Community leades have made the UF Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience a priority project through fundraisers like the annual Taste of the Fun Coast at Hammock Beach Resort. From left, David Ayres, Vice President and General Manager for Flagler Broadcasting, Kerry Mitruska, Director of Sales & Marketing for Hammock Beach Resort and Sara Hale, Managing Partner for Coastal Cloud, join UF Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience Senior Director of Advancement Jessica Long and Sea Turtle Hospital Manager Devon Ramia for the check presentation on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Hammock Beach Resort.
Palm Coast, FL – Breaking away for just a few brief moments from the region’s most delicate patients, members of the UF Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience were on hand to receive the proceeds of last week’s Taste of the Fun Coast event, Thursday morning.
Hosted at the Hammock Beach Resort, the collaboration between the resort property, Flagler Broadcasting and Coastal Cloud netted the growing sea turtle hospital $10,585, to help with needed medical care for the precious sea turtles.
Kerry Mitruska, director of sales and marketing for the Hammock Beach Resort said they enjoy partnering and supporting the community.
“It’s a great event for us. I think it’s the fourth year we’ve hosted the event, and every year we’ve been able to raise more money for a wonderful cause,” said Mitruska.
“We’re all Flagler County residents, so we protect the beach and the environment. This really is a great cause, and we’re happy to participate and see this event grow every year.”
Surpassing last year’s fundraising total, Jessica Long, senior director of advancement for the UF Whitney Laboratory was grateful to receive the donation and for the awareness the annual Taste of the Fun Coast provides for the facility.
It’s been their busiest year ever with about 90 patients coming through the facility in addition to a triple digit number of wash backs – fledgling sea turtles swept back to shore after a long journey to the Gulf Stream, and cared for the facility’s staff until their return to the sea.
“It’s amazing support, especially due to having to ramp down a lot of our public events and revenue. Being able to have the community come out and support us through this event has been critical,” said Long of the direct care dollars.
“Coastal Cloud and their leadership has been a really critical part of the board of trustees at the Whitney Laboratory and the University of Florida. They helped connect us to this event so that has been really essential for us and helped get the word out about the sea turtle hospital,” she said.
Sara Hale at UF Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience.
Building on private dollars raised from the community and funding allocated by state in the 2021-22 budget for $16.5 million, the UF Sea Turtle Hospital is in the midst of a $28.5 million upgrade for the research institute and expansion effort, according to Long.
“We need it in general because we’re in Florida, and we’re on the coast. We do marine research that’s really critical to understanding the conservation needs as well as the development needs of our area.”
“We, of course, want to build off of our sea turtle hospital program that has been full since pretty much the day we opened. We also want to make it more accessible to the public and that is part of the overall plan for the sea turtle hospital and marine research institute.”
The upgrades will also help the growing graduate program and more than 20 students engaged in the research process through the University of Florida.
Greg Lynn and David Ayres catch up during the annual Taste of the Fun Coast event at the Hammock Beach Resort to benefit the University of Florida Whitney Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Hospital, on Tuesday, October 26, 2021.
The Sea Turtle Hospital has captured the hearts of people around the world and become a shared project championed by the community, business leaders and state legislators.
“It was the best year yet,” said David Ayres, vice president and general manager for Flagler Broadcasting of the annual Taste of the Fun Coast fundraising event.
“It’s just such a great thing to have in the community and to have the community support it.”
Featured Photo: Go Team! Community leaders have made the UF Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience a priority project through fundraisers like the annual Taste of the Fun Coast at Hammock Beach Resort. From left, David Ayres, Vice President and General Manager for Flagler Broadcasting, Kerry Mitruska, Director of Sales & Marketing for Hammock Beach Resort and Sara Hale, Managing Partner for Coastal Cloud, join UF Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience Senior Director of Advancement Jessica Long and Sea Turtle Hospital Manager Devon Ramia for the check presentation on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Hammock Beach Resort.
On November 4, 2021, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded to a call about a shooting on Bunker Knolls Lane in Palm Coast. Deputies responded to the residence to find two subjects, a male identified as Matthew Wright (DOB: 1/26/1996) and a female victim, both with gunshot wounds after an apparent domestic argument.
Responding deputies arrived and made contact with the sister of Wright who was in front of the residence, advising her brother was in the garage with a gunshot wound to the head. Deputies then found the victim who advised she had been shot several times by Wright. The victim stated she and Wright were arguing in the garage when Wright shot her while she was sitting on the couch. She then crawled from the garage to the side yard. When deputies entered the garage, they observed Wright lying on the floor with a firearm nearby with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Upon questioning family members, Wright’s mother and sister advised they were contacted by the victim that Wright had locked her in the garage and that he had shot her. Wright’s sister then contacted law enforcement. Utilizing investigative techniques, FCSO Detectives determined that as a convicted felon Wright had unlawfully obtained a firearm a few months ago and shot the victim at least four times and then shot himself once in the head. Both victims were trauma alerts and taken to Halifax Health’s Trauma Center. The victim is in critical condition and Wright died from his injuries.
Wright has an extensive criminal history dating to 2013 and has previously served two stints in Florida prisons. He was previously arrested and charged in Flagler County with Possession of Cocaine, Violation of Probation, Grand Theft, multiple counts of Burglary and attempted Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Flee and Elude Law Enforcement, and Burglary with Assault and Battery. He was last released from a Florida prison on 12/11/2020.
“Unfortunately, this is another example of how a domestic situation can spiral out of control behind closed doors,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “A young woman is fighting for her life because in a moment of rage, her boyfriend thought violence was the answer. The suspect won’t be a threat to anyone ever again. We are praying for the victim and hoping the victim can recover from her injuries. Violence is never the answer and if you are in a volatile situation, you can escape and resources are available to help you.”
“Enjoy a scenic drive with your family along Florida’s A1A Scenic & Historical Coastal Byway in Flagler Beach to see businesses, residences, the pier and Veterans Park illuminated with holiday lights,” the event summary says.
In a time of COVID, Starry Nights was exactly what the community needed to inspire holiday cheer in 2020.
From the community involvement that included the building and hand-painting of lighted stars to adorn the Flagler Beach pier by Nicholas Kimble and friends, to the decorating of Christmas trees in Veterans Park and the homes and businesses that line the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, it was a boost of holiday cheer that helped put the sparkle back in the holidays as so many observed celebrations at home during the pandemic.
Fast-forward to 2021, and the Starry Nights team – loosely comprised of residents and business owners from Flagler Beach and Palm Coast, supported by Flagler County’s tourism office began the planning process early this year, ready to build on the success of last year in creating a signature event.
Flagler Beach Business Bureau President John Lulgjuraj, co-owner of Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill was a driving force behind initiating the effort with business bureau colleagues, and was proud to see the event being taken to the next level this year.
“It feels good when people come together to do great things,” said Lulgjuraj. “This event brings joy and happiness to everyone of all ages in a safe way. We our proud of what our businesses bureau has been able to accomplish with the help of wonderful citizens, the tourism office and elected officials. United we stand in Flagler Beach.”
New this year is the “Deck the Chairs” opportunity, allowing businesses to decorate one of 8 official lifeguard chairs in Veterans Park to help celebrate the season. While this year’s stock is all spoken for, it’s not too late to plan for next year, and an inquiry page is already set up for the area’s early birds.
Tourism officials hope to continue growing the the event, helping to put Flagler Beach top of mind for residents and visitors during the holiday season.
“After last year’s success, we’re pleased to have Starry Nights in Flagler Beach return for the 2021 holiday season,” said Flagler County Tourism Development Director Amy Lukasik.
“The 2020 inaugural event played a key part in driving tourism numbers in Flagler County, which benefitted our local small businesses and economy during a tough year for many. With its positive effect on both tourism and overall community spirit, we’re hopeful that Starry Nights in Flagler Beach will become a cherished tradition for locals and visitors.”
Starry Nights kicks off on December 3rd and will run through January 31st.
An impressive group of submission finalists marked the inaugural UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge, which wrapped up on Thursday evening at the Palm Coast City Hall.
Palm Coast, FL – Natalie Quintanilla’s whoop of excitement could be heard clear across Central Park in Palm Coast as her team’s name was called.
Out of six teams competing on Thursday evening to take top honors in the inaugural UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge only one could emerge the winner, and the excitement of the trio of Flagler Palm Coast High School juniors was contagious as the audience snapped congratulatory photos.
Presenting the Doc Talk app, Flagler Palm Coast juniors Natalie Quintanilla, Chloe Kaczmarek and Madison Bianco wowed the judges with their bedside manner application helping medical students and professionals fine-tune their soft skills, during the inaugural UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge on Thursday evening, held at Palm Coast City Hall.
The infectious enthusiasm for their project started on the pitch deck in front of judges representing the education, business and government sectors from across northeast Florida.
Team ‘Doc Talk’ didn’t miss a beat while describing their application tailored to teaching or refining the positive bedside mannerisms and habits of students and professionals in the medical field. While it’s a skill sometimes lacking in an overworked and underappreciated industry, the project’s potential drew a hopeful and optimistic comparison between ‘Doc Talk’ and the world’s nicest fast-food restaurant, Chick-fil-A from judge Dr. Cynthia Williams.
Hitting the key elements of a good pitch – speed to market, product user projections and annual revenue, the aspiring entrepreneurs held the attention of judges throughout their presentation.
Audience members and judges listen intently as teams in the final round pitch their ideas during the inaugural UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge on Thursday evening, held at Palm Coast City Hall. Judges from left: Dr. Cynthia Williams PH.D. MHS, PT, Director Center for Aging Research at UNF; David Ferguson, SCORE Palm Coast Director; Delores Key, Flagler County Economic Development Manager; LaShakia Moore, Flagler Schools Head of Teaching & Learning; and David Alfin, Mayor for the City of Palm Coast.
Having a great sales person didn’t hurt either.
While Natalie Quintanilla waited patiently for her turn to speak, when on, it was as if an infomercial had flickered to life and a professional sales representative was ready to close the deal, drawing smiles from the audience and judges alike.
“We realized an app will be the cheapest way, and the most convenient way. It can be for anybody, from professionals that maybe forgot their soft skills to students who are learning and want to come into the medical field,” said Quintanilla.
Participants presented from one of three categories – improving telehealth, improving mental health services for young adults or enhancing soft skills in healthcare, and Dr. David Szymanski, CEO and executive director for UNF MedNexus was excited by the thoughtful creativity shown by the students.
“It’s really inspiring is what it is, because you see the future in front of you,” said Szymanski.
“These kids are so articulate. They thought it through, they worked as a team so well together and it’s great to see that collaboration. It’s really rare. I think it gives us hope for the future. What you see is that you can stimulate thought, get people involved, thinking about an issue, particularly healthcare, and what they can do for their community. The giving back part, that’s what we all hope for.”
UNF MedNexus CEO and Executive Director Dr. David Szymanski and Flagler County Education Foundation Executive Director attend the inaugural UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge on Thursday evening, held at Palm Coast City Hall.
Flagler County Education Foundation executive director Joe Rizzo called it a natural progression of the Classrooms to Careers Flagship Programs that have made Flagler Schools a standout in education.
“Some of the groups that spoke tonight are probably some of the smartest people on the planet. So if that says anything about the quality of education and what the possibilities are for kids in Flagler County, it’s amazing. These kids are next level thinkers,” said Rizzo.
Taking the event outdoors after the pitch deck wrapped, teams milled about with eager anticipation, chatting with friends and family.
Cheering on son Hudson Barrick as he takes part in the inaugural UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge, Cristy Barrick attends the final pitch deck competition on Thursday evening at Palm Coast City Hall, as part of Team Ventor.
Out to cheer on her son Hudson Barrick, a junior at Flagler Palm Coast High School, and his team, proud mom Cristy Barrick was surprised by the magnitude of the competition.
“It’s been very exciting. I’m glad to see him working with other students to create something that can initially help other children struggling with depression, anxiety and different things like that,” she said.
Working closely with teammates on the ‘Ventor’ application, Hudson and his team wanted to provide a relevant solution for an important topic among young adults, selecting to tackle improving mental health services.
“We had Ventor which is a mental health counseling app,” explained Barrick. “It’s mainly talking to your peers and there’s mentoring available from counselors who are subcontracted. We wanted to create something accessible that pretty much anyone can use and we wanted it to be helpful.”
Hudson saw it as a valuable learning opportunity while working with professionals through the University of North Florida and collaborating industry partners.
“It’s was really well-done by the MedNexus people. They gave us very specific parameters about how we should be doing things and they were very helpful.”
Audience members and judges listen intently as teams in the final round pitch their ideas during the inaugural UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge on Thursday evening, held at Palm Coast City Hall.
Other students elected to address improving telemedicine, a relatively new service in the healthcare industry over the past decade.
Using their skills including teammate Jared Foley’s FAA drone pilot certification as an asset, second place winners “Holodrone” sought to create ‘holographic technology software for existing medical drones’.
“Our product is a drone that delivers medical supplies and then provides instructions with them through holographic display,” said Foley, a junior at Flagler Palm Coast High School.
“Our hope is for our product to decrease the amount of time for people to get medical help when they need it,” he said.
Closing out the inaugural event, Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin and University of North Florida Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Karen Bowling agreed the Innovation Challenge had been a great success, praising the team spirit of all involved.
“It was rewarding, exciting to see groups of students work together collaboratively in a team foundation to build these ideas as they were truly enthusiastic and excited about the future,” said Alfin.
“These are the entrepreneurs of the future. These are the people which will feed into the medical programs and medical training that we’re building now. These are the applications that will grow the entrepreneurship here in the city of Palm Coast that will attract the younger generation to come back and have rewarding careers with good salaries for the future.”
UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge 2021 Winners:
First Place ($1,500/each): Doc Talk (Enhancing Soft Skills In Healthcare) – Chloe Kaczmarek (Team Captain), Natalie Quintanilla (Co-Captain), Madison Bianco. Flagler Palm Coast High School. Mentor: Wendi Coheley/Senior Manager for Clinical Experience at AdventHealth.
Second Place ($1,250/each): Holodrone (Advancing Telemedicine) – Lizelle Pear (Team Captain), Roymara Louissaint (Co-Captain), Christina Nguyen, Jared Foley, Destiny Ruiz. Flagler Palm Coast High School. Mentor: Karthikeyan Umapathy/UNF Associate Professor School of Computing.
Third Place ($750/each): Luna Care (Advancing Telemedicine) – Ryan Flack (Team Captain), Ashlea Stanley (Co-Captain), Helen Do, Ayushi Elhence, Alyssa Buckingham. Creekside High School. Mentor: Jeff Santos/Director of Strategic Operations at AdventHealth.
Flagler County Sons of the American Revolution member Randall Morris joins Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney, Flagler Beach Police Detective Rosanna Vinci, Flagler Beach Fire Department Lt. Morgan Rainey, Fire Chief Bobby Pace and former Flagler Beach Ciy Commissioner John Feind, a member of the Flagler County Sons of the American Revolution, on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Flagler Beach City Hall to present first responder recognitions.
Flagler County Sons of the American Revolution member Randall Morris joins Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney, Flagler Beach Police Detective Rosanna Vinci, Flagler Beach Fire Department Lt. Morgan Rainey, Fire Chief Bobby Pace and former Flagler Beach City Commissioner John Feind, a member of the Flagler County Sons of the American Revolution, on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Flagler Beach City Hall to present first responder recognitions.
Flagler Beach, FL – If anyone knows what it means to be historically on the front lines, it’s the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and on Wednesday, the Flagler County chapter bestowed commendations on two first responders from Flagler Beach in recognition of their service through their First Responder Recognition Program.
Nominated by their agencies’ commanding officers, Flagler Beach Police Detective Rosanna Vinci and Flagler Beach Fire Lt. Morgan Rainey were presented with the awards in a ceremony held at the Flagler Beach City Hall, by Sons of the American Revolution president Charles Hayes.
Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney spoke from the heart when sharing the qualities and characteristics that made Detective Vinci deserving of the recognition over the past 7 years.
“She’s on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. She follows up on criminal investigations. I thought Pitbull was a singer in south Florida. Pitbull is a detective in Flagler Beach,” said Chief Doughney referencing the agency’s lone detective.
After being named Officer of the Year by the Florida Police Chiefs Association in 2021, Doughney said Detective Vinci’s attention to detail and tenacity is unbridled.
“For those out there hearing this speech, or have run into her and are on the wrong side of the law, you can put your head down. You can close your eyes. When you wake up, Rosanna’s gonna be there,” he said.
Flagler Beach Detective Rosanna Vinci is honored by Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney before receiving a recognition award from the Flagler County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Flagler Beach City Hall.
After a brief stint with another agency, Flagler Beach City Commissioner Jane Mealy was thrilled to learn of Vinci’s return to service with the city, and provided a glowing recommendation to Chief Doughney when asked if she should be rehired.
“I remember when she was first working here and saw a lot of potential,” shared Mealy. “Her demeanor was so wonderful. I was upset when she decided to go to Port Orange. So when Chief Doughney said she’s thinking about coming back I said ‘yeah, work on her’.”
The small town connectivity lends itself to a family atmosphere among members of the agency, and has been a strong asset when retaining talent like Detective Vinci.
“The chiefs improve themselves and set a good role model for everybody and they do what they can to encourage people to work their way up. I think it’s the whole everybody working together. Here, the fact that you have three commissioners here today, says a lot for her,” said Mealy.
With so many deeds of service to her credit, which included state certifications, medical advisory board service, volunteer oversight and administration, service as a member of the city’s drone team, ongoing training and education, and an example of best practices through building bonds within the community, Flagler Beach Fire Chief Bobby Pace stood proudly by as Lt. Morgan Rainey accepted her award.
Chapter President Charlie Hayes presents Flagler Beach Fire Department Lt. Morgan Rainey with a recognition award from the Flagler County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Flagler Beach City Hall, after being nominated by Flagler Beach Fire Chief Bobby Pace, a past recipient of the commendation.
“She plays a pivotal role in the operations of the Flagler Beach Fire Department,” said Chief Pace of the 2014 Firefighter of the Year.
“Lt. Morgan Rainey’s attention to detail, work ethic, (and) professionalism cannot go without recognition. She is the future of the Flagler Beach Fire Department and she is an example of what this agency is striving to be. I am honored that Morgan would be recognized here today, to have her as a member of the department, but most importantly to call her a friend,” he said with obvious pride.
For Lt. Rainey, after nearly 10 years the motivation behind her service remains the same.
“In a nutshell, I know it sounds hokey but I do like helping people. You do get a certain joy out of giving and to have that align with your career and that public servant role, I enjoy it,” said Lt. Rainey.
“It’s exciting because I’ve been here a while and it’s nice to just see something like this happen,” she said. “I feel pretty honored to receive this, especially from Chief Pace, who was the last recipient.”
Serving as the ceremony’s emcee, Randall Morris thanked fellow member and former Flagler Beach City Commissioner John Feind for encouraging his community’s participation that helped bring the awards to the beachside town after many years.
“Today we’re privileged as a chapter of the national society in awarding a police officer and also a fire fighter for their contributions to the community,” said Morris. “We are really thrilled in the Flagler chapter to have this opportunity at Flagler Beach.”
Feind was pleased to see the agencies’ members recognized for their hard work and commitment to the city and residents.
“It was a pleasure and an honor to be able to get the ball rolling to recognize two outstanding employees from Flagler Beach,” said Feind. “Oftentimes they get overlooked but they certainly are doing an outstanding job, and very, very worthy of these appreciation awards.”
Flagler County Sons of the American Revolution member Randall Morris and Flagler Beach City Manager William Whitson chat after the first responder recognition ceremony on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Flagler Beach City Hall.
Featured Image: Flagler County Sons of the American Revolution member Randall Morris joins Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney, Flagler Beach Police Detective Rosanna Vinci, Flagler Beach Fire Department Lt. Morgan Rainey, Fire Chief Bobby Pace and former Flagler Beach City Commissioner John Feind, a member of the Flagler County Sons of the American Revolution, on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Flagler Beach City Hall to present first responder recognitions.
November 4, 2021 – Flagler County residents in the low-lying areas known to flood – particularly along the Intracoastal Waterway – could see tidal flooding enhanced by nor’easter conditions Friday into Saturday as a low-pressure weather system moves across Central and Northeast Florida.
“If you live near the coast, please take time now to secure any lightweight items in your yard, as gale-force winds are possible,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “Those who live in flood prone areas should also take time to prepare, because of the potential for tidal flooding.”
Affected areas could include the Intracoastal Waterway, Pellicer Creek, Haw Creek, and Bulow Creek.
Countywide heavy rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is possible, according to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville. It could be heavier in some areas. Tides could be 2 to 3 feet above normal with surf heights of 7 to 10 feet.
“Power disruptions are always a possibility, so it’s a good idea to check flashlight batteries,” Lord said.
Funding is provided through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, Space Florida and the Florida Department of Transportation
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (November 4, 2021) – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced $13 million in awards to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority new infrastructure at the Cecil Airport and Spaceport. This funding will support the construction of nearly two miles of roadway and extend the corresponding utilities to provide access to underdeveloped property located on the east side of Cecil Airport and Spaceport. This project will more than double the number of jobs available at the facility, bringing the total number of jobs at the airport and spaceport to 6,251. Of the $13 million in funding, $6 million is from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, $4 million from the Florida Department of Transportation, and Space Florida is contributing $3 million.
“We’re excited to announce a $6 million Job Growth Grant Fund award for Cecil Airport and Spaceport,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “When we’re making infrastructure investments, we want projects that are going to have a big impact and make a difference for the community – that is why we chose this project. With this investment, they will be able to double the number of jobs available and the economic impact that the airport and spaceport have on the community. There are a lot of great opportunities ahead at Cecil, and I know it will continue to be an economic driver for Northeast Florida.”
“I’m grateful to Governor DeSantis for continuing to support job growth in our state,” Mayor Lenny Curry said. “Not only is the Governor focused on investing in infrastructure for facilities like the Cecil Airport and Spaceport, but he’s also supporting workforce training programs in high-demand fields, like aviation. These initiatives will continue to move our state forward and provide more opportunities for our citizens.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we are continuing to strengthen Florida’s infrastructure in order to attract new business and expand the state’s workforce by creating new opportunities for Floridians,” said Secretary Dane Eagle of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). “This award will support Cecil Airport’s development of existing infrastructure and allow them to access undeveloped property, which is necessary for future expansion and job growth.”
“This award is an example of how strengthening Florida’s infrastructure reinforces our communities,” said FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault. “This investment will create high-quality jobs and generate equitable economic opportunity for Floridians while helping to spur innovation. Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we are making lasting investments in Florida’s future.”
“This project will open hundreds of acres at the Cecil Airport and Spaceport to the burgeoning aerospace marketplace,” said Frank DiBello, President and CEO of Space Florida. “Jacksonville’s profile in that marketplace highlights the expansion of the Florida Spaceports System, and further represents the evolution of the partnership between Space Florida and Cecil. We look forward to what’s next in the future for Northeast Florida.”
“This infrastructure project at Cecil Airport demonstrates what can happen when great leaders get together”, said Senator Aaron Bean. “Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis, the industrial development within the aviation and aerospace sectors will bring significant, long-term job creation and capital investments to our area. With FDOT, Space Florida, COJ, and JAA investment into this project, the reality of a Cecil Spaceport is closer than ever.”
“I want to thank the governor for his incredibly generous investment in House District 15 and Northeast Florida,” said Florida House Representative Wyman Duggan. “This visionary investment in critical infrastructure for Cecil Spaceport sets the stage for transformational economic development activity in the commercial space industry in Northeast Florida.”
“Florida is a world leader in the aviation and aerospace industries,” said Florida House Representative Cord Byrd. “This investment in Cecil Airport by the State, City of Jacksonville, and Space Florida will keep Florida the gateway to the stars.”
The funding will allow for the design and construction of a utility corridor and roadway project at Cecil Airport and will facilitate the expansion of existing maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities. This development will benefit multiple companies, as well as provide road access and fire suppression to Cecil Spaceport. In turn, this project will attract new aerospace and commercial space tenants, while continuing to support the growth of existing companies and bolstering the local economy surrounding Cecil Airport.
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. Proposals are reviewed by DEO and EFI and chosen by the Governor to meet the demands for workforce training or infrastructure needs in communities around the state.
In 2020-21, $74 million in awards was appropriated for projects that focus on rapidly developing a highly skilled workforce and on infrastructure initiatives that attract businesses, create jobs, and promote economic growth. DEO and EFI are currently accepting proposals. For more information, click here.
Media Release: Office of the Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is eager to announce they will host the Florida State Fish Art Contest again this year. Students in kindergarten through twelfth grade can compete in this free contest for a chance to win state and national honors, and prizes. This program inspires creativity while developing the next generation of anglers and conservationists.
Florida winners will be selected by the FWC in four grade categories, kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth grade and tenth through twelfth grade. State winners will advance to the National Competition to be judged for top prizes including Best of Show. The deadline to enter is March 31, 2022, so start designing today!
“We are committed to increasing youth participation in freshwater and saltwater fishing through this effort,” said Eric Sutton, Executive Director of the FWC. “The State Fish Art program is a unique and creative way to connect to youth anglers and the FWC is proud to be sponsoring the initiative for Florida.”
To enter, students from Florida should submit their entry at Wildlife Forever – Florida Art, consisting of the following:
An original horizontal 9”x12” piece of artwork featuring any fish from the Official Fish List.
A piece of creative writing, no longer than one page, about the chosen species (required for grades 4-12).
Each year The Flagler County Education Foundation and the Josh Crews Writing Gala Committee coordinate a fundraising event to support the writing program in each school financially. The annual event revolves around a novel, usually one that Josh Crews enjoyed reading.
Due to COVID-19, the committee has decided to hold a Drive-In movie at Epic Theatre. The drive-in movie is FREE and open to the public. Bring your own chair if you want to sit in front of the movie screen instead of in your car. Food vendors will be available to purchase food during the movie.
If you would like to join The Griswold family in the VIP tent for the hap-hap-happiest event of the year, tickets are still available. Tickets for the VIP tent are $100 per person and may be purchased here. Costumes are encouraged under the VIP tent. Food and holiday cheer will be provided in the VIP tent.
Flagler County Sheriff's Office. Photo/Danielle Anderson
Flagler County, FL (November 3, 2021) ‘Protect and Serve’ is a motto that law enforcement carries as a lifelong commitment, even after retirement, and one that’s universal for first responders as a profession. Continuing to serve the community, retired firefighters from the Knights of the Inferno Motorcycle Club and members of the law enforcement motorcycle club The Punishers, Florida Chapter have made the rounds this week, serving the Flagler County community through their charitable efforts.
Proceeds from the annual 9/11 Memorial Ride – a free event that draws support from sponsors and t-shirt sales, netted $3,700 this year, and members of both organizations were happy to divvy up the dollars in support of local first responders.
Palm Coast Volunteer Fire Department. Photo/Joe Vece
Starting on Monday with the Palm Coast Volunteer Fire Department and Wednesday’s gifts to the Flagler County Fire Rescue and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Shop with a Cop program through the Flagler Sheriff’s Children’s Charities, it was reminder to first responders still serving, that those who came before them care.
“Overall we raised $3,700 and split it up. Flagler County Fire Rescue got $1,000, Palm Coast Volunteer Department got $500, Vietnam Veterans got $200,” said Knights of the Inferno Motorcycle Club member Joe Vece.
Flagler County Fire Rescue. Photo/Lacy Martin
“9/11 means a lot to us. A lot of us are retired, some are still active fire fighters, a lot of the guys were from New York and it means a lot to us. (This year) we had a very big turnout, and we have good sponsors and partners that help us out with it, Politis & Matovina, Monster Motorcycles, and Flagler County Government Services.
Supporting local children is just as important to Vece who made donating to children’s programs in the area a personal priority before the Knights of the Inferno voted to include it as one of their charitable commitments annually.
“There are a lot of kids in Flagler County that don’t have nothing, and I mean nothing,” said Vece. “They got the clothes on their back.”
This year also marks the launch of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office ‘Shop with a Cop’ program under the Flagler Sheriff’s Children’s Charities banner. Hosted by a private charitable organization for more than a decade in years past, FSCO leadership created the 501c3 modeled after other law enforcement agencies to directly support two programs according to Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Photo/Danielle Anderson
“Most sheriff’s offices, they have their own charitable arm. I just thought it was time because everybody thought it was our program, we supported it, but it wasn’t ours. (Flagler Sheriff’s Children’s Charities) was created almost two years ago but this is the first year that we’ve done an event. We raise money throughout the year – the first six months goes to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches and then the second six months of the year supports Shop with a Cop,” shared Staly.
The programs offer agency employees an opportunity to give back to the community by voluntarily donating $10 each pay period. Seeing the faces of local children as they shop during the holiday season has become a point of pride for members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, who start the evening at Chiumento Law with free holiday festivities for the families.
Facing a challenging year with inflation and the potential for limited inventory supplies on retailer’s shelves, Staly says they are prepared to help 150 children this holiday season but can accommodate 200 if there is that much need in the community.
Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly talks with Knights of the Inferno Motorcycle Club member Joe Vece and members of The Punishers Motorcycle Club on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 as they presented a check for $2,000 to support the Flagler Sheriff’s Children’s Charities for the annual Shop with a Cop program.
It’s donations like the $2,000 from the September 11th motorcycle ride that are helping make a direct impact in Flagler County.
“Between community supporters and the Sheriff’s Office employees we’ll have close to $30,000 for kids,” said Staly, who has formed a partnership with the Palm Coast Wal-Mart this year to help maximize the dollars kids have to spend.
“Wal-Mart welcomed us with open arms and we’re going to go there.”
With family in law enforcement, Nelson Santos, a member of The Punishers Motorcycle Club appreciates the opportunity to be part of an organization that helps support the community whether it’s providing assistance for the 9/11 Memorial Ride each year or for the ‘Shop with a Cop’ program.
“It’s important because it’s going to help families in need,” said Santos. “It feels wonderful. You get goosebumps to see this kind of stuff happen. It’s a wonderful gesture and amazing when we can help with the community.”
Families are encouraged to nominate a child for ‘Shop with a Cop’ by visiting https://www.facebook.com/fcsoshopwithacop/ or email shopwithacop@flaglersheriff.com.
About:
Shop with a Cop is a not for profit 501(c)3 which is part of the Flagler Sheriff’s Children’s Charities organization sponsored by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
