Palm Coast—The Palm Coast City Council meets regularly to discuss and vote on official City business. These meetings are open to the public, and Palm Coast residents are strongly encouraged to attend. An increase in public engagement helps to build a stronger sense of community, increase valuable discussions, and decrease division.
The agenda for the City Council Business Meeting on Tuesday, April 8, at 6 p.m. will be as follows:
Presentations
The following presentations will be presented:
The City Council will discuss the District Seat 3 Vacancy following interviews conducted on April 1, 2025, with 10 applicants. Council will now select their top three candidates during the April 8, 2025, Workshop. The final appointment is scheduled for April 15, 2025.
The Parks and Recreation Department will present an update on Ralph Carter Park in response to a City Council request. The presentation will cover the importance of youth sports, current operations and maintenance efforts, proposed LED lighting upgrades, sports participation data, and overall field and park usage.
The Stormwater & Engineering Department will present a resolution to approve a contract with Forefront Architecture & Engineering, LLC for design and engineering services related to expanding parking at the Palm Coast Community Center and exploring adaptive reuse options for the former Fire Station #22.
Public Comments will be opened at the beginning and end of the business meeting in accordance with Section 286.0114 Florida Statutes and pursuant to the City Council’s Meeting Policies and Procedures. Each speaker will approach the podium, provide his/her name, and may speak for up to 3 minutes.
Proclamations and award presentations during evening business meetings will now begin at 5:30 p.m., 30 minutes before the meeting start time. Additionally, public comments on non-agenda items will be limited to 30 minutes at the beginning and end of each meeting. This schedule is subject to change due to holidays or other unforeseen circumstances. Residents are encouraged to visit the Palm Coast City Council meeting webpage for the latest schedule and agenda updates.
Business meetings and workshops are open to the public and are streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel. Meeting agendas for all public meetings are posted in advance of each meeting on the City’s website. All agendas can be viewed here.
If you wish to obtain more information regarding the City Council’s agenda, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 386-986-3713. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk at 386-986-3713, at least 48 hours before the meeting.
The people you attract and retain determine the level of success of your organization. No other element can replace or compensate for having a true team of talented individuals of integrity deeply committed to the mission. How can your company, government agency, or nonprofit entity prevail in the fierce competition for the right employees to ensure long-term success?
Employers need to learn who they need to ensure optimal performance and results for their customers. Continuous research involving a diverse set of data points to identify and truly understand who they must have on their teams is key. Who will best fit your culture and team? What knowledge and skills do our customers need? Who believes in our mission? What are the specific predictors of excellent employees over time in our organization? What am I missing from the current team in terms of expertise, experience, and other specific strengths?
Organizations need to study their relevant talent market and their organization. They must understand what they need to offer to those they want to welcome and keep on their teams. What type of leadership, culture, team, careers, salary, benefits, professional development, etc. do the desired candidates seek? Employers need to change when their talent market does. For example, if the employees they want seek a specific employment benefit, employers must consider providing it.
The employers who understand these principles and strategies will be more likely to win in constant and strong competition for the right talent. The employers who reject them will have real problems getting and keeping who they actually need.
The number one reason individuals do not join or choose to leave an employer is the difference between promises and performance or well-founded expectations and the reality of working there. As Maxwell notes, you have to be the employer you say you are. Employers must ensure that their candidates and employees truly experience the organization they hold themselves out to be.
Ticket sales are now OPEN for Murder at Shivering Timbers – our popular adults-only pirate-themed murder mystery show!
Early bird tickets are available starting TODAY, so don’t wait to grab yours. This swashbuckling evening is packed with laughter, suspense, and outrageous fun—but it always sells out, so secure your spot now! Best of all, your ticket supports foster and displaced children in our community, turning a night of mystery into a mission of love.
Don’t miss the adventure—and see if you can figure out which scoundrel committed the dastardly deed! 🏴☠️
April 4, 2025 – Flagler County officials are sharing that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced nighttime road closures at Interstate 95 (I-95) and Old Dixie Highway will begin as early as April 10 for striping operations.
FDOT advises motorists to stay alert, follow all posted detour signs, and use caution in the work zone.
The proposed FDOT schedule is as follows:
The I-95 northbound off ramp to Old Dixie Highway (Exit 278) will be closed overnight from 10 p.m. Thursday, April 10, to 5 a.m. Friday, April 11.
Detour information – Motorists traveling north on I-95 needing to access Old Dixie Highway should take Exit 273 at U.S. 1 and continue north to Old Dixie Highway.
The I-95 southbound off ramp to Old Dixie Highway (Exit 278) will be closed overnight from 10 p.m. Thursday, April 10, to 5 a.m. Friday, April 11.
Detour information – Motorists traveling south on I-95 needing to access Old Dixie Highway should take Exit 273 at U.S. 1. and continue north to Old Dixie Highway.
The work schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. For more details, visit www.cflroads.com/project/450227-4.
Palm Coast, FL—Bright minds, bold ideas, and a passion for mental health advocacy took center stage at the 2025 MedNexus Innovation Challenge, held April 3 at the Palm Coast Community Center. This year’s theme, “Becoming a Mental Health Influencer,” invited students to explore how social media can be used for positive change in adolescent mental health.
Competing teams, guided by esteemed mentors, showcased their projects to a panel of judges, demonstrating creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for healthcare innovation. This year’s participants included:
Dr. Cummings’ Team – Brosna Seth, Meliyah Lumpkins, Eryka Damas, and Hannah Melton
Prof. Hooper’s Team – Aida Moghanaki, Prem Prakash Patel, Madison St. George, and Antonia Perez
Dr. Luytjes’ Team – Liliana Rosa, Kacie Jones, Persia Hughes
Dr. Achorn’s Team – Natalie Patel-Holmes, Joy Prime, Makaylla Williams, Alessandra Caballero
Each team tackled the challenge with empathy and creativity—offering social media campaigns and peer-to-peer initiatives aimed at improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and promoting wellness among teens.
Following the students’ compelling presentations, judges faced a difficult decision. Second place was awarded to Team Inner Peace, led by Dr. Cummings, with each member receiving a $750 scholarship. Taking first place was Academic Athletes Unite, mentored by Dr. Achorn, with each team member earning a $1,000 scholarship.
Dr. Julie Merten, Associate Dean of UNF MedNexus, said, “We are so grateful to Palm Coast for their vital partnership in fostering innovation and community engagement in healthcare. The success of this evening highlights the incredible potential of our students to drive meaningful change in the industry.”
Lauren Johnston, Acting City Manager of the City of Palm Coast, added, “The level of creativity and problem-solving displayed by these students is truly inspiring. The MedNexus Innovation Challenge provides a platform for young innovators to explore groundbreaking solutions that could shape the future of healthcare.”
Michelle Bartlome, Communications Manager for AdventHealth, commented, “At AdventHealth, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of innovators to make a lasting impact on our communities. The MedNexus Innovation Challenge empowers our area’s high school students to explore creative solutions that promote healthier futures. We are excited to see their ideas come to life and witness how their passion for innovation can positively influence the world of health.”
The competition, hosted in collaboration with the University of North Florida, AdventHealth, the City of Palm Coast, and Flagler County Schools, continues to grow each year, reinforcing Palm Coast’s commitment to fostering education and innovation in the medical field.
Pictured (L-R): Jay Scherr, Andy Dance, Leslie Giscombe, Craig McKenny, and Mike Norris.
JACKSONVILLE — The U.S. Small Business Administration’s North Florida district office is celebrating the district’s Small Business Person of the Year and 5 additional honorees as it prepares for National Small Business Week, which will take place May 4-10, 2025. Along with awards ceremonies, the week will include a national small business roadshow with SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, a two-day virtual summit, community events and educational sessions about manufacturing, digital marketing, cybersecurity and cryptocurrency, as well as online business resources and renowned speakers.
“Our winners exemplify the best of entrepreneurship and small business leadership, contributing significantly to economic vitality across North Florida and beyond. Their vision, resilience, and dedication serve as an inspiration to the entire small business community,” said Jonel Hein, SBA North Florida District Director.
The SBA North Florida district is recognizing Viv Helwig, owner of Vested Metals International for his impact and economic contributions as the district’s Small Business Person of the Year. Mr. Helwig, founder of Vested Metals, earned recognition due to his remarkable entrepreneurial journey—transforming a small, single-office startup into a thriving enterprise with a significant market presence. His leadership overcame early challenges to achieve substantial growth, expanding the company’s footprint and driving impressive sales through innovative marketing strategies. Helwig’s dedication and business acumen exemplify outstanding small-business success in North Florida.
At local ceremonies, SBA’s North Florida district office will distribute awards for the district winner, additional local awardees and local lenders who have empowered entrepreneurial success, created jobs and driven economic growth. You can register for the local Small Business Week events here.
The winners include:
State of Florida & North Florida District Winners:
Veteran-Owned Small Business Person of the Year: Chad Drummond, Drummond Carpenter, PLLC
Chad Drummond, co-founder of Drummond Carpenter, PLLC, has rapidly grown the veteran-owned civil and environmental engineering firm into a recognized leader with offices throughout Florida and Michigan. Specializing in environmental remediation, sustainability, and infrastructure, the firm provides innovative solutions to clients like NASA, the Department of Energy, and local governments. Recently recognized by Inc. 5000 and Orlando Business Journal for its significant growth, Drummond Carpenter demonstrates excellence through technical innovation and dedicated veteran mentorship.
Women-Owned Small Business Person of the Year: Amanda Gaskin, Ultimate Health Direct Primary Care
Amanda Gaskin founded Ultimate Health Direct Primary Care in Leesburg, Florida, transforming healthcare delivery by prioritizing direct, affordable, patient-centered services. Her innovative membership-based clinic eliminates insurance complexities, offering comprehensive primary and preventive care with transparent pricing. Amanda’s vision has resulted in remarkable clinic expansion and significant community impact, earning widespread patient trust through personalized, accessible healthcare solutions.
Rural Business Owner of the Year: Jesse “Kevin” Carter, Attack One Fire Management Services
Jesse “Kevin” Carter founded Attack One Fire Management Services, significantly enhancing wildfire prevention and emergency response in rural Florida. Through specialized fire management and training programs, the company has effectively safeguarded countless communities and natural resources across the nation. Carter’s leadership and commitment to excellence have made Attack One an indispensable partner for rural counties, ensuring preparedness and resilience amid environmental challenges.
North Florida District Winner:
Small Business Community Partner of the Year: Leslie Giscombe, African American Entrepreneurs Association Leslie Giscombe, founder of the African American Entrepreneurs Association (AAEA), has significantly impacted entrepreneurs across the U.S. by providing essential resources, mentorship, and educational programs. Starting locally in Palm Coast, Florida, AAEA now collaborates with leading universities nationwide to empower hundreds of businesses. Giscombe’s visionary leadership promotes entrepreneurship, economic growth, and community development on a national scale.
National Winner:
8a Graduate of the Year: Gina Hill, G.M. Hill Engineering Inc.
Gina Hill, founder of G.M. Hill Engineering Inc., has transformed her one-woman structural engineering practice into a premier design-build firm respected across the Southeast. With a focus on integrated architecture, engineering, and construction solutions, G.M. Hill Engineering Inc. serves diverse federal, state, and private-sector clients, including the Department of Defense and NASA. Hill’s strategic growth, outstanding project execution, and leadership in business innovation have positioned the firm as a standout graduate of SBA’s 8(a) program.
Details on National Small Business Week, the virtual summit, registrations and speakers are featured on www.sba.gov/NSBW and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed. Local events will be featured on www.sba.gov/events and identifiable by searching with #SmallBusinessWeek.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Flagler County, Fla. (April 3, 2025) – A second opportunity for local arts, culture and history non-profits who are seeking funding for projects in the current fiscal year opens for online applications on Friday, March 28.
These grants – funded by the City of Palm Coast and administered by Flagler County Cultural Council (FC3) – are available to support events and programs taking place within the City of Palm Coast between now and September 30, 2025.
“The Flagler County Cultural Council in partnership with the City of Palm Coast is pleased to announce a second round of grant funding for the Cultural Arts Grants. The portal is available now through April 30,” said Flagler County Cultural Council Chair Nancy Crouch.
“We hope those not-for-profit organizations who meet the criteria set forth in the guidelines will have an opportunity to apply for these remaining funds. We want our community partners to have successful programs and events. Their success is our success. We strive for a vibrant cultural community for our residents and visitors.”
For many years, the City of Palm Coast has supported local arts by offering grants to Flagler
County-based non-profit organizations for cultural arts programs and events held within the city. These grants foster creativity, provide value to artists and audiences alike, and help explain and interpret the world around us.
The first round of grants drew 13 applicants with 11 successful grant awards by the City of Palm Coast on March 18, 2025 for a total of $89,094. The remaining funds totaling $10,906 are available in Round 2 of the grant cycle.
Qualifying non-profit organizations interested in applying should visit www.flaglerartsandculture.org/granting-program for application guidelines. Applications are being accepted online through Submittable by April 30, 2025.
The application link can be found on the FC3 grant page at www.flaglerartsandculture.org/granting-program.
March 31, 2025 – Imagine a state-of-the-art sports complex designed to meet the growing needs of Flagler County and Palm Coast. A place where athletes of all ages and skill levels can train and compete, where families can gather for tournaments and events, and where sports tourism can help fuel economic growth.
Local officials are exploring the potential for a large-scale sports complex, which could include indoor and outdoor facilities for a variety of sports, retail and dining options, sports medicine, and opportunities to attract high-level competitions and training programs. While the vision is still in its early stages, Flagler County and the City of Palm Coast are inviting the community to help shape the discussion at an upcoming workshop.
Residents are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts on what this type of facility should offer and how it could benefit the community. The workshop will be held at 1 p.m. April 7 at the Flagler County Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bunnell.
“This is about planning for the future,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “As our community grows, so does the demand for quality recreational spaces. We want to hear from our residents about what they envision for this type of project.”
Palm Coast, FL – Nexus360 is proud to announce that proceeds from the SkyGlow Drone Show & Warbirds Over Flagler event, held on March 22, 2025, have been donated to two remarkable Flagler County nonprofits: the Hispanic American Cultural Society (HACS) and Teens-In-Flight. These organizations are actively changing lives by empowering underserved and underrepresented youth through scholarship, mentorship, and aviation education.
The SkyGlow Drone Show event, hosted at the Flagler Executive Airport, brought together innovation, entertainment, and community spirit in an unforgettable weekend experience. Now, its impact continues beyond the skies through these selected donations. “This event wasn’t just about lighting up the sky—it was about illuminating futures,” said Greg Blose, CEO of Nexus360. “We believe that Flagler’s future lies in the hands of our youth, and it’s our duty to invest in them now. These donations are our way of ensuring innovation, education, and opportunity remain at the core of our mission.”
Investing in Culture, Scholarship, and Leadership
The Hispanic American Cultural Society (HACS) provides scholarships and academic support to Hispanic students at Flagler Palm Coast High School and Matanzas High School. Their mission is rooted in cultural celebration, educational achievement, and youth leadership development.
“We are proud to partner with Nexus360 on this initiative,” said Ramon Marrero, President of HACS. “Their donation goes directly to supporting our scholarship recipients—students who are not only excelling academically, but who are poised to become future leaders in our community. Partnerships like this allow us to continue breaking down barriers to education and equity.”
Teens-In-Flight offers flight training and aerospace education to the general public with an emphasis on teens from military families, first responders, and youth who are at-risk or financially underserved. Their mission is to transform lives through aviation by creating positive pathways through structured flight experiences.
“Through the modern lens of aerospace education, we open doors to opportunities that many never believed possible,” said Ric Lehman, Executive Director and President of Teens-In-Flight. “This generous contribution from Nexus360 will allow students in need to begin their journey in aviation—a journey that can redefine their future. These scholarships are more than just dollars—they are lifelines of hope, discipline, and achievement.”
The passion behind this giving goes far beyond corporate responsibility—it’s personal.
Kelly Navarro, Chief Operating Officer of Nexus360, knows what it means to face adversity and rise above it. From experiencing homelessness as a teenager to becoming a C-suite executive and entrepreneur, her story is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering belief in community.
“As someone who experienced homelessness and adversity as a teenager, I know firsthand how powerful a single moment of hope can be in changing the trajectory of a young person’s life,” said Navarro. “That’s why Nexus360 exists—to create opportunities, to empower innovation, and to give back. Our investment in these scholarships is also an investment in the next generation of resilient young people—those who, like me, just need a chance to rise—and the future leaders of Flagler County. Every child deserves a chance to rise,” she added. “That’s what this event—and this community—is all about.”
The SkyGlow Drone Show & Warbirds Over Flagler drew approximately 3,000 to 4,000 attendees in its debut, marking Flagler County’s first-ever drone show. The event blended historic tribute with cutting-edge entertainment and showcased the power of bringing community and innovation together.
Palm Coast, FL – Palm Coast’s favorite eco-friendly event is back! Get ready to dig in, branch out, and celebrate two decades of environmental stewardship at the 20th Annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center (975 Central Avenue, Palm Coast, FL 32164.)
This milestone event will feature a free tree giveaway, a walk-through butterfly tent, and various family-friendly activities to promote sustainability and community engagement. Residents can receive a free 3-gallon tree in exchange for a non-perishable food item donation for the local food bank, continuing the tradition of giving back to the environment and the community.
Attendees can enjoy live performances from Palm Coast Community Band and The Dance Method, which will bring lively music and dance to the celebration. Families can explore a children’s activity tent, petting zoo, and free craft projects, while those looking for a challenge can try their hand at ax throwing.
A walk-through butterfly tent will offer a unique opportunity to experience these beautiful pollinators up close. A butterfly release is scheduled for 11:00 AM, a breathtaking moment for all ages. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase throughout the event.
“For 20 years, Palm Coast’s Arbor Day has been about celebrating our environment, giving back, and bringing the community together,” said City of Palm Coast Urban Forester Carol Mini. “This year, we’re making it bigger and better than ever, and we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!”
Join us as we celebrate 20 years of Arbor Day in Palm Coast—a day of nature, fun, and community spirit!
For more information, contact Palm Coast Urban Forester Carol Mini at (386) 986- 3722 or cjmini@palmcoastgov.com.
