Flagler County Shines At Florida Tourist Development Tax Association Statewide Conference

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July 31, 2021

July 30, 2021 – Among the presenters at the Florida Tourist Development Tax Association statewide conference, held Wednesday through Friday, were Flagler County Attorney Al Hadeed, as well as Shelly Edmonson, Renee Flynt, and Amy Rader, who work for the Tax Collector’s Office in the specialty tax department.

Hadeed, who presented on Thursday, provided an update on Legislation Session House Bill 219 and Senate Bill 522. He is known for taking Flagler County’s case to the Florida Legislature to restore home rule authority over

short-term vacation rentals, and the legislation that was successfully enacted in 2014 to reinstate local government regulatory authority. The county then used that authority to create an ordinance that has been a model for many local governments across the state.

“I discussed the legislative attempts last session addressing short term rentals,” Hadeed said. “No legislation actually passed, but it is relatively certain that Airbnb – and the other platforms – will be back to change the law that Flagler secured in 2014 with the help of numerous cities and counties.”

“Home Rule” is not only important to Flagler County, but to all local governments at the county and municipal level. Historically, it’s been a topic of discussion for centuries going back to the 10^th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

“Home Rule authority is critical for every local government. It is grounded in the State and U.S. Constitutions,” said Commission Chairman Donald O’Brien. “The ability to enact ordinances, codes, plans, and resolutions, that are reflective of the will of local citizens, without prior state approval, is essential.”

The Florida League of Cities has on its website a document “Understanding Florida’s Home Rule Power” to provide a concise overview.

“In Florida, Home Rule language was proposed in the 1968 Constitutional revision, and was adopted by the people,” it states. “After several legal challenges, the Legislature adopted the Home Rule Powers Act in 1973, which ended challenges related to city and county powers.”

The Florida Constitution states in Article VIII, Section 1(f): “Counties not operating under county charters shall have such power of self-government as is provided by general or special law.”

Despite the weighty topics of the conference, the team from Flagler County Tax Collector’s Office took a light-hearted approach to testing everyone’s knowledge about Tourist Development Tax.

“The team from the Tax Collector’s Office did a marvelous job with their ‘Wheel of Fortune’ feature at the conference,” Hadeed said. “It tested the knowledge of attendees on tax collection questions placed on the spinning wheel.”

During the conference, Edmonson was elected president of the Florida Tourist Development Tax Association. Flynt currently serves as the Chairwoman of the Florida Tax Collector’s Statewide Tourist Tax Coalition.

“We are truly honored to represent Flagler County and serve on these boards, that provide continued education, communication and collaboration to Tax Collector Offices, Clerk of Court and Comptroller Offices, across the State of Florida,” Edmonson said.

Flynt added, “Tourist tax collection is a vital process for our communities.”

Both woman are native to Flagler County, and have achieved the following titles: Certified Florida Collector Assistant; Certified Business Tax Official; Certified Executive Leader with Valencia College; and, graduates of the Inaugural Flagler County Leadership Academy.

Media Release:

Julie Murphy, MPIO

Flagler County

Public Information Officer

Airport Authority Awarded Small Community Air Service Development Grant for the Northeast Florida Regional Airport

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Flagler News Weekly

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July 30, 2021

St. Augustine, FL (July 30, 2021) – This week, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $700,000 grant award to the St. Johns County Airport Authority through the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP).

“This funding award reflects the expanding federal investment in Northeast Florida’s transportation network,” said Representative John Rutherford. “The Northeast Florida Regional Airport is located in one of the fastest growing counties in the nation and this funding will enhance their efforts to expand transportation options for our citizens and will benefit our local, state and national economy. Thank you to Secretary Buttigieg for this continued investment in our region.”

Edward R. Wuellner, A.A.E. Executive Director

“The U.S. Department of Transportation has provided an exceptional level of support to our nation’s airports during the global pandemic, and this grant award will provide an opportunity to restore scheduled passenger air service to our community,” said Ed Wuellner, Executive Director, Northeast Florida Regional Airport.

The Small Community Air Service Development Program was developed to assist underserved communities and enhance air service offerings. Twenty-two communities across the nation will benefit from this week’s $18 million funding announcement through grants ranging from $425,000 to $1,000,000.

About the St. Johns County Airport Authority:

The members of the St. Johns County Airport Authority are elected by the citizens of St. Johns County and serve without remuneration. The Airport Authority is chartered by the Florida Legislature for the purpose of operating and developing the Northeast Florida Regional Airport on behalf of the citizens of St. Johns County. Learn more at: www.flynf.com.

New Palm Coast Mayor to be Sworn In on August 3rd

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Flagler News Weekly

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July 30, 2021

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, increases valuable discussions, and decreases division.

The next business meeting of the Palm Coast City Council will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3. The meeting will begin with the certification of the election results for the July 27 special election for the mayoral seat of the Palm Coast City Council. Following the certification, Palm Coast’s newly-elected Mayor David Alfin will be sworn into office.

· The Charter of the City of Palm Coast, Section 8. Elections, Paragraph (7) City Canvassing Board, provides that the Canvassing Board shall report election results to a meeting of the City Council. City Council shall give final certification of the results and order their filing with the City Clerk as required by law. The final election certificate will be presented to City Council once the Canvassing Board has receipt of the official results from the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections prior to the Council Business meeting.

· Following Mayor Alfin’s swearing in, the City Clerk will present an ordinance approving the revision of the land development code Chapter 10.02 Floodplain Management. This item was advertised to be heard by City Council at the August 3 business meeting, however, staff recommend that this item be continued to the September 14 workshop and first read at the September 21 business meeting due to additional mandatory state language to be addressed.

· The Planning Division will present an ordinance to approve the amendment of the City of Palm Coast Comprehensive Plan, creating Chapter 10 – Property Rights Element.

o On July 1, 2021, House Bill 59 (HB59) became law in the State of Florida. HB 59 required local governments to include a property rights element in the Comprehensive Plan.

o The proposed addition of Chapter 10- Property Rights Element to the Comprehensive Plan is intended to meet the requirements of HB 59.

§ 1. The right of a property owner to physically possess and control his or her interests in the property, including easements, leases, or mineral rights.

§ 2. The right of a property owner to use, maintain, develop, and improve his or her property for personal use or for the use of any other person, subject to state law and local ordinances.

§ 3. The right of the property owner to privacy and to exclude others from the property to protect the owner’s possessions and property.

§ 4. The right of a property owner to dispose of his or her property through sale or gift.

o The proposed policy will state that the City recognizes these rights and shall consider such rights in local decision making.

· The Planning Division will present an ordinance to approve the rezoning of 10.85 acres from high intensity commercial to multi-family residential for the property known as the Tribute (Appl. 4738).

· The Planning Division will present an ordinance on the voluntary annexation of 141.5 acres north of State Road 100 on the east side of Roberts Road. The subject parcel is the last parcel within the Palm Coast Utility service area along Roberts Rd. As required by Ordinance # 2007-03, the subject parcel is required to annex in order to be provided utility service from the City.

· The Financial Services Department will present a resolution setting a proposed maximum millage rate and setting the first tentative budget hearing date/time/location for the 2022 budget.

· The Planning Division will present a resolution amending the CDBG Federal Fiscal Year 2019 annual action plan to add $340,392 from the CARES Act for a public service sub-recipient assistance program. An amendment to add the Round 3 CARES Act funding to the Federal Fiscal Year 2020 Action Plan was previously approved by City Council on July 20. HUD has informed the City that the funding must be added to the Federal Fiscal Year 2019 Action Plan rather than 2020. There are no changes to the funding amount or to the proposed use of the funds.

· The Information Technology Department will present a resolution approving the piggybacking to the Osceola County contract with Miller Electric Company for video surveillance and access control repair and maintenance for city-wide usage.

· The Stormwater and Engineering Department will present a resolution approving a contract with Miller Pipeline, LLC., for the construction of the 2021 sanitary sewer lining project.

· The Fleet Division of the Public Works Department will present a resolution to approve piggybacking on the State of Minnesota Sourcewell contract RFP 032521 with Genuine Parts Company DBA NAPA Auto Parts for the purchasing of auto parts and supplies for the City’s Fleet.

Public Comments will be opened at the beginning and end of the 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. These comments must be relative to matters not on the agenda.

Meetings of the Palm Coast City Council typically occur three times per month. A 9 p.m. business meeting on the first Tuesday of the month, a 9 a.m. workshop meeting on the second Tuesday of the month, and a 9 a.m. business meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. All meetings take place in the Community Wing at City Hall at 160 Lake Avenue in Palm Coast.

Business meetings and workshops are open to the public. Business meetings are streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel. Workshops are live streamed by audio only at on the City’s website.

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 prior to the meeting.

Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by signing up for weekly updates. Visit www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review to get started today.

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

FCSO K-9 Unit Named Trailing Team of the Year Two Years in a Row

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Flagler News Weekly

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July 30, 2021

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Missing and Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC) Advisory Board selected a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) K-9 Unit to receive the K-9 Trailing Team of the Year award. Commander Fred Gimbel and K-9 Holmes will receive the award from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and FDLE Commissioner Richard Swearingen at the Florida Capitol on Monday, September 13, 2021.

“This is a tremendous level of recognition for the second year in a row for such a young Bloodhound Team,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Commander Gimbel and K-9 Holmes make a great team and Commander Gimbel has put in so much effort to train Holmes in search and rescue. I am glad that all of Commander Gimbel’s efforts are being recognized!”

K-9 Holmes joined the FCSO in April of 2018 and began working with Commander Gimbel. The K-9 Unit made national news after FCSO requested the help of the community in naming the first bloodhound the Agency has had in decades. Sheriff Staly, Commander Gimbel, and K-9 Holmes appeared on Fox35 Orlando and ClickOrlando News6 when Holmes was just a few weeks old. The community rallied together and chose the name Holmes, named after the fictional private detective Sherlock Holmes.

K-9 Holmes’ training was documented on the Agency’s Facebook videos through a series called “Tracking Holmes” where viewers could watch his skills advance each week.

Since completing his training and being released to full-service, K-9 Holmes and Commander Gimbel have located several missing people in Flagler County and helped to bring them home safely. The K-9 Team has also utilized K-9 Holmes to sniff out criminals during foot pursuits over the past year. The great successes of this K-9 team over such a short period led to the nomination and subsequent winning of this well-deserved award.

The second Monday in September is designated as “Florida Missing Children’s Day” by Florida Legislature. The objective is to raise awareness of Florida’s currently missing children, educate the public on child safety and abduction prevention, and recognize those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the missing children issue. Find out more by visiting: http://www.fmcdf.org

Media Release:

Date: July 30, 2021

Prepared by: Shannon Martin

Phone and Email: 386-281-9733; martin@flaglersheriff.com Release #: 2021 – 166

Gargiulo Art Foundation 8×8 Show Opens August 1st

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Flagler News Weekly

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July 30, 2021

City of Palm Coast and Flagler Beach Employees Collaborate to Teach New Water Treatment & Plant Operation Training Course

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Flagler News Weekly

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July 30, 2021

Palm Coast – Employees from both the City of Palm Coast and Flagler Beach developed a new Water Treatment and Plant Operation Training Course to offer educational classes to those interested in the career field. The purpose of the course is to develop newly qualified water treatment plant operators. The program is entirely run by volunteers.

Water treatment plant operation and maintenance is a rapidly growing field. Water Treatment Industry positions remain stable and relatively less affected by changes in the economy than most other industries. Job opportunities are expected to arise as many industry professionals are nearing retirement. Job prospects for entry-level operator positions will be best for those with training in water system treatment and technology with good mechanical skills.

City of Palm Coast employees Peter Roussell, Fred Greiner, Mary Kronenberg, Ryan Bellerive, and Robert Nelson and Flagler Beach employee Ehab Hashem are contributing their time as instructors for classes taking place from July through December 2021.

This course is a traditional formal-style classroom setting from which both beginners to advanced level students will gain industry knowledge. The course is FREE and will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the City of Palm Coast Water Treatment Plant #3 – 400 Peavy Grade Palm Coast, FL 32164.

The class syllabus consists of various process control topics associated with drinking water treatment and plant operation such as lime softening, corrosion control, math, scientific principles, laboratory procedures, regulations, membrane treatment, disinfection, etc. There are thirty-eight classes total. Students will learn a wide range of topics preparing them to take the State Certification “Drinking Water Operator” exam.

“By offering this course through in-house instructors, we’re helping to save time and resources by investing in the next generation of water treatment plant operators,” said Peter Roussell, City of Palm Coast’s Utility Systems Manager.

If you are interested in joining or learning more about this program, contact Peter Roussell at 386-986-2374 or proussell@palmcoastgov.com.

Media Release: City of Palm Coast. Angelene R. Davis, Multimedia Associate

Lucky 13: Ver-E-Safe Solutions to Host Open House Today

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Flagler News Weekly

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July 29, 2021

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – July 20, 2021 – Bill and Diana Versek are pleased to invite the public to the company’s open house on July 29 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at their warehouse located at 3 Industry Drive, Suite 7 in Palm Coast.

“We are celebrating our ‘lucky’ 13-year anniversary and wanted to invite the community to help us recognize our special occasion,” said Diana. “We will offer tours of our warehouse, and attendees can enjoy drinks, food, giveaways and fun,” Diana added.

Operating as a full line wholesale distributor, Ver-E-Safe Solutions provides safety and maintenance products to the public, businesses, institutions, and government. “We’ve been offering PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) since 2008,” said Bill. The company carries a wide array of N95 masks, disposable gloves, disinfectant products, safety glasses, safety clothing and more. The company’s stated mission and purpose is “to improve safety and health in the workplace”.

Diana and William bring over 50 combined years of customer service, purchasing/inventory control, and sales management experience from three independent distributors in the Mid-Atlantic region. Their personal guarantee ensures complete satisfaction in providing the solutions needed economically and promptly.

Ver-E-Safe is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The company is located at 3 Industry Drive, Suite 7 in Palm Coast. They can be reached at http://www.veresafe.com/, https://www.facebook.com/veresafe/, or 386-446-1661.

Halifoxes Helps Seniors Celebrate Christmas in July

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Flagler News Weekly

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July 29, 2021

July 28, 2021 – It’s what the holiday season is all about – good company, a hot meal, and a little gift offered in kindness to warm the heart – even when it’s celebrating Christmas in July. And that’s what seniors did Monday at Church on the Rock, the new gathering place for the Flagler County Senior Center Program.

“We are able to do this thanks to the Halifoxes of Halifax Plantation, Home Instead Senior Care, and our local Walgreens stores, which have drop off locations for seniors’ gifts,” said Senior Services Case Manager Winnie Costello who organizes the five-days-a-week hot meal program, and the activities designed to build companionship among its other benefits. “This fun event gives everyone a boost and something to look forward to.”

This is especially true given that the COVID-19 pandemic kept many Senior Services events and programs closed down for better than a year. The Senior Center Program reopened in its new location at Church on the Rock in June.

“This is only the second big event we’ve been able to have,” said Case Manager Ben O’Kelley, who was the Christmas elf and spent the morning helping to spread holiday cheer. “Our first was a picnic.”

The gifts were distributed using a raffle ticket system. Each senior was given five tickets that could be placed in front of an item, or items, of interest.

Also typical of the holiday season was a law enforcement warning about fraud and scams perpetrated against seniors. Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Commander Mike Lutz gave some advice for seniors to follow.

“You will never win the lottery via mail. No one will knock on your door to ask you if you have received a COVID vaccination,” he said. “If you ever have any questions about who is knocking on your door in regard to COVID-19, you are encouraged to call 9-1-1 in order for the Sheriff’s Office to prove the validity of the visitor.”

Anyone over the age of 60 can apply to participate in the Senior Center Program, which meets from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday at Church on the Rock. A hot meal is always provided at noon.

Other services available during the Senior Center Program include:

Scheduled entertainment and social activities
Pantry Bingo – Tuesdays and Thursdays
Guest speakers
Holiday Parties
Monthly Birthday Bash
Nutrition Education
Arts and Crafts
Annual Hurricane Preparedness with Flagler County Emergency Management

Transportation is available through Flagler County, as coordinated by Senior Services staff.

Those interested in the Senior Center Program are welcome to drop in at Church on the Rock weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a firsthand look, or they can call Costello at 386-586-2324 ext. 3623.

Media Release: Flagler County. Julie Murphy, MPIO

The Odd Couple at Limelight Theatre

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Flagler News Weekly

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July 28, 2021

St. Augustine, FL – Opposites Attract!

Felix is a compulsive neat freak and Oscar is a filthy slob. These two suddenly single pals strain their friendship by becoming roommates and unconsciously repeating the same mistakes they made in the marriages they just left.

Tickets are $27 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $22 for students. Performances run Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through August 8 on the Matuza Mainstage at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine.

www.limelight-theatre.org

Finale: Florida Commission on Ethics Delivers Findings on Former Palm Coast Mayor

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Danielle Anderson

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July 28, 2021

Tallahassee, FL – The State of Florida Commission on Ethics’ press release on the closed hearings was short and sweet for former Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland, who has for more than a year been the subject of allegations of wrongdoing by political opponents and former employees of the City of Palm Coast.

Issuing a press release on the July 23rd hearing in Tallahassee, Florida on Wednesday morning that included the highly anticipated findings regarding the city’s former mayor, it is what many residents hope will be the closure of a tumultuous chapter in Palm Coast’s brief history.

“The Commission held a probable cause hearing on multiple allegations regarding
former City of Palm Coast Mayor MILISSA HOLLAND. Probable cause was found to
believe Ms. Holland misused her public position and/or public resources to send emails
promoting her private employer from her City account to the City of Orlando. However,
the Commission found no probable cause on five additional allegations: doing business
with her agency concerning a contract from her employer; misusing her position and/or
public resources to benefit herself and/or her employer regarding emails sent to the City
of Palm Coast Council Members; misusing her position to influence the City of Palm
Coast actions regarding a technology study; doing business with her agency regarding
an event she sponsored; and misusing her public position to write recommendation
letters for her employer’s daughter. Further, the Commission rejected the recommendation of its Advocate and found no probable cause to believe that Ms. Holland had a conflicting employment or contractual relationship that created a continuing or frequently recurring conflict between her private interests and the performance of her public duties, or that would impede the full and faithful discharge of her public duties.” – Florida Commission on Ethics

The seven complaints, filed against Holland and the resulting fallout that divided the community into two camps over the allegations, highlighted the fine line elected officials must walk between actual ethics violations and perceived ethics violations. While six of the seven complaints were rejected, probable cause was found on one count, to which Holland responded with the following:

“Upon leaving the Ethics commission meeting I was extremely grateful of the outcome. Other than what I have already acknowledged and addressed to the public, the media and the Commission several months ago in regards to the 2 emails sent, I am thankful that the Commission unanimously saw through and confirmed what I have stated from the very beginning that the allegations in the complaint were shown to have no merit,” she said, further addressing the impact the allegations had on not just her personally and professionally, but on the community, as a whole.

“This was nothing more than a political stunt brought on by a few desperate people that attempted to use an entity to advance their personal interests. I am relieved that this has been exposed as nothing more than that and I look forward to resolving the one outstanding issue with the Commission. The damage however has been done and we as a community should never tolerate these baseless and malicious attacks moving forward. We must move past this as a community. We must rise above this as our future is reliant on this. It has been my distinct honor to have served this community for several years and will continue to advocate for the best of Palm Coast moving forward.”

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