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

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 FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube, 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

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.

 

 

TONIGHT: Curtain Call for Strings Unleashed at The Fitz!

Sisqó and C+C Music Factory to Headline As If! ‘90s Fest

ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (April 9, 2025) – Fire up your AOL connection and Ask Jeeves to take you straight to As If! ‘90s Fest on the World Wide Web because it’s getting hella exciting. Sisqó and C+C Music Factory are headlining a totally awesome lineup, and the one and only Hulk Hogan will be hosting. And for its fifth and final year, the 90s are moving to Maritime Creative in Elkton, where there’s plenty of space to hacky sack and dance the Dougie. It’s all going down on Saturday, May 3rd, from 2pm to 9pm at 1105 County Road 13A South in Elkton.

“This has become such a popular event that we just needed more space,” said Jeanetta Cebollero, owner of Ancient City Entertainment. “With the added area, we’ve got a second stage featuring some killer garage bands, more vendors and food trucks, and plenty of space for kids’ activities to entertain the small fries. We’ll also have coverage from the weather, which is a huge bonus. It’s going to be the raddest iteration of the As If! Fest yet!”

Looking for the deets on all the performers? We’ve got you! Sisqó is known internationally for hits like “Thong Song” and “Incomplete.” C+C Music Factory ruled the Jock Jams discs with their hit “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now).” They’ll be joined by Nerd Kill Overdrive, A/C Power Unit, TAUK, Tori Nance, DeeJay Natural, “Isn’t It Iconic?” an Alanis Morrisette Tribute by Ramona + The Riot, Classic Blends, “No Ordinary Dub,” a Reggae Tribute to Sade from Sailor Jane, and more to be announced soon.

Tickets are on sale now and are $60 for General Admission, $20 for kids 10 and under, and $150 for VIP Access. VIP ticket holders are also entered into a raffle for an epic prize pack featuring Meet and Greet passes for both headliners, a pair of concert tickets at The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, a one-night hotel stay at Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel, a Slingshot rental, “The Saint” Bourbon from the St. Augustine Distillery, and a BrüMate Ultimate Party Cooler. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit the As If! ‘90s Fest website at www.asifthe90sfest.com.

But that’s not all! For those craving even more ‘90s immersion, the festival offers rad special events such as the official As If! ‘90s Fest Afterparty and exclusive Meet & Greets. As If! is from 2pm to 9pm. Chairs and picnic blankets are allowed and encouraged, but no backpacks (fanny packs are totally cool), coolers, or outside alcohol are permitted. There will be plenty of food options, bars, and sodas and water to purchase. The As If! ‘90s Fest benefits ACE Alliance, a 501c3 organization dedicated to supporting individuals in the tourism, entertainment, and hospitality industries along coastal Northeast Florida.

ABOUT AS IF! ‘90S FEST: The As If! ‘90s Fest will be held on Saturday, May 3, from 2pm to 9pm at Maritime Creative, 1105 County Road 13A South, Elkton, Florida. For vendor and sponsorship opportunities, contact Jeanetta Cebollero at ancientcityentertainmentgroup@gmail.com. Photos to accompany the press release can be found here. For more information, visit www.asifthe90sfest.com. Follow along on Facebook @asif90sfest and Instagram @asifthe90sfest

Palm Coast’s 2025 State of the City Address is TONIGHT

PALM COAST, FL – The City of Palm Coast invites members of the media to attend the 2025 Annual State of the City Address tonight, Thursday, April 10, at the Palm Coast Community Center beginning at 5:30 p.m.

This year’s event will feature remarks from members of the Palm Coast City CouncilActing City Manager Lauren JohnstonFlagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, and Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill. They’ll share key updates, progress highlights, and future plans for our growing city.

The evening will also include the presentation of the 2025 Citizens Awards, honoring outstanding community members in the following categories:

  • Public Safety Award

  • Citizen of the Year

  • Next Generation Award

  • NEW: 2024 City of Palm Coast Employee of the Year

We hope you’ll join us in person to help share these important stories with your readers, viewers, and listeners.

Can’t make it? The event will also be livestreamed on our official Palm Coast YouTube Channel so the entire community can tune in.

WHAT: 2025 State of the City Address
WHEN: Thursday, April 10 | 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy NE, Palm Coast, FL
LIVESTREAM: https://www.youtube.com/@PalmCoastFL

FCSO: Bunnell Drug House Closed for Business

Bunnell Drug House Closed for Business

BUNNELL, Fla. — The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit and SWAT team served a narcotics-related search warrant at 7 Third Court in Bunnell in the early morning of April 9, shutting down another drug house.

This residence was placed on the Sheriff’s High-Interest Target list following a tip submitted from a member of the community. SIU detectives obtained the search warrant following an undercover operation.

During the search of the residence, detectives located and seized approximately 625 grams of marijuana; 199 THC cartridges, each of which contained two grams of THC oil; $9,470 in cash; multiple scales and packing materials; and a firearm.

“I want to thank the concerned resident who ‘saw something and said something’ and helped us shut down another drug house,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I commend our detectives and SWAT team for safely serving this search warrant and helping us put this dealer in the Green Roof Inn. If you are an illegal drug dealer doing business in Flagler County, I suggest you pack up and hit the road because we’re coming for you next.”

Detectives arrested the residence’s lone occupant, Kyle Ellis, 27, of Bunnell, for Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Manufacture, or Deliver; Possession of Hashish with Intent to Sell, Manufacture, or Deliver; and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held without bond.

During Ellis’ arrest, detectives encountered another male, later identified as Glenn Fletcher, 38, of Bunnell, running toward the residence and ordered him to stop. Fletcher ignored orders, ran onto the property, and began yelling at Ellis. Fletcher was later determined to be Ellis’ cousin. Detectives arrested Fletcher for Obstruction of Service or Execution of Search Warrant. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he was later released on a $500 bond.

“For the safety of our deputies, you should always follow the orders of our deputies, especially during a search warrant. If you don’t, you will have a bed at the Green Roof Inn like this man found out,” Sheriff Staly added.

Anyone with information on suspected narcotics activity or drug dealers in Flagler County are encouraged to contact FCSO by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477), emailing TIPS@flaglersheriff.com, or submitting a tip through the FCSO website or app.

Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center Is Closing Season with Sizzling Shows

PALM COAST, Fla. – By the time Lynn Brannon returned to her seat, the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center was in full meltdown from the heat generated on stage as Uptown Motown showed a packed house why the group is hot commodity.

Singing the sultry hits of the Motown era with a twist, it was non-stop energy between the performers and the audience as they sang along to hits from Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, and the Jackson 5.

It was the sexy Prince hit “Kiss” that drew Brannon on stage as her husband Dave watched with a smile. Of all the women in the audience they chose his wife, and by the end of the performance, there was definitely a sense of pride in his smile.

Uptown Motown brought the sizzle.

“It was a win-win,” said Dave Brannon.

“Front row, you’re ready for that kind of stuff,” he said. “When they said come on, I said ‘oh my God’, I didn’t know how she was going to be about getting up, if she wanted to or not. But she didn’t have a problem, you know?”

“I enjoyed it, I really did,” Lynn said, giggling after the show. “They were really nice guys.”

Lynn and Dave Brannon (right) with well-wishers after the show.

After discovering the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center three seasons ago, the Brannons said they’ve been coming to the area from Palatka for several shows each year.

“We go to four or five concerts a year down here,” Lynn said, in between compliments and high fives from patrons about her on stage experience. “We’ll be here in a couple of weeks for Olivia Newton John.”

“You have to be engaged because if you watch Uptown Motown the tempos and where they take their music, and how fast they dance, you can’t sit still,” said Amelia Fulmer, director of the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center.

Uptown Motown was hot stuff on the mic.

“They’re incredible. It’s like watching the jitterbug for an hour and a half,” she said. “Their vocals, everything was just spot on. I had a lot of people, from the cast of Motown and Mo’ here tonight, ladies from Grand Haven. We had all our friends here tonight and we’re looking forward to the Dallas String Quartet.”

With only two more pro shows to go, the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center is closing out the season with the wattage turned all the way up. This Friday, April 11, brings the Dallas String Quartet Unleashed for a rock concert the likes of which Flagler County has never experienced before.

Songs from Motown’s pioneers kept the crowd enthralled.

Billed as a ‘rock fusion experience”, imagine hearing Robert Plant’s voice as a violin while the sounds of Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir burst through the auditorium’s new sound system. Yes, that cool.

“They are a rock ‘n roll quartet. They don’t play classical music – they could but they’re going to be here rockin’ out,” said Fulmer. “They play everything from Foreigner to Bruno Mars.”

The ladies group enjoyed the singing and the dancing from the Uptown Motown show at The Fitz.

The best of all? Fulmer wants students in the music arts programs to imagine what they can be and do with the skills they are learning as part of their music programs.

“Tickets are still available and we’re doing free tickets for families with children that play music. So, if you’ve got a music student in your house, call and we’ll give you free tickets to this concert. But you have to have a kid under 18 and bring them here with you,” she said.

Families with a student in the music arts or Flagler Youth Orchestra can receive up to 4 free tickets by calling the box office at (386) 437-7547.

The season closes with The Olivia Show, on Saturday, April 19, paying homage to the unmatched Olivia Newton John.

Visit www.FlaglerEntertainment.com for details.

Students of the arts and dance appreciated the opportunity to attend thanks to the Flagler Auditorium Governing Board and Director Amelia Fulmer.

 

U.S. Coast Guard Offloads Nearly $510 Million in Illegal Narcotics Interdicted in Eastern Pacific Ocean

MIAMI – The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, Wednesday.

This patrol resulted in 11 interdictions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the detainment of 34 suspected drug traffickers who were transferred ashore to face federal prosecution. All of these interdictions are tied to criminal investigations by federal partners and are linked to transnational criminal and foreign terrorist organizations including the Clan del Golfo, Sinaloa Cartel, and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion.

“This is a key example of the Department of Justice working with our law enforcement partners to fight crime and keep drugs from flowing into America,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Thanks to the incredible work of the Coast Guard and FBI, these drugs will help lock up criminals instead of ruining lives.”

On Jan. 5, James’ embarked unmanned aircraft system (drone) spotted a suspicious vessel approximately 260 miles off the coast of Ecuador. James’ boarding team interdicted the vessel, apprehending three suspected smugglers and seizing more than 2,025 pounds of cocaine.

On Jan. 6, a maritime patrol aircraft spotted three suspicious go-fast vessels approximately 280 miles off the coast of Ecuador. James simultaneously intercepted the three go-fast vessels, with the help from the embarked UAS and Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron aircrew, James’ boarding teams interdicted the vessels, apprehending nine suspected drug traffickers and seizing more than 13,960 pounds of cocaine.

On Jan. 7, a maritime patrol aircraft detected a suspicious low-profile go-fast vessel approximately 330 miles off the coast of Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. James’ embarked HITRON aircrew employed airborne use of force tactics to compel the non-compliant vessel to stop, and the boarding team apprehended three suspected drug traffickers and seized over 8,240 pounds of cocaine.

On Jan. 11, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations aircrew detected a suspicious go-fast vessel approximately 275 miles off the coast of Ecuador. James’ boat crew and Coast Guard Cutter Stone’s embarked HITRON aircrew interdicted the go-fast vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing more than 3,385 pounds of cocaine.

On Jan. 18, Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk’s crew detected a suspicious go-fast vessel, approximately 185 miles off the coast of Ecuador. After the suspected smugglers jettisoned the presumptive narcotics into the water, James’ small boat chased down the fleeing go-fast from 60 nautical miles away while Mohawk’s crew recovered the jettisoned bales. James’ boarding teams interdicted the go-fast vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing approximately 5,950 pounds of cocaine.

On Jan. 30, James’ embarked UAS crew detected multiple suspicious go-fast vessels approximately 380 miles west off the coast of Peru. James’ boarding team employed surface use of force tactics to interdict the go-fast vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing more than 3,870 pounds of cocaine.

On Feb 1, James’ embarked UAS crew spotted a suspicious go-fast vessel operating approximately 280 miles off Ecuador. James’ boarding team interdicted the vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing more than 3,630 pounds of cocaine.

On Feb. 3, James’ embarked UAS crew detected multiple suspicious go-fast vessels operating 215 miles off Peru. James’ boarding team interdicted the vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing nearly 3,490 pounds of cocaine.

On Feb. 15, a CBP-AMO aircrew spotted a suspicious go-fast vessel, operating 260 miles off Costa Rica. James’ embarked HITRON aircrew employed airborne use of force tactics to compel the non-compliant vessel to stop. James’ boarding team interdicted the vessel, apprehending four suspected drug traffickers and seizing nearly 3,880 pounds of marijuana.

“I could not be prouder of the James crew and the teams who embarked with us to stand the watch over the holidays to keep our border secure and keep Americans safe,” said Capt. Thomas Rodzewicz, commanding officer of James. “Over a remarkable 72-hour period, our crews interdicted six go-fast vessels and one low-profile vessel across the vast ocean, culminating in the extraordinary seizure of over 24,000 pounds of cocaine and 15 suspected narco-traffickers. We delivered a substantial blow to narco-terrorism organizations, sending those attempting to bring drugs to our border to face federal prosecution, halting the profits criminals use to fuel the fentanyl trade, and most importantly, preventing deadly contraband from reaching American communities and families.”

The following assets and crews assisted James in the interdiction operations:

Detecting and interdicting illicit drug traffickers on the high seas involves significant interagency and international coordination. The Joint Interagency Task Force-South, based in Key West, is responsible for detecting and monitoring the aerial and maritime movement of illegal drugs. When an interdiction is imminent, the operation transitions to the law enforcement phase, with the U.S. Coast Guard taking control for the interdiction and apprehension stages. Interdictions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean are performed by members of the U.S. Coast Guard under the authority and control of the Eleventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Alameda, California.

The Coast Guard continues increased operations to interdict, seize and disrupt transnational shipments of cocaine, marijuana, and other bulk illicit drugs by sea. These drugs fuel and enable cartels and transnational criminal organizations to produce and traffic illegal fentanyl, posing a significant threat to the safety of the United States.

These interdictions denied criminal organizations more than half a billion dollars in illicit revenue. They provide critical testimonial and drug evidence as well as key intelligence for their total elimination. These interdictions relate to Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Panama Express Strike Force investigations in support of Operation Take Back America. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

USCGC James is one of four 418-foot Legend-class national security cutters homeported in Charleston, South Carolina under U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command.

For breaking news, follow us on X (formerly Twitter). For additional information, find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.

Make a difference on land, at sea or in the air with the Coast Guard. Visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn more about active duty and reserve, officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.

-USCG-

AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation Puts Spotlight On Fashion for Fundraiser

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. –  So eagerly anticipated was the event, the room at the Hammock Dunes Club was packed with 180 attendees, with a waitlist. After all it’s not every day ladies get to see their friends modeling the latest fashion and accessories while supporting the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation’s efforts.

Tony Papandrea, Peggy Wald, and John Subers. FNW

Designs were coordinated by longtime Chez Jacqueline store manager Shara Brodsky, who has earned a reputation among the well-heeled crowd for her stylish fashion shows and keen eye. The show’s theme, “We Believe In Miracles” invited guests to wear colors representing a particular cancer, and event chair Peggy Wald wore pastel blue in honor of her husband’s battle with prostate cancer.

Funds raised benefit the Freytag Cancer Center, and philanthropist Sue Freytag was on hand to enjoy the event and show her support.

“I think Advent has been so helpful getting this cancer center in Palm Coast. It’s really needed,” she said.

“Survivors and Thrivers” enjoy lunch and camaraderie at the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation event. FNW

“When we moved here 23 years ago, we moved from Illinois, the Midwest, at that time, we supported our community there. But this is our community here and so we want to support it,” said Freytag.

“It’s kind of selfish. We want good medical help for us along with the community and for this cancer center, you can have it diagnosed, treated, and the whole ball of wax right here and not have to leave the community.”

Fern Hailey, Denyse Bales-Chubb, Sue Freytag, Michelle Bartlome – AHPC Foundation – FNW

Noted oncologist Dr. Padmaja Sai of the Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, shared the story of working with the Freytags on a new treatment that saved Peter Freytag’s life after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

It’s those cutting-edge treatments Dr. Sai said, that is changing the landscape for survivors.

“This new facility marks a new chapter in the fight against cancer for this community by providing personalized treatments, ground-breaking research, and advanced technologies,” said Dr. Sai.

Dr. Tanam S Ahmed, Dr. Padmaja Sai – AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation – FNW

The star-studded fashion show was made up of the community’s real rock stars, cancer survivors, who stepped forward to help raise awareness among their friends for the Freytag Cancer Center and all AdventHealth Palm Coast is doing to further quality care for the community.

“It’s just unbelievable. In the past you had to go to Daytona, Jacksonville. To have it right here,” mused Peggy Wald. “My husband Michael passed away 14 years ago from prostate cancer, and I really feel like if we had these facilities then, he might still be here. Everybody is just thrilled with it, so call the foundation and set up a tour.”

Working side by side with Wald to create the event, AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation team member Pam Bolter greeted each guest with gratitude.

Pam Bolter, Peggy Wald – AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation – FNW

“It is phenomenal to see the support of all these beautiful women in our community coming out to celebrate cancer survivors and thrivers, and to see the support for the Freytag Cancer Center which is where the funds are going to go for from today’s event,” said Bolter.

“We’re always looking at making the patient, family experience more comfortable.  It’s just amazing.”

The event raised $23,000 for the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation to support the Freytag Cancer Center.

For more information on the AdventHealth PalmCoast Foundation, visit www.adventhealth.com/foundation/adventhealth-foundation-east-florida/palm-coast-foundation.

 

 

Vinny Amore, Shara Brodsky and David Paul.

Ellen Lenkevich and Pam Boulter.
The To-Do Dudes and designer Lisa Fischer.