Leads into the Future presents a special Palm Coast Mayoral Candidate Forum on Tuesday, 7/13 from 9-10am at Carrabba’s Italian Grill and streaming live on https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadsintothefuture.
Open to the public.
Flagler Home Builders Association Kicks Off Back Pack Drive
Flagler County, FL – Even though it seems like the school year just ended (for the kids at least!), it’s already almost the new school year which means it’s time for our annual Back to School Backpack Drive! We have the honor of partnering with Emmanuel’s Closet again this year to help our local children have all the necessary resources for a successful school year.
Payment can be made by check, cash, or credit card at FlaglerHBA.com/Payment (Scroll down to Special Events, Select “Sponsorship for any Event” tab and follow the prompts).
Thank you for helping our local children – they are our future!
Transfer of Authority: Reliving A Moment In Time
St. Augustine, FL – Those gathered at the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum in historic downtown St. Augustine on Saturday morning may have felt like they’d stepped back in time. As a reenactment of the 1821 “Transfer of Authority” took place formally transferring Florida to the United States from Spanish rule, onlookers watched in fascination, eagerly commemorating the moment with photos and video.
Dignitaries from Spain attended the formal ceremonial reenactment as did Florida’s Secretary of State Laurel Lee, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida Jamal Sowell, Florida Representative and future Speaker of the Florida House Paul Renner, Florida Representative Cyndi Stevenson and local dignitaries from St. Johns County and the City of St. Augustine.
Emceed by City of St. Augustine Mayor Tracy Upchurch, the reenactment was one of multiple events taking place throughout the weekend to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Territory of Florida’s transfer into the United States of America, featuring living history interpreters, historical encampments at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park with the Historic Florida Militia, and the ceremonial changing of the flags at the St. Francis Barracks on the Florida National Guard Parade Grounds.
Florida would be granted statehood on March 3, 1845.
Additional event celebrating St. Johns County’s 200th Anniversary include the ‘St. Johns County: Then, Now and the Future Symposium’ on July 17, 2021 from 2-4 p.m. at the Lewis Auditorium on the Flagler College campus, the 200th Anniversary Photography Exhibition and the 200th Anniversary Time Capsule Ceremony.
Find out more here.
Featured Photo: City of St. Augustine Mayor Tracy Upchurch emcees the Transfer of Authority reenactment ceremony at the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum in St. Augustine, Florida on July 10, 2021.
Palm Coast & The Flagler Beaches Showcases A1A’s All-American Beauty with ‘Ready, Set, Road Trip!’
Flagler County, FL – Those looking for a road trip along Florida’s east coast don’t have far to go. Showcasing the 22 miles of A1A in Flagler County, Palm Coast & The Flagler Beaches is taking visitors on a day trip for two weeks along the scenic byway’s coastal corridor.
Launching “Ready, Set, Road Trip!” on their social media channels July 7th, it’s an up close look at all the things visitors (and locals) can do along Florida’s newest All-American Road, with a new stop each day.
Starting at the Whitney Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Hospital, it’s a true insider’s view of some of the most well-known attractions and the area’s hidden gems involving history, archeology, recreation, nature, scenic beauty and culture.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to see the Flagler County’s Tourism Office showcasing one of the county’s biggest assets – the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway,” said Friends of A1A Byway Administrator Danielle Anderson.
“Communities across the country are leveraging the intrinsic qualities of their scenic byways to better assist with tourism efforts and as an economic driver. With the renewed interest in road trips and travel within 3-4 hours of a family’s home, it makes this showcase perfect for a community like Flagler County.”
To kick off your road trip in Flagler County, visit here.
Featured Photo: Whitney Laboratory Sea Turtle Hospital/Palm Coast & The Flagler Beaches
Happy Anniversary Florida!
Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Florida becoming a United States Territory with historical reenactments to commemorate the change of authority. At 11 a.m. this Saturday, July 10th, Historic Florida Militia will recreate the “Act of Transfer” with living history interpreters dressed as Spanish and United States Troops, dignitaries, and townspeople, as they would have appeared in 1821.
Declarations will be made from the balcony of Governor’s House, documents will be signed, and keys to the City will be exchanged in the courtyard. Visitors may watch the ceremony from the Plaza de la Constitución. Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum, 48 King St., St. Augustine.
Learn about more events celebrating Florida’s 200th Anniversary at https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/200th-anniversary-of-the-change-of-flags/
Flagler County Welcomes Fire Chief Michael Tucker to Duty
Flagler County, FL – It was a humbling moment for guests assembled at the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center on Friday afternoon as the baton was passed and Michael Tucker assumed the duties of Flagler County Fire Chief.
Choking back tears he thanked longtime friends for making the trip to see him sworn in, and as his son Zachary pinned the badge on his father’s chest it was nearly a full circle moment. Tucker’s last speech as head of Florida’s State Fire College to graduates included Zachary, who is following in his father’s footsteps to join the brotherhood. He will take his place among the ranks in Marion County six weeks from now, when his father hopes to be there to pin the badge on his son.
Tears dotted the eyes of Chief Tucker’s wife Dale who was filled with pride at her husband’s recognition of their family and his gratitude for their support.
“I’m very proud of him, and he’s very excited to be here,” she said. “We’ve not moved in 28 years so this is a huge move for us, but yes, we’re very excited.”
Stepping in after the retirement of former fire chief Don Petito, Palm Coast Deputy Fire Chief Bradd Clark served as the county’s interim fire chief for 30 days, and Tucker shared his appreciation for Clark’s service during the transition.
Extoling the department’s commitment to character and support for each other, Clark urged firefighters and EMTs to use another set of principles for influencing administrative structure – professionalism, patience, persistence and pressure.
“I pray God blesses this organization, I appreciate the growth you’ve provided me,” he said. “Thank you for the ride.”
Signing off for the final time as the interim chief, Clark radioed dispatch the change of command and Tucker took the helm in Flagler County.
With an impressive resume that includes service as the Superintendent/Bureau Chief of the Florida State Fire College, it was Tucker that approved the initiation of the Classrooms to Careers Fire Academy in Flagler County according to former Flagler County fire chief Don Petito. He was happy to see such a distinguished member of fire service stepping into the leadership role in Flagler County.
“I think it’s great that he’s coming in because he’s the type of guy that’s going to carry on all of the projects that we’ve already started here and he will be able to take it further,” said Petito. “He’s got a proven track record of doing that around the state.”
Tucker’s introduction to the community touched on his personal commitment to ensuring the highest quality of professionalism to both the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners and the residents of Flagler County, while supporting the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and most importantly the men and women of the Flagler County Fire Rescue.
“The Flagler County Fire Department is a great organization already so I’m hoping to help the organization become stronger and begin to set that stage for the growth that’s coming, and to continue to be the professional organization that’s going to serve the citizens of Flagler County,” said Tucker.
“Flagler County was one of the first ones to set up a high school-based program. There are several across the state but theirs is very unique in the fact that they are employable the day they come out of the academy,” he said.
“I think that the way we can continue to work with the State Fire College is on the development of curriculum, continuing to work to identify ways we can train firefighters in the high school levels better to get them even more prepared for when they get out in the real world.”
Retired firefighter and past president of the Knights of the Inferno Motorcycle Club Joe Vece was among the guests on hand to welcome the new chief.
“Being a firefighter I know what it’s like and this county needs good leadership. I think he’s going to do a good job,” said Vece. “It’s a very special moment. He’s at the height of his career now. With his leadership I think Flagler County’s going to grow, and I’m here to support him.”
Mark Your Calendar: Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade Back for 36TH Year on December 18, 2021
Palm Coast, FL – The Palm Coast Yacht Club is proud to announce that the annual Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade, considered the largest boat parade in Central Florida, will be back for its 36th year on December 18, starting at 6 p.m.
Under a full moon, brightly decorated boats large and small will parade down the Intracoastal Waterway. Marked by enthusiastic parties all along the Parade route, once again the annual event will be broadcast live by Flagler Broadcasting on KOOL-FM. Grand Marshalls will be Sheriff Rick Staly and the Mayor of Palm Coast.
Departing from the Cimmaron Basin, the Parade will pass the Tidelands, Marina Cove, the Hammock, Yacht Harbor Village, and the Palm Coast Legacy Vacation Resort. It will then proceed under the Hammock Dunes Bridge along St. Joe’s Walkway and Canopy Walk, pass by Island Estates, Waterfront Park, and Grand Haven before dispersing at the Clubhouse Waterway. The Parade will be escorted by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Tow Boat US, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
This year spectators will not have access to parking at Waterfront Park due to a city construction project to enhance water-based activities. Parking is available near European Village for viewing along St. Joe’s Walkway, Canopy Walk, and at Waterfront Park.
Registration for boaters is required and is free. Club membership is not required. For registration forms contact Parade Captain Robert Ulis at 386-283-5166 or at srulis00@gmail.com. Forms and details about the parade are also available at the Palm Coast Yacht Club website at www.palmcoastyachtclub.com and on Facebook. Rain Date is December 19. Official notice of any change to the Parade status will be posted on the Palm Coast Yacht Club website by 4 p.m. on December 18.
The Palm Coast Yacht Club inaugurated this popular city tradition in 1985 and has sponsored the official Parade every year since except 2020 because of the pandemic. The Club offers a wide variety of social activities for boaters and non-boaters alike. The Club was established in 1979 and welcomes new members every month.
Media Release: Palm Coast Yacht Club
Public Invited to ‘Transfer of Command,’ Installation of Fire Chief Michael Tucker
Flagler County is inviting the public to attend the Transfer of Command ceremony and installation of Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker at 2:30 p.m. at the Emergency Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 3, Bunnell.
“This is an important event for our Fire Rescue Department, for our community, and for us as a governmental body,” said Interim County Administrator Heidi Petito. “Everyone is welcome to join for this ceremony and in giving our warmest welcome to Chief Tucker.”
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will do the Presentation of Colors. Chaplain George Huhn will give the invocation. Human Resources Director Pam Wu will administer the Oath of Office. Palm Coast Fire Lt. Patrick Juliano will provide a traditional bagpipe tribute.
Tucker will serve as Fire Rescue Chief to more than 100 Flagler County firefighter paramedics. He will fill the shoes as the permanent replacement of Don Petito, who retired nearly a year to the day of Tucker taking charge.
The Board of County Commissioners were introduced to Tucker during their June 7 regular board meeting.
“Flagler County Fire Rescue has a strong reputation,” he said then. “I look forward to be able to help the organization continue to move forward and hopefully help the organization become stronger.”
Tucker last worked as the Superintendent at the Florida State Fire College, Bureau of Fire Standards, Division of State Fire Marshal, where he had oversight of the curriculums and programs required for the certification of the state’s 70,000 firefighters, fire inspectors, arson investigators, and fire instructors.
Tucker is also a consultant with Emergency Services Consulting International where he is responsible for preparing proposals, project management, and providing recommendations for professional reports. He previously served as fire chief for The Villages.
In addition to his credentials within the firefighting industry – notably the distinction of Executive Fire Officer achieved through the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD – Tucker has a master’s degree in Public Administration.
“It is an honor to welcome Chief Tucker to Flagler County,” said Commission Chair Donald O’Brien. “His credentials are impeccable. We are very fortunate that he’s chosen to call Flagler home.”
Media Release: Flagler County, Julie Murphy. MPIO
Volusia Tech Hub to Celebrate 10th Anniversary with Incubator Client Showcase
YOU ARE INVITED TO CELEBRATE THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IN VOLUSIA COUNTY.
WHAT: 10th Anniversary, Client Showcase, and Open House of The Volusia County Business Incubator Powered by the UCF Business Incubation Program, #ucfbip.
The free Client Showcase will feature Volusia County Council Chairman, Mr. Jeff Brower, as our Keynote Speaker, and will introduce more than a dozen of early-stage companies. In addition, we will award the 2020 Entrepreneur and Graduate of the Year.
WHEN: Monday, July 26, 2021
Time: from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Volusia County Business Incubator – 601 Innovation Way, Daytona Beach Fl. 32114 – Daytona Beach International Airport
RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/d74e-fy
What’s Your Parks & Rec Story? Palm Coast Proclaims July Parks and Rec Month
Palm Coast, FL – Unveiling a video showcase of the countless amenities the City of Palm Coast offers residents and visitors, team members from the city’s parks and recreation department were on hand Tuesday evening to receive an official proclamation from the Palm Coast City Council recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month.
Working her way up through the parks and recreation department over the years, Lauren Johnston has watched the city grow and add to the amenities available to the community, while helping guide the expansion of programs to meet the area’s diverse demographics.
Serving as Chief of Staff, Citizen Engagement for the City of Palm Coast, Johnston accepted the proclamation on behalf of staff and team leaders from Palm Coast City Councilman Nick Klufas during the Tuesday city council meeting.
“We’re piggybacking off the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Their campaign for this month is ‘Our Park and Recreation Story’ so on our social media channels you will see citizens and their recreations stories. You’ll meet some staff members and how they transform from working in the day as a professional and what their recreational hobbies are at night,” shared Johnston.
With a passion for the city’s amenities that include the area’s trails, parks, golf course, tennis center, aquatics center and more, Johnston was pleased by the recognition for the department that contributes to the lives and well-being of Palm Coast residents of all ages.
“It’s Palm Coast, now. All of these pictures and videos were all captured from the day-to-day lives of our residents, right here, right now, so they’re living their story. They moved here for the quality of life and they appreciate the parks, trails and amenities that we have.”
With a full line up of activities planned for July from gardening and movies in the park to soccer camp, a chalk art festival, Food Truck Tuesday and the annual Tour de Palm Coast, Johnston encourages everyone to share their parks and recreation story.
“We have lots of activities so stay connected with us. Explore our parks, and trails, connect with us at an event or play in Palm Coast.”
Visit https://www.palmcoastgov.com/government/parks-recreation for details.
Photo courtesy: City of Palm Coast. Brittany Kershaw, Director of Public Information and Engagement.
