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The Big Five … Joey and Jodee Soltes, Redefined Food Company

By
Flagler News Weekly
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You know them as the dynamic duo at Clean Eats Kitchen. Undergoing a rebrand, mother-son kitchen wizards Joey and Jodee Soltes share what’s it’s been like getting their new business off the ground in Palm Coast as they hit the three year milestone, and what’s ahead for the future.

It’s been a wild ride and you are one of Palm Coast’s great success stories in many ways, starting with getting support from the former Business Assistance Center to building great relationships in the community. Talk about opening the doors for the first time and what it really takes to be a successful entrepreneur.

Joey Soltes

Michael Oppenheim from the Small Business Assistance Center was so instrumental in us being able to open Clean Eats Kitchen (now Redefined Food Co). We opened our business March 2, 2019 and hit the ground running. We are not really sure what defines a successful business owner as we are always striving for more and looking to find the proper work/life balance. To make it in the restaurant industry you have to be willing to put in the hours and do the work yourself. A good mental state is also key to success – one slow week is enough to stress the normal person out, so you have to be mentally tough.

Marking your 3 year anniversary last week, has it flown by and when you look back to the beginning, are you surprised to be here today (as successful as you are)?

Statistics show that 20 % of start-ups fail in the 1st year and and half fail within the first 5 years but we are determined and love what we are doing so we don’t plan on becoming that statistic. We survived Covid-19 and are looking forward to being able to grow our business into much more than it currently is.

You recently went through a rebrand. Why and what’s changed?

The rebrand was brought on by many different factors. We plan on expanding and doing other concepts that dont always fall into “Healthy Convenience” so we want to have a brand and a logo that supports all things food that we will do! As far as what’s changed – we plan to launch a new Ghost – Restaurant concept very soon! Stay tuned on our social media for that.

Jodee S

You talked in the beginning about the desire to have your own food plot to grow farm to table under your own brand. Is that still on the wish list and if so, how’s it going?

We were a little too ambitious with starting the farm. With Covid, supplies to build the barn etc were too high to follow through with it. We hope one day to be able to get a smaller plot of land and still use a similar concept. As we continue to learn – timing is EVERYTHING!

You come up with some recipes and offerings that are unexpectedly delicious. What are some of your customers’ favorites and is there a dish you love to make/eat?

A lot of recipes come from inspiration of foods I’ve eaten at other restaurants. I tend to vibe off of other people’s love for food. I love supporting other restaurants and will gladly eat out a couple times a week. Some of my favorite dishes to make lately are some of the vegan dishes we have been cranking out – Our Vegan Lasagna or Lentil Shepherd’s pie are two of my favorites, but also anytime I have an excuse to make a good Salsa Verde I will!

SABCA’s Music By The Sea Celebrates 20th Anniversary in 2022

By
Flagler News Weekly
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20th Anniversary Season of Music & Art by the Sea

It all started with an idea to create a community gathering that Robert & Andrea Samuels had back in 2002. Many people said it would never work and now 150 plus concerts later here we are! The Civic Association along with our event partner The Art Studio Group are ready to celebrate with our local friends and visitors. Season 20 will occur in two parts. The spring session starts May 25th and runs through June 29th. The Fall season runs from August 17th through September 21st.

We are delighted to welcome back the following Music and Art by the Sea sponsors (so far) Annie-Mac Home Mortgage, Longstreet Auto, Pure Barre, Diane Vespucci – Re/Max 100 Realty, Land Title of America, Angela Joy & Co. Hair Salon and Music Matter Remixed! In addition to funding from these sponsors, a portion of the entertainment expense is paid through the 501C3 non-profit The Beach Music and Art Fund. We are also grateful to the Tourism Development Council for a grant that will help defray the cost of the event. We are also happy to welcome back members of The Village Garden Food Truck Park. Each week a different food truck will serve dinner on site. Dinner of course is optional and admission to the concerts is free.

The 20th Anniversary season will provide our patrons with a variety of musical styles and genres. There will be many familiar faces and a couple of new bands. Click HERE to the the 2022 schedule

PCAF Creative Bazaar Gets Lucky With Great Weather and Exhibitors

By
Danielle Anderson
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Palm Coast, FL (March 5, 2022) Browsing the vendors on site for the monthly First Saturday Creative Bazaar hosted by the Palm Coast Arts Foundation, it was a variety of standout handcrafted and homemade items.

Jeannie Hines’ cute gnomes are fundraisers for ‘Colton and Friends A Foundation for Autism, Inc.’, a charity organization supporting families with autism and organizations that offer recreational activities for them. They’ve helped with requests such as providing uniforms for Special Olympics teams and beach wheelchairs for Surf Quest.

Autism gnome in honor of Colton and Friends, A Foundation for Autism by Jeannie Hines/Flagler News Weekly

Taking part in her first PCAF Creative Bazaar, Hines was excited to meet new people and show her handiwork for a good cause.

“I’ve never been handy, domestic or creative but I just sat at my table one day and started. My husband calls me the mad scientist. I just start and not one is alike,” she said, sharing her excitement.

“It’s beautiful out here. It’s a nice day for families and I get to listen to music. It’s my first time here. I just started making the gnomes and this is my third show.”

Wanda Gajo, Crafty Nana’s Soap Bar, takes part in the March Creative Bazaar at the Palm Coast Arts Foundation./Flagler News Weekly

Hines was among more than two dozen vendors that included ‘Seaside Sista’s’ natural skin care, Jo Grandel-Everett’s ‘Little Shop of Stitches’, ‘Rooster’s Original Wood Work’, and the Palm Coast Lion’s Club, offering up their wares in picture perfect weather.

“I make ladies’ purses out of men’s ties. I saw something similar but not like this. It gave me the idea and I went with it,” said Debra Henderson, owner of All Tied Up.

Debra Henderson – All Tied Up/Flagler News Weekly

Showing her creations, the bags run the gamut when it comes to design, clasp and size. Themes include trendy golf scenes, fun Looney Tunes characters, and elegant patterns for cocktail events among her display.

“My daughter paints, so she said we need to do craft shows,” shared Henderson. “I said I have to come up with something to do. I make them in batches and finish like two a day,’ she said.

Who is her ideal client? Turns out, everyone.

“I’ve sold them for weddings, cruises, shopping and every one of them is one of a kind.”

Organizer Nancy Crouch, executive director of the Palm Coast Arts Foundation was pleased to not battle the elements this month while welcoming vendors and shoppers to their location in Town Center.

Sam Perkovich and Nancy Crouch/Flagler News Weekly

“I love the fact that we host this the first Saturday of the month for our area of community artists. It gives them an opportunity to show their work and sell. The musicians come out at their own cost to perform, so hat’s off to our musicians,” she said as The Salty Dogs played live in the background.

Keeping Crouch company was Sam Perkovich, PCAF’s president and her canine companion.

“We have a lot of vendors out here and it’s a ton of fun,” said Perkovich.

“This event has just grown and grown so get your reservations in early to Nancy who’s in charge of everything,” she said with good humor.

The Salty Dogs perform for the March Creative Bazaar in Town Center at the Palm Coast Arts Foundation./Flagler News Weekly

In addition to hosting the monthly Creative Bazaars, Crouch says the main stage is staying busy as other organizations across the community collaborate with PCAF to hold their events and classes.

“We do rent out and allow different community organizations to use our site because we want it to be used. It gets the word out that this space is available for the community,” said Crouch.

Theresa Northway, Mary Kay/Flagler News Weekly

The next Palm Coast Arts Foundation Creative Bazaar is set for April 2, 2022, and the Palm Coast Arts Foundation will host the family-friendly music performance evening event “Violectric” on April 22nd.

For more information, visit https://www.palmcoastartsfoundation.com/

Mike Ryan, Lion’s Club Palm Coast/Flagler News Weekly

Putin’s War Draws Support for Ukraine from Flagler County

By
Danielle Anderson
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Flagler Beach, FL (March 5, 2022) – It’s Saturday.  Another beautiful day at the beach with sunny skies, a light breeze and bikers in town for the start of the annual Bike Week 2022 festivities.

But half a world away the people of Ukraine are fighting for their survival under gray skies. While they can’t be there in person, Andrew Popov and his wife Marina Onishchenko-Popov wanted to make sure the people of Ukraine knew they are not alone as they fight off Russia to save their nation.

Surrounded by dozens of Ukrainians from across Flagler County and others out to show their support, Popov’s message was clear.

“We’d like to say to all the world, stop the war. Please, help Ukraine, save Ukraine, save lives,” he said.

Born in Ukraine’s capital city Kyiv, Popov moved to the United States nine years ago. He lives in Palm Coast with his family, his daughter and his wife, but his parents are still there.

“They are safe right now but who knows what can happen tomorrow,” he said.

Even from afar, Ukrainians are buoyed by the messages and spirit of the Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and those fighting.

“Yes. Every day he has speech, couple times a day, for Ukrainian people and people in the world – for our neighbors Poland, Latonia, Latvia, Estonia, Romania and all Europe Union,” he said with determination.

“He’s the first president who is so strong and we’re pretty much sure that this president will save our country,” said Onishchencko-Popov of President Zelenskyy.

Joined by their daughter Valerie Reut, who helped translate ‘inspired’ for the couple, she held back tears as she spoke.

“We are trying to raise awareness that this is a real war,” said Reut. “It’s not only affecting Ukraine, but it can potentially affect the whole world.”

“We’re with them in spirit. We’re praying for them. We’re worried about them. Our hearts are breaking for the people of our country, our families,” she said.

As part of the day’s demonstration of support, which drew honks from passing vehicles on State Roads 100 and A1A, it was also an awareness campaign for a donation drive organized by Virtual Homes Realty in Palm Coast.

Onishchencko-Popov said a tent has been set up in the parking lot of the real estate office to gather goods – food, medication and donations, to help what has rapidly become a humanitarian crisis.

“We just want to ask the whole world to stop the war in Ukraine,” Onishchencko-Popov pleaded. “It already hard for Ukrainian people, ten days. They don’t have enough food for a couple weeks. It’s cold, and it’s winter.”

“We have here Ukrainian organization and we are organizing to collect donations especially, it’s going to be financial aid to Ukraine to the people who wear what they have at home, they took their guns and what they have and took to the street to fight,” she said.

“This is the smallest that we can do for Ukraine. Just to stand here, in Flagler Beach, and support them in this hard time. I’m here. Half of my heart is here, the other half is in Ukraine.”

Like so many across the world have during the past week and a half of Putin’s war, Popov expressed what so many are thinking.

“I would like to say Ukrainian people – fight(ing), fight(ing), fight(ing). They should know all America is with Ukraine,” said Popov.

Flagler County to Memorialize the Life of Firefighter John R. Keppler Jr. with a Dedication at the Training Tower

By
Flagler News Weekly
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March 4, 2022 – Flagler County Fire Rescue on March 19 will memorialize the life of volunteer firefighter John R. Keppler Jr. – 20 years after his death – with a dedication ceremony at the training tower on Justice Lane. The facility, which has always been referenced in descriptive terms, will be named for Keppler.

“This is a wonderful thing to be able to do for his family,” said Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker. “It is a pleasure to honor a man who devoted his life to firefighting.”

Keppler at the age of 54 responded to his last call on March 21, 2002. He joined the St John’s Park Volunteer Fire Department in 1993 after moving to Flagler County from Pennsylvania. Keppler earned the rank of captain while here.

He was born into the family firefighting tradition. Since 1860, every man in the Keppler family has joined the profession, including his sons – John R. Keppler III, who still serves for Flagler County, and Andrew J. Keppler, who retired in 2021 after 28 years.

The ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. March 19 at the soon-to-be John R. Keppler Jr. Fire Training Center, 655 Justice Lane, Bunnell.

Andrew Keppler will represent the family. Coastal Florida Police and Fire Pipes and Drums will perform.

“The name Keppler is synonymous with firefighting in Flagler County,” Tucker said. “They have positively impacted the lives of Flagler County residents, and that legacy will continue on with the naming of this training center.”

Media Release: Flagler County. Julie Murphy, MPIO

Lifeline Shines Spotlight on OUR Florida Program & Housing Needs

By
Danielle Anderson
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Saturday morning’s episode of Lifeline features guests Amanda Bevis, spokeswoman for OUR Florida to talk about the opportunities for those struggling with rental or utility payments, and the recent additional funds made available for families in need.

Flagler County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Chair Sandra Shank joins the panel alongside Chynequa King, Assistant Director for Flagler County’s Health & Human Services Department.

Tune in to WNZF NewsRadio at 9 AM for Lifeline, with host Danielle Anderson and sponsored by Flagler Cares in the Flagler County Village, or livestream Lifeline on the Flagler Radio app. Missed the show? Play it anytime at www.flaglercares/lifeline.

 

 

 

FCSO Comms Team Re-Accredited, Performing At Top Levels in 2022

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly and representatives of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) have accepted re-accreditation honors for the FCSO Communications Center. The presentation took place during the 2022 Florida Telecommunications Accreditation Commission (TAC) meeting at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine on February 24.

wgvThe FCSO successfully completed an onsite assessment for re-accreditation in January. Sheriff Staly, FCSO Director of Communications Christina Mortimer, Accreditation Supervisor Michele Bagnoli and Accreditation Assistant Marilenn Punsalan helped coordinate the visit by the TAC Assessment Team.

From the efforts of the FCSO 9-1-1 Communications Center to the cutting-edge technology used by the FCSO Communications Center, the TAC team members were impressed with the overall professionalism of the Agency’s dispatch center and each individual on staff they interacted with. The TAC Assessment Report stated, “All employees were enthusiastic. They admirably answered questions that reflected written policy and showed an in-depth understanding of center procedures.”

The TAC Assessment Team found the FCSO Communications Center in full compliance in the categories of Organization, Written Directive System, Fiscal, Human Resources, Conduct and Disciplinary Process, Recruitment, Selection and Promotion, Training, FCIC/NCIC, Security, Call-Taking Procedures, Dispatch Operations and Procedures, Critical and Unusual Incidents, Fire Rescue Dispatch Operations, Emergency Medical Services Dispatch Operations and Law Enforcement Dispatch Operations. Only 9 Florida 9-1-1 Communications Center’s hold this prestigious accreditation.

“Continuing to maintain our high standards of excellence in our Communications Center is a true testament to the service we provide the residents of Flagler County,” Sheriff Staly said. “We pride ourselves in making sure every member of the FCSO has the latest training and equipment available. Our community should feel safe knowing that when they call us for help the employees on the phone are well-trained and know exactly what to do to send help. I thank our dedicated team for doing a great job in making sure we are not only meeting, but exceeding accreditation expectations in our Communications Center.”

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is a Four-Diamond Law Enforcement Agency. Besides being accredited by the Florida Telecommunications Accreditation Commission, FCSO is also accredited by the Florida Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation and the Agency’s Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility is accredited by the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission. The Agency also is accredited by the National Institute of Ethics.

Melissa Morreale, Public Affairs Officer

Organizational Services Division

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office

Endless Inspiration: Caleb Struble Gets Rock Star Homecoming Celebration

By
Danielle Anderson
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Flagler Beach, FL (March 4, 2022) – It was a welcome home fit for a hero as Caleb Struble was met with banners and signs all the way down State Road 100 just over the Flagler Beach Bridge.

Winding down A1A towards Tortugas Florida Kitchen & Bar with a police escort and great fanfare, Struble, who arrived in style via a red stretch Elegant Limousine, was greeted by homemade signs posted on businesses, light poles, and enthusiastically waved by well-wishers.

After an accident left the young lifeguard with mobility issues, he’s become the stuff of legends through his positivity and determination to walk again. Flagler Beach Ocean Rescue team members were among those out to welcome Caleb home to Flagler Beach.

Tearing up, team captain Amanda Provenzano said it’s about family and rallying in support of each other in times of need.

“We wanted to be out here to support him and welcome him back home,” shared Provenzano. “It’s important to us because we haven’t seen him in a long time and we’ve been seeing all his progress online and through Facebook. Seeing him in person means a lot to all of us.”

Caleb descended from limo onto a red carpet where he received full rock star treatment. Paul Chestnut, co-owner of Tortugas, helped organize the event and was moved to tears watching the young man.

“It’s a pretty amazing day today. I’m a little emotional but it’s one of the best things I’ve ever seen in my life and I’m happy to be a part of it,” said Chestnut.

Caleb’s story has inspired people across the globe – from local fundraisers to donations from strangers, the community has helped the Struble family as Caleb has worked toward recovery according to close family friend and co-organizer of the event, Beth Boyles.

“I am beyond excited and emotional,” she said. “It is a day we’ve waited for almost 8 months and to have him come here on this beautiful Flagler Beach day and see all these people. Flagler Beach showed up for Caleb. It is just amazing and we’re so proud of him and all his hard work.”

Digging deep within himself, it was Caleb’s own fortitude that gave his father Michael the courage needed to be by his son’s side through the long months of recovery to return home to Flagler.

“Today’s amazing,” he said, taken by surprise by the magnitude of the turnout. “This is amazing that Flagler Beach turned up and turned out. It’s awesome.”

“He’s a strong young man. He’s got a positive attitude and he was just, he seemed to know all along. He told me when I walked into the hospital. I kind of freaked out when I saw the CT, and he said ‘don’t worry dad, God’s got this’,” said Michael, sharing the lesson we can all learn from Caleb.

“Always believe. Never give up. Things are heading in the right direction.”

Relying on his faith and friends, Caleb was grateful for the welcome home on Friday. Putting his walker aside for photos, Caleb has the end goal already in mind as he continues to work on returning to full mobility.

“It’s too much, all these people coming out, you know? It shows you what good there is left in the world when all that’s happened,” he said, looking around.

“The big goal is to get back on the beach but I got a little bit of road ahead. We’re taking it one step at a time, it will be alright.”

Watching as Caleb received hugs, Flagler Beach Ocean Rescue Director Tom Gillin said he’s ready to welcome the young man back.

“It’s just amazing. It’s welcome home, Flagler Beach style,” remarked Gillin. “I know we’ve been watching him and following him on social media, but it’s just great to see him in person. We’re looking forward to one day having him sitting back up in the tower and being 100% again.”

Caleb’s determination and the community’s support epitomize what the hashtag #FlaglerStrong is all about according to Flagler Beach city manager William Whitson.

“I’m here to welcome home our hero. It’s a great day for the city,” he said, choking up. “It’s medicine for our heart. We are a very, very close knit community. We support one another, and days like today is a cause for celebration.”

Seeing Caleb arrive at Tortugas, Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney said it was probably the coolest thing he’d ever been a part of.

“To set this up with the staff at Tortugas, the city, the Sheriff, to watch that young man walk out of that car … It’s hard not to cry,” he said. “We’re a small city, less than 4.2 square miles, 5,000 residents, but you won’t find bigger hearts anywhere.”

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Shipping Company Shifting Operations from Backlogged California Port to JAXPORT

By
Flagler News Weekly
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Sea-Lead Shipping will be moving part of their operations from California to JAXPORT in order to bypass heavy congestion at the Port of Long Beach. This will be the first U.S. East Coast container service for the company and JAXPORT will serve as the last port of call on Sea-Lead’s Asia East Coast rotation, connecting Jacksonville to 4 locations in Asia.

“In October, in the midst of severe supply chain disruptions we made a public effort to get companies to bring more cargo to Florida ports, and we have seen great results,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida’s continued investment in our seaports and transportation infrastructure make this exciting announcement possible. We will continue to make infrastructure investments that keep our supply chain moving and make sure that Florida has a strong workforce ready to support these businesses moving to our state.”

“This new service, and the jobs and economic impact it brings to Jacksonville, is a direct result of the dedication and foresight of our elected officials who have invested in a deeper channel and infrastructure upgrades to enable JAXPORT to serve a wider variety of vessels,” said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. “We are grateful to Sea-Lead for choosing Jacksonville as a port of call on their first US East Coast service and look forward to putting our city’s efficiencies and strong transportation network to work for their customers throughout the Southeast.”

In October, Governor DeSantis visited JAXPORT to invite companies who were experiencing supply chain disruptions at other ports to bring their business to Florida’s ports which are open, ready for business, and able to free up backlogs at other ports. Since then, several companies have contacted JAXPORT about shifting their business to Florida, many specifically citing Governor DeSantis’ announcement as their reason for reaching out. Additionally, Florida’s ports have seen tremendous growth in cargo. Florida’s seaports have been working aggressively to expand cargo operations:

  • Port Miami recorded its busiest cargo year in its history, up almost 18% over last year with most of the additional cargo attributed to imports coming from Asia which would normally go into California.

  • Port Tampa container tonnage increased by 14% in the first quarter of 2022, with huge jumps in building material specifically. Steel is up 122% and lumber is up 160%.

  • Port Everglades saw 11% growth year over year, and they are up more than 25% year to date.

  • At Port Manatee, the first quarter of 2022 showed a 15% increase in short tons. Wood products which normally go into California have been coming to Port Manatee instead.

Since 2019, Florida has invested nearly $1 billion into its seaports to ensure that they have the capacity to serve as much cargo as possible. The state has also prioritized infrastructure investments in roadways to ensure capability of handling freight movements. Governor DeSantis proposed $10.4 billion in his Freedom First budget for Florida’s transportation infrastructure.

Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

Image: Florida Politics

Sea-Lead is a privately owned global shipping line, headquartered in Singapore, with a presence in 18 countries. The company has been considering South Atlantic ports for their new vessel service to avoid congestion at the Port of Long Beach. Sea-Lead has been in communication with SSA Marine, the terminal operator at JAXPORT, and will call JAXPORT’s Blount Island Terminal every two weeks, beginning in May 2022. Sea-Lead’s move to JAXPORT can be attributed to berth availability, strong labor force available in Jacksonville, and strong infrastructure connecting freight to consumers. JAXPORT has same-day truck access to 98 million US consumers. Sea-Lead’s new service is initially expected to bring 400-500 loaded containers to be discharged at JAXPORT and will bring in $400,000 in new revenue.

Palm Coast’s Grand Gallery Mixed Media Art Show This Weekend

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Flagler News Weekly Editor: Danielle Anderson Published by Sunrise Media Group, LLC ©Flagler News Weekly, All Rights Reserved.
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