Information/Photo: Flagler County
UPDATE: Emergency Road Closure on Portion of Royal Palms Parkway
Palm Coast – A portion of Royal Palms Parkway from Belle Terre Parkway to Rickenbacker Drive will continue to be closed after a contractor reported that a storm water pipe collapsed while he was preforming maintenance on September 16th.
The collapsing of the pipe has created unsafe driving condition and an emergency structural repair is needed on this portion of Royal Palms Parkway. Traffic traveling eastbound from US-1 will be detoured to Rickenbacker Drive to reach Belle Terre Parkway.
The City of Palm Coast is currently working on an emergency repair with contractors to get the road back open as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience!
For more information, contact the Public Information and Engagement Department by emailing Communications@palmcoastgov.com
Media Release: City of Palm Coast. Shannon Martin, Public Information & Engagement
EXTENDED! Flagler County Cultural Council Launches Logo Contest with Updated October 2nd Deadline
With the first meeting on May 28, 2021, members of the arts, culture and heritage (ACH) community have slowly but surely been chugging along with the formation of the county’s official Local Arts Agency (LAA).
For many, it’s an exciting time to see traditionally competitive organizations working side-by-side for the community’s greater good, and setting an example of what’s possible with the formation of an executive board, bylaws and incorporation, known now as Flagler County Cultural Council or FC3, over the past few months.
Launching a community-wide contest to design the official logo, Richard Hamilton, who has been helping set up and advise the Council as its inaugural Chair said it’s about including the community in the organization’s vision.
“A logo is much more than an image on paper or a screen. It should be a picture telling a story of who we are…symbolizing our hopes to reach out to a broad spectrum of people across the county and unite our diverse cultural, artistic and historical interests to benefit us all,” he said.
The community is invited to take part in the concept design that will be adopted as the organization’s official logo.
“What better start for us than to ask for help from our wealth of local talent?”, asked Hamilton.
Flagler OARS Festival This Weekend in Flagler Beach
Flagler County’s Recovery Community Organization, Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services (OARS), will host its inaugural National Recovery Month Festival on Saturday, September 18, at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Flagler Beach from noon until 8:00 PM. This year’s theme is “Recovery is for EVERYONE: every person; every family; every community”. The festival event includes live bands, recovery speakers, food trucks, NARCAN distribution, area recovery partners and exhibitors … all coming together to celebrate recovery in Flagler County.
“Our entire community is impacted by substance use disorder which includes legal drugs, illegal drugs, and alcohol. Over 12,000 people in Flagler are in some stage of recovery, and about half the families here are affected by relatives and friends with substance use disorders,” said OARS Executive Director Pam Birtolo. “We are a free resource for peer support, public education and policy advocacy.”
Pam and Danielle Moye-Auriemma, OARS Certified Peer Support Specialist, are both passionate about helping the recovery community because they are living recovery, and they know it works. “In 2021 OARS has helped create new opportunities, as we connect individuals and families in recovery to needed services and current education,” explains Danielle.
Faces and Voices of Recovery, FAVOR, sponsors National Recovery Month in September every year. They encourage local communities across the nation to join in. This festival demonstrates that recovery works in Flagler County. OARS encourages all families and friends to participate and learn more about our mission, enjoy the music, and celebrate recovery in our community.
Bring a yoga mat if you want to participate in an easy stress free yoga class at the beginning of the festivities and bring a lawn chair to sit back and enjoy music the rest of the day.
For more information about the event, or how to become involved with Flagler OARS, please contact Pam Birtolo, (386)569-4310, pambirtolo@me.comor link to #flagleroars.
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Flagler OARS’ mission is to provide education, support and peer services to individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder. Founded in 2020 by concerned citizens in Flagler County who want to make a difference and who believe “Recovery is for Everyone!” For more information or to pick up free NARCAN, our office is located at 4750 East Moody Blvd, #220, Bunnell, FL 32110; 386-233-3444.
Flagler Arts Community Collaborates to Support National Arts In Education Week 2021
Flagler County, FL – Kicking off National Arts in Education Week, a collaborative effort among members of the arts community came to the rescue to ensure the 3rd Annual Celebrate the Arts! Concert took place on Tuesday evening in Palm Coast.
Set to host the event at the Flagler Auditorium featuring the United States Air Force Top Flight Band, auditorium director Amelia Fulmer reached out to the Palm Coast Arts Foundation for assistance when it was required to hold the event outdoors.
“We are fortunate to be at the Palm Coast Arts Foundation (PCAF), working together to pull this together. None of it would have happened without Flagler Broadcasting and their skills at getting sponsors and getting people out here,” said Fulmer with appreciation.
PCAF executive director Nancy Crouch said the organization was happy to oblige, welcoming the band and audiences to the main stage and courtyard for the first musical performance in what seemed like ages.
“It’s about the collaboration. I think it’s so important to work with the other partners. City Repertory Theatre has done many performances here, and we are working with the Flagler Auditorium for their outdoor performances,” said Crouch.
“People are anxious to get out and start doing things and this is nice. It is very nice,” she said, beaming.
Family-friendly comedy was on tap to open the show, and comedienne Cristy B had audiences laughing alongside Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin, who was thrilled to take part in the event.
“I am more excited than anything to add the fourth “c” to my mantra – which is culture and creativity,” said Alfin. “It’s about adding the arts to our area. Town Center is the last pillar to build and this will make us the best city in all of Florida.”
In addition to the Old Kings Elementary School (OKES) paint bucket band’s opening act and the rousing Coastal Florida Police & Fire Pipes & Drums’ performance, artwork from OKES and Flagler Palm Coast High School art students was tastefully displayed for the public.
Overseen by Flagler Palm Coast High School digital media teacher Ed Beckett and fellow arts educators Taylor Pogue, Amber Jensen and Ambur Carter in honor of National Arts in Education Week, all were glad to have students back in class.
“Last year most of my advanced students were remote and that was a real challenge, but at least they’re back in the classroom. I think we have some really strong artists this year,” said Beckett, whose students have helped with countless art initiatives throughout the community during his decades of teaching.
That passion for arts and education courses through Fulmer, as well. As a former music and chorus teacher, Fulmer has seen firsthand what music can do in a child’s life. Watching the band perform, she recounted the stories shared by the band members before the show.
“Music spans your entire life. (In school), that’s where it starts. The seed has to be planted, and they’re lucky – they get to make music all their adult life,” she said.
Featuring Top 40 hits spanning a myriad of musical genres, members of the Top Flight Band shook off the dust, ready to be back on stage after an 18 month hiatus according to Senior Airman Courtney Woods, one of two women fronting the band.
“As part of our mission as the Air Force Band, it’s honor, inspire and connect. So we honor veterans, and we try to inspire the American public by connecting with them and telling the story of the military,” she said.
The Rhode Island native spent time after the show visiting with her aunt Lila Carder, who drove over from Orlando to see the show and cheer on her niece.
“Courtney’s our pride and joy at home. Honest and truly when she comes home we all get her to sing. Whether it be a birthday party, a porch party or a funeral, we get her to sing, and we’re all so happy just watching her,” said Carder. “My heart is beaming and I’m so proud of all of them.”
Belting out hits like Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.”, Woods said it’s an honor and a privilege to represent the United States while paying homage to her roots in education.
“Today we’re here to help support music and art in our schools. A lot of us started music when we were in our public school system. The people in this band have gone to the best music colleges and conservatories. They’ve played in symphonies, in the pit on Broadway, touring shows, they’ve played for presidents – and that all started in our public school system through art and music programs,” she said.
“I am so proud that not only do I get to do what I love every day, but I get to serve my country.”
As a supporter of the arts and aspiring talent, Flagler Broadcasting’s Kirk Keller worked closely with the Flagler Auditorium to help with the showcase performance.
“We just thought it was important to do something for arts in education,” said Keller. “We love our youth and sometimes they discover themselves in elementary or junior high, just like Courtney. I think it’s really great for young people to come out and see these performances.”
Since taking the helm at the Flagler Auditorium, Fulmer has worked to raise awareness for arts in education while increasing collaboration among the arts and culture community.
“We hope to do this every year in September, let’s all get together and have a good time,” said Fulmer.
“We’re just so thankful for our friendships and partnerships, and I am just beside myself. It’s more than a job to me, it’s all about the arts and arts education.”
To see the full gallery click here.
FCSO’s Cyber Crimes/ICAC Unit’s Investigation of Child Pornography Discovers Juvenile Victim, Leads to Arrest of Child Molester
On September 16, 2021, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) executed a Search Warrant at a residence in Palm Coast in reference to Possession of Child Pornography. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTip on May 12, 2021, on a likely subject identified as Steven Card (DOB: 6/10/1992) who uploaded 19 files of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) to an online website.
The FCSO Cyber Crimes Unit (CCU), Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), SWAT, and Major Case Units (MCU) searched Card’s residence and recovered four additional images of a young child, which was not part of the original CyberTip. The images also displayed what Cyber Crimes Unit investigators believe to be Card’s anatomy, leading the CCU to investigate if Card had any human victims.
During questioning, it was discovered that there was a juvenile victim. Pictures recovered during the search showed a sleeping juvenile. Through investigative techniques and a witness statement, it was confirmed that the juvenile victim was being molested in her sleep. Card is believed to have stored pictures of these events on his cell phone and all electronic devices were seized for continued investigation.
“We have zero tolerance for this disgusting behavior in Flagler County and this is exactly why I started our Cyber Crimes/ICAC Unit,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “These types of actions could have gone undetected for years if our Cyber Crimes Unit didn’t have a dedicated detective and the capability to investigate these type of internet crimes. If you are a pervert in Flagler County you can’t hide behind a computer screen. Our great detectives will get you and you will spend a very long time in prison.”
Card was arrested and transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He’s being charged with Two Counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, One Count of Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition, and one Count of Promoting the Sexual Performance of a Child. He’s being held on no bond.
The investigation is still ongoing and additional charges may be pending in the future.
Media Release: Flagler County Sheriff’s Office: Melissa Morreale, Public Affairs Officer
Flagler Schools Request Publicly-Noticed Impact Fee Workshops & Public Hearings Be Rescheduled
September 16, 2021 – The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners on September 20 won’t hold a second workshop about the Educational Facilities Impact Fees – or the subsequent public hearings to adopt an increase and amend the code – but will instead continue the workshop and hearings to future dates.
“Following the September 14 workshop and special meeting, county staff and school district staff came together and discussed delaying consideration of the Educational Facilities Impact Fees,” said Growth Management Director Adam Mengel. “The workshops and the adoption public hearing were originally scheduled to meet the School District’s request that the fees be implemented by January 1, 2022, given the statutory 90 day public notice requirement before a fee can become effective.”
Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt, on behalf of the School Board, has asked that the 9 a.m. September 20 workshop be opened and continued to 2 p.m. October 18. She asked that the public hearings noticed for 10 a.m. September 20 be opened and continued to 9:30 a.m. November 2.
Since the notice for the September 20 workshop and public hearings has been published, Florida law requires the Board of County Commissioners open the meetings and then vote to continue them to the proposed times and dates. Additionally, the board will receive public comment for the record from anyone in attendance who is unable to attend at the future dates.
“While no presentation by staff will be made at either the workshop or related to the two public hearings, staff will be present to answer any questions regarding the continuance,” Mengel said. “The public should be encouraged to attend any future meetings, and the board should set the future meeting date and time for the workshop and the public hearings so as to preserve public notice.”
Impact fees are one-time charges on new construction to help pay for additional public services needed because of growth. The concept behind impact fees is that while development can bring many benefits, it also affects infrastructure needs. In order to accommodate this growth in demand for facilities, additional capital investment is required.
For all types of impact fees, there must be a demonstrated need for the particular impact fee, and the proposed rates must be based on the anticipated impacts from the new growth.
Flagler County has posted a “Frequently Asked Questions” on its website for those seeking additional information: https://www.flaglercounty.gov/departments/growth-management/flagler-county-impact-fees-faqs.
Media Release: Flagler County. Julie Murphy, MPIO. Lacy Martin, Marketing Media Manager.
Flagler Beach Boo Drive Thru to Return in 2021
September 16, 2021 – The Flagler Beach Police Department will host a Halloween themed, drive thru event at Wickline Park in lieu of our traditional Trunk or Treat event. The health and welfare of our children, their parents, grandparents, siblings and other family members is our utmost priority. Due to the spike in cases related to the COVID-19 Delta variant, we believe the drive thru event is the safest way for the children of our community to celebrate Halloween.
“Children are the most vulnerable to the COVID virus right now, as there is no vaccine for children under the age of twelve” said Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney.
The Beach Boo Drive Thru is scheduled as follows;
Date: Saturday, October 23, 2021 Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Wickline Park, Flagler Beach
Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney stated, “We want the children of our community to celebrate Halloween in a manner that allows them to enjoy the spirit of the fall holiday, and do so as safely as possible”.
The Halloween themed, pandemic precautionary friendly event will require children to stay seated inside their parent’s vehicles, while members of the
Police Department and Fire Department will be handing out candy in individual safety bags. Wickline Park will be decorated in the spirit of the fall holiday and members of the Police Department will be dressed in Halloween costumes; along with face-masks. This community event is focused on providing the children of our community with the opportunity to participate in a Halloween event that is safe for them, their parents and the members of the Police Department.
Traffic: Traffic wishing to attend the October 23rd event will enter the Wickline Center parking lot from South Flagler Avenue. Wickline Park is located right next to our City Library; 315 7th Street South. Vehicle traffic entering the parking lot will travel south, and when approaching the pavilion, they’ll be contacted on the passenger side of their vehicles by members of the Police & Fire Department. Individual bags of candy will be handed through open passenger side windows to children and/or parents, and we hope kids dress in their Halloween best! Once the children receive their Halloween treat, vehicles will make a U-turn and exit the parking lot onto 7th Street South. The Police Department will be utilizing electronic variable message boards to assist with directing vehicular traffic toward Wickline Park.
Candy Donations: Unopened bagged candy donations, and zip-lock bags for the event will be gratefully accepted. If you’d like to donate candy, or zip-lock bags, please feel free to contact Ms. Dee Ramirez by phone at (386) 517-2020 Ext. 309.
We’re looking forward to a “Spooktacular” time on October 23rd and we hope that the children of our community enjoy this year’s Halloween event.
If you have any questions about the #BeachBooDriveThru please feel free to contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2024.
Palm Coast Historical Society to Host Speaker Series with Judge Andrea Totten
September 18 – Palm Coast Historical Society Speakers Series – Saturday, September 18, 10-11am at Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE. September features Flagler County Court Judge Andrea K. Totten. Judge Totten will discuss the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The Eight Amendment prohibits the federal government from imposing excessive bail or fines, or cruel and unusual punishments. Free, but registration is required at www.parksandrec.fun/adults. More info: www.palmcoasthistory.org.
Volusia County Road Program Workshops Start Today
Residents will have the opportunity to attend and provide input at any of the four scheduled workshops with a virtual option on Oct. 7. The information provided will be the same at each of the workshops and will be similar to the infrastructure presentation given to the County Council on June 1st, which focused on county roads and funding sources.
Following the presentation, participants will be asked to submit their top five county road projects they would like to see completed in order of importance and the top project they would like to see completed in their zone. An open discussion will also take place following each presentation. Public input is an essential factor in producing and implementing an effective plan. In the past, county staff has used this public input to not only develop the 5-Year Volusia County Road Program, but this input is also used when developing the county’s 20-Year Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) contained in the TPO’s LRTP.
The public is invited to attend the following meetings:
- 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at the Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St.
- 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, at the Brannon Center, 105 S. Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach.
- 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, at The Center at Deltona, 1640 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.
- 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7,in the first-floor training room of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand. The DeLand session will also be available as a virtual webinar.
To register for the Oct. 7 webinar, email kviera@volusia.org. A link will be provided upon registration. If you are not able to attend the in-person or virtual workshops, please email kviera@volusia.org with input.
Featured Photo: WKMG/ClickOrlando.com
