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Monday, November 3, 2025
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The Big Five … Adam Ringhiser, MHS Candidate for SGA President

By
Flagler News Weekly
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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.

Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak … Humility Is Key to Successful Leadership

By
Dr. Joe Saviak
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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.

#LeadershipLessonsWithDrSaviak

Families Enjoy Egg-cellent Time at the Annual Palm Coast Egg’Stravaganza

By
Danielle Anderson
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Palm Coast
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.”

For a full list of upcoming events, visit www.palmcoast.gov/events.

Generations create memories together at the Egg’Stravaganza.

Community Roots: Garden Club at Palm Coast Growing More Than Flowers

By
Danielle Anderson
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Garden Club member Elayne Byrd helps George Hanns make a selection.

PALM COAST, Fla. – With more plants for sale than ever before, The Garden Club at Palm Coast, Inc. put the emphasis on ‘plant sale’ while hosting the 12th Annual Spring Festival and Plant Sale on April 5.

Outdoing themselves with a variety of plants – simply potted or pre-planted in a decorative pot for instant installation on a shelf or in a window, the propagation guild’s green thumbs have clearly been flourishing.

Not the only eye-catching booth at the show, the arranger’s guild demonstrated clever ways to place florals, with their colorful selections.

Fusion artist Jackie Morelewicz shows off her sea glass and hand painted rocks.

Festival Chair Denise Garcia, who also serves as the Club’s President, said while the event is to help residents with beautifying their home and landscaping, it always comes back to the students.

“This year is our 12th and it’s just amazing. It’s been 10 years that I’ve been running the festival and I just love every minute of it,” said Garcia.

Denise Garcia runs a tight ship with the help of Flagler Schools staff and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

“We have so many vendors that have been with us in the past and at the same time we always have new ones. Food trucks are out there, there’s plants everywhere, and the most wonderful thing is the student volunteers.”

In addition to support from the football team, two Girl Scout troops and two Boy Scout troops stepped up to help.

“We have to involve the kids because first of all we’re doing this for them. Students need volunteer hours. So we always make sure whatever we do we encourage them to join us so they can get their hours and also see what we do,” she said.

Garden Club member Elayne Byrd helps George Hanns make a selection.

The Garden Club at Palm Coast, Inc. sponsors several student scholarships in addition to hosting their annual promotional poster contest, inviting students to submit their art to become the next year’s promotional poster.

For more information, visit https://gardenclubatpalmcoast.org.

Chocolatier Diane Wasney is a community favorite.
More than just plants, the Spring Festival and Plant Sale offers beautiful home accessories.
Plants were plentiful this year at the 12th Annual Spring Festival and Plant Sale.
Emotional support plushies.
Palm Coast’s utilities team shares important water conservation information.

Volusia Flagler TPO to Hold 2050 Transportation Planning Open House in Palm Coast

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

The Volusia-Flagler Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is developing their region’s next Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), Volusia-Flagler 2025. The LRTP is a plan that defines the future transportation needs for Volusia and Flagler Counties. The TPO is extending a cordial invitation to the public to attend open house meetings to share input on transportation in Volusia and Flagler County.

There will be an Open House Meeting in Flagler County on Monday, April 28th at from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The location will be the Palm Coast Community Center (Room #112), and the address is 305 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast Florida, 32137.

For additional meetings that will be held in Volusia County please check the TPO website; https://www.r2ctpo.org/

Palm Coast’s Egg’Stravaganza Set for Saturday Morning

By
Danielle Anderson
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Flagler Home Builders Association – Parade of Homes April 11-19

By
Annamaria Long
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Palm Coast, Florida: The Flagler Home Builders Association is proud to host the 2025 Parade of Homes in Flagler County.

The Parade of Homes is a scattered site tour of new homes. Each year, builder members of the Flagler Home Builders Association open models, spec and pre-sold homes for people to tour. Details on each entry can be found in our Official Printed Parade Magazine and online at FlaglerParadeofHomes.com.

Since 1994, anyone looking to make a move or interested in seeing the latest home designs, neighborhoods, or colors and accessories for their own homes have found the Parade of Homes is a great resource. With new homes across the county, visitors can choose to visit them by location, price range, and style. The Parade of Homes truly does showcase the entire range of what new homes have to offer. Home entries have specified open hours from April 11th – 19th

  • Hours:  10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday and Noon to 5 pm on Sunday.

  • Detailed information about each Parade home, with floorplan, is available on our parade website: FlaglerParadeofHomes.com

The 2025 Parade features our Showcase Home “The Sunkissed Sands” built by Intracoastal Construction and located at 904 S Oceanshore Blvd in Flagler Beach.
“The Sunkissed Sands” is a vacation rental home that has 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and living square feet of 3478.

This home brings the beach inside with its perfectly curated craftsmanship. It boasts a fun room, a poolside putting green, a custom bunk room for the kids, an elevator to the thrid floor living space, and so much more. Prepare to be impressed!

Our Showcase Community is Veranda Bay – a waterfront community with unparalleled access to the Intracoastal Waterway, only one mile from the beach, and featuring 4 of our Parade entries!

Under $300,000:

Grand Award: “Plan 1707” KB Home

$300,000 – $320,000:

Grand Award: “The Venice” INB Homes

$320,000 – $329,000:

Grand Award: “The Charlotte” Holiday Builders

$329,000 – $335,000:

Award of Excellence: “The Alexander” Holiday Builders

Grand Award: “The Lana” Palm Coast Homes Construction

$335,000 – $347,000:

Award of Excellence: “The Cali” DR Horton

Grand Award: “Plan 2353” KB Home

$347,000 – $355,000:

Award of Excellence: “The Catalina” DR Horton

Grand Award: “The Majestic” Holiday Builders

$355,000 – $370,000:

Grand Award: “The Harbor II” Blue Water Homes

$370,000 – $375,000:

Award of Excellence: “Plan 2003” KB Home

Grand Award: “The Dalton” DR Horton

$375,000 – $395,000:

Grand Award: “The Egret” Toll Brothers

$395,000 – $425,000:

Grand Award: “The Lakewood” By The Shore Homes

$425,000 – $445,000:

Award of Excellence: “The Sailor” Toll Brothers

Grand Award: “The Azores” Taylor Morrison

$445,000 – $500,000:

Award of Excellence: “The Blossom III” ICI Homes

Grand Award: “The Compass” Golden Fox Homes

$500,000 – $550,000:

Grand Award: “The Ella” Toll Brothers

$550,000 – $650,000:

Grand Award: “The Coastal Harmony” Ascent Homes

$650,000 – $725,000:

Award of Excellence: “The Vlada” Palm Coast Homes Construction

Grand Award: “The Egret VII” ICI Homes

$725,000 – $825,000:

Grand Award: “The Courtyard” ABD Development

$825,000 – $950,000:

Grand Award: “The Egret” ICI Homes

$950,000 – $975,000:

Grand Award: “The Bay Breeze” Hulbert Homes

$975,000 – $1 million:

Award of Excellence: “The Veranda” AR Homes

Grand Award: “The Vista Costera” ICI Homes

$1 million – $1.2 million:

Grand Award: “The Shoreline” Hulbert Homes
Over $1.2 million:

Award of Excellence: “The Sand Dollar” ICI Homes

Grand Award “The Coral Sands” Olsen Custom Homes

Top Score UNDER $500K: “The Compass” Golden Fox Homes

Top Score OVER $500K: “The Vista Costera” ICI Homes

The Flagler Home Builders Association has been serving the community and the local building industry since 1984 with business resources, networking opportunities, effective local representation and community outreach.

                                                                                    ###

City of Palm Coast Collaborates with State’s EOG DOGE Team to Ensure Fiscal Responsibility

By
Brittany N. Kershaw
-

PALM COAST, FL – The City of Palm Coast was contacted by the Executive Office of the Governor’s (EOG) newly established DOGE Team in response to Executive Order 25-44. This initiative aims to identify and address unnecessary spending within local governments, enhance efficiency, and promote fiscal responsibility across Florida.

As part of its mission, the EOG DOGE Team is also assessing compliance with Florida’s financial management requirements under section 218.503, Florida Statutes. This provision determines whether a local government is in financial emergency or distress based on criteria such as:

  • Failure to pay short-term loans or obligations when due as a result of lack of funds.

  • Failure to make debt service payments on bonds, loans, or other debt instruments when due.

  • Failure to timely pay uncontested claims from creditors for more than 90 days due to lack of funds.

  • Failure to transfer taxes, social security contributions, or retirement plan contributions as required by law.

  • An unreserved or total fund balance deficit in the general fund or any major operating fund that persists for two consecutive years.

The City of Palm Coast is pleased to report that we do not meet any of the financial emergency criteria outlined in DOGE’s initial review. Our financial standing remains strong, and we will continue to work transparently with the DOGE Team to address any further inquiries and uphold the highest standards of fiscal accountability.

Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review.

High-Performance Micro-Surfacing Project Begins April 14 in Palm Coast

By
Brittany N. Kershaw
-

Palm Coast—The City of Palm Coast is notifying residents about an upcoming High-Performance Micro-Surfacing project on several local residential roadways. Work will begin Monday, April 14, 2025, and is expected to last approximately three weeks.

Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc., the project contractor, will apply high-performance micro surfacing—a protective layer made from granite aggregate and polymerized asphalt emulsion. This treatment helps extend the life of the pavement, improve durability, and enhance the road’s appearance.

To ensure a smooth process, residents are encouraged to follow these important guidelines:

  • Expect Minor Delays: Work will take place on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Short delays may occur while traffic control specialists manage limited access to roads under construction.

  • Drive with Care: After the new surface is applied, avoid turning your wheels while the vehicle is stationary to prevent cosmetic markings. These will fade over time. It may take up to six months for the final surface to fully cure and look uniform.

  • Avoid Roadside Parking: Please do not park vehicles, boats, trailers, or other items on or near the roadway during work hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

  • Keep Roads Clear of Debris: Do not place garbage cans, yard waste, or any other materials on the road during construction.

  • Irrigation Systems: Turn off all irrigation systems beginning at midnight the night before your scheduled workday. Irrigation can resume the following day.

Planned Work Schedule (subject to change due to weather or unforeseen conditions):

  • Mon., April 14: Lancaster Lane, Louvet Lane

  • Tue., April 15: Lansdowne Lane, Louisburg Lane

  • Wed., April 16: Barkley Lane, Barkwood Lane

  • Thu., April 17: Bassett Lane, Barbera Lane

  • Fri., April 18: Ballard Lane, Ballenger Lane, Baltimore Lane

  • Mon., April 21: Faircastle Lane, Fairmont Lane

  • Tue., April 22: Fairbank Lane, Carr Lane, Cerrudo Lane

  • Wed., April 23: Collins Lane, Wood Clift Lane, Wood Crest Lane

  • Thu., April 24: Wood Center Lane, Royal Tern Lane

  • Fri., April 25: Royal Leaf Lane, Royal Palm Lane, Rosecroft Lane

  • Mon., April 28: Rosepetal Lane, Post Lane, Post Oak Lane

  • Tue., April 29: Post Tree Lane, Postman Lane, Eastman Lane

  • Wed., April 30: Eastmoor Lane, Eastgate Lane

Residents will be notified with door tags on residential front doors and an email regarding these upcoming improvements.

For more information, contact customer service at customer-service@palmoastgov.com or 386-986-2360. A request can also be submitted through palmcoast.gov/connect.

Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review.

UF/IFAS Extension – Flagler and Volusia Counties to Host Lifelong Learners Adult Coastal Camp in June

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

Who says summer camp is just for the kids?  We have good news for all the adults who also love to explore and learn about our coastal ecosystems: UF/IFAS Extension Flagler County is partnering with the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve to offer a three-day Adult Coastal Camp for Lifelong Learners once again this June.

From the coastal wetlands to the beaches, this three-day camp for lifelong learners will bring the classroom into the field throughout Flagler County. Lifelong Learners will explore marshes, estuaries, beaches, and dunes on foot and via kayak, learn about monitoring efforts researchers use to understand our coastal environment, and share stewardship opportunities that everyone can take part in.

The program will meet for three days from 9 am – 3pm, with outdoor activities in the morning and the afternoon spent on lessons and hands-on activities indoors.  The program has two offerings, from June 3-5 and again on June 10-12. The full schedule and registration is available online through Eventbrite under the name Lifelong Learners: Adult Coastal Camp or directly through the links https://bit.ly/LifelongLearnersJune3-5 and https://bit.ly/LifelongLearnersJune10-12.  Please reach out to Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent Carolyn Kovacs at c.kovacs@ufl.edu with any questions.

 

 

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Flagler News Weekly Editor: Danielle Anderson Published by Sunrise Media Group, LLC ©Flagler News Weekly, All Rights Reserved.
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