Palm Coast Places Fifth in Government Experience Awards 2021

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September 16, 2021

Palm Coast – The Center for Digital Government (CDG) announced the winners of the fifth annual Government Experience Awards on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. The City of Palm Coast received fifth place in the Overall City Government Experience award.

The awards recognize the achievements and best practices of states, cities and counties that are radically improving the experience of government and pushing the boundaries of how citizen services are delivered.

“I’m so proud of the team we have here at the City of Palm Coast and believe that this award is well-earned by the hard-work and dedication of our staff,” Interim City Manager Denise Bevan said. “Our team is designing, building, and implementing innovative tools to provide ideal service to our residents and visitors with the best customer experience possible.”

Overall City Government Experience Winners:
1st Place – City of Mesa, AZ
2nd Place – City of Louisville, KY
3rd Place – City of San Jose, CA
4th Place – City of El Paso, TX
5th Place – City of Palm Coast, FL

“As state and local governments navigated another year of uncertainty — compounded by shifts in constituent expectations and the emergence of new technologies — the experience of government has remained a significant focus for leaders,” said Dustin Haisler, Chief Innovation Officer for the Center of Digital Government. “This year, agencies demonstrated the importance of having an omnichannel strategy with an increased focus on enabling personalized experiences while balancing citizen and business privacy. We applaud the continued efforts state and local leaders have made to build constituent-centric digital experiences and look forward to seeing how these agencies adapt their digital services in the years to come.”

The Center for Digital Government (CDG) is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government. CDG is a division of e.Republic, the nation’s only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local government and education.

Learn more at: https://www.govtech.com/cdg/government-experience/government-experience-awards-2021-winners-announced

Media Release: City of Palm Coast. Brittany N. Kershaw, Director Public Information & Engagement

Palm Coast Arbor Day Set for This Saturday, September 18th

By

Flagler News Weekly

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September 16, 2021

The City of Palm Coast will be holding its 16th Annual Arbor Day event on September 18th from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Ave. Admission is free! Refreshments and products from vendors will be available for purchase.

The tree tent opens at 9 a.m. A Master Certified Arborist will be in the tree tent from 9 a.m.-noon, offering free guidance on proper pruning, placement, planting, and root shaving techniques. To get a free tree, bring a non-perishable, non-expired human or pet food item to trade for the tree while quantities last! City of Palm Coast employees and volunteers will be available to assist with loading the trees into your vehicle.

The native butterfly release will be at 11 a.m. Other fun activities are planned for all ages, including a butterfly tent, a petting zoo, free arts and crafts, and goodie bags for the kids.

While at the event, residents will also be able to take advantage of free paper shredding services. City of Palm Coast employees will be on standby to assist attendees wishing to use this service by wheeling totes to attendees’ cars to help unload paper and bring it to a chute that dumps all of it into a shredder.

For the free shredding service, acceptable items include staples, paper clips, spirals, notebooks, expired credit cards, checkbooks, and folders with small prongs with small amounts of metal/plastic. Unacceptable items include batteries, three-ring binders, binder clips, hard drives, X-rays, and large amounts of metal/plastic. Shredded materials will be recycled, with the ink and color removed to produce new paper towels, tissues, etc.

“Arbor Day in Palm Coast is such an amazing event year after year and that is thanks to all of the incredible benefits it provides to our residents and the environment,” said City of Palm Coast Urban Forester Carol Mini. “This event is about so much more than trees. It is about bringing together Palm Coast families and friends to support their neighbors in need. Hence the Arbor Day slogan, ‘Plant a tree, feed a mouth, grow a community!’ We hope to see everyone there!”

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

9:00 to 10:30 DJ Vern
10:30 to 10:50 VertiFit Aeriel Arts performance
11:00 Native Butterfly Release located in the rear of Central Park next to City Hall
11:15 to 2:00 DJ Vern

Due to the recent rise in positive COVID-19 cases, face masks and social distancing is recommended to attendees per CDC guidelines. Face masks and hand sanitizer will be available.

For more information contact Palm Coast Urban Forester Carol Mini at 386-986-3722 or cjmini@palmcoastgov.com.

City of Palm Coast: Shannon P. Martin, Public Information Supervisor

Flagler Playhouse presents RUMORS by Neil Simon

By

Flagler News Weekly

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September 15, 2021

BUNNELL, FLORIDA Show dates and times:

September 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. September 19 and 26 at 2:00 p.m.
Admission: $20 for adults; $15 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at www.flaglerplayhouse.com. Call 386-586-0773 for further information.

Flagler Playhouse opens its season with half a cast who is brand new to the Playhouse and with a two-story lavish set sure to impress.

RUMORS is a farce set in a residential area of New York – Ken and Chris Gorman arrive at the home of their friend Charley Brock, Deputy Mayor, and his wife Myra for their tenth anniversary party. However, the house is sealed shut, Myra and the servants are nowhere to be seen, and Charley has apparently tried to shoot himself (since he was high on Valium, he missed his head and only wounded himself in the ear lobe). As the other guests arrive, Ken and Chris have to maintain the charade while taking care of Charley, who has passed out in his upstairs bedroom. It all comes to a head when the police arrive.

Flagler Playhouse will host a Community Night on Wednesday, September 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be $10.00 each, cash only at the door. First come, first serve. (no reservations or tickets).

Flagler Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
301 E. Moody Blvd. Bunnell, FL 32110

Homeward Bound: FCSO Recognizes Two Inmate Flagler Technical College Graduates

By

Flagler News Weekly

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September 15, 2021

On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) in partnership with Flagler Technical College (FTC) proudly recognized two graduates of FCSO’s “Homeward Bound” program at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. The program teaches practical job skills through training courses to help prepare inmates to become successful and productive residents upon release from the facility.

The latest course offered in the Homeward Bound program trained inmates to print and apply custom designed vinyl graphics onto vehicles. The two inmates who graduated from the program are Shawn Crandall and Christopher Rodriguez. In fact, many of the marked patrol cars the community sees were completed by inmates in this program.

Shawn Crandall is 32-years-old and originally from North Carolina. He’s been at the inmate facility since July 17, 2021, and has completed the 120-hour program. Upon his release, he had a job waiting for him because of this training program. Mr. Crandall has a position waiting for him at Step Up Design in St. Cloud, Florida. Step Up Design learned about the Homeward Bound program through a technician that repairs FCSO graphics equipment and through the media when the FCSO launched the program.

Christopher Rodriguez is 42-years-old and is from New York and has a passion for design and art. He joined the Homeward Bound program after disclosing his extensive background with cars and graphics to detention deputies. He also completed the 120-hour FTC program. He will continue to work in the shop until the completion of his sentence.

“This program was created with the hope that inmates can learn some practical skills while serving time at the Green Roof Inn,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Hopefully these programs will provide inmates the skills they need to find a job after they are released. Our goal is to help inmates leave our facility more prepared for success than when they entered. Upon graduation of this program and others, we may have just set them on the right path forward to becoming a productive member of the community.”

The goal of the Homeward Bound program is to focus on offering practical job training and the “soft skills” needed that will allow inmates to return to the community ready to compete for gainful employment in a meaningful career instead of becoming repeat offenders. Homeward Bound also builds on the S.T.R.I.D.E program Sheriff Staly implemented in the jail in 2017.

About FTC:

Flagler Technical College is your local resource for career and community education. We are the adult division of the Flagler County School District and accredited through the Council on Occupational Education (COE). Our Career and Technical Education programs focus on high-demand trades to meet the business and industry needs in Flagler and surrounding counties. Students learn practical specialized skills from industry professionals in a personalized and hands-on learning environment. For more information visit our website at https://flaglertech.edu

Media Release: Flagler County Sheriff’s Office

Personnel Note: UF IFAS Extension Lands Multi-County Sea Grant Agent

By

Flagler News Weekly

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September 14, 2021

Personnel Note: UF IFAS Extension Volusia & Flagler County Lands the fabulous Amy Biedenbach!

Announcement from the Volusia UF IFAS Team –

We would like to welcome Amy Biedenbach to our Extension team.

Amy comes to the IFAS/Sea Grant team with 25 years of experience in conservation programming and outreach. She has worked and lived in the Florida Keys, Maryland, Hawaii and Northeast Florida. She completed her MS in Coastal Zone Management in 2013 and worked for several years with Florida State Parks, followed by 2 years at UF’s Whitney Laboratory. Amy will be working as the Florida Sea Grant agent for both Flagler and Volusia counties.

She lives in Palm Coast with her husband, 2 children, and many pets! She’s looking forward to getting out in the community so keep an eye out for upcoming Sea Grant programs.

PWC Mixes Belly Dance & Business on Wednesday

By

Flagler News Weekly

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September 14, 2021

Join PWFC for our Social Networking event on Wednesday, September 15th from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.

This will be an amazing night with belly dancing & networking!

Erica Rivera also known as her stage name, Sadira is a seasoned belly dancer specializing in both cabaret and fusion styles. She combines her love of middle eastern dance with her passion for Latin culture.

Certified in Shimmy Chic Fitness in 2015, she will be coaching us through an energetic and fun workout program based on this ancient art form but with a modern twist. This class will provide both calorie-burning cardio and muscle toning moves, along with increased flexibility, grace, and a sense of self.

FREE event for members & $15 for Future Members

***Hip Scarves will available to purchase on-site for $10

****This is an in-person event – CDC Guidelines will be followed

Limited Space Available – Register Today to Save Your Spot.

Click Here https://tinyurl.com/x2nbnpnm

Ormond Beach Family YMCA to Host Ground Breaking for Phase I

By

Flagler News Weekly

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September 13, 2021

Ormond Beach, Fla. – The Ormond Beach Family YMCA is pleased to invite the public and media to attend the groundbreaking for Phase I of the Ormond Beach YMCA’s remodeling on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 5PM located at 500 Sterthaus Dr., Ormond Beach.

“This is the beginning of our expansion and remodel – our new playground is nearly complete, we are starting on our new wellness center, adult and children’s locker rooms, new kids zone, new childcare center and new group exercise and spin class rooms,” said Chris Seilkop, President/CEO of the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA.

The Ormond Beach Family YMCA is located at 500 Sterthaus Dr., Ormond Beach.

They can be reached at 386-673-9622 or https://www.vfymca.org/. They are open Monday through Friday from 5AM until 9PM, Saturday from 7AM until 5PM and Sunday from 12PM until 5PM.

About the Y

The Volusia Flagler Family YMCA is part of a nonprofit organization of over 2,700 Y’s located in 10,000 communities across the United States dedicated to strengthening the communities that they serve. With a focus on developing the potential of youth, improving individual health and well-being, and giving back to and supporting communities, participation in the Y brings about meaningful change not just within our members, but also in the entire community.

The Big Five … America’s Sacrifice

By

Flagler News Weekly

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September 13, 2021

Never forget their names. There are FIVE pages of Americans who were killed in action in the aftermath of 9/11 during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014) and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (2014-2021).

Provided by U.S. Congressman Kevin McCarthy.

3rd Annual ‘Celebrate The Arts’ Concert Features USAF Band “Top Flight” Tuesday Night

By

Flagler News Weekly

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September 12, 2021

Celebrate the Arts at an outdoor concert featuring local entertainers and “Top Flight” U.S. Air Force Band for “National Arts in Education Week”!

When: September 14, 2021, 6:00 pm

Where: Palm Coast Arts Foundation in Town Center

The show is FREE but you need to pick up tickets. Stop into the following locations and get yours!

Tune into Beach 92.7 and KOOL 100.9 to get your tickets or visit our LIVE ON LOCATION Spot Below:

Badcock Home Furniture & More – WHILE SUPPLIES LAST – 2501-A, Moody Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

Photos: USAF Top Flight

Testing and Vaccination Schedule for September 11 through 19

By

Flagler News Weekly

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September 12, 2021

Bunnell, FL – The Florida Department of Health in Flagler County (DOH-Flagler) has modified its COVID-19 testing schedule at the Flagler County Fairgrounds for September 11 through 19.

COVID-19 testing priority will be given to any students, faculty and school staff of public or private schools in Flagler County, followed by the general public, who should schedule testing appointments by calling 386-437-7350 ext. 0.

Saturday, September 11 CLOSED

Sunday, September 12 CLOSED

Monday, September 13 8AM to 12 noon

Tuesday, September 14 8AM to 12 noon

Wednesday, September 15 8AM to 12 noon

Thursday, September 16 8AM to 12 noon

Friday, September 17 8AM to 12 noon

Saturday, September 18 CLOSED

Sunday, September 19 CLOSED

Please consider the following when testing with DOH-Flagler:

Testing should take place at least 3 to 5 days after exposure. Testing sooner than this may result in false negatives.
Plan and expect lines. You will park and walk into the Cattleman’s Hall where testing takes place. This is NOT a drive-through test site.
Wear a mask inside the testing facility. Should you test positive, you may be asked to exit the facility and wait for the rest of your party outside to avoid transmission.
DOH staff are working extended hours to keep pace with the contact tracing and case investigation. We appreciate your ongoing patience. It may take time for DOH to reach individuals who test positive for COVID-19. Take initiative to isolate for at least ten days and contact your loved ones by speaking with family members and other close contacts to encourage them to watch for symptoms.
If you are identified as a close contact to someone who tests positive, you may not hear from the health department if resources are not available.
- If you have been vaccinated (two weeks after your final dose) you will not need to quarantine if you do not have symptoms.
- If you have symptoms, get tested as soon as possible.
- Students will need to quarantine at least four days after the date of exposure.

As a reminder, the health department does not offer testing for travel verification or provide return-to-work notes.

Monoclonal Antibody Treatments are now available in Flagler County at Daytona State College’s Palm Coast Campus. Monoclonal Antibody Treatments (MAB) for COVID-19 can prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death among high-risk individuals. Individuals 12 years and older who are high-risk, that have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19, are eligible for this treatment. Treatment is free. Learn more here.

Vaccinations continue to be offered at 301 Dr. Carter Blvd two afternoons a week on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:30 to 6:00PM. Appointments are preferred; Walk-ins are welcome.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health, 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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information please visit 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.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination and testing locally, please visit flagler.floridahealth.gov. For testing and vaccine appointments, please call 386-437-7350 ext. 0 weekdays between 8AM and 4:30PM.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health, 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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information please visit 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

Personnel Note: UF IFAS Extension Volusia & Flagler County Lands the fabulous Amy Biedenbach!

Announcement from the Volusia UF IFAS Team –

We would like to welcome Amy Biedenbach to our Extension team.

She lives in Palm Coast with her husband, 2 children, and many pets! She’s looking forward to getting out in the community so keep an eye out for upcoming Sea Grant programs.

Join PWFC for our Social Networking event on Wednesday, September 15th from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.

This will be an amazing night with belly dancing & networking!

Erica Rivera also known as her stage name, Sadira is a seasoned belly dancer specializing in both cabaret and fusion styles. She combines her love of middle eastern dance with her passion for Latin culture.

FREE event for members & $15 for Future Members

***Hip Scarves will available to purchase on-site for $10

****This is an in-person event – CDC Guidelines will be followed

Limited Space Available – Register Today to Save Your Spot.

Click Here https://tinyurl.com/x2nbnpnm

About the Y

Never forget their names. There are FIVE pages of Americans who were killed in action in the aftermath of 9/11 during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014) and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (2014-2021).

Provided by U.S. Congressman Kevin McCarthy.

Bunnell, FL – The Florida Department of Health in Flagler County (DOH-Flagler) has modified its COVID-19 testing schedule at the Flagler County Fairgrounds for September 11 through 19.

COVID-19 testing priority will be given to any students, faculty and school staff of public or private schools in Flagler County, followed by the general public, who should schedule testing appointments by calling 386-437-7350 ext. 0.

Saturday, September 11 CLOSED

Sunday, September 12 CLOSED

Monday, September 13 8AM to 12 noon

Tuesday, September 14 8AM to 12 noon

Wednesday, September 15 8AM to 12 noon

Thursday, September 16 8AM to 12 noon

Friday, September 17 8AM to 12 noon

Saturday, September 18 CLOSED

Sunday, September 19 CLOSED

Please consider the following when testing with DOH-Flagler:

Testing should take place at least 3 to 5 days after exposure. Testing sooner than this may result in false negatives.

Plan and expect lines. You will park and walk into the Cattleman’s Hall where testing takes place. This is NOT a drive-through test site.

Wear a mask inside the testing facility. Should you test positive, you may be asked to exit the facility and wait for the rest of your party outside to avoid transmission.

If you are identified as a close contact to someone who tests positive, you may not hear from the health department if resources are not available.

If you have been vaccinated (two weeks after your final dose) you will not need to quarantine if you do not have symptoms.

If you have symptoms, get tested as soon as possible.

Students will need to quarantine at least four days after the date of exposure.

As a reminder, the health department does not offer testing for travel verification or provide return-to-work notes.

Vaccinations continue to be offered at 301 Dr. Carter Blvd two afternoons a week on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:30 to 6:00PM. Appointments are preferred; Walk-ins are welcome.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health, 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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination and testing locally, please visit flagler.floridahealth.gov. For testing and vaccine appointments, please call 386-437-7350 ext. 0 weekdays between 8AM and 4:30PM.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health, 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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

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