and 3-5. Five original art pieces will be selected from each category, with a grand prize winner selected from each group.
About the Featured Artist
Jonlouis Gonzalez is the Featured Artist for the 2022 Florida Space Art Contest. His work is inspired by his love for space. Last year, Jonlouis’ art flew with the SpaceX Inspiration4 crew and donated to charity.
Jonlouis Gonzalez is the Featured Artist for the 2022 Florida Space Art Contest. His work is inspired by his love for space. Last year, Jonlouis’ art flew with the SpaceX Inspiration4 crew and donated to charity.
“As an artist and as someone who grew up watching space launches from my hometown of Melbourne, I could not be more excited to be a part of this Space Art Competition,” said Jonlouis Gonzalez. “It is my hope that students across our state become creative and inspired by our astronauts who are sent on missions to improve life for all of humanity.”
Forms and Guidelines
Submit artwork to the address below:
Space Florida
ATTN: Space Art Contest
ATTN: Space Art Contest
505 Odyssey Way, Suite 300
Exploration Park, Florida 32953
All entries must be received by 5 PM on Monday, April 25, 2022.
For more information about the contests please visit www.FloridaSpaceArt.com.
Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
FCSO Opens Registration for Spring Citizen’s Academy
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly invites the public to take part in the 2022 Flagler County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy this spring. Beginning April 12, learn the behind-the-scenes daily operations of your Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO).
From the FCSO SWAT Team to the FCSO K-9 unit, get first-hand experience in what it’s like to serve and protect in Flagler County. Classes are free to the public and run from April 12 through May 19. These specially designed three-hour classes take place two evenings a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Classes are held at the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard in Bunnell (behind the County Administration Building).
Learn all about the FCSO including District Policing, Investigative Services, Drug and Gang Enforcement, Victim Services and SWAT. Also, class members get to see Motor Unit and K-9 Unit demonstrations, take part in “Shoot, Don’t Shoot” demonstrations, visit the FCSO communications center and detention facilities and go on patrol with a Deputy Sheriff. The FCSO Sheriff’s Citizens Academy is designed to help provide greater awareness of the many aspects of the FCSO and the agency’s role in the community through education.
“Getting to know your Sheriff’s Office is what this academy is all about,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “The men and women of the FCSO are proud to put on the badge every single day. We want you to know what that means and experience everything involved with serving and protecting the people of Flagler County by taking a behind-the-scenes look.”
To qualify, participants must be at least 18 years of age, live or work in Flagler County, have no prior felony arrests and no misdemeanor arrests within the last 12 months. Enrollment is now open. To register, sign-up at FlaglerSheriff.com/public-interest/citizens-academy. If you have questions, please call 386-586-4845 or e-mail to communityengagement@FlaglerSheriff.com.
From the Teacher: Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak – Yes People
Yes People
Few things will kill you as a leader like being surrounded by “yes” people.
The job of your team is to tell you the truth. Your job is to ask and listen. Their role is not to affirm your ego.
Healthy and robust discussion produces the best ideas and solves problems. You need to seek and hear all ideas and competing views. Silence and false consensus are your enemies.
Attract, recruit, reward, retain, and promote those who tell you the truth. As Gregory Davis says, “If you agree with everything I say, I don’t need you.” The yes person cares about their career not yours. Poor leaders attract and retain yes people.
Good leaders don’t have all the answers and we know it. We just ask a lot of good questions. Ask and then actively listen. Everyone inside and outside the company has to feel free and safe to speak. This must be the culture you lead.
Research confirms the vast majority of the best ideas come from outside senior management. Get out of the office, be an active listener, and create and sustain discussion. You never know where the next best idea will come from. Winning ideas know no title, tenure, position, or rank.
Many minds means fewer errors and more successes. The worst performing companies and countries are where one supreme leader does all the thinking.
Never assume you know the answers. Assume you do not. If logic, evidence, and ethics validates your original idea, then you have lost nothing by having the discussion. If you were wrong and the discussion reveals it, you have been spared a potential crisis or costly mistake.
Never fear the discussion. If you do and your idea is so bad it won’t survive scrutiny by others, that should tell you something.
Weak leaders love to hear themselves talk. Strong leaders love to hear from others.
#LeadershipLessonsWithDrSaviak
From the Teacher: Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak is a weekly column with the esteemed Joseph C. Saviak, Ph.D., J.D., M.A., M.S., Management Consulting & Leadership. Training
Featured Image: The Office
