What’s Your Parks & Rec Story? Palm Coast Proclaims July Parks and Rec Month

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July 7, 2021

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.

Peace, Love & Harmony Helps Usher In a Summer of Love for Flagler

By

Danielle Anderson

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July 7, 2021

Palm Coast, FL – It was a regional star-studded cast for The Green Room Farm to Table Dinner Theatre as director Terri Williams took audiences on a journey back to the 60’s and 70’s with ‘Peace, Love & Harmony’ to kick off the summer.

Transforming the Caldwell Dairy Barn at the Florida Agricultural Museum into an open air, intimate theater, those old enough to remember the official news casts of the day were taken back to where they were when those stories were told. Even younger audience members were moved as the show bookended with the loss of John Lennon, closing out a period in history that ended on that fateful day in December 1980.

‘Peace, Love & Harmony’ was the creation of Green Room founder Terri Williams, a familiar name to theater goers throughout northeast and central Florida. Writing and directing the second show for the farm to table dinner theater she founded in 2020, Williams was not surprised by the interest of both cast and audience after the successful Christmas show ‘Tree of Lights’ hosted by the dinner theater troupe in December 2020.

Director Terri Williams joins the cast for a song.

“I’ve done a lot of shows with Terri before and when she said she wanted to start her own theatre company I was like we’ll support you in any way we can, so we’re here to support local theater,” said actress April Whaley, who had just wrapped a run of “All In The Timing” with City Repertory Theatre the week before.

“Theater is important. Growing up doing theater makes you a better person. It’s very important to me to support all the local theaters and that there is as much arts and culture in this area as possible,” she said.

Joining Whaley, CRT cast mate Danno Waddell shared his appreciation for the musical.

“I’m a bit of a music nerd so I really enjoyed it. I was tempted to sing along but I didn’t want to steal the show, so I was chair dancing.”

Returning to work with Williams on the second show for The Green Room, cast members like Andrew Trotter find it a refreshing change to showcase material in a new way and the performer jumps at the chance to entertain.

“I’m a bit of a jack of all trades. I’m sort of macho but I love to sing and dance, and do Broadway,” quipped Trotter, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

“Terri has a vision, she puts in the work and inspires you, and you just go with it. Guess what? It’s all right on the night. I felt like the crowd really brought out the best in us, grooving to the cool songs that they know and it really made us want to perform better for them.”

Cast mate Peter Gutierrez enjoyed performing songs from his earlier years.

“It’s the music I grew up with, so I didn’t even have to learn the lyrics because I knew them already,” he said. “I don’t know how Terri did this, she put in a lot of work.”

Helping with the box office, Williams’ mother Mary Ann Frassetto said her daughter has long had a love for the theater, starting with dance, where she honed her talent for choreography while taking the stage by storm through diligent preparation.

Researching for the show’s development, Williams said it was the deeper meaning behind the songs that made them so powerful for a generation of Americans.

“I tried to find the popular songs, the slower songs. They’re love story songs that were written between ’65 and ’75 and they just had a lot of meaning in the Vietnam era,” said Williams.

The Green Room Farm to Table Dinner Theatre director Terri Williams watches from the back as performers share ‘Peace, Love & Harmony’.

“There’s one intro where I talk about the soldiers in Vietnam having a closer connection to the people stateside through the music. It’s the first war where they were actually hearing the same music played in Vietnam as was playing in the United States, at the same time. Those story songs, the touching ones really took on a lot more meaning. The protest songs took on a lot more meaning for them and helped get them through what was just a horrible time.”

The 501c3 nonprofit has a mission to create the first of its kind dinner theatre featuring sustainable, locally sourced farm-to-table cuisine and high quality cultural entertainment as part of the area’s arts community.

For more information on The Green Room Farm to Table Dinner Theatre, visit www.thegreenroomfarm2table.org.

Flagler Sportfishing Club Donation Helps Heal In More Ways Than One

By

Danielle Anderson

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July 7, 2021

Palm Coast, FL – Serving between 350 and 400 veterans locally by providing rides to their VA clinic medical appointments, some as far away as Jacksonville, Gainesville or Viera, the miles and costs can quickly add up.

Providing the Disabled American Veterans a much needed helping hand on Tuesday evening, the Flagler Sportfishing Club presented the Jim Booe Chapter 86 in Palm Coast/Flagler County with a check for $12,000 during their July meeting.

Proceeds from the annual Spring Classic fishing tournament will provide a significant boost for the donation-based veteran’s organization for the third year in a row, according to DAV Chapter Commander George O’Dell.

“Previously, two years ago we got a check from the Sportfishing Club that went toward us purchasing a new vehicle. They’re used to transport veterans from Flagler County to their appointments or doctors outside the VA system as long as it’s scheduled by the VA,” he said.

While the local chapter also staffs four national DAV certified officers to help veterans and their families with VA claims and paperwork, O’Dell says the organization is 100 percent volunteer, and the modest stipend from the national DAV covers just about a month of the organization’s annual budget.

“We operate solely on donations,” he said, grateful for the Flagler Sportfishing Club’s support that also helps supply holiday baskets, about a week’s worth of food for the veteran and family members, during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons, and shores up the emergency fund for veterans in need during a crisis.

Standing among the DAV and Sportfishing Club members, the presentation was particularly meaningful to the fishing tournament’s chair Dana Syens, whose co-chair Rita Waddell passed away on August 31, 2020.

The pair had made supporting the local DAV a point of pride, and to this day Syens still grieves the loss of her friend.

Volunteer Rita Waddell, co-chair of the annual Flagler Sportfishing Club Spring Classic fishing tournament who passed away in 2020, loved helping with the annual Kids Fishing Clinic at Bings Landing each year. Photo: FNW/2018

“Rita died last year of COVID right after the (2020) tournament so it was very important for me to continue and do better than we did in the past,” shared Syens.

“This is very important to me because these are veterans. They don’t get support from anyone. I just feel without them, we could not be here and gather and do what we do and speak our opinions,” she said with deep emotion.

Passing the mantle to another to chair for next year’s tournament, Syens implored club members to continue to select the DAV Chapter 86 as the tournament’s beneficiary.

Working closely with Sportfishing Club member and DAV Vice Commander Ernie Morris to help local disabled veterans, Syens has seen firsthand the direct impact the dollars raised have had in the Flagler County community.

Flagler Sportfishing Club Spring Classic Fishing Tournament Chair Dana Syens and DAV Jim Booe Chapter 86 Palm Coast Vice Commander Ernie Morris work to support veterans and heal hearts in Flagler County.

“It means the world to me. Ernie Morris has helped so many of our club members that were veterans to get VA benefits that they didn’t even know they were entitled to,” she said.

“We have one man who was a Colonel in the Air Force. He was a helicopter pilot, he jumped out of the helicopters, and he didn’t realize. With Ernie’s help, he got a new knee. He had no idea he was even eligible for that.”

Tasked with raising funds to support the organization, Morris, a 24-year Navy veteran says the sizeable donation almost covers a year’s worth of budget needs and allows the DAV volunteers to focus on helping veterans get the benefits, services and care they’ve earned.

“This is huge. Like I say, three thousand dollars more and we’ll be able to pay the bills for the year. It’s a big deal and takes a lot of pressure off of us,” said Morris. “We, like any other organization, run short on volunteers, so it stresses us to try to do the things we do already without going out and having to drum up funds.”

“Our mission is to help veterans live a quality life with respect and dignity. We do everything we can to accomplish that mission,” he said.

Coming Soon:

The Flagler Sportfishing Club will host their annual Kids Fishing Clinic on July 24, 2021 at Hershel King Park in Palm Coast from 9 am to noon. There is no cost for children to attend, and in addition to learning the basics of fishing, will receive a free rod and reel, and a hot dog lunch.

For more information, visit https://flaglersportfishing.com/event/kids-clinic/.

River To Sea Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Announces Change In Leadership

By

Flagler News Weekly

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July 6, 2021

Daytona Beach, FL (July 6, 2021) – The River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) announces that its Executive Director, Lois Bollenback is stepping down from her position effective July 30, 2021.

Ms. Bollenback returned to work for the TPO in 2009 and has served as the Executive Director since 2012. During her time in this position, the River to Sea TPO has achieved a variety of successes including a First Place Finish in the 2020 Florida Department of Transportation “Love to Ride Challenge,” 2020 Outstanding Planning Study of the Year by the Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA), and the 2017 Designated Official Planning Agency of the Year Award in the State of Florida from the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged.

“I’ve been honored to serve the River to Sea TPO and am proud of our role in supporting the transportation needs of our local communities. My position has also given me the opportunity to participate in the Daytona Beach Rotary and to support various non-profit organizations and I am grateful for those community service opportunities” stated Lois Bollenback.

The River to Sea TPO is a local transportation planning organization that sets the priorities for allocating state and federal funding for the designated planning area of Volusia and eastern Flagler Counties. The TPO Board is comprised of representatives from local municipal and county governments.

“Ms. Bollenback’s commitment and expertise has played a critical role in the success of the organization and we wish her the best of luck as she leaves to pursue other professional opportunities. She is a dedicated public servant and will be truly missed by the staff, board, committee members and local agencies that are an integral part of the TPO’s collaborative planning efforts” said Volusia County Council Vice Chair Billie Wheeler, Chairperson of the River to Sea TPO.

As the TPO begins the search process for a new Director, the TPO’s Manager of Operations and Planning, Colleen Nicoulin is expected to take the helm on an interim basis. “Colleen is a very talented planner that has earned the respect of TPO members, staff, and her colleagues. I’m confident in her ability to provide steady leadership over the next several months and know our experienced staff will step up to support Colleen and the TPO” said Ms. Bollenback.

Media Release: River to Sea TPO. Pamela Blankenship, Community Outreach Coordinator

Creative People Series: Shutterbugs Find Kindred Spirit in Birdie Gibbs

By

Danielle Anderson

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July 6, 2021

Flagler Beach, FL – If you’re a photographer, within the first few moment’s of Birdie Gibbs’ interview you find a kindred spirit. As she utters the words ‘National Geographic’ and ‘Ansel Adams’, you’re spellbound enough to watch the entire interview.

It’s the captivating moments of an artist’s life that inspire other artists of all ages to continue seeking, creating and dreaming, and the Pineapple Gallery in Flagler Beach is helping stoke creative passions with their ‘Creative People Series‘, hosted by gallery co-founder Audrey Scherr.

“I started the series in 2020 with the aim to talk to people who are doing creative things in a way that would be interesting to others. My hope is that the series will inspire people to enjoy art of various kinds, continue doing their own creative venture or jump into a new one,” she said.

Helping viewers discover things about the artist through each episode in the series is akin to opening a door within an aspiring artist, and Scherr says the lighthearted conversations allow the artists to share deeper insights.

“What an artist thinks about their work, their process and what makes them do it are extremely interesting. There is a tremendous variety of processes and, I think the more one knows about the process of anything, the more one appreciates it, which creates a greater appreciation for life in general,” said Scherr.

“There are many reasons why an artist creates. They are all fascinating, but the one thing they all share is the desire to connect with people through their work, and the ways they do this are intriguing. A viewer may be drawn to a work, enjoy and connect with a work of art without knowing why, and this is part of the thrill and enjoyment of art. It’s also interesting to be privy to how the artist accomplished that feat.”

As an artist herself, she’s inspired by those on the show, and pleased with the talented artists who are willing to share a more intimate look at themselves and their work.

“I’ve been very pleased with the guests who’ve been on the show. They’ve been open, revealing and just plain delightful. I hope viewers have enjoyed getting to know them as much as I have,” she said.

“I love art and the people who create it. I want to share the joy of it and them with as many people as possible. I truly believe art is good for the heart, the brain and the soul.”

Pineapple Gallery

Location:

208 South Central Avenue

Flagler Beach, FL 32136

Hours:

Mon -Sat: 10 am to 5 pm

Sun: Noon to 5 pm

Gallery Tours: No Cost

Super Moms Launch #FlaglerStockOurSchools 2021-22

By

Danielle Anderson

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July 6, 2021

Flagler County, FL – If there’s one thing people should know about moms, it’s that they’re super organized. Give them a little extra time or show them someone in need, and they become super heroes. Especially in Flagler County.

Launching the #FlaglerStockOurSchools Facebook group page last year after wondering what they could do to help teachers navigating a hybrid school year, Jenny Pierce says the movement, modeled after a Lee County effort, exploded with community support.

“Last summer, a few local moms and I were casually discussing how difficult the 2020-2021 school year was going to be. We were still in COVID, schools were still half virtual, half in person, and we were trying to figure out what to do in order to make it easier for our teachers this year,” said Pierce.

“We wanted our teachers here to know that even with everything that is happening around us, they are still important to us and we still have their backs,” she said. “It blew up. It was amazing. We named it #FlaglerStockOurSchools.”

Garnering an overwhelming response for the previous effort, Pierce announced the launch for the upcoming 2021-22 school year on July 1^st, and the volunteer team of moms are hoping the community will be as generous this year as last year.

“Last year, over 500 items were bought off our Flagler teachers’ wish lists. So, over 500+ wishes were granted and over 500 extra supplies were given from the community to our local schools,” she said.

Awestruck, she says they stopped counting at that point.

“That’s not even counting things Amazon put in the same box that was ordered that went to the same teacher. Teachers can, they don’t have to, post a photo on our FB (Facebook) page with their gifts, thanking the community or whoever sent it to them. Sometimes it’s anonymous, sometimes not. Whatever the buyer chooses.”

Volunteer Kristen Doss returns for a second year. Photo/Jenny Pierce

Notes of appreciation from teachers highlight just how critical the support is for them.

“My heart is so overjoyed that I almost cried pulling up to the house today. I’m so extremely blessed I don’t have words to express all the emotions I’m feeling. I am so extremely thankful,” shared one educator, while another said, “I received another delivery from our AMAZING community today! Thank you so much!! My students and I are so very blessed!”

Multiple Facebook pages cover the wish lists of teachers not just in the Flagler County public school district, but charter and private schools too, and it’s busy work. With a 2021-22 school year volunteer team made up of Jenny Pierce, Kristen Dross, Jennifer Howard, and Michelle Naupari, Pierce made sure to give a shout out to fellow mom Nicole Castello, who helped get it off the ground last year.

Supported by local parents, general members of the community, even the Flagler Home Builders Association, Pierce says they’ll do anything they can for local educators.

“It makes us feel like we are giving back to our teachers. The same teachers that are going to have our kids, the kids in our community during the school year and are going to make a huge impact on the kids at the schools,” she said.

“With all the hate-spewing in the world, we wanted the educators to know that we are still here, and we are still extremely grateful for everything they do for our community and children. It makes us feel the community is behind them, always.”

For more information, visit Flagler County – Stock Our Schools! Facebook group page here.

Nicole Castello. Team 2020-21/Photo: Jenny Pierce

Freedom Fest Celebrates America’s 245th Birthday in Style

By

Danielle Anderson

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July 5, 2021

Flagler County, FL – Drawing thousands to the Flagler Executive Airport on Saturday, July 3^rd, from lemonade and funnel cakes, to classic cars and warbirds, it was a coming together in celebration of America at Freedom Fest 2021.

Kicking off the festivities, legendary jazz songstress Linda Cole performed a special rendition of the Star Spangled Banner as Florida Representative Paul Renner, a retired U.S. Naval Commander, helped emcee the ceremonies with enthusiasm.

Jazz singer Linda Cole performs the Star Spangled Banner at Freedom Fest 2021.

Families flocked to the airport throughout the day to enjoy a variety of things to see and do. Auto lovers got their fill talking with car aficionados who proudly set up and displayed more than 100 classic cars and trucks for the event just off the tarmac, while aviation enthusiasts lined the runways eager for a front row seat as planes and helicopters took part in flyovers, and model planes wowed with their breathtaking maneuvers.

Area businesses and nonprofits also took the opportunity to get in front of residents from across the region, talking about everything from open positions with their companies to services and fundraisers on the calendar for the upcoming fall 2021 season.

Adams, Cameron Real Estate attends Freedom Fest 2021.

While there was plenty of music, food and families out to celebrate the nation’s 245^th Independence Day, there was an undercurrent of reflection not usually so palpable among attendees this year as people walked among the show planes and toured the military equipment on display.

“This is what it’s all about since 1776. I love this event and I hope the rest of the county loves it,” said Flagler County Veterans Services officer David Lydon, a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, Flagler County Veterans Services Officer David Lydon, Flagler Broadcasting VP David Ayres and FL Rep. Paul Renner at Freedom Fest 2021.

He spent time walking and talking to attendees to increase awareness for the resources available to veterans and their families.

“Veterans Services is there to support our veterans and their families, and surviving spouses. Eric Flores and myself love doing it and we want more people to know we’re there because we do find out that there’s a lot of people who don’t know our office is there. We can be of great help to a lot of people.”

Training the next generation of aviators, retired Marine Colonel Jack Howell, CEO and founder of Teens-In-Flight, hopes that Americans will remember those who have served over the centuries to ensure liberty and freedom for all.

U.S Marine Corps (retired) Col. Jack Howell at Freedom Fest 2021.

“I think that when we look at the freedoms that we have, it’s because of the military through our history as a nation, that has kept our rights in place,” said Howell. “They need to really understand what it means. (Our) independence cost a lot of lives, a lot of bloodshed, and it’s not just about the fireworks and the beach.”

Messages of gratitude were laced throughout the event by not only the musical performers but exhibitors on site like The American Flag Project.

American Flag Project’s Nikki White at Freedom Fest 2021.

Flagler County residents were appreciative of the free event that offered family-friendly activities, and Flagler Broadcasting vice president and general manager David Ayres said they were pleased to partner with the Flagler Executive Airport and local sponsors to bring the event to the community.

“The biggest thanks goes to the Good Lord and mother nature for making it a beautiful day out here at Flagler Executive Airport,” said Ayres, greeting attendees as they streamed through the gates with a hello.

David Ayres and Trisha Woods greet guests at the gate with a hello.

“What a great event to see all kinds of people, everybody’s getting along, having a great time. It’s just a great day to celebrate our freedoms and draw attention to it. We can’t thank Roy Sieger, Flagler Executive Airport and his whole staff for organizing everything going up in the air in flights. It’s just a great community event, and we can’t thank everybody enough for being here and supporting it.”

Visit the photogallery here.

Fabulous Food Feature of the Week: Delicias of Portugal II

By

Danielle Anderson

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July 5, 2021

Palm Coast, FL – Sometimes you have a hankering for a really good local bakery. Busy with work it’s easy to settle for a pre-packaged danish or muffin. Even at the chain coffee shop, pastries are grab and go, and for the most part, pretty tasty.

But if you’re looking for an authentic local bakery that will make you stop and stare from the moment you walk through the door, may we suggest Delicias of Portugal II.

Located in the Amaral Commerce Center on the corner of Belle Terre Parkway and Cypress Point Parkway, it’s nestled in the plaza right next door to the Goodwill Thrift Store, and truly a Palm Coast hidden gem.

Whether you’re in the mood for a freshly made blueberry muffin, apple turnover, or a cinnamon bun almost the size of your face (yes, that big), a cup of expresso, cappuccino or American coffee is the perfect complement to these in-house Portuguese delights.

As for the desserts, you have to see them to believe it. One look at the chocolate mousse cake and we promise, it’s game over.

Delicias of Portugal II – Bakery & Dessert Shop

10 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, FL

Hours Daily: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm

The Big Five … with Dr. Joe Saviak – Shining City On The Hill

By

Flagler News Weekly

-

July 5, 2021

You are an unapologetic cheerleader for our nation and those who sign up to serve as public servants. Why is this so important to you?

Our Founding Fathers expected that all Americans would choose some form of service to our country to ensure our freedom. It might be military service, volunteering in your community, or public service as a career or a citizen lending their leadership to a city or county board. They all signed a Declaration of Independence against the most powerful military empire on the planet at the time. They risked their lives, homes, farms and businesses, and families. They served. We should all find ways to serve too.

What do you see as the biggest challenges the Founding Fathers faced that could still be a challenge for leaders today?

Doing what’s right is the continual challenge facing all leaders. It would have been easy to capitulate to the all powerful British empire. Leadership requires telling the truth, taking personal risks, and demonstrating moral courage. You have to serve a cause larger than yourself. Their lessons in leadership are timeless and instructive to us today.

They were fairly young men by today’s standards. What leadership qualities do you see among them that standout in good, honorable statesmen and women of today?

As leaders, they understood the need to have an inspiring and achievable vision, a strong team, the right people in the right roles, and long term discipline to a winning plan. They had robust debates but their team stuck together. They identified who on the team would be best for specific responsibilities – Washington to lead our troops, Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence, and Franklin to negotiate the Treaty of Paris to end the Revolutionary War. Anytime we lead needed change, there are challenges and setbacks. They held fast to their principles and plan for freedom during some difficult times and saw it through to its ultimate success which we now celebrate.

Independence Day is one of the most important days in our nation. What do you think Americans should take into consideration on July 4th?

Freedom requires service and sacrifice. It is not automatic. It must be preserved and protected by every generation.

The United States of America is the greatest melting pot in the world. How do you see us continuing to be a successful example of freedom, even with the challenges and differences of opinion?

Like any family, we may have disagreements and debates but that does not mean we cannot pull together when we need to do so. We are an example of a successful society that is diverse in background but unified by a specific set of values and principles such as freedom and opportunity for all. People flee countries where the type of government our Founding Fathers feared has taken everything from them, they start anew in America, and they go as far as their dreams will take them. We must endeavor to always be the America President Reagan once described as “the shining city on a hill.”

Palm Coast Independence Day Festivities Unite Community in Celebration

By

Danielle Anderson

-

July 4, 2021

pc8 — Palm Coast City Councilman and interim Mayor Ed Branquinho emcees the Palm Coast Independence Day Celebration in Town Center on July 3, 2021.

Palm Coast, FL – Outside of the fireworks spectacular that closed the night for families perched along the lake in Central Park, it was a moment of genuine expression from Palm Coast City Councilman and acting mayor Ed Branquinho during the opening ceremony that summed up what so many in the crowd, were feeling with the words, “Viva America!”

Commemorating the evening with the words from 1776 that declared America’s independence from England, 15 elected officials from across the community each read a portion of the Declaration of Independence after the colors were presented by the Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard.

Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard members present the colors during the Palm Coast Independence Day Celebration in Town Center on July 3, 2021.

“What inspires me tonight is what has been inspiring me since October 1, 1975, which is the day that I arrived in this country,” shared Branquinho, who emceed the celebration and said he is inspired by his faith in God and the love in his heart for America.

“It’s a love of this country that I developed the same day I got here because like I said before, I know many countries, visited many countries, and there’s nothing out there that compares to America and the American people. We are the best.”

All join Palm Coast City Councilman and acting Mayor Ed Branquinho in closing the reading of the Declaration of Independence during the Palm Coast Independence Day Celebration in Town Center on July 3, 2021.

Capped by lively performances from the Palm Coast Community Band, led by conductor Bryan Ray, and a special vocal performance by Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Commander Kenny Goncalves, attendees could be seen clapping, toe tapping and singing along throughout.

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Commander Kenny Goncalves gets the nod of approval from a young fan after his performance of ‘God Bless America’ during the Palm Coast Independence Day Celebration in Town Center on July 3, 2021.

“I’ve been singing for years, and it started with my dad. I was like four years old when I started singing,” said Goncalves, who drew rousing applause and a thank you from a tot-aged admirer after his performance of ‘God Bless America’.

“It’s everything. All the freedoms that we have in this country,” said Goncalves. “Nowhere else in the world can you do whatever you want, whenever you want and have all the opportunity in the world to do it.”

As life begins a slow trek back to normalcy for many, Palm Coast’s interim city manager Denise Bevan was pleased to see residents out enjoying the evening together after so long apart during the pandemic.

Angie, Palm Coast Interim City Manager Denise Bevan and Brittany Kershaw, Director of Public Information and Engagement capture the moment during the Palm Coast Independence Day Celebration in Town Center on July 3, 2021.

“Tonight we’re here to celebrate Independence Day, and to see all families out here and see all the excitement, it’s pretty overwhelming,” she said.

“It’s a special moment in time right now. Everybody wants to have some excitement and celebrate, so I think it’s a lot of energy. They just want to come together and experience something wonderful.”

Featured Photo: Palm Coast City Councilman and interim Mayor Ed Branquinho emcees the Palm Coast Independence Day Celebration in Town Center on July 3, 2021.

Flagler County, FL – If there’s one thing people should know about moms, it’s that they’re super organized. Give them a little extra time or show them someone in need, and they become super heroes. Especially in Flagler County.

Launching the #FlaglerStockOurSchools Facebook group page last year after wondering what they could do to help teachers navigating a hybrid school year, Jenny Pierce says the movement, modeled after a Lee County effort, exploded with community support.

“We wanted our teachers here to know that even with everything that is happening around us, they are still important to us and we still have their backs,” she said. “It blew up. It was amazing. We named it #FlaglerStockOurSchools.”

Garnering an overwhelming response for the previous effort, Pierce announced the launch for the upcoming 2021-22 school year on July 1st, and the volunteer team of moms are hoping the community will be as generous this year as last year.

“Last year, over 500 items were bought off our Flagler teachers’ wish lists. So, over 500+ wishes were granted and over 500 extra supplies were given from the community to our local schools,” she said.

Awestruck, she says they stopped counting at that point.

Notes of appreciation from teachers highlight just how critical the support is for them.

Supported by local parents, general members of the community, even the Flagler Home Builders Association, Pierce says they’ll do anything they can for local educators.

“It makes us feel like we are giving back to our teachers. The same teachers that are going to have our kids, the kids in our community during the school year and are going to make a huge impact on the kids at the schools,” she said.

“With all the hate-spewing in the world, we wanted the educators to know that we are still here, and we are still extremely grateful for everything they do for our community and children. It makes us feel the community is behind them, always.”

Flagler County, FL – Drawing thousands to the Flagler Executive Airport on Saturday, July 3rd, from lemonade and funnel cakes, to classic cars and warbirds, it was a coming together in celebration of America at Freedom Fest 2021.

Kicking off the festivities, legendary jazz songstress Linda Cole performed a special rendition of the Star Spangled Banner as Florida Representative Paul Renner, a retired U.S. Naval Commander, helped emcee the ceremonies with enthusiasm.

Area businesses and nonprofits also took the opportunity to get in front of residents from across the region, talking about everything from open positions with their companies to services and fundraisers on the calendar for the upcoming fall 2021 season.

While there was plenty of music, food and families out to celebrate the nation’s 245th Independence Day, there was an undercurrent of reflection not usually so palpable among attendees this year as people walked among the show planes and toured the military equipment on display.

“This is what it’s all about since 1776. I love this event and I hope the rest of the county loves it,” said Flagler County Veterans Services officer David Lydon, a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

He spent time walking and talking to attendees to increase awareness for the resources available to veterans and their families.

Training the next generation of aviators, retired Marine Colonel Jack Howell, CEO and founder of Teens-In-Flight, hopes that Americans will remember those who have served over the centuries to ensure liberty and freedom for all.

Messages of gratitude were laced throughout the event by not only the musical performers but exhibitors on site like The American Flag Project.

Flagler County residents were appreciative of the free event that offered family-friendly activities, and Flagler Broadcasting vice president and general manager David Ayres said they were pleased to partner with the Flagler Executive Airport and local sponsors to bring the event to the community.

“The biggest thanks goes to the Good Lord and mother nature for making it a beautiful day out here at Flagler Executive Airport,” said Ayres, greeting attendees as they streamed through the gates with a hello.

Palm Coast, FL – Sometimes you have a hankering for a really good local bakery. Busy with work it’s easy to settle for a pre-packaged danish or muffin. Even at the chain coffee shop, pastries are grab and go, and for the most part, pretty tasty.

But if you’re looking for an authentic local bakery that will make you stop and stare from the moment you walk through the door, may we suggest Delicias of Portugal II.

Located in the Amaral Commerce Center on the corner of Belle Terre Parkway and Cypress Point Parkway, it’s nestled in the plaza right next door to the Goodwill Thrift Store, and truly a Palm Coast hidden gem.

Whether you’re in the mood for a freshly made blueberry muffin, apple turnover, or a cinnamon bun almost the size of your face (yes, that big), a cup of expresso, cappuccino or American coffee is the perfect complement to these in-house Portuguese delights.

As for the desserts, you have to see them to believe it. One look at the chocolate mousse cake and we promise, it’s game over.

Delicias of Portugal II – Bakery & Dessert Shop

10 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, FL

Hours Daily: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm

You are an unapologetic cheerleader for our nation and those who sign up to serve as public servants. Why is this so important to you?

What do you see as the biggest challenges the Founding Fathers faced that could still be a challenge for leaders today?

They were fairly young men by today’s standards. What leadership qualities do you see among them that standout in good, honorable statesmen and women of today?

Independence Day is one of the most important days in our nation. What do you think Americans should take into consideration on July 4th?

Freedom requires service and sacrifice. It is not automatic. It must be preserved and protected by every generation.

The United States of America is the greatest melting pot in the world. How do you see us continuing to be a successful example of freedom, even with the challenges and differences of opinion?

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Garnering an overwhelming response for the previous effort, Pierce announced the launch for the upcoming 2021-22 school year on July 1^st, and the volunteer team of moms are hoping the community will be as generous this year as last year.

Flagler County, FL – Drawing thousands to the Flagler Executive Airport on Saturday, July 3^rd, from lemonade and funnel cakes, to classic cars and warbirds, it was a coming together in celebration of America at Freedom Fest 2021.

While there was plenty of music, food and families out to celebrate the nation’s 245^th Independence Day, there was an undercurrent of reflection not usually so palpable among attendees this year as people walked among the show planes and toured the military equipment on display.