On Saturday, April 24, 2021, residents of Flagler County utilized the National Prescription Drug Take-Back locations to safely and properly dispose of 136.5 pounds of unneeded or expired medication.
“I am extremely proud of our community for participating in this event and ensuring that their medications were safely and properly disposed of,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Holding onto medications you no longer use can be dangerous. If you don’t need medication any longer, don’t store it in your home.”
The goal of the 2021 National Prescription Drug Take-Back is to address crucial public safety and public health issues. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained by family and friends, often from a home medicine cabinet.
Just because National Drug Take Back Day is over does not mean you cannot still dispose of unused medications properly. If you have medication that you would like to turn in, please visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/ to find a year-round drop-off location near you.
Media Release:
Date: April 26, 2021
Prepared by: Melissa Morreale
Phone and Email: 386-529-4806 | mmorreale@flaglersheriff.com Release #: 2021-090
Volusia/Flagler, FL – The Volusia Flagler Family YMCA’s HYDRO4 swim team recently competed at the SCY Swimming Championships – which are held by USA Swimming – the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States. The team earned one High Point Award, four Gold, three Silver, and one Bronze award. The team of 19 swimmers included nine first-time qualifiers, who ended with a combined 17th place finish with 400.5 points. This is the most points and highest placing of any swim team from Volusia or Flagler counties in at least the last 12 years. Every swimmer contributed to the scoring with a top 16 finish (Individual or Replay).
“I am very excited about the growth of our team across all the age groups,” said Corey McMeeking, head coach for the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA HYDRO4 swim team. “We have really tried to create a fun, positive team atmosphere built around consistency and hard work. As a result, the kids are excited about coming to practice, being a part of the team; and the results are obviously starting to show. The coaching staff all look forward to continuing to build on these results and taking the team to another level,” Coach McMeeking.
“The success of this team is nothing shy of impressive,” said Katie Lyle, COO of the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA. “The coaching staff and swimmers have worked hard, and we can all see that hard work and dedication paying off. As a former YMCA competitive swimmer, myself, I can tell you that swimming is a lifelong sport and it’s never too early or too late to start. Being a part of a team sport offers the support and friendships kids need today. The Y is proud to be the home of HYDRO4 swimming, and we couldn’t be more excited about what this team has accomplished. It’s pretty unbelievable.”
The HYRDO4 team is a USA Swimming Certified Competitive Swim Team. To learn more about HYDRO4 Swimming, visit www.HYDRO4Swimming.com. To learn more or join the local HYDRO4 swim team, email Mica Lill at mlill@vfymca.org.
Flagler Beach, FL -Flagler Board Riders Club extended a congratulations to Flagler Board Riders Club Members Forrest Lindner and CJ Garren for receiving The Jamie Ridgewell Legacy Trade School Scholarship.
According to information shared, both Forrest and CJ will begin attending the Northwest Lineman College next month. They will be studying to become Electrical Lineworkers. The Club wishes them all the best as they pursue their new careers.
A special thanks was extended to Stewart Maxcy Art for the donation of a surfboard art piece designed in the memory of Jamie Ridgewell and his dedication to youth surfing in Flagler. The Board will be going up for auction with all proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund.
Flagler County, FL – Sheriff Rick Staly and the #FCSO Chaplains invite you to join us to celebrate the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 6th, 2021 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 55 Town Center Blvd, Palm Coast.
Reservations are on a first-come first-served basis, as seating is limited to ensure social distancing.
If you would like to attend and for seating confirmation, please contact Chief Williams at 386-281-9493 or dwilliams@flaglersheriff.com.
The cost of the non-profit event is $18 per person and must be paid in advance by Wednesday April 28th. Checks can be made payable to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office with “National Day of Prayer Event” in the memo line.
This non-denominational 2-hour program will include prayer time, worship music, a plated breakfast and guest speakers. It will commence at 7:30am and conclude at 9:30am.
Palm Coast, FL (April 25, 2021) – There’s something Old Florida about spending a leisurely afternoon on the porch, relaxing and listening to a little bluegrass music.
Guests to the Florida Agricultural Museum were treated to picture perfect weather for the second installment of ‘Sundays on the Porch’ – a creation of the museum’s new event coordinator Amy Lake.
Modeled after her days in North Carolina where an impromptu banjo playing pair on her restaurant’s front porch became weekly regulars and her husband’s pecan pie was a best seller with fans of the afternoon shows, the Ag Museum is now reaping the benefits of Lake’s creativity.
“I came out here in 2019 looking for a place to teach children’s art classes,” explained Lake, who also coordinates private events at the museum.
With decades of experience that includes a bed and breakfast that was a school and restaurant, a 1927 Vaudeville house that was also a movie and stage theatre, and an event company in an old piano factory, she sees it as a partnership that was meant to be.
“We have so much space out here,” she said, coming up with unique events like ‘Arts and Appetizers’ at the historic Clark House, and ‘Sundays on the Porch’.
Dozens relaxed in the Caldwell Dairy Barn on Sunday afternoon enjoying free pulled pork sliders courtesy of Texas Roadhouse, and chunks of fudge or boiled peanuts brought in by Lara and Roy Usina, owners of St. Augustine Sugar & Shells as the collection of musicians strummed on.
“It’s just amazing out here,” said Laura, a regular on the regional market circuit. “It’s quiet, you get to enjoy life, the music, like back in the old country times.”
Visiting the expansive property at the Florida Agricultural Museum for the first time, after returning from a tour, Ralph Huddleston said he appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Florida history with local historian James Fiske at the wheel of the guided tours.
“He was really good. A lot of information, he’s a good storyteller,” said Huddleston, joined by Tale Teller of St. Augustine Rita Saker, for the tour.
Ralph Huddleston, historian James Fiske, and Rita Saker at the Florida Agricultural Museum for ‘Sundays on the Porch’ on April 25, 2021.
There is one more “Sundays on the Porch”, set for May 16th, and with the success of today’s event, Lake says it will be held in barn, allowing for plenty of shade and space for the handcrafted vendors like fine art purveyor Patty Magee to share their wares with visitors.
Already planning for her next adventure at the museum, the 30-year educator will host a special children’s theater summer camp for the first two weeks of June called “The Fuzzy Mouse Players”. The camp experience will allow 35 children to write, direct and choreograph their own play, wrapping with a performance for audiences at the Florida Agricultural Museum.
A smashing success in the past, Lake is looking forward to working with local children to bring the unique concept to Flagler and St. Johns counties.
“I’ve been doing this theory of theater since 1982, so a really long time. Kids love the fact that they own it from start to finish,” she said. “They get to write their own story on how they see it, and we try to guide the theory. It’s one big giant story.”
For more information on ‘Sundays on the Porch’ or ‘The Fuzzy Mouse Players’, visit www.floridaagmuseum.org.
Featured Photo: Florida Agricultural Museum event coordinator Amy Lake and executive director Kara Hoblick welcome visitors for ‘Sundays on the Porch’ in the Caldwell Dairy Barn on Sunday, April 25, 2021.
Flagler Beach Mayor Suzie Johnston has hit the ground running as the newly elected mayor of Flagler Beach. As this week’s The Big Five guest, she’s sharing what she’s learning in the first 30 days, and what she’s ready to tackle for beach town.
It’s been a little over a month. Is public service all you expected it would be?
I had an idea of what I was stepping into having grown up in a family of public service. But so far yes, it is what I expected it to be. It’s great to be able to help the community and work with the Commission on important decisions for Flagler Beach. Just this past weekend I was able to partner with the Police Department for a Super Spring Saturday Event where we collected prescription pills for a take-back event and had golf cart registration for those that are unable to do so during the week.
What’s been your biggest challenge in your first 30 days?
The biggest challenge thus far has been operating without a City Manager. Rick McFadden has done a great job being an interim City Manager, as well as handling his own position within the city. I am looking forward to May 1st when our new city Manager William Whitson takes his position.
What’s been your biggest surprise since taking office?
The amount of emails from residents. I knew it was going to be a lot but not near the amount it is. I think that people reach out to the Mayor as a first step and are looking for a helping hand on which direction to go. I created a Facebook page Suzie Johnston- Mayor to help get information to the residents.
Is there a project in the city you’re looking to tackle during your first year?
Yes, during my campaign I discussed trying to get additional funds from the County. At the April 9th meeting, the Commission approved a letter to the Board of County Commissioners and the County Administrator requesting additional funds for the City of Flagler Beach. The County Budget process begins in January, so the window of opportunity was closing very fast for the city, we needed to act quickly.
You hosted your first Meet the Mayor. How did it go and what did you learn from your constituents?
The first Meet the Mayor went very well. Due to the rain there was a light turn out but still many residents came out. I learned that many people are wanting to help better the City in any way they can. Everyone has such a big heart for our City and even if they have their own issues, they still want to volunteer to make the city better.
Flagler County, FL (April, 23, 2021) With a heavy heart, we are relaying the fact that Mrs. Georgia Canakaris passed away and her memorial and funeral service was held on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.
Georgia was the loving wife of Dr. John Canakaris, a co-founder of the Flagler Free Clinic. She was very active in her community and served on the clinic’s board of directors for several years after Dr. John’s passing. Donations in her memory may be made to: Flagler Free Clinic or St. James Episcopal Church in Ormond Beach.
Professional Women of Flagler County Board of Directors host the Elite Networking event at Elite Dance & Travel, courtesy of owner Magdalena Piekarz, on Thursday, April 14, 2021. From left, Diana Vidal, Robbin Wilson, Cindy Dalecki, Haylie Allegra, Jennifer Brown and Danielle Silva.
Flagler County, FL – The Professional Women of Flagler County (PWFC) are pleased to announce that the group is hosting a free virtual networking luncheon on Thursday, April 29 from 11:30AM to 12:30PM.
“We have taken the ‘hybrid’ approach to networking and are hosting some of our events in person, and others online,” said Danielle Silva, PWFC President. “Our virtual events are a great way to meet and network with professional women in our area to not only learn about other businesses, but to get the word out about what you and/or your company offers,” Danielle added.
Anglers headed in with fish of all sizes during the 25th Annual Spring Classic, hosted by the Flagler Sportfishing Club on Saturday, April 24, 2021.
Flagler County, FL – (April 24, 2021) Hauling in some real beauties, anglers who took to the waterways on Saturday were snapping them in an effort to take the top prizes in the 25th Annual Flagler Sportfishing Club’s Spring Classic.
With 100 participants out on the water, club president Chris Christian was enthusiastic about the turnout, and even more excited to see younger faces as part of the tournament.
“We have a good crowd, 100 anglers, 50 boats and we’re getting a lot of live redfish for CCA,” he said during the weigh in at Bings Landing. “It’s a good time of year and good fishermen. Our youth has really grown in and around the club, so we’re real excited about that.”
Winning both the top spot for his flounder catch and the coveted Flagler Slam – trout, redfish, flounder and black drum, Donovan Brady was low key about his success on the water that earned him more than $1,000, as fishing buddy Sean Sweeney came in first place for his redfish catch.
Donovan Brady, Jett Voegtle, Dawson Hansen and Sean Sweeney headed to Bings Landing with a number of winning fish during the 25th Annual Spring Classic, hosted by the Flagler Sportfishing Club on Saturday, April 24, 2021.
“We fished all over, put in at Highbridge and we definitely covered some ground, to say in short,” said Brady. “We tried just catching multi-species today, and that worked out well.”
Catching more than just fish, Captain Adam Morley headed out in the Litter Gitter II, picking up trash from the waterways in addition to casting a line.
“We fished north of Bings and south of 312, and did ok with the trout category,” said Morley. “Everything else was too windy so I wasn’t able to do what I normally do in skinny water. We fished from the Litter Gitter so we got plenty of trash and plenty of trash fish to with it.”
Usually up on the leader board, Captain Mike Vickers, owner of Hammock Bait & Tackle didn’t nab any accolades but enjoyed the competition.
Captain Mike Vickers holds up one of his catches during the 25th Annual Spring Classic, hosted by the Flagler Sportfishing Club on Saturday, April 24, 2021.
“We didn’t win it this year, didn’t place this year but had a good fishing trip. Eight fish total, seven of them oversized, from 28” to 33” redfish, the one that we did weigh was 22 ½ inch, 4 ½ pounds. We kept ours alive and gave it to CCA, so they’re gonna tag it and release it,” said Vickers.
“It’s fun being out on the water and being competitive, fun winning money,” he said with a chuckle.
Vickers was among several anglers who returned with their catches still alive to be tagged and released as part of the upcoming CCA (Coastal Conservation Association) Florida STAR tournament according to Captain Leiza Fitzgerald, tournament coordinator for CCA Florida Star.
“We collect those redfish, then we actually tag them and rerelease them back into your local waters. That tag equates to a brand new boat if you catch that fish, recapture it. It’s 100 days of fishing, Memorial Day to Labor Day,” said Fitzgerald, sharing that Yamaha prize boats, valued at over $50,000 are up for grabs for CCA Florida members, registered for the tournament, who re-catch the fish between May 29 – September 6, 2021.
The competition also includes a youth scholarship division with $100,000 in college scholarships, and others can enter the Costa Kick Plastic Trash Division to win various prizes including a three day, two night trip to the Florida Keys as the first place winner, courtesy of Papa’s Pilar.
“It’s a random drawing so everybody has a shot at winning something,” she said.
After the day’s winnings are disbursed, a portion of the tournament’s fundraising is slated for the DAV Chapter 86, Jim Booe in Flagler County.
“It’s a good cause,” said club president Chris Christian. “They help disabled veterans go to the doctors, we help pay for these vans and it benefits for the last three or four years.”
April 21, 2021 – The City of Flagler Beach is alerting our residents, business owners and visitors of a temporary street closure that will be in effect, for two (2) days this week.
Beginning at approximately 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27th and continuing through Wednesday, April 28th, South Central Avenue, between South 2nd Street and South 3rd Street, will be closed for infrastructure work. The aforementioned portion of South Central Avenue is scheduled to re-open at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2021.
The reason for the temporary closure of the roadway is to allow Staff from Tecos Peoples Gas the opportunity to install underground gas service equipment; which will require them to cut into the roadway. Our City Public Works Department has coordinated the roadway closure with Tecos Peoples Gas and our Police Department.
We apologize for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause, and we wanted to provide this information to our community well in advance of the road closure. If you have any questions about the road closure, please feel free to contact Chief Doughney via phone at (386) 517-2024.
