August 31, 2021 – Flagler County Fire Rescue Marine Rescue Team and FireFlight last week (August 25) practiced marine rescue techniques on the Intracoastal Waterway to hone their skills should they be called out to save a swimmer or boater. Would-be rescuers also used the county’s jet ski as part of the training exercise.
“Rescue swimmers deployed from the helicopter and were assisted by the Fire Rescue water craft, creating both dynamic and realistic training,” said Fire Rescue Chief Mike Tucker. “It is important for us to be prepared for any situation we might encounter.”
The “victim” for the training was an unmanned life jacket. FireFlight medics and rescue swimmers Kyle Najpaver and Andy Thomas jumped from the helicopter – navigated by Pilot Todd Whaley – about a dozen times to bring the lifejacket ashore to safety with the assistance of the Fire Rescue jet ski, driven by Lt. John Krall.
“We utilized the ‘10 feet 10 knots’ (a military term) approach, because it’s better for the victim,” Whaley said of the technique that gets the helicopter in close while slowly moving forward. “This keeps the wind and water created by the rotor – called the rotor downwash – out of the victim’s face. It also allows the medics to get to the victim quickly and efficiently.”
Aboard the helicopter, Najpaver and Thomas used a touch system of communication – spotter (non-diver) to diver – to let the other know when it was appropriate to exit the aircraft. Whaley kept in constant radio communication with the spotter. One tap on the shoulder means prepare to dive. Two taps means dive.
“In a real situation offshore in the ocean, we would also deploy a four-person life raft,” said Flight Operations Chief Dana Morris, who orchestrates this critical training. “This would allow both the rescuee and the rescuer to get to a safe spot to await further assistance.”
It is now that the jet ski is then put into motion to help get the victim out of the water to the ambulance waiting ashore.
Two members of Flagler County’s Drone Team – Matt Adams and Joe Cavallaro – filmed the training exercise and streamed it on the county’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/yz-hQdhZIWI.
The Marine Rescue Team was formed in 2010. Nineteen members of Flagler County Fire Rescue are certified for the team.
Training like this is done throughout the year for each of Fire Rescue’s specialized teams.
“We do this to stay proficient,” Tucker said. “We don’t get many of these calls, and we have to be ready when we do.”
PALM COAST, FL (August 31, 2021) – Black Tie Events announces its first annual DJs for PJs® event. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 23rd from 8AM until 6PM.
The daylong event is designed to collect new pajamas for children in crisis and benefits the Guardian ad Litem program in Circuit 7, of which Flagler County is one of the counties. Local disk jockeys from Flagler Broadcasting will encourage corporate and individual donations by broadcasting live from a Palm Coast location TBA.
DJs for PJs was started in Las Vegas in 2003 and up until 2015, the organizers collected more than 100,000 pairs of brand-new pajamas for local agencies to distribute to children in distress. The program is now here in Florida and will serve local children in need.
Beth McKiernan, a recruiter for the Guardian ad Litem program, says, “I was thrilled when Lee called to ask if the children we represent could possibly benefit from an event like this. They absolutely can! There are more than 1500 children in need and go to local shelters with little more than the clothes on their backs and more than half of them are under the age of 8, so finding them clean pajamas they can call their own, is an ongoing challenge.”
Fostering Connections St. Johns, is the nonprofit arm of the Circuit 7 Guardian ad Litem program. They will be acting as the fiduciary agent so any monetary donations that are received before, during and after the DJs for PJs® event will go directly to their local headquarters. The pajamas will eventually be distributed by the volunteer Guardian ad Litem to the over 1,500 children in Flagler, Volusia, Putnam, and St. Johns County in foster care.
Lee Filipe, from Black Tie Events, says “We have such a philanthropic community that we started getting inquiries about where people could donate pajamas now, before October 23rd. Several area businesses and restaurants stepped up right away and starting September 1st we will have collection boxes in eight lobby and reception areas to make it easy for our Flagler County residents to donate. Texas Roadhouse and Terranova’s will offer 10% off to each person donating pajamas in September, for example.”
Kathy Austrino, broker/owner of TAG Ventures Real Estate and founder of the TAG V. BEAR Foundation said she’s proud to serve as a drop off location for the pajama drive.
“I met with Lee Filipe regarding a future event we’ll be doing when she mentioned DJs for PJs and discussed a tidbit that is frequently overlooked, at least by me,” shared Austrino.
“Often children joining a foster family arrive with only the clothes they’re wearing. As you know I strive to support locally whenever, however I can. Naturally, I jumped on the opportunity to help in this way. It’s just a great idea that I’m delighted to take part in,” she said.
For more information about the event, sponsor opportunities or to volunteer please visit https://www.fosteringconnectionsstjohns.org/djsforpjs or call Lee at 386.283.2746 or email her at blacktie-events@hotmail.com.
About Black Tie Events
Lee Filipe started Black Tie Events in Las Vegas, NV in 1999 specializing in corporate and social events at first, then evolving to nonprofit events in 2005. She has been doing MONOPOLY® and other themed events for charities around the country since 2008 and has helped raise much needed funds for a variety of different organizations. She moved to Palm Coast in 2018 and is excited to be making a difference in the community with her unique fundraisers to help local nonprofits. For more info please call Lee at 386.283.2746 or email her at blacktie-events@hotmail.com.
August 31, 2021 – Flagler County urges residents to do as it has and recognize September as National Preparedness Month, which is done to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. This year’s theme is “Prepare to Protect.”
“National Preparedness Month just happens to coincide with the peak of hurricane season for us, which is underscored by the devastation caused in the past couple of days by Hurricane Ida. Our hearts are with everyone who is suffering in the aftermath of this storm,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “We are asking our residents to please take a couple of steps to ensure your families and households are ready for anything that may happen.”
While governments like Flagler County take the lead in responding to disasters that can affect the community for extended periods, there are individual actions that can be taken that will lessen the impact. The national campaign recommends devoting one week each to the following activities: make a plan; build a kit; low-cost, no-cost preparedness; and, teach youth about preparedness.
“Flagler County community members who are prepared can be a positive influence on their neighbors by sharing their preparedness plans, and by encouraging friends, family, neighbors and coworkers to be prepared too,” Lord said. “This applies to businesses, too. The more people are prepared, the quicker our community will recover, which, of course, has a positive impact on the quality of life here in the county.”
Preparedness Weeks
Week one – September 1-4 – Make a Plan: Talk to friends and family about how communicating before, during, and after a disaster will work. Consider updating the plan to include the Centers for Disease Control recommendations regarding the coronavirus.
Week two – September 5-11 – Build a Kit: Gather supplies that will last for a week after a disaster for everyone in the home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have. Portability is key should evacuation be required.
Week three – September 12-18 – Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness: Know the risk of disasters in the area (tornadoes, wildfire, flood/storm surge, hurricanes). Learn about home damage mitigation strategies for storms and other common hazards. Check insurance coverage to make sure it is up-to-date.
Week four – September 19-25 – Teach Youth about Preparedness: Talk to family members, including the kids, about preparing for emergencies and what to do if the family is separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Announced 2021 Florida’s 11 to Save at
Preservation on Main Street Conference
List spotlights the most threatened historic properties in the state and drives the Florida Trust’s education and advocacy initiatives for the year ahead
On July 21 the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation announced the 2021 Florida’s 11 to Save, the most threatened historic properties in the state, at the Preservation on Main Street Annual Conference in collaboration with Florida Main Street.
This year’s list represents endangered historic resources in Florida’s Duval, Holmes, Jackson, Lake, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Volusia counties, covering hundreds of years of history and a variety of cultural resources.
Each year, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation announces its 11 to Save program as part of its annual conference. The program is designed to increase the public’s awareness of the urgent need to save Florida’s historic resources, and to empower local preservationists and preservation groups in their efforts to preserve Florida’s rich history.
“We are grateful to those in communities throughout Florida who shared the historic places that matter to them through 11 to Save nominations,” said Florida Trust Board President Friederike Mittner. “We are excited to get to work with our 11 to Save partners to find solutions to preserve these special historic places in order to build communities, drive economic growth throughout the state and protect the past.”
Inclusion on the Florida’s 11 to Save is a starting point for the Florida Trust’s advocacy and education efforts and is intended to be part of a collaborative effort to identify custom solutions for each property. The Florida Trust partners with each location to determine what is most needed for the place and community. Listings are not in any order of importance.
Serving as President of the University of North Florida and the CEO of University of North Florida MedNexus, Dr. David Szymanski is a busy man. Flagler News Weekly caught up with him at the recent Flagler Tiger Bay Club Social by the Sea Meet & Greet, and managed to squeeze in four of the five questions with Dr. Szymanski in less than three minutes.
Dr. David M. Szymanski/President, University of North Florida & CEO, UNF MedNexus, Greg Davis/President, Flagler Tiger Bay Club, David Alfin/Mayor, City of Palm Coast
Tell readers a bit about the initiative you just launched with the school districts.
We’re going to do an innovation challenge in the healthcare area, so we have our Innovation Center, (and) we have five students who are interns working at the high schools. We’re going to have this challenge where they think about ideas in healthcare. They’re going to think about student well-being, they’re going to talk about COVID, they’re going to talk about what it means to be successful in the healthcare field. So, we’re bringing all the students together, get them excited while they’re in high school about potential healthcare careers, issues that people address in there, and really kind of thinking about that path of high school to college to potential jobs.
How does this help set the stage for MedNexus and all the great things to come?
There’s an opportunity to get people excited about the healthcare field. Right now we’re going to be educating nurses but there’s all these professions in healthcare. We want to get the students excited about potential nursing careers, thinking about coming to not only UNF, but we have a partnership with Daytona State, and so it’s a 2+2 program. Two years at Daytona State, two years at UNF, and we’re also doing a 4+1. You get your BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) degree at Daytona State then you come to UNF for the graduate degree under the MSN (Master’s of Science in Nursing) program.
You’re getting the building (in City Centre) ready. Do you have a date set for when you’ll come in?
We got a certificate of occupancy today, so we’re getting furniture, technology but we’ve already started the school year this week. Hopefully within the next couple of weeks or so, we’ll be holding classes within the building.
A few years ago, did you ever think something like this could come to fruition?
No, but we had people that reached out. (Florida Representative) Paul Renner, who’s from this area, he’s fantastic. He reached out to us along with Mayor Holland and they brought us down. I think I’d only been on the job about a month or two and they go ‘come down to Palm Coast and let’s talk about this’ and so we talked about it and I began thinking about different ideas.
Also, the timing was right. He said we can create this thing called the MedNexus and here’s what I want to do, and we can do this in Palm Coast. And so, it’s been a great partnership with AdventHealth. Flagler’s coming here too and we have great partnerships with them. Partnership with the City and Daytona State and UNF, so (we’re) bringing all these people together to make a difference for the community.
The posts ever so subtly draw you in with photos akin to food porn. They’re that gorgeous. But then you read the fine print and words like ‘gluten free’, ‘vegan’ and ‘dairy free’ catch your eye and inwardly you groan. Missing all the good ingredients, there’s no way it can be tasty, right?
Wrong.
Jackie Buckingham has a bachelor’s in nutrition science and it’s been her thing for about a decade. Unable to have gluten herself for the past seven years, and creating foods her husband and daughter can enjoy after the discovery of a medical condition, she’s fine-tuned the art of delicious.
Jackie Buckingham. Co-owner, Flagler Tea Company
Opening the doors to the “Flagler Tea Company” in 2018, the tea room and bakery is located next door to the Gallery of Local Art in Flagler Beach. The kitchen wizard says she really kicked into gear during COVID, spending time honing her baking skills and developing recipes that cater to those with particular dietary needs.
“We’re a dedicated gluten free bakery. We do not have any gluten inside our shop,” she said. “We’re also a dedicated peanut, tree nut, soy and seafood-free facility as far as the kitchen goes. We also have vegan for those who have a vegan lifestyle or they’re allergic to eggs.”
“A lot of people cannot believe when they taste our items that there is something missing out of there. We have a lot of options that are dairy-free because our daughter is lactose intolerant, and there really was no place when we go out for dinner or a treat that we can get something and not have to worry about it,” explained Buckingham.
“So people can just come here and pick anything from the menu and they get so excited. Seeing that on their faces, especially the kids who see their brothers and sisters getting a treat from somewhere and they’re just sitting there because they can’t have anything because of an allergy or an intolerance, they’re able to come here.”
By no means are her baked goods off limits to others who enjoy a healthy sweet treat (now there’s an oxymoron …) and after having lunch with a friend who’d recently had to eliminate gluten from her menu, I started paying attention to the options.
On Friday Jackie posted a beautiful photo of her carrot cake – full disclosure, carrot cake has never been a dessert I would order, it just looked too good to pass up. Picking it up just 10 minutes before closing, it was divine. So good, in fact, I messaged her the next day to save another slice and learned someone else had called ahead to purchase all ofthe remaining 8 slices.
This is the kind of reputation Jackie has established as a baker of specialty items, and she’s attracting customers from near and far.
“Now that it’s getting out there that we’re a dedicated gluten-free facility people are traveling from Gainesville, Ocala, St. Pete and we just had somebody else from Georgia,” she said. “We’re trying to hit the level for everybody.”
While COVID rages, customers can’t come inside the shop. But a menu on display offers up an idea of the hot and cold teas and wholesome baked goods available, and the spacious, comfortably furnished front porch offers up a place to relax and enjoy.
Locally sourced and sustainable items help build the healthy recipes, and Jackie shares she has a red velvet layer cake recipe in the works for the upcoming holidays.
“Fall flavors we have right now are pumpkin and we’re working on some apple items. We do an apple danish and we’ve been asked for a caramel apple, so we’re working on a dairy-free caramel sauce,” she said. “The carrot cake is one of our staples but it does go pretty quick.”
Fresh-from-the-oven is posted on social media and even sometimes includes an ETA on when it will be ready, for her most eager customers.
To find out more visit Flagler Tea Company at 208b S. Central Ave in Flagler Beach. Open 12-6 p.m. Thursday to Monday. To preorder or for special requests, visit their website Flagler Tea Company.
Choose from over 130 loose leaf teas to take home to brew or enjoy a hot or iced cup while you enjoy a Gluten Free Treat.
Dairy Free Chocolate Whoopie Pies with mint, strawberry, sunbutter or vanilla icing filling.
Featured Photo:
Chocolate Whoopie Pies
Carrot Cake Slices
Vegan
Cinnamon Swirl Muffins
Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Vegan Cream cheese icing
Stop by to get your treats or call 386-864-9525 to prepay and pick up later.
Palm Coast, FL (August 26, 2021) – Celebrating the third anniversary of the Flagler Tiger Bay Club, co-founders Greg Davis and Don Madden welcomed more than 120 guests to the first in-person event hosted by the organization in 18 months.
Members and guests from Flagler and St. Johns counties mix and mingle.
Staged in the Atlantic Ballroom at the Hammock Beach Resort, the event featured a winetasting event which also served as a fundraiser for the club’s Flagler Tiger Bay Club Scholarship Program.
Setting an ambitious goal of $50,000 this year for scholarships administered through the Flagler County Education Foundation, guests were generous throughout the evening.
Flagler Tiger Bay Club co-founder and Vice President Don Madden addresses guests.
Announcing the Fall 2021 lineup of speakers for the club during the event, President Greg Davis said feedback from guests was tremendously positive.
“This evening was a big success for us,” said Davis. “We had over 126 people register for the event which is great seeing people again. Outstanding comments on the group of speakers we have coming up for our fall series. I think by all measures, it was a great success this evening.”
Members sip and sample.
Presented by sponsor Chiumento Law, the Social by the Sea served as a meet and greet for guests to learn more about the Flagler Tiger Bay Club and immediately followed the organization’s annual meeting and election of board members.
Young Tigers and Young Executives attend the Social by the Sea.Ladies enjoy an evening out.
*View the Flagler Tiger Bay Club 3rd AnniversaryPhoto Gallery
Daytona Beach, FL (August 28, 2021) It’s with great sadness that WNDB and Southern Stone Communications announce the passing of Marc Bernier. Marc informed and entertained listeners on WNDB for over 30 years while enjoying a successful 46 year career as broadcast journalist. He will be missed by many friends, family members, and colleagues. We kindly ask that privacy is given to Marc’s family during this time of grief.
Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin, Flagler County Historical Society President Ed Siarkowicz, Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson, Flagler Beach City Commissioner Jane Mealy, Flagler Beach Mayor Suzie Johnston, Flagler School Board Member Dr. Colleen Conklin, AAUW Flagler County Branch Publicity Chair Kim Medley, Flagler School Board Member Cheryl Massaro, Flagler County Judge Andrea Totten, AAUW Flagler County Branch member Kathy Reichard-Ellvasky, Flagler County School Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt and Flagler Auditorium Executive Director Amelia Fulmer celebrate Women's Equality Day 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Bunnell, Florida on August 28, 2021.
Bunnell, FL – In today’s world it seems almost unimaginable that a time existed when women in the United States couldn’t cast a ballot, but in reality, it’s only been 101 short years since women were ‘given’ the right to vote by the Nineteenth Amendment.
It’s the sentiment that women even had to earn it that ignites a fire within Maruchi Azorin, and as a commissioner for the Florida Commission on the Status of Women and chair of the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame, it’s something she’s particularly passionate about. Making the trip over from Tampa on Saturday, Azorin was one of several powerhouse women who took to the podium in celebration of Women’s Equality Day 2021, and to honor a 2020 Flagler County hall of fame inductee.
“When I hear women were given the right to vote, it drives me crazy, because the women earned the right to vote. They worked real hard,” she said.
Commissioner Maruchi Azorin, represented the Florida Commission on the Status of Women during the celebration of Women’s Equality Day 2021 at the First United Methodist Church in Bunnell, Florida on August 28, 2021.
“The Women’s Hall of Fame has really brought out towns like Bunnell, the heartbeat of America, the heartbeat of Florida, that produced and groomed these women that found by themselves they needed to do this because it wasn’t going to get any better for them,” said Azorin.
“They’ve left us a legacy that we really have to uphold. I really hope that the young women who are here today will learn from all of the words that were spoken, that you don’t just sit back and do nothing. You have to get up and get working. So, all my congratulations to the City of Bunnell.”
Hosted by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Flagler County Branch, those with a vested interest in history attended the program which not only celebrated the accomplished women in Flagler County of today, but offered a look back at the women who have been trailblazers since the county’s inception in 1917.
Among the guest speakers, which included Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson and Flagler County Judge Andrea Totten, Flagler Beach Mayor Suzie Johnston shared her family’s long history of public service, highlighting the milestones of some remarkable women.
Dating back to the earliest days, her great grandmother Nell Allen was the first woman, listed by the Flagler Tribune, in October 1920 as qualified and registered to vote for the historic 1920 general election in precinct 1, Bunnell. She would be followed by family members Ria Allen Johnston, who served as the first woman on the Flagler County school board in 1960, and Mayor Johnston’s her own mother Suzanne Johnston, who served as the only female property appraiser in Flagler County’s history, and has been the county’s tax collector since 2004.
Flagler Beach Mayor Suzie Johnston shares the legacy of her family’s service in Flagler County during the celebration of Women’s Equality Day 2021 at the First United Methodist Church in Bunnell, Florida on August 28, 2021.
Not to be forgotten, the woman of the hour was without a doubt former Bunnell resident Alice Scott Abbott, a pioneer of the suffrage movement in Flagler County. Abbott’s legacy was formalized by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis when she was inducted into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame in 2020 after the “Let’s Add Alice” campaign.
“The importance of today is to not only remind everybody what the suffragists did, but to make sure the next generations coming up understand their sacrifice and just how hard they worked,” said AAUW publicity chair Kim Medley.
Instrumental in recognizing Alice Scott Abbott as a Flagler County pioneer as part of the Women’s Voting Rights movement and induction into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame in 2020, AAUW Flagler County Branch publicity chair Kim Medley emceed the celebration of Women’s Equality Day 2021 at the First United Methodist Church in Bunnell, Florida on August 28, 2021.
During the ceremony, the plaque recognizing Abbott’s place in Florida history was presented to the Flagler County Historical Society for safekeeping, as was an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol at the behest of U.S. Congressman Michael Waltz.
Historical Society member James Fiske shared the next step, a call-to-action campaign known as “Move That Church” with guests. Currently underway and historically linked Alice Scott Abbott, once completed, the church will house the Florida Women’s Voting Rights Museum.
Flagler County Historical Society president Ed Siarkowicz considers this the natural progression of solidifying the State Road 100 and US 1 crossroads as a history education corridor, supported by numerous organizations through the newly formed Flagler County Preservation Society.
“The significance is that it gives us another puzzle of history’s stories to be able to tell to children and their families so that they can take the lessons of history, the people who survived difficult times and their life lessons, and apply it to their own lives. They can now change the way that they view the current world, and incorporate aspects of the positive and successful struggles into their own personalities to become successful themselves,” said Siarkowicz.
“Having Alice Scott Abbott and the story that she has, I hope will inspire a lot of the young ladies and children that were here to say ‘that is a really cool story, let me read up more on this’ and then you never know where that’s going to take them in life,” he said.
Sharing her own historical memories, Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson was thrilled to take part in the program and support the momentum for preserving history moving forward.
“This event today was amazing. I learned a lot and didn’t know the sacrifice of this little lady who lived in Bunnell and her role in the legacy she’s left,” shared Robinson. “I’m so proud of what we do here in Bunnell. History is interwoven into who we are and what we do, and it’s exciting.”
Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin, Flagler County Historical Society President Ed Siarkowicz, Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson, Flagler Beach City Commissioner Jane Mealy, Flagler Beach Mayor Suzie Johnston, Flagler School Board Member Dr. Colleen Conklin, AAUW Flagler County Branch Publicity Chair Kim Medley, Flagler School Board Member Cheryl Massaro, Flagler County Judge Andrea Totten, AAUW Flagler County Branch member Kathy Reichard-Ellvasky, Flagler County School Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt and Flagler Auditorium Director Amelia Fulmer celebrate Women’s Equality Day 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Bunnell, Florida on August 28, 2021.
Anna Jablonska, Allyson Curley, and Diana Herrada get a morale boost as Flagler County Sheriff's Office team members, Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, and others parade through in support of front line healthcare workers on Friday morning at AdventHealth Palm Coast.
Palm Coast, FL – Standing outside of the main entrance to AdventHealth Palm Coast on Friday morning, phlebotomists Allyson Curley, Diana Herrada, and Anna Jablonska took a moment away from the needles and band-aids to soak up support from the community.
As members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office paraded past, leading others from the community it was a reminder to tired healthcare professionals that their work is meaningful, and it is appreciated.
Anna Jablonska, Allyson Curley, and Diana Herrada get a morale boost as Flagler County Sheriff’s Office team members, Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, and others parade through in support of front line healthcare workers on Friday morning at AdventHealth Palm Coast.
“It means a lot and gives me the will to keep going,” said Curley. “It’s been hard, but it’s been an honor to work here.”
Over the months, Curley has seen her share of those who will never leave the hospital, but is encouraged by the larger number who now have a greater chance for recovery.
“It comes with the job. We pray a lot. We try and focus on the people we can help to get better, which is a lot more than the ones that go,” she said. “Now that the vaccine is out, definitely.”
As a leader in her department, Jablonska says camaraderie is strong among the hospital staff.
“It’s wonderful. They are so supportive and so great to the patients and to each other,” she said, while sharing a message for those still on the fence about vaccination.
“You got to get a vaccine. It’s the best thing to protect ourselves and all the loved ones, the elderly, the babies, everyone. Please do get the vaccine.”
Nurse practitioner Renae Vaughn’s voice was strained as considered her words after the drive by parade filled with first responders.
“It just means a lot to have their support. Everybody’s working so hard to take care of patients and so we appreciate that,” said Vaughn.
When asked what the public could do to help make things better, her answer was simple.
“Get vaccinated. Wear a mask. That would be great.”
It’s been a long 18 months for front line healthcare workers, and on Friday, they received a show of support from the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and others in the community, at the AdventHealth Palm Coast campus.
Masked up even outdoors, Dr. Nevine Hanna, knows healthcare and public safety is a two-way street.
“I appreciate this community support significantly because it shows that people are aware of our hard work, everything that we do for the community, and that we’re here to support them. We would love their support and understanding, as well. Reiterating what Renae said, get vaccinated, wear your mask, protect each other as we’re trying to sit here and spend countless hours, day and night to protect you and make sure that you’re well taken care of,” she said.
As a radiation oncologist for AdventHealth Palm Coast, Hanna didn’t mince words when talking about patient outcomes and the benefits of being vaccinated.
“When you think about getting vaccinated, think about how you’re protecting yourself, and others, right now,” said Hanna. “The people that are getting vaccinated are the ones that are leaving the hospital quicker, if they even get sick with COVID, and their outcomes are significantly better. Get vaccinated. Even if you get sick with COVID, you’ll heal so much faster.”
It’s a time in history when healthcare providers and teams are working across county lines to support one another, and Casey Ryan, a Flagler County Rotarian and member of the home health and hospice team at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach headed over to show her support for front line responders.
Showing her support, Casey Ryan, a member of the home health and hospice team at Halifax Health takes part in the Healthcare Heroes Drive-by at AdventHealth Palm Coast on Friday.
“I just absolutely wanted to thank all of the local AdventHealth hospital staff for all that they’re doing for our community,” she said. “We’re all in this together.”
Standing outside of the emergency department, Wally De Aquino, Chief Operating Officer for AdventHealth Palm Coast was among the dozens giving a cheer as Ryan drove by flashing her Halifax Health sunshade and sharing her support.
“Our health care workers have been caring for our community during this pandemic for over 18 months and with this last wave we felt a much greater impact than previously,” he said.
“Today we could see proud and smiling employees “Feeling Whole” with the sheriff’s department showing their appreciation. So many of our community have been intentional in recognizing our healthcare heroes. It’s always amazing to witness the uplifting impact, and today we witness one of those moments again. We thank Sherriff Staly and his entire team,” he said.
Front line healthcare workers wave and livestream the support from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Rotary Club of Flagler Beach and others from the community during the Healthcare Heroes Drive-by on Friday at the AdventHealth Palm Coast campus.
Organized in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, the team effort was sorely needed according to Club President Alicia Vincent.
“We are exceptionally proud of our Flagler County healthcare workers,” she said. “Our front line workers have had an unwavering dedication to care for our community members and this type of event is essential in keeping their morale and spirits up.”
It was an especially meaningful day for members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, who lost one of their own with the passing of Deputy Paul Luciano from COVID complications on August 26, 2021.
“The hospital staff is doing an amazing job and it was our honor to recognize them for caring and working so hard during the pandemic,” said Staly. “We hope it not only lifted them up but all the patients too knowing that we are thinking of them.”
Front line healthcare workers wave and livestream the support from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Rotary Club of Flagler Beach and others from the community during the Healthcare Heroes Drive-by on Friday at the AdventHealth Palm Coast campus.
