Spring-to-Spring Trail Ribbon Cutting Set for May 22nd

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May 5, 2021

On Saturday, May 22, 2021, there will be a ribbon cutting for the newest segment of the Spring-to-Spring Trail. Please join us as we help celebrate the opening of the newest trail gap which completes the Spring-to-Spring Trail!

Walkers, joggers, inline skaters, bicyclists and people with disabilities now have another mile of trail to enjoy in West Volusia.

The Volusia County Council will cut the ribbon for the newest segment of the Spring-to-Spring Trail at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 22, on the west side of DeLeon Springs United Methodist Church, 265 Ponce DeLeon Blvd., DeLeon Springs. Parking will be available in the church’s parking lot.

Members of the DeLeon Springs Community Association will hand out refreshments and giveaways. The River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization will set up an informational booth, and the St. Johns River to Sea Loop Alliance is planning a 10-mile round-trip bike ride beginning at 9 a.m. at the Fichter trailhead. For more information about the bike ride, contact Maggie Ardito at info@river2sealoop.org.

To RSVP for the event, contact Pat Kuehn at 386-748-3989 or pkuehn@volusia.org.

The 1.2-mile trail segment runs from Baxter Street to U.S. Highway 17. With this new segment, Volusia County has completed 21 miles of the Spring-to-Spring Trail. When complete, it will stretch 27.2 miles from DeLeon Springs State Park to Green Springs Park. The Spring-to-Spring Trail is part of the partially completed 260-mile St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop, which travels through Volusia, Flagler, Brevard, St. Johns and Putnam counties.

The $1,543,800 trail segment was built with $550,337 in local funds and $993,463 provided by SUN Trail, which is overseen by the Florida Department of Transportation. The contractors were Halifax Paving, which constructed the trail segment, and Built-Rite Construction, which developed the sidewalk along Ponce DeLeon Boulevard.

Learn more about Volusia County’s growing trail system at www.volusia.org/trails.

Media Release: Pamela Blankenship, Community Outreach Coordinator/Title VI Coordinator

River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization (TPO)

Volusia County Council Candidate Chase Tramont to Speak at FCGOP Luncheon

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Flagler News Weekly

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May 5, 2021

The Flagler County GOP will host Port Orange City Councilman Chase Tramont as the guest speaker for the May 11th luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn, Palm Coast, starting at 11:30 am.

Chase Tramont was first elected into office in 2016 and currently serves as Councilman for the City of Port Orange. On April 16th, Tramont announced his candidacy for Volusia County Council District 2.

“After much prayer, we are at peace with the direction the Lord is leading our family. I have officially filed paperwork to run for Volusia County Council District 2. Councilwoman Billie Wheeler has decided not to seek reelection. This will be a new challenge for our family and yet a new opportunity to make government work better for the people it serves, using financial prudence and promoting both a vibrant economy and environmentally-sound policies that meet the needs of our current and future generations of Volusians,” Tramont said in his announcement.

FCGOP President Jearlyn Dennie said the organization is pleased to welcome Tramont as the guest speaker.

“He is a dynamic speaker and I’m looking forward to him sharing some history about our party and how we need to control the narrative,” said Dennie.

Lunch tickets are $25. (You may still attend if you choose not to eat lunch.)

To take part in the lunch buffet, you must prepay $25 via PayPal (credit or debit) via website at https://flaglercountygop.com/events/ or by mailing a check no later than May 7th to FCGOP, P.O. Box 352994, Palm Coast, FL 32135.

Volusia Flagler YMCA Promotes Tara Herzig to Holly Hill Branch Manager

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Flagler News Weekly

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May 5, 2021

Volusia County, FL – The Volusia Flagler Family YMCA is pleased to announce that Tara Herzig has been promoted to manager of its Holly Hill branch after spending a year working at the front desk. Herzig previously worked as a librarian and homeschools her two children, in addition to working at the Y.

Herzig’s duties as manager include overseeing programs offered at the Y, ensuring Y members are provided excellent customer service and working with the schools AAU basketball teams.

The Holly Hill YMCA indoor gym is host to badminton, basketball and volleyball teams who practice and play at the Y. Personal training and private swim classes are offered regularly. Amenities at the Holly Hill YMCA also include: state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, a group exercise studio, cycle studio, an outdoor pool, a new TRX system and new sound system, youth sports programs and more.

The Holly Hill YMCA is located at 1046 Daytona Ave. in Holly Hill. They are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. They are closed Sunday. For more information, call 386-253-5675 or visit https://vfymca.org/locations/holly-hill-family-ymca/.

Media Release: Marketing 2 Go

VIP Prom to Put the Sparkle Back In Senior Year for Class of 2021

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Danielle Anderson

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May 4, 2021

Flagler County, FL – 2020 was tough. Schools went full on remote, activities and events were completely cancelled, and parents scrambled to make the best of it for their graduating seniors.

Somehow, 2021 hasn’t been much better. Most events were limited, enthusiasm was muted and this year’s graduating class still feels like they’re getting the short end of the stick.

Enter Melodye Lewis.

Coming from a generation where milestones mattered and sayings like ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’ weren’t just flippant words uttered, they were launch pads for making things happen, Lewis is a doer.

In 2020, the Flagler County mom was one of those taking action for her local community and started the Flagler County Adopt-a-Senior Facebook page, modeled after the successful one created in Volusia County by Staci Tramont. Seeing this school year track in similar fashion she kept it going with a Flagler County Adopt-a-Senior Class of 2021 page and people have been adopting students from Flagler’s senior class to show their support.

When word came out that prom would be a banquet, sit down style affair for this year’s Flagler Palm Coast High School grads, she sprang into action. Her daughter Abbie, part of the Class of 2021 has been talking about her senior prom for years, and what was offered just wasn’t up to par.

“It’s been very frustrating for her last year and this year to have so many events cancelled, especially prom because last year they lost their junior prom. This is one of the things the kids look forward to their whole high school years,” said Lewis.

“To have that ripped away from them just broke my heart. My daughter was just saying ‘we really need to just do something mom’ so I got together with the Streamline and asked if this was something we could pull off and they were absolutely on board.”

Usually held indoors at the Hilton in Daytona Beach, Lewis came up with another option that met the requirements of keeping it outdoors. Working with the Streamline Hotel, the actual birthplace of NASCAR, she and Abbie created the VIProm.

Restored to its historic glory by Eddie Hennessy, the hotel is a centerpiece along Atlantic Boulevard in Daytona Beach.

With the skyline of the World’s Most Famous Beach as the backdrop, Class of 2021 graduates will be treated to an evening under the stars on May 21^st. With a live DJ, pro photographer snapping red carpet photos and hors d’oeuvres made just for the evening’s VIP guests, Lewis is bubbling with excitement at being able to create the magical evening for the kids who’d all but written off this rite of passage.

“From the time they start middle school they hear about senior prom. They’re excited. They’re thinking about what dress they’re going to wear, who their date might be and where they might go to dinner,” she said. “They think about all these things and then COVID. Then you leave your high school years and feel like something was missing.”

Tickets are $50 and cover the cost of the event. A waiver is part of the deal and the venue has even agreed to remove alcohol from sight to ensure it’s a safe and successful event for area seniors. Opening up the event to both Class of 2021and 2020 students in Flagler and Volusia counties, Lewis hopes that those who missed out last year will feel welcome and this year’s class will have a chance to create an evening to remember.

“These kids want to dress up, they want to celebrate all their accomplishments and part of that IS having that prom and being able to say this is my time and I get to shine,” she said.

Captain of the basketball cheer squad, Abbie spent most of her senior year dual enrolled at Daytona State College, so having the opportunity to rejoin her friends at prom was something she was looking forward to doing.

Knowing that they’re adding something back into the lives of others is special for Abbie.

“I am so thankful that we are able to have a prom this year since there wasn’t one last year as well,” shared Abbie.

“Prom is one of the most memorable moments in high school. My mom has played a big part in helping the community and putting together this prom for me and my classmates. I also want to thank the Streamline Hotel for allowing us the opportunity to hold the prom there.”

More information including waiver, ticket purchase and event details can be found at https://ltmorland.wixsite.com/viprom21.

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Invites Community to Palm Coast Ribbon Cutting

By

Flagler News Weekly

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May 4, 2021

A special invitation, just for you Flagler County!

You’re Invited! Please join the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, May 5th at 9:00am for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new District 2 office.

Here to serve you, they look forward to seeing you there!

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office District 2 Ribbon Cutting

14 Palm Harbor Village Way, Palm Coast, FL 32134

Sheriff Presents ‘Great Kids’ Awards for April 2021

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Flagler News Weekly

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May 4, 2021

OKES Assistant Principal Schell, SRD Held, Grace Taylor and a family member, Sheriff Staly and Commander Burroughs

On April 28, 2021, Sheriff Rick Staly visited three local schools to present three exceptional students with awards for being “Great Kids” for the month of April 2021.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the youth in this county, as they’re excelling in ways that will allow them to prosper in their adulthood. The recipients of this month’s Great Kids award have shown great leadership, positivity in all aspects of their educational careers and respect towards their peers, teachers and community. I’m honored to be able to recognize this group of Flagler County students and know they’ll continue to represent this community in remarkable ways.”

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) recognizes Old Kings Elementary School (OKES) student Grace Taylor for her positive attitude and leadership skills. She is a role model to her peers and is always respectful, responsible and enthusiastic. She is a student who goes above and beyond to provide guidance to others. She is worthy of receiving this recognition and we are lucky to have such an outstanding young lady as part of our school family!

The FCSO recognizes Indian Trails Middle School (ITMS) student Kidanny Negron Acosta for being a hard worker who has excelled academically, completing 7 core academic classes in addition to “The Big Three.” “Do what is right! Do your best! Treat others the way you would be treated!” He is an amazing example for his peers to follow and we are so proud of him!

ITMS Principal Peacock, Sheriff Staly, Recipient’s Mother and Kidanny Negron with SRD Cooper and Commander Burroughs

The FCSO recognizes Matanzas High School (MHS) student Courtney Howard for her academic dedication and commitment to her younger siblings in addition to her after-school job. She is a wonderful role model to her peers and leads by example. We are lucky to have such an outstanding young lady as part of our school family and look forward to her bright future!

MHS SRD Land, Courtney Howard and SRD Champion

The “Great Kid” award is presented by the Sheriff to a student selected by School Resource Deputies who show respect for their peers, help others, work hard to do well in academics, and represent themselves, their family, and their school with great character. The recipients for the awards are nominated by Flagler County Sheriff’s School Resource Deputies and Flagler Schools and are awarded on a monthly basis to one elementary, middle, and high school student.

Media Release:

Date: May 3, 2021

Prepared by: Melissa Morreale

Phone and Email: 386-281-9733 | mmorreale@flaglersheriff.com Release #: 2021-078

Flagler County Recognizes National Historic Preservation Month with Proclamation

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Flagler News Weekly

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May 4, 2021

Flagler County, FL (May 3, 2021) Fielding a variety of questions from commissioners on the dais, Jenny Wolfe, vice president for the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation was on hand to celebrate the proclamation from Flagler County declaring May as National Historic Preservation Month, presented by Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance.

Joined by members of the northeast Florida regional council for which Wolfe chairs as the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Region 3 Council Ambassador, it was an acknowledgement of the deep roots Flagler County has in history and an opportunity to highlight the relationship between historic preservation and tourism.

“This is huge because this is a way you can bring in your local leadership and just make them aware. The fact that there was a presentation today on tourism and to be able to say that heritage resources are part of that tourism, helps them really connect the dots,” she said.

Providing fact-based data from a recent national study on the impact of historic preservation in the City of St. Augustine where Wolfe serves as the city’s historic preservation officer, the number had people doing a double take.

“In St. Augustine we did a study with a nationally known economist and we found that St. Augustine’s heritage resources attributes $2.9 billion dollars in economic value, and that’s with a b – for billion,” she said.

“If you were to increase access and visual connection to heritage tourism, you’re going to draw a different type of tourist. You’re going to attract tourists that stay longer, play longer, because that’s who heritage tourists are. They want to find unique historic places that they haven’t been to before and that’s your travel market.”

Sharing information about grants available to assist in historic preservation efforts and a tool kit in hand for the county’s media team, Wolfe was pleased by the interest and show of support exhibited by the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners.

“This is an opportunity for us to collaborate and work more together,” said Wolfe.

Helping to facilitate the proclamation, Flagler County administrator Jerry Cameron noted the importance of recognizing history and preserving it.

“I think that this county is all about history,” said Cameron. “We have a lot of it and we’re recognizing it in a number of different areas, and to have an annual reminder is very important.”

For those interested in learning more about history and historic preservation, Wolfe said there’s an easy way to get started.

“What you can do is make a list of your favorite restaurants that are in old buildings, and go to them, learn more about them, and what is the food heritage, as well,” she said. “Tag Florida Trust and historic preservation month with that photo, and we’ll happily connect it to the Florida Trust.”

Missing the proclamation after the passing of his father on Sunday, Flagler County Historical Society president Ed Siarkowicz appreciated the recent momentum behind historic preservation in Flagler County.

“I see today’s proclamation as a launching point of agreement between local history groups, county government and state agencies that acknowledges the importance of history education and preservation. The lessons of the past guide our future.”

“I was honored to read the historic preservation month proclamation today,” said Commissioner Dance, whose mother has served as president of the Flagler County Historical Society in the past.

“My family has been in Flagler County for almost fifty years now. We have seen sleepy little Flagler bloom before our eyes. With more people moving to Flagler County, it is so important to “celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our county” and “preserve our architectural, historical and archaeological heritage” as the proclamation stated,” he said.

“I am so proud of the many organizations and individuals that work to bring awareness to our past and preserve our cultural and historical landmarks.”

For more information on the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, visit www.floridatrust.org.

Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Council Region 3

Ambassador – Jenny Wolfe, St. Augustine

Council Members:

Salvatore Cumella, Fernandina Beach

Mercedes Harrold, St. Johns County

Ennis Davis, Jacksonville

Lisa Sheppard, Jacksonville

Jason Ellerbee, Jacksonville

Mischa Johns, Putnam County

Danielle Anderson, Flagler County (A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway)

Ed Siarkowicz, Flagler County (Flagler County Historical Society)

Florida Trust Upcoming Events 2021:

-An Evening of Celebration with the Lincolnville

Museum and Cultural Center, May 21

-St. Augustine Walking Tour, May 22

-Free and Enslaved: Black Society in Spanish

Florida, LMCC May 27

-Preservation on Main Street at New Port Richey

“Reimagining the Road Ahead July 21-23

-Cross Florida Rail Excursion, September 25-27

-Key West Insider Tour, October 16-18

Featured Photo: Flagler County Commissioners David Sullivan, Vice Chair Joe Mullins, Chair Donald O’Brien, Greg Hansen, and Andy Dance. Front row: James Fiske obo Ed Siarkowicz, Danielle Anderson, Jenny Wolfe Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Vice President, Regional Council 3 Ambassador, and Preston Zepp.

Splash Pad Offers Families an Oasis at Holland Park in Palm Coast

By

Danielle Anderson

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May 3, 2021

Palm Coast, FL (May 3, 2021) – Kids may not think much about a trip to the islands, but they’re certainly expressing their joy with an oasis of their own right here in Palm Coast.

Heading to Holland Park on Monday, families were thrilled to experience the new sprawling splash pad amenities during the soft opening.

Brittany Kershaw, the city’s new director of public information and engagement who takes the helm on May 17^th, was out to enjoy some family time with her kids, watching from beneath the shady trees as they expended their energy on the oversized sea creatures and fountains.

“This is incredible, it’s almost like a mini theme park for the kids. It’s beautifully done, everything is absolutely perfect and it’s so safe and well contained,” she said. “The kids are having a blast.”

Eight-year old Cameron Kershaw declared the afternoon a success.

“I love Holland Park’s splash pad,” he said, selecting his favorite from a variety of sea life including an octopus, leaping dolphins, and starfish.

“The whale, because I like to climb on it,” he said, while sister Kaley also gave the park a nod of approval.

“I think it’s fun that there’s a big splash pad now because you can play over there and when you get too hot you can just come over here and cool off,” she said.

On the other side of the park, Linda Herman, out with her grandkids, was glad to see the addition open.

“We have been waiting for this to open up, so when we saw the news today, we were like ‘yes, we’re coming out’,” she said. “It is beautiful and a great addition to the Palm Coast park. They didn’t have enough for the little, little ones, so this is absolutely wonderful.”

City of Palm Coast Chief of Staff for Citizen Engagement Lauren Johnston said it’s been a lot of work, and they’re happy to know residents are enjoying the park’s new enhancements.

“City staff have been working diligently on the opening of the Holland Park Splash Pad. To see kids playing with big smiles on their faces in this beautiful amenity brings smiles to our own faces,” said Johnston.

“Palm Coast is an amazing place to explore, connect, and play and this regional destination will bring happiness to many families in Palm Coast as well as other nearby cities. The Holland Park Splash Pad is another testament to our City Council supporting recreation in our community. We encourage our residents to visit during the soft opening as we work out any issues and join us for the ribbon cutting on May 14^th.”

St. Johns Cultural Council to present “Experience and Expression”, an Art in Public Spaces Exhibition

By

Flagler News Weekly

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May 3, 2021

St. Johns County, FL – The St. Johns Cultural Council announces the opening of Experience and Expression, an exhibition of art created by members of St. Johns County’s foster care community, at 8:30 am on Tuesday, May 4th at the St. Johns County Administration Building, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, Florida. The public is invited to the opening reception and the exhibition will remain open to the public, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, until July 5, 2021.

This exhibition, scheduled to coincide with National Foster Care Month, is a collaboration between the St. Johns Cultural Council and four organizations dedicated to the support of St. Johns County’s foster care community.

St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS) shapes the future of Florida’s at-risk youth by providing coaching, counseling, and care in family-style therapeutic group homes and outpatient community services.

The Family Integrity Program works in partnership with the State of Florida and the local community to develop, implement and manage a highly effective, community-based system of care for abused and neglected children and their families.

Fostering Connections St. Johns fills in the gaps in services through providing needed essentials, educational programs, and community awareness.

The Florida Guardian ad Litem Program is a powerful and effective voice advocating for the best interests of Florida’s abused, abandoned and neglected children, recognized and respected as a partnership of community advocates and professional staff.

This programming is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Media Release: St. Johns Cultural Council

The Big Five … Sunrise Media Group’s Danielle Anderson

By

Danielle Anderson

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May 3, 2021

First off, let me say it’s kind of weird to be on this end. I’m always putting people on the spot, doing interviews and going about the business of gathering the news. It’s been two months since the official launch of Flagler News Weekly and I figured you may be due for an update. These are some of the most common questions I’ve been asked lately as the publisher and editor of Flagler News Weekly.

What’s it been like launching an entire news organization?

Well, thankfully we aren’t in the old days of news delivered by a horse or telegraph.

News comes in faster than ever these days and it’s important to me that you know what’s happening in Flagler County and across the region if it’s relevant, in a timely manner.

Fortunately with a decade of news reporting including radio, print and digital news, it was like I never took off my running shoes. People I’ve worked with for the past 10 years know, respect and trust my work, and have been excited to see this take off.

As for me, I could never have imagined the amount of work it would take to launch the parent company Sunrise Media Group and the digital news service Flagler News Weekly, but as I hear from readers and people with a story to tell, it’s worth it.

You’re focusing on positive news a lot. Are we ever going to have those nitty-gritty click bait stories or investigative reporting?

I wanted this to really focus on the good in Flagler County. Of course I get discouraged just like everyone else when there is an overwhelming amount of bad news, and being able to highlight the good stuff really keeps me motivated.

As for the other, yes, anyone who knows me as a journalist, knows there is another side to what I cover and the questions that go with it. There will be a section tagged “Rap Sheet” in the future opening up dialogue on issues that need a spotlight. There will never be ‘gotcha’ questions or innuendo, just the facts.

What comes next?

The big reveal in the works is a digital statewide magazine – Top Shelf Florida Quarterly. Set for June 2021, it’s something fun that allows for interesting features that have been percolating. Without giving away too much, let’s just say, it will be well worth the read.

Will Flagler News Weekly or Top Shelf Florida Quarterly ever be in print?

No. Most people consume their news digitally today, and one day unfortunately, I think print will be very limited.

Digital has come with some surprising benefits though.

Rather than limited space in print, there’s room to tell the whole story with details. There’s space for great photos. There’s the ability to share the story with an unlimited number of people using just a link. If you scrapbook or are in charge of collecting history or media for your family, organization or business, you can print the page you need with the click of a button – no wasted paper. And of course, there’s the ability to provide the news to the public for free. No paywalls or subscriptions required.

I did joke with someone in the early days (funny how three months ago now qualifies as ‘the early days’) that when I made my first million I’d print a copy of Top Shelf Florida Quarterly, so there may be a copy or two for a keepsake since I am a scrapbooker, in a galaxy far away.

Why do it? Why not go get a cushy job with big salary guarantee?

As I said in the beginning, there’s something exciting and challenging about owning your own business – it’s like the American Dream. Couple that with being one of the few women publishers in the business and it’s a heady mix that really pushes me to succeed.

There’s also a real need for the kind of journalism Flagler News Weekly provides. I love what I do. No two days are ever the same. No two stories alike. It’s an honor to be trusted by the community to highlight an issue and ask the questions, provide the information to help solve a problem or be there for those milestone moments in a person or family’s life. It’s what my Class of 2021 graduate Penelope calls a “We Gift”. It’s for all of us.

The support has been tremendous, and greatly appreciated. I hope you’ll continue to share Flagler News Weekly with friends, family and colleagues. You can always contact me about a story, a question or an idea at flaglernewsweekly@gmail.com.

And by the way – if we haven’t met yet, I’ll see you on the street, covering your stories. Real news. Real local. – Dani Anderson

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