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Bouts of Honor Challenges Community on Multiple Levels to Benefit PAL

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Flagler County, FL – From youth sports to programs designed to build character, confidence and connectivity, Flagler Sheriff’s PAL has become a leader among youth programs bringing together families of all socio-economic levels, to better build community.

Announcing the “Bouts of Honor” event on June 26, 2021, program director Nicole Quintieri is hoping area business leaders will step up to help sponsor the event, and the community will join in the fun activity to raise funds for the PAL program scholarships.

“We have a scholarship boxing tournament coming up in June at FPC to raise money for PAL program scholarships to ensure we can provide services to every youth no matter their financial situation,” said Quintieri.

With a passion for making a difference in the lives of Flagler’s children, Quintieri and Kerri Henderson can be seen out in the community, encouraging kids, hosting activities and participating in community outreach events to help get the word out about the many opportunities for children to take part in positive activities.

“All proceeds from the event will go straight back to PAL participant scholarships for after school and extra-curricular activities to keep the youth engaged and out of trouble,” she shared.   “If you know of anyone who would like to be a sponsor for the event we are looking for business sponsors to eliminate the overhead cost so all profits can go back to the kiddos.”

Flagler Sheriff’s PAL 

If you are interested in becoming a season, sport or program sponsor or would like to make a donation to the Flagler Sheriff’s Police Athletic League please reach out to pal@flaglersheriff.com or contact the office directly at 386-586-2655.  We are so thankful for our community partners.  Your information will be placed on our sponsor slots on our website and exhibited at our events.

 

Flagler County Makes Local History with Aerial-Ignition Prescribed Fire at Princess Place

By
Flagler News Weekly
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April 30, 2021 – Flagler County on Friday successfully completed its first prescribed fire utilizing FireFlight equipped with an aerial ignition machine to set fire to 85 acres within Princess Place Preserve.

“This is a great success for us – the beginning of something safer and more effective for our (Land Management) prescribed fire mitigation program,” said Prescribed Fire Program Supervisor Mike Orlando, who is “burn boss” for the day. “And, the third time is the charm – we scheduled this two other times this year, but things outside of our control prevented it from happening.”

Under certain circumstances, the aerial ignition process is better for achieving prescribed fire objectives than lighting the fire from the ground. Orlando, who has an Aerial Ignition Device certification through the Florida Forest Service, operated the aerial ignition machine from within the helicopter, which was flown by Flight Operations Chief Dana Morris.

“There was a lot of experience in that helicopter,” said Morris, who used aerial ignition when he worked in the Rocky Mountains. “Michael and Ashley Orlando (Florida Park Service’s Backlog Abatement Team Leader) and I worked really well together, and it went off without a hitch. It sets a great foundation for doing more of this work in the future.”

The machine releases spheres about the size of ping pong balls that create a chemical reaction to start the fire.

“This allows us to manage the intensity of the fire over a larger area,” said Environmental Projects Supervisor Mike Lagasse. “By starting multiple small fires within the unit, the fuel is consumed at a lower intensity – it burns itself out faster.”

A successful prescribed fire, sometimes also referred to as a “controlled” fire, removes the hazardous level of fuel in a given area. Unplanned wildfires have a greater risk of being destructive, because the accumulation of vegetation serves as the fuel for these hotter, faster moving fires.

Flagler County’s goal with prescribed fire in Princess Place Preserve is to restore natural fire back into ecosystems and remove hazardous fuels. Longleaf pine already exists in many areas of the burns – which mimics the natural fires that have historically occurred every two to three years within longleaf pine ecosystems. A thriving ecosystem reduces the invasive species populations while enhancing other native plants and animals.

Land Management maintains about 10,000 acres of environmentally sensitive lands within Flagler County.

Flagler County Fire Rescue, St. Johns River Water Management District, and the Florida Park Service assisted Land Management with today’s effort. Flagler County’s drone team documented the event.

“Drones are a valuable resource for identifying hot spots and spot fires before they can spread,” said Matt Adams, GIS Developer / UAS Coordinator. “This was a great exercise to coordinate our communication with the helicopter while a drone is flying simultaneously.”

Media Release: Flagler County, Julie Murphy MPIO

Boss Ladies Give Flagler Women a Boost with Business Fair Today

By
Flagler News Weekly
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The Boss Ladies of Flagler County will host their first Vendor & Craft Fair today from 9 am to 2 pm.

Staged at New Beginnings Hair Salon in Bunnell (3250 E. Moody Blvd, Bunnell), the event is open to the public and will feature a variety of good and services, local artisans and wares from business women in Flagler County.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Christmas Come True.

Appreciation Luncheon Highlights Over 5,000 Volunteer Hours Since January

By
Danielle Anderson
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Flagler County, FL – The numbers are astonishing when quantifying just how many volunteer hours are given across America each year. Updated in April 2021, the value of a single volunteer hour is worth $28.51, and organizations like Flagler Volunteer Services track those hours to use as match for grants and other needs during times of disaster or emergency.

Saying ‘thank you’ to the thousands of volunteers who step up and give of their time is important, and in honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Month, Flagler Volunteer Services hosted a luncheon on Wednesday, April 28th.

Sponsored by R&K Roofing, owner Don Reed said that he was moved to give after a positive experience while getting his COVID vaccine, and seeing the countless volunteers supporting the efforts of the Flagler County Health Department.

“I know when I got my shots they were out directing traffic and they just did a great job,” said Reed. “They deserve my thanks and more. This means we get to help out a little bit. We get to pay back a little bit instead of being helped by Flagler Volunteer Services volunteers.”

Flagler Volunteer Services volunteer coordinator Judy Mazzella said 110 volunteers have provided over 5,000 hours of service since January 2021, helping at testing sites and vaccination sites, as the community worked to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

Judy Mazzella, Don Reed and Suzy Gamblain celebrate volunteers during the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.
Photo courtesy Judy Mazzella.

“We’ve all become friends because we spend a lot of time together,” she said.

“I’ve worked around Judy for years and she is a tremendous lady,” said Reed, a regular supporter of the agency. “She’s always there for everybody.”

Enjoying a hearty lunch from Beach Belly Bob’s, volunteer Gary Bomely said he felt a sense of pride in being able to help the community during the time of need, rather than just sitting home and reading the daily statistics.

“You’re out here, directing traffic, most people are happy they’re getting their shots, and being out here doing this, I feel like I’m part of the solution,” said Bomley. “I’m retired and hate sitting around doing nothing, so this has been great.”

Volunteer Jack Lupo echoed Bomley’s words, and was a near daily volunteer at vaccination and the testing sites.

“He volunteers every single day at the vaccine site, he leaves and goes to the testing site at the airport. Every single time they are there to do testing, he is there doing traffic as well,” shared Mazzella, of Lupo’s commitment.

He was grateful for the party to celebrate all the volunteers.

“We do a little bit, to help get this over. It feels great to help people out,” he said. “Originally we didn’t know what we were going to do, and then this came along and it really got us all together because we’re helping out.”

Featured Image: Gary Bomely, Judy Mazzella and Jack Lupo enjoy the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon hosted by Flagler Volunteer Services on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at Cattleman’s Hall in Flagler County.

Flagler Tiger Bay Club Awards More Than $20K to Local Students

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Flagler County, FL (April 27, 2021)  Seeking to support students with a particular trajectory in mind, Dr. Kideste Yusef, Jake Scully and Ed Fuller, all members of the Flagler Tiger Bay Club, were among the teams going door-to-door on Tuesday afternoon notifying recipients of their scholarship awards, during the Flagler County Education Foundation’s “Surprise & Drive” event.

Disbursing $21,000 in funds raised by the Flagler Tiger Bay Club, which has only met virtually for the past year due to the pandemic, club president Greg Davis was pleased to see the organization meet their annual commitment to Flagler’s students.

“Our scholarship committee planned and executed an amazing scholarship drive bringing $21,000 in scholarship donations in this COVID pandemic year,” said Davis.

“Planning and execution had begun pre-pandemic and this committee of experienced executives demonstrated their agility adjusting to the pandemic, and bringing in several big donors enabling us to meet our objectives.  I am very thankful to all of those who contributed to this scholarship drive.”

Sharing a look behind the scenes, scholarship committee chair Gary Walsh said it was difficult to narrow it down to five recipients with the number of high quality applications received.

“There was a significant amount of information from each applicant relating to their academic performance, their honoraria, their school related activities, their community and other outside school activities, their expected areas of study at the next level, their anticipated career paths and other relevant information,” shared Walsh.

“As an organization, we had developed criteria that would emphasize the mission of Flagler Tiger Bay,” he said.

Criteria included an interest in government, law, criminal justice, not-for-profit work, community service and related areas, according to Walsh, but applicants also needed to demonstrate a commitment to serving the community, something in which Flagler County students actively engage in on a regular basis.

“As you might expect, the committee members had some difficult choices to make as many of the applicants exhibited strong academics and community service, as well as a desire to continue their studies in the desired fields,” said Walsh of the selection process.

Providing ten scholarships for $2,000 each during the 2019-20 school year, the Flagler Tiger Bay Club decided to concentrate their efforts more strategically this year.

“It was determined this year that we wanted to have our scholarships have a more significant impact for each student,” he said.  “Thus we awarded four $4,000 scholarships and one $5,000 scholarship.  The additional $1,000 scholarship was solely because that particular student was active during the entire year in Flagler Tiger Bay.”

Students awarded with scholarships from the Flagler Tiger Bay Club included Flagler Palm Coast High School senior Reilly Maresca, and Matanzas High School seniors Brianna Whitfield, Jessica Slusarz, Hope Singleton and Lovie Haley.

For more information on the Flagler Tiger Bay Club, visit www.flaglertigerbayclub.com.

Do-Nut Cry: Swillerbees Welcomes New Best Friends

By
Flagler News Weekly
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It was a sweet and heartfelt message that caught the attention of donuts lovers in Flagler County on Friday morning, shared by owner Shannon Willer. The self-proclaimed Queen Bee and founder of one of the area’s most popular sweet shops Swillerbee’s is hanging up her apron and handing over the hub of all things donut-related to another family with a sweet tooth.

While we’ll miss her smile while picking up a bee sting donut, we can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

Shannon Willer greeting the first customer of 2021.
P L E A S E don’t C R Y…
Usually I am woman of many words, full of wit and often a dash of sass.
Today, this morning as the world slept, the dust settled and everyone was snuggled up in bed…
I rolled out the last batch of dough.
My last over night, my last sprinkled donut.
It’s taken all of me to share with you, the world and my donut family, that I am exhausted.
Closing the doors was never an option, I needed to find the perfect parents for this baby of mine.
I knew they were out there, it was just a matter of our paths crossing.
They did.
The idea of handing over Swillerbees gave me the same feeling you get when you drop your child off for their first day of school.
Nervous, scared, relieved and excited.
Swillerbees is being left in good strong hands.
They’ve been with us in the kitchen for a couple months learning, listening, laughing, and feeling all the love that I have put into all of this.
I asked of them just a couple things, “Please don’t get rid of the Miami vice donut and never stop loving this community.”
So, I’ve been asked what’s next….
I’m gonna be a grandma! Head over heels and beyond the moon excited I might add.
Being still isn’t an option for me, I’m sure I’ll have something brewing by Monday !
I want to thank you all from the deepest depths of my heart.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your morning, your lives and your daily routine.
Thank you for growing with us, through growing pains, hurricanes and every other wild hiccup along the way.
To my staff past and present, I can’t thank you enough…. the endless days of donuts and dishes!
Lisa, my side kick and soul sister…. love you more than you’ll ever know.
A firm believer that everything and everyone has a match.
Like peanut butter and jelly, milk and cookies or even peas and carrots.
Our match happens be ice cream.
Waffle Cone and Swillerbees are now best friends!
I’d like to introduce you to Mike and Holly, they own The Waffle Cone.
They will be taking over the Bee on 5/1.
They’ve dove deep into the flour head first and are ready for ya!
I’ll be around, don’t worry. There’s no good byes in the land of donuts!
With endless amounts of sprinkles, I love you all-
Shannon, Queen Bee!

Hot Topic: Palm Coast Residents Can Provide Input Through Brief Code Survey

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Palm Coast, FL (April 30, 2021)  – Palm Coast residents are invited to take a brief, one-question survey with respect to a specific City code – Chapter (section) 44-34 (sub-section c). This code outlines rules for parking and storage of vehicles by prohibiting commercial vehicles larger than one ton – with affixed advertising markings in excess of three square feet per side – to be parked in a residential zone, along with other terms defined in that section.

At the April 13 City Council workshop, a City Council consensus directed the City Manager to develop a survey to garner resident feedback on possibly changing the code.

The survey will be available from May 1 until June 1 at palmcoastgov.com/citizen-engagement-survey

When what is now Palm Coast was being developed by International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) Corporation, the city’s original developer, several rules were established in the 1983 ‘Palm Coast Restrictive Covenants and Easements.’ The corporation attracted prospective buyers by establishing deed restrictions to promote residential harmony, maintain property values and showcase aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods. ITT’s vision was that Palm Coast be a uniquely planned, built and maintained model environmental community. To date, Palm Coast’s Code of Ordinances have continued to foster that original founding vision.

 Over the years, the City has received numerous comments, some in favor of changing the Code of Ordinances regarding this topic and some to leave it in place.

Residents can answer the following question regarding the referenced code. Their answers will help guide the City Council in future possible decisions on this ordinance.

Would you be in favor of amending the Code of Ordinance Sec. 44-34 (C) to allow ONE commercial vehicle (passenger car, panel van, pickup truck or similar) with advertising markings to park in a residential driveway?

To vote please to go to Palm Coast Connect or go directly to this link:

https://www.palmcoastgov.com/citizen-engagement-survey

 A virtual town hall video will be released on May 7 regarding this specific code. You can watch it on the city’s YouTube (@palmcoastgovtv) and Facebook (@palmcoastgov) channels. Residents can learn about the history of the code, what is allowed in the current code, along with picture examples to educate the community about this topic.

Media Release: City of Palm Coast

Kimberly Norman, Public Relations Associate

VMA’s 11th Annual Lou Fifer Education Scholarship Golf Tournament Fundraiser set for May 7, 2021

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Volusia County, FL – Jayne Fifer, President & CEO of VMA, is pleased to announce that the VMA 11th Annual Lou Fifer Education Scholarship Golf Tournament is set for Friday, May 7th at LPGA, located at 1000 Champions Dr., Daytona Beach. New this year is a ‘Golf After Party’ with dinner and music starting at 5:30 pm.

“We had a record-setting tournament last year and are excited about this year’s participation and new After Party,” said Jayne Fifer, VMA President/CEO. “We are welcoming players, sponsors and raffle prize donors to join in on the fun,” Jayne added.

Funds from the event go toward educational scholarships and supporting the building of the future manufacturing workforce through the We Make it Here! Education Campaign – the manufacturing awareness program targets individuals ages six to 26 years old.

Those interested in participating are asked to visit https://vmaonline.com/2021-lou-fifer-education-scholarship-golf-tournament/ for more information and to register.

The tournament will be played on the Jones Course and Hills Course at LPGA. Check in begins at 10:30 am for VIP ticket holders, and 11:30 am for all other players. The format of the tournament will be a shotgun start, 18-hole scramble with 4-person teams. Each player’s spot includes green fees, cart, lunch, range balls, beverages on the course, dinner during the awards ceremony and more.

Media Release: Marketing 2 Go

Flagler County Human Resources Director Adds Feather to Her Leadership Cap

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Flagler County, FL (April 28, 2021) – Human Resources Director Pamela Wu has added a feather to her leadership cap, as earlier this month she graduated from the National Association of Counties (NACo) High Performance Leadership Academy.

The program was designed by the Professional Development Academy in partnership with Fortune 1000 executives, public sector leaders, world-renowned academics, and thought leaders including General Colin Powell and Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, according to the National Association of Counties website. Its stated goal is to empower frontline county government professionals with practical, results-oriented leadership skills.

“It is also designed specifically for the unique challenges and opportunities of serving in county government,” County Administrator Jerry Cameron said. “In addition to the webinars and small-group cohort sessions, Ms. Wu was required to complete assignments every day for twelve weeks.”

Wu applied for and received a scholarship to cover the costs of attending the academy.

“It was a privilege to participate in the NACo High Performance Leadership Program,” Wu said. “The program builds upon the same leadership principles we embrace in the Flagler County Leadership Academy.”

Wu, a graduate of the 2020 inaugural class of the county’s academy, was instrumental in the creation of the Flagler County Leadership Academy and serves as Dean of Students. It is open not only to the staff under the administration of the Board of County Commissioners, but also to the staff of other constitutional officers within the county, as well as the school district and municipalities.

Cameron and Dr. Joe Saviak, a management and leadership training consultant, are facilitating the program. The class size is limited to promote and encourage a high level of student engagement.

“Leadership is all about people. As a leader, you must empower your team and work collaboratively with others,” Wu said. “It’s not tools or policies that achieve high performance, it’s the people. Invest in your team.”

The benefit to taxpayers is that participants learn strategies and practices that enhance their effectiveness, efficiency, and the customer service they provide to residents of Flagler County. Changes are already evident.

General Services Director Heidi Petito proved that she embraces the leadership characteristics the organization desires and she was promoted to interim Chief of Staff. She wasn’t the only participant to be promoted as a result of this training. Two Flagler County Sheriff’s Office sergeants – Ryan Emery and Kenny Goncalves – were both promoted to the high level rank of commander.

“You cannot grow people unless you empower them,” Cameron said. “You have to put them in a situation where they are responsible for the outcomes in their areas. It’s all about teamwork, because we are much better when we work together.”

A seminar was held April 23 for the current class, alumnae, and staff representatives from Flagler’s municipalities and constitutional offices. Speakers included: John Delaney, who formerly served as Jacksonville Mayor, was Chief Assistant State Attorney for Florida’s Fourth District, and who held several positions within Florida’s university system; retired U.S. Army Major General Robert Mixon, who served as deputy executive assistant to General Colin Powell; Kristin Hadeed, the young leader of a student-only cleaning company, and TED Talks presenter; and, Shelly Edmonson, valedictorian of the inaugural Flagler County Leadership Academy from the Tax Collector’s Office.

Media Release: Flagler County, Julie Murphy MPIO

Drive & Surprise: STEM Degrees for Three AAUW Flagler Awards Scholarships

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Palm Coast, FL – American Association of University Women (AAUW) Flagler proudly announced its 2021 Scholarship recipients. Last year, the Flagler County Education Foundation traveled outside of the box and created the Scholarship Caravan, complete with yard signs, featuring student photos, scholarship names, and sponsoring organizations. This year the road to success continued with the “Drive & Surprise” event, guaranteed to fuel the ambitions of three incredibly talented young women from Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast High Schools. AAUW Flagler members Haydee Bernal and Terri Smith joined the journey as Sarah Flannery, Rebecca Tamara Martinez, and Mikaella Donatta Penagos received the news. This year, AAUW Flagler awarded three scholarships, including the first Mary Rose Hoffman AAUW Scholarship.

Sarah Flannery, a Senior at Matanzas High School (MHS), is the recipient of the first Mary Rose Hoffman AAUW Scholarship. Sarah seeks to trade her Pirate mascot for that of the Georgia Institute of Technology, Yellowjacket, while pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Of note, she is one of the first MHS students to receive the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) A-Level in Physics. Along the way, she hopes to gain an introductory understanding of architecture and urban studies. When asked to define her goal, Ms. Flannery answered she hopes to “achieve a synthesis between my zeal for STEM and my humanitarian desires by researching Complex Systems to create innovative, sustainable, and safe manufacturing systems”.

Our first Bulldog from Flagler/Palm Coast High School (FPCHS) is Rebecca Tamara Martinez. Also, a Senior, her journey will take her to the University of Florida. This future Gator began her sophomore year at FPCHS by starting a Habitat for Humanity Club. She presided as club president for the next two years, while pursuing an International Baccalaureate diploma, Ms. Martinez has been an active member of the Future Problem Solvers at FPCHS and has participated in the Global Issues category since her junior year. Last year, she was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction for maintaining an average score of 3.5 or higher on five AP exams. Ms. Martinez will bring that same tenacity as she works to secure her Bachelor of Science with majors in Engineering and Entrepreneurship.

Our third recipient, also a student at FPCHS, has consistently excelled since her sophomore year. From academic awards and honors to extra-curricular activities, Mikaella Donatta Penagos will most certainly blaze a trail as she travels to the University of Central Florida to begin work on her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. In her junior year, she joined Youth Leadership Flagler, a program developed by the Flagler Chamber of Commerce with a focus on learning about the different careers available in Flagler County. Ms. Penagos’ leadership skills led her to Tallahassee as a delegate for Girls State. She applied those skills as a member of Community Problem Solvers. Her team took second place for their “Project Listen”, designed to bring about awareness to the deaf community around Flagler County.

STEM degrees for these three is an amazing testament to the scholastic and extra-curricular schedules maintained by each of these young women. All three maintained Honor Roll status through all four years of high school. Each was challenged with AP and IB courses and all participated in extracurricular activities including band participation and leadership, varsity team sports and lettering, and school club engagement with Interact Club, Leo Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Habitat for Humanity, and Future Problem Solvers. AAUW Flagler is proud to continue its stated mission of advancing education for women and girls in Flagler County.

Media Release: Kim Medley, Publicity/Social Media

American Association of University Women – Flagler Branch

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Flagler News Weekly Editor: Danielle Anderson Published by Sunrise Media Group, LLC ©Flagler News Weekly, All Rights Reserved.
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