75.6 F
Palm Coast
Friday, September 26, 2025
Home Blog Page 452

Beach Inaccessible At Some Flagler County Coastal Parks Due to Storm Damage

November 10, 2021 – While Flagler’s beaches are open, those accustomed to using walkovers points at some of the coastal parks may have to come up with an alternate plan.

“All of the traditional beach access points are open, but please use caution,” said Parks and Recreation Supervisor Craig Lenniger. “There is a large amount of erosion at the dune lines that could make entering or exiting the beach more difficult than normal. Whether open or closed, visitors will likely see warning signs urging caution.”

Parks without beach access include:

  • Bay Drive Park – 30 Bay Drive – the pavilion and park are open, but there is no access to the beach at this location until further notice because of storm damage.
  • Jungle Hut Park – 125 Jungle Hut Road – beach crossover is closed until further notice, though the park itself is open.

Parks with full beach access include:

  • River to Sea Preserve – 9805 N. Oceanshore Boulevard
  • MalaCompra Park – 115 MalaCompra Road
  • Old Salt Park – 200 16th Road
  • Varn Park – 3665 N. Oceanshore Boulevard

“We want to reiterate the importance of using caution,” Lenniger said. “Last week’s storm took a toll on the beach. There are lots of areas with cliff-like drop offs.”

Media Release: Flagler County. Julie Murphy, MPIO, Lacy Martin, Media Marketing Manager

Photo: MalaCompra Drive, Flagler County

Flagler County Recognizes Employees Who Served for Veterans Day, Government Offices Closed Thursday, Friday

November 10, 2021 – In addition to the annual event held at 10 a.m. on November 11 in front of the General Services Building, Flagler County officials have been honoring the veterans within the organization with a weeklong social media tribute through Veterans Day, Thursday, in gratitude for their service to the United States, and continued dedication to the county.

“It is our sincere hope that everyone will take a moment to reflect on the service of our veterans, and what that means to us as Americans,” said Veterans Services Officer David Lydon. “Servicemen and servicewomen protect our freedoms every day of the year so that we can continue to enjoy the benefits of living in the USA, and we should celebrate that.”

Individual recognition for the 23 participating veterans within the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners will post through Veterans Day to the county’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/FlaglerCountyGovernment.

Flagler County Government offices are closed on Veterans Day, and will reopen Monday, November 15. The Supervisor of Elections office will also be closed Thursday and Friday. The Tax Collectors and Property Appraisers offices, as well as the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, will be closed Thursday only, reopening on Friday.

Listed below are the veterans who chose to participate in the tribute:

Tim Baltzley

Road and Bridge

United States Army

7 years

Danny Bowman

Airport Operations

United States Coast Guard

21.5 years

John Brower

Finance

United States Navy

5 years

Alex Daugherty

Fire Rescue

United States Navy

4 years (2011-2015)

Joe Davis

Fire Rescue

United States Marine Corps

4 years

Christopher Ellis

Fire Rescue

United States Army

18 years total – Active Duty 13 years, and currently serving in the Reserves

Eric Flores Febles

Veterans Service

U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Navy

23 years – U.S. Army Reserve (1984-1987), and U.S. NAVY (Active, 1987-2007)

Charles Grebe

General Services

United States Navy

4 years

Jim Grove

Emergency Management Volunteer

United States Army

29 years

Greg Hansen

County Commissioner

United States Navy

27 Years

Nealon Joseph

Emergency Management

United States Air Force

10 years (2004-2014)

Jerod Krueger

Fire Rescue

United States Army and United States Marine Corps

20 years – 12 Army and 8 Marines

David P. Lydon Jr.

Veterans Services

United States Air Force

36 years+ (still in service)

James Melady

Fire Rescue

United States Navy

10 years (2006-2016)

Jonathan Andrew Nemergut

Library

United States Army

6 Years (2001-2007)

Andrew Pearson

Finance

United States Navy

4 years

Roy Sieger

Airport

United States Marine Corps

20 years (1984-2004)

Jesse Sintscha

Fire Rescue

United States Navy

4 years (1998-2002)

John Steadman

Fire Rescue

United States Army Reserves

Currently serving

David C. Sullivan

County Commissioner

United States Navy

Retired after 28 years of active service

Steven “Todd” Whaley

FireFlight

United States Navy

5 years (1992-1997)

Samantha Whitfield

Human Resources

United States Air Force

20 years

Richard Zufelt

Road and Bridge

United States Air Force and New York Air National Guard

8 years

Media Release: Flagler County. Julie Murphy MPIO, Lacy Martin, Media Marketing Manager

FSCO’s Real Time Crime Center Helps Deputies Recover Stolen Vehicle, Drugs, and Two Fugitive Career Criminals

On November 9, 2021, the Sheriff’s 9-1-1 Dispatch Center issued a Be-On-The-Lookout (BOLO) for a silver Toyota with a stolen license plate from Jacksonville traveling eastbound on Palm Coast Parkway.

The vehicle was located by deputies unoccupied at the Race Track gas station. As the vehicle was being watched deputies observed a male and female approaching the vehicle and were immediately secured. The vehicle and tag were both confirmed to be reported stolen from Jacksonville. The subjects were later identified as David Thompson (DOB: 7/27/1989) and Buffie Simpson (DOB: 10/19/1976).

Upon questioning, Thompson advised the car had been stolen from a business parking lot in Jacksonville and the tag was stolen from another vehicle. He stated he found this vehicle unlocked with keys in it and also admitted to two residential burglaries in Baker County.

Thompson was found to have an active warrant for his arrest and was in possession of drug paraphernalia. During a search of Thompson, deputies found a black bag containing fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, suboxone, and a white pill that could not be identified.

Thompson was wanted for burglary in Baker County, Florida. He has an extensive criminal history in Florida for Grand Theft, Robbery, Burglary, Larceny, Shoplifting, Fraud, Dealing in Stolen Property, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Marijuana. Simpson was wanted for larceny in Baker County. She has a criminal history in Florida for Larceny, Shoplifting, Aggravated Child Abuse, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Marijuana.

 

“Two more criminals made the mistake of coming to Flagler County,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “This is another example of how the technology we’ve implemented throughout the county and within the Real-Time Crime Center helps us apprehend criminals and recover stolen property before they can prey on our community. I’m proud of our team for how this was handled and commend them for getting two more dirtbags off the street and into the Green Roof Inn.”

Simpson was also wanted and was arrested for her Out of County Warrant. Thompson was arrested for Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Suboxone, Petit Theft, and two Out of County Warrants. They were both transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility without incident. Simpson is being held on a $100,000 bond and Thompson is being held on a $320,500 bond. Both subjects are actively being investigated for numerous crimes in other jurisdictions.

Melissa Morreale

Public Affairs Officer

Organizational Services Division

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office

Students Wanted: FDOT Accepting Spring Internship Program Applications

Calling all college and vocational school students! The Florida Department of Transportation has 12 openings for our Spring Internship program. Locations and positions vary statewide. These positions will be advertised from November 8 – December 5. The positions will align with the spring semester and will run from January – May 2022.

There are two opportunities to attend this virtual recruitment event, November 15 and November 18.

Click here to register: bit.ly/3mZ6lgW.

 

Sheriff Presents 2021 Quarter 3 Awards

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) celebrated the third quarter of 2021 with an awards ceremony on Tuesday, November 9, inside the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center. During the ceremony, Sheriff Staly recognized exceptional service by Sheriff’s Office employees and members of the community, including honoring the team directly responsible for saving the life of a juvenile threatening to jump off the I-95 overpass.

(L) Photo: Unit Citation Award – DFC Jackson, Master Deputy Cangialosi, Master Deputy Crosbee, Master Deputy Rainey, Corporal Rodriguez, and Sheriff Staly.

(R) Photo: Unit Citation – Deputy First Class Butler, Deputy Strack, Crime Analyst Ore, Crime Analyst Supervisor North, and Sheriff Staly.

 

“These men and women perform above and beyond the call of duty and it is a great honor for me to recognize them for their outstanding service,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Our Quarterly Awards Ceremony is an opportunity to recognize the sworn and professional support employees that make up our great team of professionals dedicated to serving Flagler County. Thank you all for your service.”

The following FCSO employees received awards for the 3rd Quarter of 2021.

Life-Saving Medal

CS Eddy Deputy Beane Deputy Carter

Deputy Clay

Deputy King

Deputy Kotowski

Deputy Morgante

Deputy Strack

Deputy Wallis

Deputy First Class Crego

Corporal DeSpusa

Corporal Parthemore

Master Deputy Rainey

Commander Goncalves

Sergeant Biss

Lieutenant PCFD Wagner

PCFD Rescue 12

 

Years of Service

15 Years-       Marilenn Punsalan

Sergeant Nolie St. Fleur

Commander George Bender      Corporal William Lowe

Deputy Jeremiah Rodenborn

15 Years-        Detention Deputy Sara Radford

 

Combat Award

Detective Capela

Detective Chewning

Detective Gaddie

Deputy Lichty

Deputy Prevatt

Deputy Smith

 

Unit Citation Award

CeCe Woody

CS Tina Eddy

Nikki North

Hayden Ore

Deputy Schmidt

Deputy Favorite-Biss

Deputy Cooper

Deputy Patel

Deputy Smith

Deputy Ocampo

Deputy Estep

Deputy Strack Deputy Carter

Deputy Lichty

Deputy Logsdon

Deputy Towns

Deputy Wallis

Deputy First Class Butler

Deputy First Class Crego

Deputy First Class Jackson

Master Deputy Cangialosi

Master Deputy Malta

Master Deputy Crosbee

Master Deputy Jurec Master Deputy Rainey

Corporal Cavas

Corporal Meehan

Corporal Rodriguez

Corporal Bell

Corporal Myers

Corporal West

Corporal Lowe

Corporal Tarczawski

Corporal Parthemore

Corporal Santoianni

Sergeant Miley

Sergeant Breckwoldt

Sergeant Jacob

Sergeant Kandour

Sergeant Reckenwald Sergeant Gamarra  Sergeant Edmonds

Commander Goncalves Commander Finn

Commander Lutz

Commander Jennifer Taylor

Detective Dalrymple

Detective DFC Jordan Taylor

Detective Capela Detective O’Barr

Chief Welker

 

Merit Award

Sergeant Reckenwald

 

COP Years of Services

15 Years-        Dan Lamperti

5 Years –     Steve Camobell

Carlos Nunez     Nathan Oliver

Robert Millett

Sylvester Kirk

 

 

 

Certificate of Appreciation

Sandra Terrell

Nicole Farmer

Deputy Chewning

Deputy Kotowski

Deputy Slaga

Cpl. West

Cpl. Lowe

Sgt. Gamarra

Employee of the Month

July- Sergeant Reckenwald

August- Deputy First Class Gaddie

September- Nikki North

The 4th quarter award ceremony of 2021 will be held at the beginning of the new year.

Prepared by: Melissa Morreale

Phone and Email: (386) 529-4086; mmorreale@flaglersheriff.com

Release #: 2021 – 265

House Budget Committee Ranking Member Calls for Impact Analysis of Biden IRS Proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Budget Committee Republican Leader Jason Smith (MO-08), in a letter to the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), called for an official assessment of how the Biden Administration’s proposal to empower the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to spy on the financial activity of American citizens – including working families, farmers, small businesses, and gig economy workers – would impact middle- to low-income Americans. Specifically, Smith outlined how the latest Administration proposal would be directed at Americans who can least afford to protect themselves against unwarranted government intrusion. The letter asks for an analysis of the IRS targeting of Americans earning less than $400,000. “Just like his multi-trillion-dollar tax and spending bill, President Biden’s proposal to empower the IRS to spy on Americans’ bank accounts is grossly inappropriate and reflects an Administration wildly out of touch with the concerns of the American people. This radical policy, far from serving as a tax on the rich, would target working families and effectively give the IRS the authority to check under the couch cushions of every living room in America. It sets up millions of families, farmers, small businesses, and gig economy workers for potential audits and legal battles against one of the federal government’s most formidable agencies – an agency with a troubling history of abusing its own powers,” said House Budget Committee Republican Leader Smith.The Biden Administration claims its policy is targeted at wealthy Americans. But the recently suggested reporting threshold on gross inflows or outflows of $10,000 from any personal or business bank, loan, or investment account would allow the IRS to monitor account activity for any American who spends $833 per month, or $28 per day. Additionally, while the proposal would exclude wage and salary earners, it would impact millions of working Americans who earn income that is not reported on traditional W-2s. This idea is also being put forward at the same time that the Biden Administration wants to give $80 billion to the IRS to double its number of agents in order to target more Americans.“During the Obama-Biden Administration the IRS targeted and discriminated against conservatives, and just months into the Biden Administration the IRS has leaked highly sensitive taxpayer information. These are just a couple examples of the IRS’s abuse that make it clear that turning local banks into a new enforcement arm will only further empower the IRS to harass Americans and violate their privacy,” Smith wrote. “I fear that the consequences of this policy proposal will be far-reaching – impacting Americans across the income spectrum.”Read the letter to JCT here.

Media Release: Matt Schuck, House Budget Committee, Republicans

From the Sons of the American Revolution to Today, Flagler to Commemorate America’s Veterans on Thursday

Flagler County residents are invited to gather with the Board of County Commissioners to honor the men and women who bravely serve in the country’s military at the Veteran’s Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 11.

“On behalf of the Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council, we would like to announce our special guest speaker will be Mr. Randall Scott Morris, a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War and who is also past President of the Flagler Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution,” said Veterans Services Officer David Lydon.

Morris was raised in Flagler County from the age of 2 when his family moved here from Kentucky. He graduated from the former Bunnell High School in 1963, and returned to Kentucky to attend Western Kentucky University where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1967, and was honorably discharged in August 1970. During his service, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant within 26 months – a remarkable feat. Morris served in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970, during which time he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Morris is a proud descendent of Lieutenant Andrew Putnam of the 4th Massachusetts Division of the Continental Line and a patriot of the American Revolution.

For this reason, Morris is a member of the Flagler Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting patriotism and preserving American history by educating future generations. He is a past president, 1st, and 2nd vice president, and currently serves as the chapter’s registrar and genealogist.

Additionally, Morris is a member of the American Legion Post 115.

Besides featuring keynote speaker Morris – donned in a replica uniform of the one worn by his 4th great-grandfather, Lieutenant Andrew Putnam – the “Flagler County Colonel Gary E. DeKay Veteran of the Year” award recipient will be announced.

The Veterans Day event is sponsored by the Flagler County Commission and the Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council.

Veterans groups that will participate include: American Legion Post 115, Combat Vets of America, Marine Corps League 876, Military Officers Association of America, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 8696, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 86, Flagler County Veterans Service Office, and the Knights of Columbus Color Guard 2810, as well as Flagler Palm Coast High School AFJROTC and Matanzas High School Army JROTC, scouting troops from across Flagler County, and local veteran singers Vince Cautero, and Earl Presley.

This event will be held at the flagpole of the Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bunnell.

Later in the day, the City of Palm is hosting a free barbecue lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for veterans and their families at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Avenue. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling 386-986-2323 or in person at the Palm Coast Community Center.

The City of Flagler Beach is hosting its traditional ceremony at 1 p.m. in Veterans Park, located on the southwest corner of State Road 100 and State Road A1A.

“We will have a special guest speaker and music like we do every year,” said Flagler Beach Commissioner Jane Mealy. “We look forward to honoring our veterans.”

Media Release: Flagler County, Julie Murphy, MPIO

Community Mourns Sudden Loss of Bunnell Officer Sgt. Dominic Guida

Thoughts and prayers poured in as news of the passing of Bunnell Sgt. Dominic Guida hit the community.
Sheriff Staly and the #FCSO send our condolences to our brothers and sisters of the Bunnell Police Department as they mourn the loss of Sergeant Dominic Guida, who died in the line-of-duty today.
Sergeant Guida served with FCSO for many years including as a K-9 Deputy before leaving law enforcement, later returning to his law enforcement calling with the Bunnell Police Department.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the BPD during this difficult and sad time.
Bob Pickering – Flagler County Assist 
Very sad news to pass along to everyone.
For those of us who worked the Halloween Event on East Woodside last week, we worked with this officer, he is the one that requested our assistance. 🙁
We are saddened to share the news that Bunnell Police SGT, and former Flagler County Deputy, Dominic Guida died in the line of duty today while participating in training. Our thoughts go out to the Bunnell Police Department, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and all of SGT Guida’s friends and family.
We send our condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Dominic Guida and the Bunnell Police Department (FL) for his untimely passing. Sgt. Guida sadly passed away in the line of duty after suffering a medical episode (cardiac event) during police training. Prior to joining the Bunnell PD, Sgt. Guida served as a K-9 Deputy with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the departments during this difficult time and we thank Sgt. Guida for his service. Rip.
Our hearts are heavy to learn of the untimely passing of Bunnell Police Officer Sergeant Dominic Guida. Our deepest sympathies & heartfelt condolences are with the family of Sgt. Guida & to our Brother & Sisters of Bunnell Police Department.
The story was first reported on Flagler Live, mid-afternoon on Tuesday. Read more: 

Holiday Boat Parade Returns to Palm Coast for 38th Year

Palm Coast, FL – The Palm Coast Yacht Club is proud to announce that the annual Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade, considered the largest boat parade in Central Florida, will be back for its 38th year on December 18, starting at 6 p.m.

Under a full moon, brightly decorated boats large and small will parade down the Intracoastal Waterway.  Marked by enthusiastic parties all along the Parade route, once again the annual event will be broadcast live by Flagler Broadcasting on KOOL-FM.  Grand Marshalls will be Sheriff Rick Staly and the Mayor of Palm Coast, the Honorable David Alfin.

Departing from the Cimmaron Basin, the Parade will pass the Tidelands, Marina Cove, the Hammock, Yacht Harbor Village, and the Palm Coast Legacy Vacation Resort.  It will then proceed under the Hammock Dunes Bridge along St. Joe’s Walkway and Canopy Walk, pass by Island Estates, Waterfront Park, and Grand Haven before dispersing at the Clubhouse Waterway.  The Parade will be escorted by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Tow Boat US, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

This year spectators will not have access to parking at Waterfront Park due to a city construction project to enhance water-based activities.  Parking is available near European Village for viewing along St. Joe’s Walkway, Canopy Walk, and at Waterfront Park.

Registration for boaters is required and is free.  Club membership is not required.  For registration forms contact Parade Captain Robert Ulis at 386-283-5166 or at srulis00@gmail.com.  Forms and details about the parade are also available at the Palm Coast Yacht Club website at www.palmcoastyachtclub.com and on Facebook.  Rain Date is December 19.  Official notice of any change to the Parade status will be posted on the Palm Coast Yacht Club website by 4 p.m. on December 18.

The Palm Coast Yacht Club inaugurated this popular city tradition in 1985 and has sponsored the official Parade every year since except 2020 because of the pandemic. The Club offers a wide variety of social activities for boaters and non-boaters alike. The Club was established in 1979 and welcomes new members every month.

Media Release: Palm Coast Yacht Club

Flagler Schools To Host Job Fair Saturday, November 20th

The Flagler Schools Fall Career Fair is scheduled for Saturday, November 20th.

Join us to connect with department directors and principals, and learn more about careers at Flagler Schools. Applicants will have the opportunity to interview for current openings, and job offers will be made at the event.

We are currently hiring teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and support staff. Flagler Schools has the highest teacher pay in the region, with an average annual salary of $48,363. Our Paraprofessionals and Bus Drivers can earn $15 hourly, and employee benefits include state retirement, insurance, and paid time off.

The event will be held at the Government Services Building from 9:00am until 12:00pm. Online pre-registration is recommended, but on-site registration will be available.

For more information about employment at Flagler Schools, please visit our Work With Us page. If you have any questions about the event or career opportunities, please contact the Flagler Schools Human Resources department at 386-586-2391, or email us. We look forward to meeting you on November 20th!

Flagler Schools Fall Career Fair
Date: Saturday, November 20th
Time: 9:00am–12:00pm
Location: Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 2, Bunnell, FL 32110

Please use the links below to complete the quick online pre-registration:

Teacher Registration
Support Staff Registration