Palm Coast – After an overwhelmingly positive response to the first-ever Connecting to Palm Coast Expo in January, the Palm Coast Citizens Academy Alumni Ambassadors are proud to host the event once again—this time on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center (305 Palm Coast Parkway NE).
The inaugural event welcomed hundreds of new residents and sparked inspiring success stories—including two attendees who signed up to become substitute teachers after connecting with Flagler Schools at the expo. The enthusiastic turnout and community engagement made it clear: this event is making a meaningful difference.
The Connecting to Palm Coast Expo is designed to help new and recently settled residents feel right at home. The event features booths from City departments, local civic organizations and clubs, and social service providers—all ready to share resources and opportunities that make living in Palm Coast even more rewarding.
“This event is a great example of how our Citizens Academy Alumni Ambassadors continue to give back to their community,” said Brittany Kershaw, Director of Communications & Marketing for the City of Palm Coast. “Their dedication, passion, and volunteer spirit are what make this event possible—and so impactful. I’m so grateful for their efforts in helping new residents feel welcomed and connected.”
Event Highlights:
Informational booths from Palm Coast City departments
Insights from local civic organizations and community clubs
Access to social services and helpful resident resources
A welcoming environment to meet neighbors and city staff
FREE goodie bags for the first 100 attendees
The event is free and open to all—whether you just moved in or want to feel more connected to your city. A third Connecting to Palm Coast Expo is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Flagler Beach Mayor Patti King prepares to cut the cake.
FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – “This is paradise as far as I’m concerned,” said Bob Snyder, president of the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach.
“My wife and I have lived here for 28 years and we still pinch ourselves that we live in this residential beach community. We love the people, there are plenty of things to do, the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, the beautiful, expanded beach. It’s home,” he said with genuine happiness, as he watched residents stream down the stairs to the beach to form a gigantic 100 in front of the calm, turquoise waters of the Atlantic.
Rotary Club of Flagler Beach members Cindy Dalecki, Derek Barrs, and Bob Snyder savor the moment.
Those sentiments were echoed among residents gathered to kick off what promises to be a months-long birthday bash to remember as the City of Flagler Beach turns 100.
Flagler Beach City Commissioner Rick Belhumeur’s family has been in Flagler Beach since 1984, and when asked what’s changed, he paused before answering.
“So much (is) the same, except for the bridge. I guess that was kind of needed,” said Belhumeur.
Flagler Beach City Commissioner Rick Belhumeur (right) and Richard Hamilton.
Sharing a story from a resident in her 90’s Belhumeur smiled when recounting her story of the turnstile bridge that once connected the mainland to the barrier island.
“This is the true birthday party, but it’s just the beginning of the party,” he said, looking forward to the full calendar of activities planned to celebrate the city.
Snapping a commemorative photo.
Protect What You Love
It’s a nod to the city’s leaders who are thoughtful about the changes the city undergoes that the city has managed to keep from becoming overdeveloped. Built on mom and pop businesses, it’s locals taking care of locals from the donut shop to the real estate agency to the radio station. There’s a small-town vibe that even after 100 years can’t be replicated and is guarded like a precious gem.
Flagler Beach All-Stars Suzie Johnston, Linda Provencher and Carla Cline are the heart and soul of Flagler Beach.dddddd
It’s what attracted Bob and Wanda Chapman to the area. After living in Jacksonville for 35 years and visiting Flagler Beach over the years, they made it their official home 4 years ago. Among those forming the 100 on the beach, they were happy to be part of the centennial celebrations.
“We’ve lived here for years so it only made sense that we come out for the centennial,” he said. “I’m waiting for the pictures to come out so we can see how we looked.”
“He came for the cake,” added Wanda.
While the city has changed some since they first started coming to Flagler Beach, the heart of it has remained the same.
Bob and Wanda Chapman
“We’ve been coming here since nothing was here,” said Bob. “I think it’s not overpopularized. It provides a restful reprieve between Daytona and St. Augustine. If you just want some peace and quiet with beautiful scenery, come here.”
The kickoff ceremony continued with cake, emblazoned with the centennial logo and served with a smile by current mayor Patti King and past mayor Linda Provencher. Flagler Beach City Commission Chairman James Sherman thanked everyone from the residents to the business owners and first responders.
Flagler Beach Mayor Patti King prepares to cut the cake.
“100 years ago a small group of dreamers imagined a community by the sea built by sunshine, sand and the spirit of togetherness. They couldn’t know that their vision would grow into the vibrant, welcoming, and beautiful city we are proud to call home today,” said Sherman.
Love and laughter.
“As we step into the next 100 years, may we honor our history of continuing to protect what makes Flagler Beach so special, our natural beauty, our small town charm, and above all else, our sense of community.”
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – It was a picture-perfect day for a park opening and members of the Mussallem family gathered with elected officials and staff from St. Johns County to dedicate Mussallem Beachfront Park on Friday, April 11.
With brand new facilities including a shower, restrooms, pavilion, corn hole, a scenic overlook, and an ADA walking trail, the park’s amenities are in line with the continued park improvements being made throughout St. Johns County.
Nestled on State Road A1A, there is access to the beach and free parking for residents and visitors. A pedestrian activated crosswalk helps ensure safety along the busy coastal corridor.
Opened in 2021 as a passive park, the 8-acre property located at 3365 Coastal Highway just north of Vilano Beach, was acquired through a grant with the Florida Communities Trust.
Pride In Their Work
Heather Hilley, project manager for St. Johns County Public Works was proud to see the project come to fruition for the enjoyment of the residents.
“It already well loved, well used, and who doesn’t love coming to the beach and having more places to park at the beach?” asked Hilley.
Park visitors cross A1A using crosswalk. Photo: Flagler News Weekly
“(The crosswalk) is an incredible added value. While I was out here doing my project manager job you just watch people go back and forth, and we actually had a light out on the far side, a maintenance thing. Our traffic division maintains that signal in an agreement with FDOT, so we have our SJC Connect app, I just went on there, and submitted a service request and they were out here in a short amount of time.”
“It’s nice being able to locally serve the residents that need it the most. That light, you can see it blinking from far away, and it’s necessary,” she said.
A Legacy for the Community
Surrounded by husband Jim Byles and daughter Olivia, lifelong resident Marcia Mussallem Byles was thrilled to see her family, especially her father Edward Mussallem who passed away in 2021, honored in such a way, that continued their family’s legacy of giving back to St. Johns County community.
“My dad was very active in the community. He was the former Mayor of St. Augustine, a city commissioner, he was on was the Port & Waterway Authority for many years, Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Lightner Museum for over 40 years, he also was the chairman of the Blessing of the Fleet. He did that for probably 35 to 40 years. We grew up here. My grandfather came here in 1905. So, we’ve been here ever since,” shared Mussallem Byles.
Mussallem Byles’ grandfather Abraham S. Mussallem, purchased Villa Zorayda in 1913, turning it into a museum in 1933, and showcasing the historic district’s architecture and preserving the artifacts housed within the attraction. The Villa Zorayda has been in the family for more than a century.
“We all grew up here, attended local schools,” said Mussallem Byles.
“My dad was very active. He always envisioned here a walkover down to the Intracoastal and a walkover to the beach. It’s just very exciting and very humbling that they have this park here now for future generations to enjoy. All the facilities they built here are so nice, for families, so his legacy will continue on into the future,” she said.
Visitors enjoy the scenic overlook. Photo: Flagler News Weekly
ADDITIONAL DETAILS BELOW AND FEATURE PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY, PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST JOEY PELLEGRINO
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Florida, April 15, 2025 –On April 11, St. Johns County celebrated the renovation of Mussallem Beachfront Park (3365 Coastal Highway, St. Augustine) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
District 4 Commissioner and Board of County Commissioners Chair Krista Joseph, District 5 Commissioner Ann Taylor, and District 3 Commissioner Clay Murphy attended the ceremony, along with various St. Johns County administrators and staff and several Vilano Beach area locals.
“This property holds a special place in St. Johns County’s story,” Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Jamie Baccari said. “Mussallem Beachfront Park reflects both our community’s history and a vision for the future.”
The renovation added expanding parking, restrooms, changing rooms, cornhole, a walking trail, and an overlook of the nearby marsh.
“This is a $1.5 million investment, and it’s a reflection of our Board’s commitment to expanding the public’s access to the natural beauty that makes St. Johns County so special,” Chair Joseph said.
“Mussallem Beachfront Park has always been a little gem tucked away between the ocean and the marsh, and today we get to see it shine even brighter,” Commissioner Taylor said.
The legacy of the park’s namesake, former St. Augustine Mayor Edward “Eddy” Mussallem, was highlighted, and his daughter, Marcia Mussallem Byles, was present with other family members for the ceremony.
From left, St. Johns County Commissioner Clay Murphy, St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Jamie Baccari, St. Johns County Commissioner Ann Taylor, Marcia Mussallem Byles, Jim Byles, St. Johns County Commission Chair Krista Joseph, and Olivia Byles Mckay. Photo provided by St. Johns County.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 15, 2025) – The NASCAR Foundation announced today that they will add four new members to its Board of Directors, consisting of executives at both NASCAR and Commerce Bank & Trust.
The latest additions to The NASCAR Foundation Board include Chelsea Saunders, Senior Director, International Business Operations & Strategy at NASCAR, Chris Glenn, Vice President, Finance at NASCAR, Michelle Byron, Executive Vice President and Chief Partnership and Licensing Officer at NASCAR, and Eric Ravndal, President and CEO at Commerce Bank & Trust.
“It’s always such an honor to add to our network of board members at The NASCAR Foundation and welcoming folks from impressive organizations such as Commerce Bank & Trust, as well as our own NASCAR family, makes this group all the more special,” said Mike Helton, Chairman, The NASCAR Foundation. “Chelsea, Chris, Michelle and Eric are all incredible individuals, and I know they’ll be great additions to the Foundation and its efforts.”
Chelsea Saunders
Chelsea Saunders is a dynamic leader in the sports industry, currently serving as the Senior Director of International Business Operations & Strategy at NASCAR. With over 12 years of motorsports experience, she has played a pivotal role in expanding NASCAR’s global footprint by driving strategic initiatives that strengthen the brand’s presence in key international markets.
Previously, Chelsea held multiple leadership positions at NASCAR, including Senior Director of Track Marketing – West Region, where she spearheaded marketing strategies for marquee venues such as Auto Club Speedway and Phoenix Raceway, home to the NASCAR Championship.
Chris Glenn
Chris Glenn is currently the Vice President, Finance for NASCAR, overseeing the tax and finance functions of the company. He also serves on the United Way Investment Committee and NASCAR 401k Committee.
Prior to joining NASCAR, he worked in audit and consulting services for an international accounting firm, acting as an advisor on IPOs, mergers and acquisitions and other special projects. He graduated with a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Central Florida and has achieved the professional designations of CPA, CMA and CTP. He and his wife support multiple charities in the Central Florida area that aid homeless families in the area.
Michelle Byron
Michelle Byron began her career at NASCAR more than twenty years ago as one of the only women in a predominately male driven motorsports and automotive aftermarket industry, and is now Executive Vice President, Chief Partnership & Licensing Officer for the organization. During her time at NASCAR, Byron has developed a reputation for driving results, earning the respect and admiration of peers and co-workers, while helping open the door to many other women interested in working in motorsports. Michelle was honored as a 2020 Game Changer by Sports Business Journal in recognition of her leadership and was also a 2021 Charlotte Business Journal Women in Business Achievement honoree.
Michelle’s work at NASCAR can only be overmatched by her incredible dedication to her family, raising two children with her husband in North Carolina. Michelle continues to give back to her local community, supporting initiatives that impact under-privileged children, the environment, and faith. In addition to her work with The NASCAR Foundation, Byron is also an inaugural member of the North Carolina chapter of Women in Sports and Entertainment (WISE) and is currently a PTO Executive Board Member for Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School.
Eric Ravndal has been at Commerce Bank & Trust in Winter Park, Fla. since August 2009. In July 2022, Eric was named the bank’s President and in Aug. 2024, became its CEO. He began his banking career in 2002 with SunTrust Bank. In 2016, Eric earned a diploma from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.
Eric Ravndal
As a father of three and spouse of a pediatric nurse practitioner, Eric has a passion for the wellbeing of children. Beginning in 2011, Eric served in multiple roles as a Board Member of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. During his two-year term as Board Chairman in 2015-2016, the organization’s third House was opened on the campus of Nemours Children’s Hospital.
To learn more about The NASCAR Foundation or to make a donation, please visit NASCARfoundation.org.
About The NASCAR Foundation
The NASCAR Foundation is a leading charity that works to improve the lives of children who need it most in NASCAR racing communities through the Speediatrics Children’s Fund and the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The NASCAR Foundation, designated as a 4-Star Charity by Charity Navigator for its strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency, has contributed more than $46 Million to impact the lives of more than 1.7 million children nationwide since 2006. Follow The NASCAR Foundation on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NASCARFoundation or on X at @NASCAR_FDN.
PALM COAST, Fla. – With a motion to appoint Candace Stevens and then David Sullivan each drawing a tie of 2-2 with no second to support the third finalist David Ferguson, the Palm Coast City Council then motioned to reconsider Sullivan’s appointment after conferring with the city attorney.
The motion to reconsider Sullivan drew a 3-1 vote with Vice Mayor Pontieri, City Councilman Miller, and City Councilman Gambaro supporting the appointment. A motion to appoint Sullivan followed the same with a 3-1 vote, again, with the trio’s support.
In spite a half a dozen repetitive speakers during public comment advocating for their candidate of choice, the council chose experience to help guide the city as it takes on the task of hiring a new city manager and navigating a myriad of infrastructure and growth challenges.
Photo courtesy of the City of Palm Coast.
Sullivan, a two-time Flagler County Commissioner, with a solid network of relationships in Washington D.C. and Tallahassee, stepped up to offer his experience and pledged to do his best to serve the people of Palm Coast.
“I just wanted to say thank you. I know this wasn’t easy for the council to go through this process, but I do think that when you’re ready to serve, had the experience, it made sense for me to apply for this position,” said Sullivan.
“Now first, I wanted to say about Ray Stevens. I was on the canvassing board the last 3 elections including the one where Ray and Mr. Stancel came very close in the primary part of it to win. I remember sitting there with Ray and we got along just fine. I’ve known him along time. So I think that was important. I wanted to let you know I knew Ray, it’s very unfortunate he was not able to complete his term. So I’m here,” he continued.
“I absolutely guarantee to all of you on the board, all the citizens of Palm Coast, that I will do the job absolutely along the lines that I said I would do it. I look at the facts, and then I make a decision. I’m in nobody’s pocket, never have been, never will be, and I always make my decisions based on the facts represented. I look forward to my time on the council and look forward to working with all of you. Thank you very much.”
Sullivan replaces Ray Stevens who resigned due to health challenges on February 28, 2025 and will serve until November 2026.
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Attending to help support the launch of the new Flagler Community Endowment Fund, speakers Bob Snyder and Laura Gilvary shared their personal reasons for supporting the fund, before receiving more than applause at the annual Power of the Purse luncheon on Monday, hosted by Women United Flagler.
Before 160 guests at the sold-out Hammock Dunes Club event, Snyder, who donated along with his wife Michele to the endowment fund, accepted the “Key to Flagler’s Future” award, alongside Gilvary, representing Intracoastal Bank.
Endowment philanthropist Bob Snyder addresses guests. Photo courtesy of Cindy Dalecki/Marketing 2 Go
While sharing her professional reasons for giving, Gilvary encouraged others to give generously, creating an opportunity to assist a family, a mother, a child, in need.
“I am so incredibly grateful to get to work with a locally owned community bank. In the course of my career in the financial services industry, this is truly a highlight, and this endowment donation is such a key component of it,” she said.
“I just want to say, the commitment to the United Way partnership runs beyond just cutting checks. Our founding CEO sat on their board, Bruce Page, our President, current President and CEO sat on their board, Ryan Page. We now have Doug Reece on their board. I have served on multiple committees over the course of time and I think it’s not just treasure that makes a difference. We walk that talk,” said Gilvary.
Sheila Pillath, Laura Gilvary, Courtney Edgcomb. Photo courtesy of Cindy Dalecki/Marketing 2 Go.
“In addition, we encourage our teammates to give on an annual basis to the earlier point of how we contribute,” she added noting that the 47 employees at Intracoastal Bank who give just one percent of their salary, receive a paid time off day for their reinvestment in the community.
“So just think, when you go back to your office or circle of influence, that you think of creative ways to engage in the community,” she said before sharing her personal reasons for supporting the United Way.
It was her candid personal story that touched a nerve in listeners.
“I was raised in extreme, extreme conditions. By that I mean I had two parents who were addicts, at different times of the course of my life. We were victims of sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and physical abuse,” shared Gilvary.
“This is about breaking cycles for people. That’s what this is about today. It’s an incredible blessing for me to be part of something like this. I really encourage you to become part of this endowment. It will never go away. That’s why we are doing it.”
Continuing the Legacy
Women United Flagler have made helping the community their mission. Hosting the annual Power of the Purse event offers women from all sectors of the community a chance to get involved, network, and make a tangible impact in the community.
Vice President of Resource Development for the Community Foundation, United Way Volusia-Flagler Counties Sheila Pillath, is excited about what the new endowment means.
“If you love Flagler County, this is an opportunity to really invest in the organizations that help people in Flagler County. Right now, a lot of people in Flagler County are having to go to other counties to get help. The resources just don’t exist as comprehensively as they could be in Flagler County,” she said.
Photo courtesy of Cindy Dalecki/Marketing 2 Go
“What this endowment fund will do is invest in resources here in this county. And reinvest. That’s how an endowment works. We are actually seeding it with $250,000 ourselves and then we invite the community (to give), because our grand goal is $6 million. I know that sounds like a lofty goal, but with $6 million dollars this fund will be able to put $250,000 back into the community every year forever. Just think about that. Every year we’ll be able to invest in local nonprofits to expand their services, build capacities so that people right here in this county don’t have to go to other counties if the services exist here.”
Honoring Michelle and Bob Snyder and also Intracoastal Bank as founding members of the Flagler Community Endowment Fund helped set the tone among guests.
“I really think it’s a testament to how much people love Flagler. If you love where you live, you want to invest in where you live, and so this is a really great opportunity for them to be able to do that not only through the Power of the Purse but especially through this endowment fund that serves specifically Flagler County,” said Pillath.
“That’s what we’ve heard over and over is tell us more about what you do in Flagler County and do we know that our dollars are staying here. Yes, they are.”
City Council Business Meeting on April 15, at 9 a.m.
Topics Include Proclamations, LITE Team Certificates, District Seat 3 Vacancy and more.
Palm Coast—The Palm Coast City Council meets regularly to discuss and vote on official City business. These meetings are open to the public, and Palm Coast residents are strongly encouraged to attend. An increase in public engagement helps to build a stronger sense of community, increase valuable discussions, and decrease division.
The agenda for the City Council Business Meeting on Tuesday, April 15, at 9 a.m. will be as follows:
Proclamations
The following proclamations will be presented:
April 2025, as Parkinson’s Awareness Month
April 2025, as Community Volunteer Month
April 2025, as Water Conservation Month
April 26, 2025, as World Tai Chi & Qigong Day
April 26, 2025, as Celebrate Trails Day
Presentations
The following presentations will be presented:
The City Administration will present certificates to the Leadership Intern Training Experience (LITE) Team. This year’s LITE Team focused on creating a framework for a custom City mobile app to enhance resident engagement, with a target launch date of December 2025.
Minutes
The following minutes will be approved:
April 1, 2025, Special Workshop Meeting
April 1, 2025, Business Meeting
April 8, 2025, Workshop Meeting
Appointment
The following appointments will be presented:
The City Administration will facilitate the appointment to the City Council District 3 vacancy.
Oath of Office
The following Oath of Office will be administered:
The City Administration will administer the Oath of Office to the newly appointed Council Member for the District 3 seat.
Ordinance First Read
The following ordinances will be presented:
The Community Development Department will present an ordinance amending Chapter 42, Article I, to create Section 42-6, prohibiting public camping or sleeping on public property. This ordinance aligns with House Bill 1365, which mandates that, effective October 1,2025, the City of Palm Coast must enforce a ban on regular public camping and sleeping on public properties.
Resolutions
The following resolutions will be presented:
The Community Development Department will present a resolution approving the Sabal Preserve at Town Center Phases 1 and 2 Final Plat. This resolution pertains to the subdivision of approximately 84.44 acres into 224 single-family residential lots.
The Community Development Department will present a resolution approving the Reserve East Final Plat. This resolution involves the subdivision of approximately 141.47 acres into 217 single-family residential lots.
The Stormwater and Engineering Department will present a resolution approving a construction contract with Halifax Paving, Inc., a CEI contract with GAI Consultants, a post-design service work order with England-Thimes & Miller Engineers, and a project contingency for the Whiteview Parkway Improvement Project. This project aims to enhance safety and traffic flow along the Whiteview Parkway corridor through improvements such as turn lanes, curb and gutter installation, raised curbed grass medians, and a 12’ wide multi-use path.
Consent
The following consent items will be presented:
The Utility Department will present a resolution approving a Master Services Agreement with G.E.M. Stone Contractors, Inc., for the installation of new and replacement PEP tanks. This agreement aims to streamline the installation process by adopting a more efficient method that consolidates the steps into one visit, rather than requiring multiple visits by different contractors.
The Community Development Department will present a resolution approving a Master Services Agreement with Tri-County Bobcat Services, Inc., for Citywide Tree Services. This agreement will address the need for contractors to perform tree services, including tree removal on properties where owners do not comply with City Code.
The Utility Department will present a resolution approving piggybacking the Sourcewell contract with Kohler Power Systems for electrical energy power generation equipment as needed. By piggybacking the Sourcewell RFP# 09222-KOH, the City benefits from competitively bid pricing, which is often more favorable than what could be obtained through an independent bid.
The Stormwater and Engineering Department will present Resolution 2025-XX, approving a Master Services Agreement with Forefront Architecture & Engineering, LLC for architecture and engineering services for the Community Center parking expansion and the adaptive reuse of Fire Station #22.
Public Comments will be opened at the beginning and end of the business meeting in accordance with Section 286.0114 Florida Statutes and pursuant to the City Council’s Meeting Policies and Procedures. Each speaker will approach the podium, provide his/her name, and may speak for up to 3 minutes. This schedule is subject to change due to holidays or other unforeseen circumstances. Residents are encouraged to visit the Palm Coast City Council meeting webpage for the latest schedule and agenda updates.
Business meetings and workshops are open to the public and are streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel. Meeting agendas for all public meetings are posted in advance of each meeting on the City’s website. All agendas can be viewed here.
If you wish to obtain more information regarding the City Council’s agenda, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 386-986-3713. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk at 386-986-3713, at least 48 hours before the meeting.
Adam Ringhiser is a student at Matanzas High School currently running for Student Government President. For his campaign, he organized a photo and video shoot featuring every school mascot in Flagler County—except FPC’s, who unfortunately couldn’t make it.
For Ringhiser, it was a fun and unifying moment that captures the spirit of Flagler Schools. He was kind enough to share it with the community through Flagler News Weekly while being a Big Five Q&A guest.
What is your platform about and the top 3 things you hope to accomplish if elected?
My platform is centered on unity, representation, and inclusivity. The top three objectives I am aiming to achieve if elected are increasing student engagement by improving communication and events, making sure every SGA member feels included and heard, and promoting school spirit initiatives that build pride and a stronger sense of community.
Adam Ringhiser.
How will you ensure the needs of students are effectively communicated to your school’s administration for a solution?
I plan to create structured avenues for student feedback, such as a Google Form where students can share their thoughts directly with the administration and SGA board. I will maintain regular communication not only with SGA advisors but also with school administration to ensure transparency and follow-through.
Why do you want to be the President of your school’s SGA?
I am passionate about serving my peers and the community I grew up in. I believe student leadership can evoke real change and help our school and community thrive. As president, I aim to bridge the gap between students and administration, advocating for meaningful improvements both within the school and in the broader community.
What are your plans post-graduation?
Post-graduation, I intend to attend one of the Florida colleges to pursue a degree in political science, with the long-term goal of engaging in public service and making a positive impact on society.
What inspired you to do the photoshoot?
The photoshoot and video shoot were a symbolic way to show unity among our schools. By bringing together all the mascots, I aimed to visually represent our broader educational community, and to reflect the spirit of every student who grew up attending school in Palm Coast.
ABOUT ADAM: Adam Ringhiser is a member of the Class of 2026 and an aspiring Political Science Major. He is President of the Leo Club, Treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta, Secretary of the Interact Club, and Founder of the SAT Club & Youth Sport Action.
Images courtesy of Adam Ringhiser.Images courtesy of Adam Ringhiser.Images courtesy of Adam Ringhiser.
I was once with a national leader who was asked by his boss to take on a major role in our nation’s security after 9/11. The boss of his boss reported directly to the President of the United States.
He immediately told his bosses he was not the most qualified for this major national leadership role and asked if they would consider others rather than him. They insisted and he devoted himself to mastering the mission, rose to the occasion, and was highly effective at a critical time.
His integrity is an excellent example to us all.
The best people and leaders readily admit if others would be better at the job and even recommend them. We admit when we are not the right person for the job. Why? The mission matters most. Those we serve must come first.
Integrity requires competence. If I am less competent or incompetent, I must be honest with myself and others. If I cannot train to the task at hand, master the mission, and be the right leader at the right time, I should not pursue the position or expect the promotion. It’s an integrity issue if I insist on seeking, holding, and retaining a position which will always be beyond my competence. Others will experience the costs and consequences of my arrogance, incompetence, and intransigence.
Humility, honesty, listening to others about my impact on them, an objective understanding of myself, and accepting reality are key to integrity. These are leadership values.
Sadly, we see this all the time today when people expect and get promotions which clearly exceed their competence and eclipse their ability to rise to the challenge. The results are predictable. The impact on the mission and team is always negative sometimes catastrophically so. The person has chosen self above service. That’s not leadership. It’s a character problem.
Either prepare for or pass on the promotion and suggest others or do what it takes to be the right leader in that role at this time if you are directed to do it. Be honest with yourself and to others. Those are the only options for a genuine leader.
Generations create memories together at the Egg'Stravaganza.
PALM COAST, Fla. – Easter was still a week away but families couldn’t contain their excitement for the annual Egg’Stravaganza hosted by the City of Palm Coast’s Parks and Recreation Department.
A must-do tradition for families in Palm Coast, dressed in everything from Easter Sunday finest to face-painted easter eggs and bunny ears, kids of all ages spent the morning playing on a variety of Easter-themed activities and burning off energy as parents snapped commemorative photos before heading in to get one with the star of the show, the Easter Bunny.
Sheyenne, Kiersten Patton, and Xani Pinto.
Creating fun artwork with the kids, Xani Pinto of P-Squared Artistry and Doodle Prints loved the chance to create holiday themed keepsakes for families.
“I do handprint art. It is super fun, the kids love it, and the parents get to take it home and keep the memory forever,” said Pinto.
Lending a hand, teacher Kiersten Patton, owner of Light and Dark Creations, a 3-D print shop and gemstone jeweler, was enthusiastic about event.
“We’re a fairly new business and we’re looking to get our name out,” said Patton. “This was an event that is close by where we live because we are locals. It’s been a really fun time.”
Generations create memories together at the Egg’Stravaganza.
As a local she appreciates the city’s schedule of positive community activities.
“I think it’s very important that they come out and offer these kinds of events so that our community comes together, especially on a day like today,” she said.
Fishing for prizes in the mini pool, where Beachside Community Church and Calvary Church had set up a kids cove of activities, mom Lisa Rice shared her 4-year-old son Lucas Rice had been looking forward to the Egg’Stravaganza all week.
“We’re here with our next door neighbors having the best day,” said Rice. “We all need somewhere that we can all come together and just have nice times together in a safe place, and this is definitely it.”
In his Easter shirt, Lucas Rice concentrates on scooping up a prize.
“He was so excited. We’ve been looking forward to it all week. He was ready to dress up in his button up shirt. He wanted his Easter clothes on,” she said.
It was a big day for staff in the parks and recreation department, who had been busy all week preparing for the event according to Geena Catalano, Community Recreation Supervisor.
The Palm Coast Home Depot team offered up build it crafts for the kids.
“We work with various community organization to have their participation. They provide activities for the kids, arts and crafts, Easter eggs. We have kids area that has many different yard games, food trucks, and also pirates,” she said.
“Can’t go wrong with pirates and a pirate ship. And we also have photos with the Easter Bunny. They are free which is great and we offer souvenir Polaroid photos for the families.”
“It definitely warms our hearts. We are a big family in parks and rec as a whole, and this event, it takes a village. We have a very awesome caring village that does really enjoy putting together this event,” she said.
“There’s a lot of arts and crafts and decor that we put together by hand and we stuff 20,000 eggs as a parks and rec team. We had some volunteers from the Flagler Schools district which is great. We really enjoy it. It’s all about the kids and we know that, we see it, we love it.”
Free train rides around Central Park were a fan favorite.
The team added 20 more golden eggs to this year’s hunt and they were hidden throughout the park.
“They could be redeemed at our front tent for a small bunny keychain prize,” shared Catalano.
The Seawolf Privateers were huge hit with their pirates and mermaids.
Next up for the city’s parks and recreation team is the “Celebrate Trails Day” on April 26th, at Waterfront Park.
“It’s actually National Trails Day so we’re honoring our trails system which is a big highlight to Palm Coast, then Food Truck Tuesday is actually next week, and then the concert series is coming back in May,” she said. “All of the events are free. The food is for a cost, but entry to all the events we have coming up is free.”
