Over the past 16 years, the River to Sea TPO has completed bicycle and pedestrian school safety review studies for all public elementary and middle schools in Volusia and Flagler Counties. The purpose of these studies is to make recommendations for projects that will improve conditions within the two mile walk zones for these schools, and potentially make walking and biking to school a more attractive mode of transportation for students. Each of the studies identified the schools’ concerns, documented the observed pedestrian and bicycle circulation routes adjacent to the schools’ sites and then made recommendations for improvements.
The assessments included the two mile walk zones surrounding the schools and evaluated safety issues that affected students walking or bicycling to school. Another goal of the assessment reports was to continue the coordination among the stakeholders to implement the recommendations of these studies. In FY 2021/22, the River to Sea TPO will be looking at undertaking school safety studies for additional selected schools within the TPO’s planning area.
Co-sponsors Sam Brunetti and AJ Barr, also the artist, admire Journey, the 12th turtle added to the Palm Coast Arts Foundation's Turtle Trail, on March 29, 2021.
Want to learn more about Flagler’s famed Turtle Trail?
Here’s your chance!
Nancy Crouch, Executive Director of the Palm Coast Arts Foundation is set to moderate a panel of Turtle Trail artists this Friday, August 6th starting at 11 am.
Location: Palm Coast Community Center
305 Palm Coast Parkway, NE
Featured Artists Include:
Participating Panel of Artists:
Bob Ammon (Alice)
Tom Anastasio (Claude)
AJ Barr (Journey)
Paul Beaulieu (Claude & Marc-Sea)
Erik & Helene Bess (Bessie)
Christine Broussard (Winged Victory of Samothrace)
Members of the Sons of the American Revolution on Monday awarded Flagler County Firefighter-Paramedic Jason Feldman with the Emergency Medical Services Award.
Flagler Chapter Awards Committee member David Kelsey spoke of the tradition of presenting the award as “descendants of our great nation’s very first public servants.”
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, which was organized on April 30, 1889, the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of George Washington as our nation’s first president.
Flagler County Fire Chief Mike Tucker introduced Feldman, who was nominated for the Emergency Medical Services Award by Steve Ripley, who alongside Tucker presented him with a medal. The award was established in 2005 to honor community service above what is required for work.
“He is an outstanding Firefighter-Paramedic,” Tucker said. “I have every reason to believe he will be receiving a number of promotions under me in the future.”
Ripley is one of the Flagler Chapter’s 50 members of the Sons of the American Revolution, as well as a Florida Emergency Management Volunteer and lead trainer and course manager for the Flagler Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.
“Jason Feldman really stood out because of all of his involvement surrounding COVID-19,” Ripley said before the awards ceremony. “He was overwhelmingly accepted by the Sons of the American Revolution for this award, because of his willingness to go above and beyond.”
Feldman was part of core COVID-19 team initiative led by Community Paramedic Caryn Prather that started with testing and evolved to vaccinating homebound residents. Rob Errett and Nealon Joseph were also on the team.
“I am extremely proud of Jason,” Prather said.
Feldman was recently promoted to Field Training Officer for Emergency Medical Services. He is a CERT team lead. He has worked for Flagler County since June 2018.
Feldman’s family attended the ceremony including his wife Pamela and his 3-month-old son Ralph.
Palm Coast's new first family: Tammy McIlravy, David Alfin and Melanie DeMartino attend the official swearing in ceremony for David Alfin as the fourth mayor for the City of Palm Coast on Tuesday, August 4, 2021.
Palm Coast, FL – It was nearly as smooth as a first meeting could go for newly elected Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin.
Surrounded by his wife and daughter, Alfin took the oath of office before a number of friends and well-wishers at the start of the Palm Coast City Council business meeting on Tuesday evening.
Ahead of the big moment, Alfin shared his thoughts, while receiving congratulations from constituents.
“I’m anxiously awaiting, excited about the swearing in as mayor-elect of the City of Palm Coast to become the Mayor of the City of Palm Coast. I’m ready, excited and committed to do the best for the City of Palm Coast. (It’s) a lot of close friends, supporters and residents, all of whom need to have a say in our City of Palm Coast,” he said.
It was while standing at the podium, still among the constituents, that Alfin shared his vision, hopes and promises for his term as the city’s fourth mayor.
“I want to express our appreciation to Mayor Branquinho for his service this year. I also want to share my gratitude for the entire team of city employees who serve our citizens each day with integrity, dedication and professionalism,” he said.
“I pledge to the citizens of Palm Coast that my focus is on you, and how our city government can best serve you, your family and your neighborhood,” continued Alfin.
Noting success takes a team, he promised to listen and learn, attack problems not people, and build trust between the city and the residents.
“I feel our council has the leadership team working for the citizens of Palm Coast. People don’t have to love each other or be exactly alike to be on the same team. They do have to understand each other,” he said.
“To understand you have to listen and learn. You need to learn what’s important to others and understand their perspective. Treating others with respect and kindness is key.”
The meeting that followed was distinctly different from previous meetings, and in the honeymoon phase, council members were courteous to each other, showing a level of respect absent in the recent past.
Among the people, David Alfin makes his pledge to listen and learn, attack problems not people, built on trust, during his address to residents after being sworn in as the City of Palm Coast’s fourth mayor, on Tuesday, August 4, 2021.
“I am eager to bring unity back to the City Council. I believe Palm Coast is on the doorstep of opportunity for the long term with our MedNexus project in Town Center and I am honored to help shape projects like this in our city. I am dedicated to preserving public safety in Palm Coast to ensure we can always enjoy the lifestyle we strive to protect,” Alfin said in a release provided by the City of Palm Coast.
The Palm Coast City Council meets the first and third Tuesday of every month, and meeting information may be found here.
Featured Photo: Palm Coast’s new ‘First Family’: Tammy McIlravy, David Alfin and Melanie DeMartino attend the official swearing in ceremony for David Alfin as the fourth mayor for the City of Palm Coast on Tuesday, August 4, 2021.
The Flagler Beach Historical Museum’s Board of Directors are pleased to invite the public to help celebrate the Museum’s 20th Anniversary at their ‘Moondance’ fundraiser on September 16 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30.p.m. The event will be held at Beachfront Grill, located at 2444 S Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach.
“We are so excited to be celebrating 20 years of bringing the history of our area to residents and tourists alike,” said Museum Director Kathy Wilcox. “We are also offering attendees the opportunity to own a piece of Flagler Beach history by participating in our live auction of the F-L-A-G-L-E-R B-E-A-C-H letters recently replaced at the Flagler Beach Historical Pier’s A-frame,” Kathy added.
Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, dessert, and entertainment by Rob Ellis Peck & the Matanzas Allstars, all under the moon. Tickets* are $40 per person or two for $75 and can be purchased online at https://flaglerbeachmuseum.org/, or by calling the Museum at 386-517-2025, or by stopping by the Museum at 207 S Central Ave., Flagler Beach.
Flagler County, FL – The Flagler Tiger Bay Club is pleased to invite the community to their annual wine tasting social event on August 26, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, at The Lodge at Hammock Beach Resort.
The annual event, open to the public, is an opportunity for club members and guests to mingle while sampling a variety of premium wines presented by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Hammock Beach Resort’s famed Atlantic Grille.
Presented by Chiumento Law, the evening will include a meet and greet with the newly elected board of directors for current and prospective club members, while unveiling the club’s fall speaker lineup during ‘The Big Reveal’, according to Greg Davis, president of the Flagler Tiger Bay Club.
“Flagler Tiger Bay Club has earned a reputation for bringing in top speakers, the likes seldom seen in Flagler County, while presenting and discussing engaging subjects that impact our lives nationally, statewide and locally,” said Davis. “People come together of different political persuasions and engage in civil, thoughtful discussions during our meetings.
“We hope the community will join us as we celebrate our three year anniversary and learn more about the Flagler Tiger Bay Club,” said Davis. “Finally, we will be back together again. This is going to be glorious. The food. The wine. The venue. Most importantly, The people. Wait until you hear our ‘Big Reveal’ for our fall speaker series. It is a triple B: bigger; badder; and bolder than ever.”
Details:
Flagler Tiger Bay Club 3rd Annual Wine Tasting – Social by the Sea
Businesses in Flagler County are making easier by offering a free business expo and planning seminar on August 11th at the Palm Coast Community Center, starting at 11 AM.
Speakers Include:
Nina Guiglotto a Family Service Counselor from Lohman Funeral Home in Palm Coast, will be on hand to discuss the benefits of planning in advance for your cremation, funeral or cemetery services.
“Planning ahead helps you lock in rates against inflation, helps relieve your loved ones from having the emotional burden of making decisions at the time of need, and guessing to decide if it is what you would have wanted,” said Guiglotto. “Advanced planning is a final gift to show your family you really love them. What percentage of people will live forever? Zero. Everyone on this earth will one day have a funeral home pick them up for one last ride. With the uncertain times we are living in with threats of COVID and sudden accidents it is best to all be prepared and protect the ones you love the most with the most protection.”
Diane Vidal, Attorney at Law from Chiumento Law firm will explain the probate process. How to nominate the right person to serve as your personal representative. What to do when you’ve been nominated to serve as a personal representative for a loved one.
Alberto Crespo from the O’Quinn Insurance agency. Planning strategies designed to minimize final debt and income taxes. Staying focused on honoring and grieving.
Following the seminar, refreshments will be provided. Attendees are invited to chat with 35 business expo participants, each with a raffle item to give away.
“The entire event is free and people will obtain lots of education on these subjects,” said Guiglotto.
August 2, 2021 – It goes without saying that open lines of communication with residents is especially critical during disasters and emergencies, but what is lesser known is that Flagler County Emergency Management trains regularly with seemingly old-school methodology for cutting-edge results.
“Staff is working with volunteers, amateur radio operators, neighboring Emergency Management agencies (currently St. Johns, Volusia, Marion, and Putnam), and the Florida Division of Emergency Management to test multiple backup communication tools,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “These will be used when traditional communication tools, like the phone and the Internet, are down because of an emergency or disaster.”
The backup communications toolbox includes resources, such as:
· Shared Resources (SHARES) High Frequency Radio, which is a federal government program that allows national security and emergency preparedness agencies to communicate even when landline and cellular communications are unavailable.
· Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) which is a unified statewide digital radio network that allows for radio voice communications between certain emergency response agencies.
· General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a publicly available FCC licensed radio service that is widely used by families and volunteer organizations, with the most common use of the channels being for short-distance, two-way voice communications using hand-held radios, mobile radios and repeater systems.
· Amateur Radio, also known as ham radio, has been around since 1890, and is capable of bringing people together to talk across town, around the world, and even into space – all without the Internet or phones.
Additionally, staff tested and trained using satellite phones, email, and standard telephone systems.
“This training – which we are going to do monthly – is crucial for ensuring preparedness,” Lord said. “We have to regularly exercise our capabilities and test the equipment so that we know we are ready.”
Media Release: Flagler County. Julie Murphy MPIO/Lacy Martin, Marketing Manager
Community Cats of Palm Coast Executive Director Jessica Myers receives a check from Palm Coast Cruisers President Steve Lancour from their fundraising efforts, while touring the new thrift store, now open, and the adoption center, under construction at their new location on US 1.
Bunnell, FL – The floors are in and the rest is zipping along in preparation for the adoption center overseen by Community Cats of Palm Coast.
It’s been a long road since the organization first came on line and became part of a trio of volunteer-led or supported groups working to curb the area’s feral cat population.
Finding a place with the amount of space needed to make the adoption center and supporting thrift store a reality, the Community Cats moved into their expansive location on US 1 this spring, and opened the doors to the thrift store shortly thereafter.
Hosting a Christmas in July sale, store manager Nancy Golden says they offer rock bottom discounts and deals on designer and high quality gently used items, all in an effort to support the organization’s main mission – reducing the number of feral cats reproducing in the wild.
Nancy Golden is at the helm of the Palm Coast Community Cats Thrift Store on US 1, located at 4500 N. Highway US 1 in Bunnell.
Lured in by one of Community Cats’ big garage sales, the organizer quickly got involved. She recalls her very first trip out alongside the organization’s founder Elizabeth Robinson to trap feral cats in 2015.
“We would go over and help set up and breakdown for the garage sales which were three days long,” shared Golden.
“My first trapping was with Elizabeth and it was manual so I had to sit in the bushes and pull a rope. I got a mother cat and two kittens but we had to go back and get the other two kittens. She said I had a natural knack for it.”
Since then, she’s been in love with helping any way she can, and after taking a break, she was recruited to run the new thrift store, which she does willingly as a volunteer.
“They called me in May and asked if I’d come back and help get the store in order,” said Golden. “It’s taken a few months but we’re to the point where we’re even sizing the clothing which is great. We’re back to taking donations too,” she said putting the call out for gently used books, summer clothes and formal wear.
“Because the schools are going to be having their dances, I’d like to try to bring in some formal wear,” said Golden.
The transition from the previous thrift store location in Palm Coast has brought a needed expansion according to executive director Jessica Myers, who was on hand to accept a donation from Steve Lancour, president of the Palm Coast Cruisers, last week.
It’s not the first time the classic car club has put a spotlight on the animal organization, and in fact, if you get him talking, Lancour will tell you all about his best buddy and lap cat ‘Stinky’, courtesy of the organization. Bringing in the club’s donation and adding a bit more from his own pocket, Lancour says they’re happy to support such a worthwhile cause.
“I love cats. They’re good people, they have a really great direction saving and placing cats,” said Lancour. “We did a big fundraising for them last summer at the VFW, we used to have car shows there, and ended up with about 800 pounds of cat food and kitty litter.”
The adoption center is still ‘under construction’ and Myers said that every dollar donated helps them get closer to finishing the center and helping more cats. From fostering kittens to ensuring the adoptive family is a good fit, having the adoption center is a game changer for the Community Cats of Palm Coast.
“On average for a 2-10 week foster commitment, with no other medical conditions, just your standard basic care, it’s $250-$300 per kitten we spend, and we only charge a $75 adoption fee,” said Myers.
“My five year plan is to have our own owned building. This will make us a little bit bigger than what we’re doing now. We’re still going to have the same services, same format, it’s just going to give us a place where like our brochure says ‘we can say yes, immediately’,” she said. “It also gives people a place to come in and interact with the cats so we get better quality adoptions.”
Featured Photo: Community Cats of Palm Coast Executive Director Jessica Myers receives a check from Palm Coast Cruisers President Steve Lancour from their fundraising efforts, while touring the new thrift store, now open, and the adoption center, under construction at their new location on US 1.
Professional Women of Flagler County Board of Directors host the Elite Networking event at Elite Dance & Travel, courtesy of owner Magdalena Piekarz, on Thursday, April 14, 2021. From left, Diana Vidal, Robbin Wilson, Cindy Dalecki, Haylie Allegra, Jennifer Brown and Danielle Silva.
Flagler County, Fla. – The Professional Women of Flagler County (PWFC) are
pleased to announce that the group is hosting a Business for Breakfast event on
Friday, August 6th from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Hilton Garden located at
55 Town Center Blvd., Palm Coast.
“Women make up half of the U.S.’s workforce and both genders are now working
much later in life, so personal imbalances will affect more people at work than
ever before,” said PWFC’s President Danielle Silva. “Join us as Dr. Amy
Coopersmith and Ms. Erica Rivera discuss work/life balance and intimacy and
offer advice on the best ways to take care of ourselves as well as our families,”
she added.
Dr. Amy Coopersmith
This is an in-person event and pre-registration is required.
Those interested in
attending can visit https://professionalwomenflagler.org/events to register.
CDC Guidelines will be followed – masks are required.
PWFC’s mission is to empower, educate, and support women in business in Flagler County. The organization is a 501(c)(3). It provides grants to women for a variety of business needs such as education/training, business start up costs, equipment costs and more.
Individual membership is $75 per year and corporate membership is $400 annually. The PWFC board is set up as a giving non-profit board with annual pledges.
PWFC is committed to the women in the Flagler County business community who need networking for sales and support, and those in need of education to grow in their current positions. The group offers a variety of sponsorship levels and is actively reaching out to local businesses for community outreach, engagement and opportunities to support professional women in Flagler County.
Professional Women of Flagler County can be reached at https://professionalwomenflagler.org/, or
https://www.facebook.com/PWofFC.
