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.
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.
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.
“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.
Calling all rising seventh and eighth-grade girls! Flagler Cares is thrilled to announce our first Girls of L.I.G.H.T. (Lead, Inspire, Grow, Help, Thrive), a week-long experience designed to empower, inspire, and prepare young girls for success.
Dates: June 9–13 Drop Off: 7:30am-8:30am Pick Up: 4:30pm-5:30pm Cost: FREE (includes light breakfast and lunch daily)
This engaging summer experience will focus on:
Building leadership and problem-solving skills
Exploring future careers and educational opportunities
Learning about substance use prevention and brain health and overall wellbeing
Developing resilience and strategies to overcome challenges
Participating in off-site trips to explore different careers, engage in team-building activities, and enjoy hands-on experiences such as art projects, marketing exercises, and other fun activities
As participants prepare to navigate the transition into high school, they’ll gain valuable tools to handle peer pressure and build confidence in their abilities.
The week will conclude with a special presentation by the girls to their parents and caregivers, showcasing what they’ve learned and accomplished.
Join us for an exciting and thought-provoking week of growth, discovery, and fun!
A Unique Opportunity:
As an added reward, selected students, who demonstrate outstanding leadership and engagement during Girls of L.I.G.H.T. will be invited, pending parental and school permission, to Advocacy Day in 2026 at Florida’s capital. This is an extraordinary honor, offering the chance to advocate directly in front of senators and legislators on prevention issues that matter to them and their communities. Participants will experience Tallahassee firsthand, gain insight into state government, and take part in a statewide initiative that amplifies youth voices.
Space is limited—don’t miss out!
To learn more, please fill out the interest form here. A member of our team will reach out with details on how to register your child for Girls of L.I.G.H.T.
Palm Coast, Fla. – Farm Share, Florida’s leading food nonprofit and the state’s largest food bank, is distributing food to food-insecure Floridians in the Flagler County.
Senior recipients aged 60 and older will also have the opportunity to sign up for The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which is a federally funded food distribution program designed to help improve the health of low-income seniors by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA commodity food totally free of charge. Farm Share is a proud administrator of the CSFP Program in Florida, furthering our mission that no Floridian goes hungry.
All recipients will receive fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods. Distributions are drive-thru only to minimize contact and to help ensure the safety of all parties. Attendees must arrive in a vehicle with a trunk or cargo bed.
Farm Share also distributes food to the community through its network of soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, churches, and senior centers across Florida free of charge. To find a food pantry near you, please visit www.farmshare.org/food-pantries.
More information about this week’s event:
Event: Flagler Senior Services CSFP Sign-Up Fair and Free Food Distribution
Location: 1000 Belle Terre Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32164 (just south of Tractor Supply)
Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
Time: Noon, while supplies last
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About Farm Share
Established in 1991, Farm Share started the innovative concept of retrieving unused food from Florida farms and redistributing it to those in need. Operations began in Homestead and have expanded to serve the entire state of Florida as a homegrown food bank. Farm Share is the largest independent food bank in the state, the third largest in the nation, and was recently named America’s No. 1 Food Bank by Wall Street 24/7. The nonprofit organization focuses on fighting food insecurity in Florida while simultaneously reducing food waste from local farms. The Farm Share team redistributes fresh fruits and vegetables from Florida farmers to benefit neighborhoods and communities in need throughout all 67 counties in Florida. To learn more about Farm Share, visitwww.farmshare.org.
PALM COAST, Fla. – Attempting to establish a protocol on how to ‘rack and stack’ the options for the open seat on the Palm Coast City Council, Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris brought a discussion forward on how to move forward, with Vice Mayor Teresa Pontieri and Council Member Ty Miller referring to the previously agreed on directions.
Vice Mayor Pontieri shared her perspective with the audience as the council prepares to appoint a new council member for the second time in less than a year.
“We really want somebody that impressed upon us facts about our city,” said Pontieri.
Looking for a council member willing to do their due diligence, come prepared, be resident-friendly, and willing to dig into the heart of the issues, the sitting council thanked the resident applicants before the tallied ballots were submitted to the city’s clerk.
In Round 1 – Five candidates drew two votes each – David Ferguson, Cornelia Manfre, Dana Mark Stancel, Candace Stevens, and David Sullivan. One vote each for Michael Flanagan, Gene Perez.
Round 2 was to narrow it down to the final 3 applicants, with the final appointment set for next week. Two applicants received 3 votes – David Ferguson and David Sullivan, with the final 3 applicants going to a third round.
Round 2: David Ferguson 3, David Sullivan 3, Manfre 2, Stevens 2, Stancel 2.
Round 3 narrowed down the final selection with Candace Stevens moving forward for the final round.
Round 3: Candace Stevens – 2, Cornelia Manfre – 1, Dana Mark Stancel – 1
Seat 3 Finalists: David Ferguson, David Sullivan and Candace Stevens.
Both David Ferguson and David Sullivan have previously served in elected positions with Ferguson one-term on the Palm Coast City Council and Sullivan serving two-terms on the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners.
The Palm Coast City Council will appoint the Seat 3 council member on April 15, 2025 at the 9:00 AM Business Meeting.
Join us for our Spring Fling with a Highland Flair as the 14th annual Ormond Beach Celtic Festival – returns to Rockefeller Gardens and Fortunato Park! Clans, pipers, and nationally sanctioned highland games athletes will gather on April 12 & 13, 2025 for two days of folk music, food and fun from the seven Celtic Nations and beyond.
The Festival occupies two Beachside Ormond parks along the Halifax River and fills them with 5 music stages, a Highland Games, clans and Celtic societies from throughout the region as well as a host of other activities. Voted the Best Local Event in the News-Journal’s Readers’ Choice poll, as well as Daytona Visitors Bureau, the weekend attracts more than 10,000 locals and visitors each year. Advance tickets are $12 each day for adultsor $15 at the gate. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available online at bit.ly/buyticketsoms. There is plenty of free parking, including free off-site parking with a free shuttle service to allow everyone access to the Festival activities.
The Piper Jones Band will be performing! Music will be everywhere as 25 musical groups and two Celtic dance troupes from throughout the region appear all weekend-long playing traditional Celtic and folk music. In addition to all the music on stage, the Festival’s two pipe bands, Daytona Pipes and Drum and the City of Mt. Dora Pipers, lead daily parades by all the attending Clans and fill the air with the sound of bagpipes.
Back by popular demand! After a brief hiatus, the Walker’s Shortbread Contest returns on Saturday, April 12 at 11AM. Compete for a prize and bragging rights, judged by Mayor Leslie, the honored clan, and other shortbread lovers!
You can enjoy games, food and draft beer including Guinness, Harp and Killian’s and also, wine. Stop by the jam tent with your fiddle, guitar, dulcimer or bodhrán and play along. Master teachers are available throughout the day and there are plenty of open jam sessions.
The Celtic Festival is a great family outing, with crafts and activities for the young ones both days, in the newly expanded Kid’s Zone over in the Highland Village. Grab some kid friendly grub from the street east square, jump in the bouncy castle or find your way through the bounce obstacle course, get your face painted and some fairy hair, stop to pet the many animals at the petting zoo area, watch live spinning of Cotton Candy, crafts, balloon art, and so much more!
On Sunday, be sure to be there for our annual Dog Parade. If your dog is an Irish setter, a Welsh corgi or a Scottie dog – or you just want to dress your pup in plaid – bring them out for the fun. All breeds are welcome! Just bring a donation or food for Halifax Humane Society and your dog will be entered in the parade. Register with our parade sponsor, NautiPets, or at the New World Celts booth in the Clan Village.
Fortunato Park, on the north side of the bridge, will be transformed into a Highland Village on both Saturday and Sunday, as many professional athletes will participate in the Highland Games. Want to give it a shot? Join the novice group. Our Highland Games are sanctioned by the North American Scottish Games Athletics organization, so its competitors rack up points toward the ultimate goal of competing in Scotland. Male and female athletes from around the region are expected to attend the Games and demonstrate their strength by throwing the caber, the hammer or the stone put, both Saturday and Sunday.
Don’t let the fun end there – join us at Fletcher’s Irish Pub at 393 W. Granada Blvd.on Friday evening for a kick-off party, where musicians and friends gather at 7PM. Return to Fletcher’s after Saturday’s festivities for a Ceilidh, with more music, more celebrating, and more fun.
If you’re more interested in traditional food than traditional sport, be on the lookout for vendors with meat pies, shortbread or fish and chips. Visit our Celtic vendors and food stalls up in the Celtic Village. We’ve nearly doubled our Celtic food offerings! So come relax with a pint of Guinness along the beautiful Halifax River. Get your own kilt. Discover your inner Celt. Take home something beautiful. Experience the Ormond Beach Celtic Festival!
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in collaboration with Wildlife Forever, is eager to announce the winners of the Florida State Fish Art Contest this year. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade submitted their artwork in this free contest for a chance to win state and national honors, and prizes. This program sparks imagination and nurtures a new wave of anglers and conservationists, inspiring them to explore, protect and appreciate Florida fisheries.
The winning artists, selected by the FWC, per category (freshwater and saltwater), in four grade brackets will advance to the National Competition to be judged for top prizes such as the Best of Show. Visit MyFWC.com/FishArt to view all the winning artwork from this year. Congratulations to this year’s winners!
Grades 10-12
Winners: Jessica Neef and Savannah LaViolette
Runners-Up: Jenna Geiser and Nicolas Leon
Grades 7-9
Winners: Sebastian Romo and Aleksandra Pelegrin
Runners-Up: Hailey Chen and Joy Lin
Grades 4-6
Winners: Mila Das and Hopper Borchgardt
Runners-Up: Iris Zhang and Advika Sonule
Grades K-3
Winners: Michelle He and Rider Leib
Runners-Up: Sophia Guan and Yihao Wu
“The talent and creativity displayed by these young artists in the Florida Fish Art Contest is truly inspiring. This competition serves as an outstanding opportunity to engage the next generation in both fishing and conservation,” said FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood. “Year after year, we are impressed by the dedication and passion reflected in each student’s portrayal of Florida’s diverse freshwater and saltwater species.”
Florida will be hosting the contest again next year, stay tuned for more information! Learn more about the Florida Fish Art Contest and how you can participate next year at MyFWC.com/FishArt.
April 4, 2025 – Flagler County Land Management invites a limited number of residents to its guided tour series called a “Walk in the Park.” The next walk will be held at Princess Place Preserve in an area that is called the Sandhill Section.
This tour begins at 9 a.m. sharp on April 16 and is limited to eight (8) registrants. Participants are asked to arrive a little early (8:45 a.m.) for the safety briefing, and additional details about the two-hour hike. The hike is described as “easy” – on sandy trails and service roads.
Forestry Supervisor Ralph Risch will guide the walk.
“In this hike we will look at overgrown sandhill habitat that has become upland hardwood hammock, and restored, healthy sandhill, a unique and increasingly rare Florida habitat due to fire suppression and conversion to citrus,” Risch said. “We will examine the plant species typical of sandhill, such as wiregrass and turkey oak and longleaf pine, and discuss some of the animals that can be found there. This includes the striped newt, for which Princess Place Preserve and the adjacent Pellicer Conservation area are the third largest population in the world based on the number of breeding ponds these threatened amphibians use. Additionally, many spring migrant birds will be there as they stop to forage on their way north.”
Participants who register (an account must be created) – and sign the two waivers: liability and photo/video release – will meet at 8:45 a.m. the park’s equestrian parking area, roughly 1.25 miles from the entrance. Registration is open through April 15.
Those who are participating should:
Expect a two-hour hike
Bring a personal water bottle for hydration
Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes
Use sunscreen and insect repellent as preferred
Bring binoculars for enhanced bird watching
Directions:
Go north along Old Kings Road from Palm Coast (currently, the exit to Old Kings off U.S.1 is closed, so use Old Kings from the south instead). Or, take the Matanzas Woods Parkway east from U.S. 1 and then north on Old Kings Road.
At the Princess Place Preserve sign, turn east into the preserve.
Drive east about one mile to the open gate through the wooden fence and go through that gate.
Drive about another ¼ mile and the equestrian parking area will come up left/north side – park there.
Join us for an exciting and insightful online event with Dr. Will Moreland, a renowned motivational speaker, business coach, and author, as he presents “The Business of You.”
In this dynamic session, Dr. Moreland will share valuable strategies to help you:
✨ Identify your unique strengths
✨ Elevate your personal brand
✨ Build a successful business around who you are
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or looking to make a career pivot, this is your chance to learn how to leverage your personal skills and experiences to create a lasting impact!
Key Takeaways:
💡 Building a personal brand that resonates with your audience
💡 Identifying and tapping into your unique value proposition
💡 Effective strategies for turning your expertise into a profitable venture
💡 Overcoming common challenges in entrepreneurship
Why Attend?
This event is a must for anyone looking to take control of their business or career. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business, Dr. Will Moreland, and get inspired to take the next step in your professional journey.
👉 Register Now to secure your spot and join us on Zoom for this powerful session! @followers
