November Kicks Off DiaBEATes Awareness Month in Flagler County

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November 3, 2021

7019338414542880741 — Flagler Beach DiaBEATes Alliance flag raising. November 3, 2021/Photo John Subers

Flagler Beach, FL (November 3, 2021) Hoisting the first flag for diabetes awareness in Flagler Beach on Wednesday morning, John Subers, director of the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation found himself surrounded by heroes of the day.

Joined by members of the Flagler Beach Police Department, Flagler Beach Fire Department and City Commission, Subers is helping kick off a countywide effort to raise awareness throughout the month of November for diabetes screenings and programs that can help those suffering with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes as part of the DiaBEATes Alliance, launched in 2016 through the foundation.

Flagler County recognizes November as Diabetes Awareness Month. Photo/Flagler County, Lacy Martin

As the formal coalition, the alliance brings together the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation, Florida Department of Health Flagler, and the Flagler County Free Clinic, with a diabetes education coordinator helping provide needed resources to those seeking information or treatment.

In recognizing World Diabetes Day on November 14^th, Subers hopes with the continued support of the local municipalities, community healthcare partners, business and private benefactors that Flagler County residents will be able to live longer, healthier lives.

“DiaBEATes Alliance is a group of organizations and people who just want to spread the word about diabetes, screening, healthy eating, Type 1, Type 2, and just providing education and help out there in our community,” said Subers.

AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation Director John Subers carries the message across Flagler County.

“It is very important to understand if you have a tendency toward diabetes and it’s easy to get screened with a pre-diabetes test,” he said. “The Flagler County Free Clinic has great free education as well as the Flagler County Health Department – they’re great partners of AdventHealth in that arena so it’s education for our community.”

Find out more about the DiaBEATes Alliance and the National Diabetes Prevention Program through the Diabetes Education Center here. http://flagler.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/wellness-programs/diabetes-center.html

Featured Image: The first flag raised in support of diabetes awareness month was in Flagler Beach on Wednesday, November 3, 2021. Photo courtesy: AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation Director John Subers.

Business News: PWFC BUSINESS EXPO Set for November 5th

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Flagler News Weekly

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November 3, 2021

Are you looking to network and show off your products or services to our business and local community? Then be sure to register for our PWFC Business Expo that will be held on November 5th from 8:30 am – 10:00 am at the Hilton Garden Inn, Palm Coast!

There are a limited number of tables available if you or your company would like to display at the expo, please click here to save your table as soon as possible.

Greg Blose II, President of the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber will be making a special announcement about a small business program the Chamber is initiating, in collaboration with CareerSource Flagler/Volusia designed to provide grant funding for 10 scholarships to help local business leaders strengthen and grow their business. If selected for a scholarship, these business leaders will work with consultants at the Coastal Entrepreneur and Innovation Institute to improve their business.

Attendance and display table registration costs are:

Tickets for Members (no display table) $15.00
Members (WITH 1/2 display table) $35.00
Members (WITH full display table) $75.00
Future Members (no display table) $25.00 +$3.16 Fee
Future Members (WITH 1/2 display table) $50.00 +$4.67 Fee
Future Members (WITH display table) $100.00 +$7.72 Fee

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on November 5th! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pwfc-business-for-breakfast-business-expo-tickets-165189019805

Disturbance Call Leads to Manhunt, Arrest for Aggravated Assault on LEO, Fleeing & Eluding

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Flagler News Weekly

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November 3, 2021

On November 2, 2021, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded to a residence in the W section about a possible domestic disturbance. The suspect, later identified as David Badal (DOB: 2/3/1977), fled upon questioning almost striking a deputy with his vehicle during his flight.

The Sheriff’s 9-1-1 Dispatch Center received a call about a male screaming and not letting the female victim leave the residence. Deputies arrived at the residence and asked Badal to step outside for questioning. He was asked to walk towards the driveway and instead started walking towards the driver’s door of a black Lexus SUV parked in the driveway.

Badal then opened the driver’s door, got inside the car, and locked himself in the vehicle. Deputies knocked on the window and Badal started the car. When deputies attempted to open the door of the vehicle, Badal put the car in reverse attempting to hit a deputy with his car. The deputy moved out of the way and attempted to open the passenger door when Badal rapidly accelerated causing the deputy to push off the vehicle to avoid being struck. The deputy was not harmed during this altercation.

A Be-on-the-Lookout (BOLO) was sent to surrounding counties as Badal fled law enforcement. FireFlight responded to assist in the search. FCSO’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), using investigative techniques, was able to track the suspect vehicle Botany Lane. The car had been hidden under a car cover in the driveway. A perimeter was established around the residence by deputies and Badal ultimately exited the home and was arrested without further incident. Once he was placed under arrest, he asked several times if the deputy he assaulted was injured.

Badal has been previously arrested in Flagler County for Domestic Battery, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Flee and Elude Law Enforcement, Driving While License Suspended with Knowledge, Resist Officer without Violence, Corruption by Threat against Public Servant, Domestic Violence, Fugitive from Justice, Failure to Appear, Trespassing, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

“This situation could have ended much worse for our deputies or the suspect,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “We could have had a Deputy Sheriff seriously injured because of his poor decisions and attempting to hit a Deputy Sheriff with his car. Our deputies showed great restraint but we weren’t going to let him get away and our team did a great job using every tool and resource available to find and arrest him. This dirtbag took a domestic violence case and turned it into multiple felony charges so I hope he likes his cell at the Green Roof Inn.”

Badal was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He’s being charged with Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and Flee and Elude Law Enforcement. He’s being held on a $30,000 bond.

Melissa Morreale

Public Affairs Officer

Organizational Services Division

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office

Flagler Tiger Bay Club to Welcome Defense Business Council CEO Rafael Borrás,

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Flagler News Weekly

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November 3, 2021

EVENT REGISTRATION

Advance registration and payment required. $35 for members and $40 for guests.

Early registration is encouraged. Registration is limited due to 50% seating capacity.

SPEAKER TOPIC

Domestic and International Terrorism Challenges in the 21^st Century.

Is there a Nexus?

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

The Honorable Rafael Borrás is broadly recognized as a leader who has created value for the American public as well as corporate shareholders, and has executed and implemented his strategic management vision at the intersection of the public and private sectors. He is currently the President/CEO of the Homeland Security and Defense Business Council, leading an association of industry leading firms supporting the homeland security sector of the federal government. Most recently, he was an executive with A.T. Kearney (2014 – 2020), leading domestic security transformation, efforts predominantly in the Middle East.

Mr. Borrás was appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate to serve as the Under Secretary for Management at the Department of Homeland Security (2010-2014). He was also appointed by the President to serve as Acting Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of DHS in September, 2013. He oversaw DHS’s $60 billion budget and appropriations, and also administered control over the Department’s $19 billion in procurement as the DHS Chief Acquisition Officer.

Prior to his appointment with DHS, Mr. Borrás served as a Vice President and corporate officer with URS Corporation, a global engineering services firm from 2000 – 2010, responsible for multiple P&L groups and major public and private infrastructure projects throughout the U.S.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Our commitment to the safety of our guests is of highest priority. As such, Flagler Tiger Bay Club is following CDC guidelines and recommendations at this event. Seating will be at 50% capacity. Masks encouraged.

20th Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic Set for Nov. 12 & 13

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Flagler News Weekly

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November 2, 2021

The 20th Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic presented by The Surf Station will take place on November 13 and 14 in Flagler Beach, Florida. What began in memory of Tommy Tant—a local surfer who passed away tragically from an aortic aneurysm at 24 years old—has grown into a beloved event that celebrates the bond of family, friendship, and surf culture he loved.

This year’s event will kick off at Tortugas Restaurant on Friday, November 12 at 7 pm with live music and a live auction. Auction items include an all-inclusive surf adventure to Nicaragua, VIP seats to the Orlando Magic, a weekend golf getaway to the Hammock Beach Resort and Spa, and a custom Channel Island surfboard.The amateur and professional surf contest begins at 8am on Saturday, November 13. Some of the world’s best surfers will battle through the elimination rounds at the iconic Flagler pier. Raffle tickets will be available for a chance to win surfboards, surf gear, and a one-of-a-kind surfboard wall art. Attendees can also peruse sponsor booths lining the A1A boardwalk.As the first day of competition winds down, friends will continue the celebration with live music and dancing at a beach party hosted by The Golden Lion at 7 pm.The final rounds of the surf competition take place on Sunday at 8 am. Spectators will gather to cheer on their favorite contestants as they compete to advance to the final match. All finalists receive awards but only first place will win a towering 4-foot champion trophy. On Sunday at 12 pm, the competition will pause for the commemorative paddle out ceremony, where surfers paddle out past the breaking waves to join hands and form a circle of remembrance. This year, the paddle out will honor Tommy as well as Donna Ciancuilla, a vibrant member of the Flagler Beach community and faithful supporter of “The Tommy” who passed away in February.To date, the event has raised and donated approximately $160,000 to the Flagler County Food Bank, local scholarships, and the Marfan Foundation. Learn more about the Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic, apply for scholarships, or sign up to volunteer by visiting www.tommytant.com.

Media Release: Marketing 2 Go

Featured Image: Flagler News Weekly/File Photos

Cigarette Butt Recycling Program Launches in Flagler Beach

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Flagler News Weekly

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November 2, 2021

November 2, 2021 – According to the Truth Initiative, https://truthinitiative.org, since the 1980s, cigarette butts have consistently made up 30 to 40 percent of all items collected in annual international coastal and urban cleanups. That means cigarettes, which also top America’s list of most littered things, have the longstanding distinction of being the most littered item on earth, with about 4.5 trillion cigarettes discarded each year worldwide.

The filters of cigarettes are made of plastic and are not biodegradable. The filters store enough nicotine, heavy metals and other chemicals from the cigarettes to kill fish and marine animals that live in the waters where the tossed butts release toxins. The City of Flagler Beach is no exception, and cigarette filters are the most prevalent item collected during our monthly beach clean-up efforts.

In a proactive effort to address this issue in our City, Flagler Beach Commissioner Ken

Bryan recently secured a grant to receive seventy-five (75) metal receptacles from Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP). The grant is administered by Jacksonville Beaches Go Green, a non-profit part of Keep America Beautiful.

Commissioner Bryan stated, “I initially asked for 50 receptacles, but after explaining the areas of concern and describing how much cigarette trash we pick up during the City beach clean-up programs, I was given 75 for the City of Flagler Beach. “

Volunteers are mounting the metal recycling boxes at numerous locations around Flagler Beach, to include the entrance to our Pier, Boardwalk, City Parks and local businesses. The recycling boxes are being installed at/or near waist height, so butts can be easily dropped in the boxes; no bending required. Volunteers and City Sanitation Staff will empty the boxes into containers donated by one (1) of our local restaurants; Turtle Shack Cafe.

Once they’re collected, the cigarette butts will be shipped to TerraCycle ®, an innovative recycling company located in Trenton, New Jersey. TerraCycle ® has patented technology that recycles cigarette butts into plastic pellets used by manufacturers to build park benches, decking material and shipping pallets, among other items. GPS technology is being utilized by the City to assist in locating all the receptacles for follow-up disposal by the volunteers.

According to “Litter in America”, the Keep America Beautiful National study of littering behavior, shows that just one (1) cigarette butt receptacle decreases the amount of cigarette litter by 9% in a respective area.

Flagler Beach joins a long list of communities participating in this innovative program, to include; Philadelphia, PA, Charleston, SC, Gainesville, FL and Santa Fe, NM.

As a City, we believe the newly installed receptacles mounted throughout Flagler Beach will afford our community the opportunity to proactively make a major impact in the reduction of cigarette butt litter. On November 18, 2021, Ms. Anne Marie Moquin, founder and head of Jacksonville Beaches Go Green, will be on hand at our City Commission meeting to formally award the grant to our City.

Look for the new receptacles in Flagler Beach and please encourage your smoker friends to use them. Keep Flagler Beach Clean; no if’s, ands, or butts!

For additional information regarding the new cigarette butt recycling program, please contact Commissioner Bryan via e-mail at kbryan@cityofflaglerbeach.com

Media Release: City of Flagler Beach, Police Chief Matt Doughney

Florida Health in Flagler Recognizes World Diabetes Day & Diabetes Awareness Month

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Flagler News Weekly

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November 2, 2021

Bunnell, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Flagler (DOH-Flagler) recognizes November 14 as World Diabetes Day and the entire month as Diabetes Awareness Month. World Diabetes Day was first created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization. Diabetes is a chronic disease that can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-limb amputation.

“Reducing the incidence of diabetes has been a public health priority for Flagler County for several years,” said Health Administrator Robert Snyder with DOH-Flagler. “In 2019, twelve percent of Flagler residents had diabetes compared with 14 percent in 2016. This is good news, but the number of Flagler residents who are considered obese has grown from 27 to almost 29 percent over the same three-year period. This is why the diabetes education program we introduced almost three years ago is more important than ever in helping clients learn how to manage and prevent this chronic disease.”

Aside from the health department’s programs, individuals with, or at-risk of developing diabetes have strong support from the City of Palm Coast and AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation’s DiaBEATes Alliance. This coalition of community partners raises awareness about diabetes prevention, while also leading the charge locally in recognizing November as Diabetes Awareness month and November 14 as World Diabetes Day.

This year, the health department, City of Palm Coast and other Alliance members are hosting an event for World Diabetes Day, Sunday, Nov. 14 at the Palm Coast City Hall in Town Center. The health and wellness event will take place from 4 to 5PM, and will include free diabetes screenings, giveaways, and 30 minutes of group activity led by MondelloFit and Hot Yoga Lounge. Participants should come dressed to exercise and have some fun while showing support for diabetes prevention and treatment. You can register online at parksandrec.fun/events.

Through its Diabetes Education Center, the Florida Department of Health in Flagler County helps those diagnosed with diabetes lead healthier lives and helps others prevent the disease. In addition to diabetes self-management and prevention classes, free blood sugar screenings are offered weekdays from 8:30AM to 4PM. The Flagler County Health Department Diabetes Education Center is located at 206 Dr. Carter Blvd. in Bunnell. For more information call 386-313-7263 or 386-313-7264.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. You may also learn more at www.FloridaHealth.gov.

For information about the local health department, go to flagler.floridahealth.gov, call 386-437-7350, or visit 301 Dr. Carter Blvd. in Bunnell. You can also listen to our weekly talk radio show “Flagler Health Matters,” Saturdays at 11:30AM, airing on WNZF News Radio 94.9FM or streaming at https://www.flaglerbroadcasting.com/wnzf.

Gretchen Smith

Communications Manager & Public Information Officer

Host, “Flagler Health Matters” on WNZF News Radio 94.9FM

Florida Department of Health in Flagler

Image: unrcca

Florida Farm Bureau Elects St. Johns County Commissioner As New President

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Flagler News Weekly

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November 2, 2021

St. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Commissioner Jeb S. Smith formally announced his resignation as District 2 commissioner at the November 2, 2021, regular meeting of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners. His resignation comes shortly after being elected as the President of the Florida Farm Bureau.

The Florida Farm Bureau is the state’s largest agricultural organization with more than 136,000 members. The organization represents farm owners who produce all 300 of the state’s agricultural commodities.

Commissioner Smith is a fifth-generation cattle, hay, and sod farmer whose family has farmed the land in St. Johns County for more than a century. He currently serves as pastor of God’s Way Baptist Church in Hastings, which he founded in 2005.

“It’s been a great honor and a privilege to serve the people of St. Johns County these past seven years, and it’s been a pleasure to serve with the members past and present of this board,” he said. “May God bless St. Johns County and its residents.

Commissioner Smith was first elected to the Board of County Commissioners in 2014 and subsequently re-elected in 2018. His district contains a large portion of rural St. Johns County and includes Hastings, Elkton, West Augustine, Flagler Estates, and Rivertown.

The District 2 seat will now be filled by a Governor Ron DeSantis appointee for the remainder of Commissioner Smith’s term.

Click here to view the Florida Farm Bureau’s press release.

Media contact: sjcpublicaffairs@sjcfl.us

200th Anniversary Book Club: “Crossing the Creek: The Literary Friendship of Zora Neale Hurston & Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings”

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Flagler News Weekly

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November 2, 2021

BOOK CLUB REMINDER

Join the St Johns Cultural Council and the St. Johns County Public Library for a virtual discussion of the book “Crossing the Creek” on Wednesday, November 3rd at 6:30 PM.

Anna Lillios’s book examines the productive and complex relationship between these two major literary figures whose friendship blossomed in St. Augustine.

Click the HERE for more information and registration.

Passion for Pickleball? ‘Play with the Pros,’ Support Flagler County on Wheels

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Flagler News Weekly

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November 2, 2021

November 1, 2021 – Pickleball is all the rage, and those with a passion for it will have the opportunity to “Play with the Pros” on Saturday, November 6, and receive tips to boost their game while providing support to the Flagler County Meals on Wheels program.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for beginner and advanced players to receive helpful tips from professional Pickleball players Robert and Jodi Elliott,” said Flagler County Senior Services Program Manager Joanne Hinkel. “The proceeds of the $5 ‘Challenge Tickets’ go to our Meals on Wheels program.”

“Play with the Pros” takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as part of the “Active After 50 Expo!” being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway Northeast – which is free of charge and offers free parking.

A variety of vendors focused largely on products and services to those over the age of 50 will provide information. There will also be live music and prize giveaways.

For enthusiasts of the sport of Pickleball, the “challenge” will be the highlight. According to the Pickleballcentral.com blogsite, Jodi won Bronze at the 2014 USAPA Nationals, Women’s Doubles 35-plus division with Lydia Willis, and Robert won Gold in Men’s Doubles 19-plus division with Kyle Yates, as well as Gold at the Tournament of Champions Men’s Singles Masters.

“And for those who play, their passion for their support will overflow into doing a good deed for our homebound seniors,” Hinkel said. “They can get an extra raffle entry for Pickleball paddles and gear by bringing a non-perishable food item that will be donated to Feeding Northeast Florida.”

In September, 35 volunteers delivered 1,940 meals to Flagler County residents through Meals on Wheels.

Senior Services also provides counseling, information and referrals, as well as an energy assistance program. Office hours are between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. First-time callers with questions about programs and services should call 386-586-2324, ext. 324.

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

BOOK CLUB REMINDER

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