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Tuesday, November 4, 2025
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UCF Economist: Florida Will Continue to Grow, Despite Federal Shakeups

By
Dr. Sean Snaith
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ORLANDO, March 27, 2025 — In his latest Florida forecast, economist Sean Snaith says Florida’s economy should continue to grow despite policy shakeups in Washington, D.C. and their impact on state-level politics.

Snaith, the director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, released his quarterly forecast this morning, saying he is unsure if Florida’s newly formed DOGE team will have the same dramatic impact on local budgets as DOGE is having at the federal level.

A frequent critic of the national debt, Snaith said: “State and local governments in Florida already must operate in a manner that results in balanced budgets. There’s no running up the debt like what we’ve seen at the federal level and our $36.6 trillion national debt.”

The real question, Snaith says, is how much the federal cuts and financial market uncertainty will impact the pace of Florida’s economic growth, which he predicts will decelerate from its current rate over the next few years.

Other highlights from Snaith’s four-year Florida forecast include:

  • From 2025-2028, Florida’s economy, as measured by Real Gross State Product, will expand at an average annual rate of 2.2%. Real Gross State Product will decelerate during the economic slowdown as growth will slow to 2.5% in 2025, 2.2% in 2026, and then further to 1.8% in 2027 before rising to 2.1% in 2028.

  • Payroll job growth in Florida will continue to decelerate as the economy remains essentially at full employment. After year-over-year growth of 5.7% in 2022, payroll employment growth in 2023 was 3.3% but slowed to 2.1% in 2024. It will drift lower to 0.3% by 2027 before rising to 0.6% in 2028, outperforming the national labor market the entire time.

  • Labor force growth in Florida will average 0.5% from 2025-2028. After growing 2.8% in 2023, growth slowed to 0.7%—and with slower economic growth, labor force growth will slow as well.

  • The slowing U.S. economy pushed Florida’s unemployment rate up to 3.3% in 2024, and it will drift slightly higher to 3.5% in 2025 and rise to 4.9% by 2028. All the while remaining below our forecast for the U.S. economy.

  • The sectors expected to have the strongest average job growth during 2025-2028 are Education & Health Services (1.7%), Leisure & Hospitality (1.4%), Construction (0.9%), State & Local Government (0.8%), and Federal Government (0.6%).

  • Housing starts have felt headwinds from higher mortgage and insurance rates. Total starts were 193,700 in 2022—before higher mortgage rates and a slowing economy started a deceleration that will slow starts to 158,936 in 2025. From this point, starts will remain steady before drifting higher to 161,059 in 2028.

  • Real personal income growth will average 3.2% during 2025-2028. Following an inflation-driven contraction in 2022, growth will be 3.5% in 2028. Florida’s average growth will be 0.5 percentage points higher than the national rate over the same four-year span.

Sean Snaith, Ph.D., is the director of UCF’s Institute for Economic Forecasting and a nationally recognized economist in the field of economics, forecasting, analysis and market sizing. He has been recognized by Bloomberg News as one of the country’s most accurate economic forecasters and has served as a consultant for both local governments and multi-national corporations. Before joining UCF’s College of Business, Snaith held faculty positions at Pennsylvania State University, American University in Cairo, the University of North Dakota and the University of the Pacific. More of Snaith’s work is available here or you can follow him @SeanSnaith.

Dallas String Quartet Unleashed to Electrify Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center on April 11, 2025

By
Danielle Anderson
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Palm Coast, Florida –  The Dallas String Quartet (DSQ) Unleashed, the genre-defying ensemble that blends classical elegance with modern pop and rock energy, is set to take the stage at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center on April 11, 2025. This high-energy, electrifying performance promises an unforgettable evening of music, nostalgia, and virtuoso talent.

Renowned nationwide for its innovative fusion of classical and contemporary styles, DSQ has captivated audiences across the globe. Hailed by The Wall Street Journal as “not your typical string quartet,” the group has performed for Presidents, collaborated with music icons, and shared the stage with superstars like Evanescence, Josh Groban, and Lindsey Stirling. Their remarkable artistry has also earned them features on ESPN, Forbes, and People Magazine and a Billboard-charting album showcasing their signature blend of strings and rock-infused energy.

This is not just a concert—it’s a nostalgic journey through your favorite hits. DSQ Unleashed will perform stunning renditions of legendary classics and modern chart-toppers, from Queen and The Beatles to Coldplay and Taylor Swift. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of classical music or a rock enthusiast looking for a fresh twist, this night will have you singing along to every note.

We need you there! Bring your voice, love for music, and best sing-along energy. This is your chance to experience a musical spectacle—where electrifying strings meet the timeless hits you know and love.

Tickets are on sale now! Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind performance. Get yours today and be part of an unforgettable evening with DSQ Unleashed at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center on April 11, 2025.

For more information and ticket sales, visit www.flaglerentertainment.com or contact Amelia Fulmer, FulmerA@flaglerschools.com.

A limited number of free tickets are available for music students and families; please call the box office for more information.  386-437-7547

SMA Healthcare Announces Addition of Primary Care Services in Flagler County

By
Robert Edgcomb
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BUNNELL – SMA Healthcare is excited to announce that it will begin offering primary care services in Flagler County. The services will be offered at the Flagler County Health Department, located at 301 Dr. Carter Blvd, Bunnell, and are expected to begin in April.

This collaboration with the Flagler County Health Department will help establish strategies for more efficient resource utilization, data sharing to leverage each organization’s expertise, and enhance population health management for the residents of Flagler County.

“The purpose of SMA’s expansion of primary care services is to provide greater healthcare access for citizens in the community,” said SMA Healthcare CEO Ivan Cosimi. “It is our mission to provide exceptional substance abuse, mental health, and primary care services, and this expansion will open another door for individuals to receive quality care.”

While serving all ages, this new clinic will include access to a primary care provider that performs health assessments to diagnosis and treatment. SMA Healthcare’s Primary Care will also collaborate with other community partners to provide OB-GYN services, dental services, chiropractic care, smoking cessation and marketplace options.

Flagler County has been designated by HRSA as an underserved area for Primary Care. This clinic will help serve the vulnerable populations who are uninsured or underinsured. While providing limited point of care testing, patient education and case management, this clinic will also later add a pharmacy delivery program.

SMA Healthcare currently operates out of two facilities in Flagler County, both in Bunnell. The Flagler Access Center is at 103 E. Moody Blvd, and the outpatient services and Women Assisting Recovering Mothers (WARM), a women’s residential program, are located at 301 Justice Lane.

Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak … What We Need Most Today in Our Leaders

By
Dr. Joe Saviak
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Leadership really comes down to a simple single issue.  If it is all about you, no one will follow.  If it is all about serving others and a purpose higher than us, people will join your team.

Decades of scandals in companies, non-profits, and government have eroded our faith and trust in leaders.  At the heart of every one of those scandals was a self-serving individual who decided that what they want and need was most important.  They did not worry about the integrity and image of the organization, the careers and families of those who will be hurt, or the trust placed in them.  A leadership position was simply an excellent opportunity to enrich themselves, wield great power, or achieve fame.

Who you hire today could be your leadership in the future.  It is the most important decision the organization will ever make.  Resist the pressure to fill the position which has been vacant too long with the wrong person.  It will only cost employees and customers in the future far in excess of any value this employee provided.

Organizations need to recruit, hire, train, evaluate, and promote based upon integrity.  Their culture must be defined by character.  Every aspect of the organization, from policies and procedures to training and professional development, must always be all about their values.

Many studies employing different data and metrics confirm a multi-decade decline in adherence to shared and time-tested values in the nation.  Companies, non-profits, and governmental agencies can only hire from the culture that they inhabit.  However, they can carefully identify and recruit, retain, and promote only those whose fidelity to honesty and high ethical standards is without question.

The foundation of all leadership development in any organization must be an unwavering commitment to ensuring devotion to virtue and moral excellence.  All mentors and leadership development strategies must continually emphasize the importance of character.

If integrity explains who we are, what we do, and how we do it, the organization will succeed and endure.  If a lack of character is the culture of the company or agency, it will ultimately fail even if it takes time to do so.   Leaders are responsible for that culture.  It is the DNA of the organization.

Leaders who consistently and authentically demonstrate integrity can change history and the world.

Sources:  Abrashoff, 2002; Blanchard, 2011; Collins, 2001; Drucker, 2001; Grant, 2017; Kotter, 2012; Lencioni, 2012; Maxwell, 1998; Welch, 2005.

#LeadershipLessonswithDrSaviak

AdventHealth Begins Construction on First St. Johns County Facility, Expanding Emergency Care Access

By
Michelle Bartlome
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ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – AdventHealth is bringing life-saving emergency care closer to home for St. Johns County residents with the groundbreaking of AdventHealth State Road 207 ER, a new off-site emergency department. This marks AdventHealth’s first facility in St. Johns County, a milestone moment for both the health care system and the community.

Located east of I-95 near the intersection of State Road 207 and Wildwood Drive, the 12-bed emergency department is set to open in early 2026.

Designed to provide immediate, expert medical care 24/7, the facility will provide the latest in medical technology, improving patient outcomes and reducing wait times.

“No one ever plans to need an ER,” said Dr. Daniel McDermott, emergency medicine director at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway. “But when the unthinkable happens, you need to know help is close by. That’s exactly what this facility is about: providing expert care when minutes matter most.”


At the heart of the AdventHealth State Road 207 ER will be a team of highly skilled emergency medicine clinicians, who are trained to treat both the physical and emotional needs of patients and their families.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, McDermott reflected on this.

“I’ve held patients’ hands, comforted families, and seen incredible stories of recovery,” he said. “That’s the level of care we’re bringing to St. Johns County.”

The facility will ensure that patients not only receive immediate care but are also connected to the necessary follow-up care, setting them up for long-term health and recovery.

“St. Johns County is one of the fastest-growing areas in Florida, and with growth comes a responsibility,” said David Weis, President and CEO of AdventHealth operations in East Volusia, Flagler, and St. Johns counties. “We’re not just building a facility – we’re investing in the people and families who call this community home. This ER will bring high-quality, compassionate care right where it’s needed.”

While this is AdventHealth’s first step into St. Johns County, the organization’s commitment to whole-person care is already well established in Florida. As the only national nonprofit health care system headquartered in the state, AdventHealth is one of the largest faith-based health systems in the U.S. and serves nearly nine million patients annually across nine states.

For over 20 years, AdventHealth has been a strong presence in neighboring Flagler County, where it has invested over $200 million in recent years in health care infrastructure, including a new hospital, cancer treatment center, and more physicians.

That same commitment to long-term health is now being extended to St. Johns County, where this new emergency department will bring not only urgent care but also a lasting partnership with the community.

“When we expand, it’s about more than health care,” said Denyse Bales-Chubb, President and CEO of AdventHealth Flagler and St. Johns counties. “It’s about strengthening the entire community. This new ER will create jobs, support local businesses, and help drive St. Johns County’s economic engine, just as we’ve done in Flagler.”

Denyse Bales-Chubb, President and CEO of AdventHealth Flagler and St. Johns counties (center). 

This ER is part of AdventHealth’s broader vision for growth in the region. Just recently, AdventHealth acquired land north of this location, near I-95 in the World Commerce Center, with future plans to expand its health care footprint even further in St. Johns County.

“We aren’t here for the short term,” Bales-Chubb said. “We’re here to make a lasting difference.”

City Council Special Workshop Meeting on April 1 at 3 p.m., and Business Meeting on April 1, at 6 p.m., with Proclamations at 5:30 p.m.

By
Brittany N. Kershaw
-

City Council Special Workshop Meeting on April 1 at 3 p.m., and Business Meeting on April 1, at 6 p.m., with Proclamations at 5:30 p.m.

Topics Include City Council District Seat 3 Vacancy Interviews, Proclamations, Annual Health and Safety Employee Calendar, Stormwater Improvement Projects, and more.

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 Special Workshop Meeting on Tuesday, April 1, at 3 p.m. will be as follows:

Presentations

The following presentations will be presented:

  1. The City Administration will present the applicants for the District Seat 3 vacancy. The application period closed on March 19, 2025, with 13 applicants. These applicants will be available to be interviewed at the meeting. There is also a discussion of the applicants scheduled for April 8, 2025, at 6 p.m., and the appointment will be made on April 15, 2025, at 9 a.m.

The agenda for the City Council Business Meeting on Tuesday, April 1, at 5:30 p.m. will be as follows:

Proclamations

The following proclamations will be presented at 5:30 p.m.:

  1. April as Autism Awareness Month

  2. April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

  3. April 6-12, 2025, as Crime Victims’ Rights Week

  4. April 13-19, 2025, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

  5. Arbor Day in Palm Coast

Minutes

The following minutes will be approved:

  1. March 18, 2025, Business Meeting

Presentations

The following ordinances will be presented:

  1. The Community Development Department will deliver a presentation on the Annual Health and Safety Employee Calendar, organized by the City of Palm Coast WHAM (Wellness, Health, and Moral) Team. The calendar features artwork submitted by relatives of city employees, aged 18 and younger, depicting themes of health, safety, and workplace safety.

Resolutions

The following resolutions will be presented:

  1. The Community Development Department will present a resolution approving the Somerset Phase 2 Final Plat (Application 6007), submitted by KB Home Jacksonville, LLC. The project is part of the Palm Coast Park MPD.

  2. The Community Development Department will present a resolution approving the Lakeview Estates Tract 1 Final Plat. This project is on Lakeview Boulevard, with a Greenbelt Future Land Use designation.

  3. The Community Development Department will present a resolution approving the Grand Landings Phase 5A Final Plat. Located south of Citation Boulevard, the project is part of the Grand Landings MPD.

  4. The Stormwater & Engineering Department will present a resolution approving a construction contract with S.E. Cline Construction, Inc. for the Colbert West Conveyance Improvements project. The project involves replacing four existing 72” concrete pipes with four 7’ x 12’ concrete box culverts to improve stormwater conveyance and flood prevention near the Woodlands and Wild Oaks neighborhoods.

  5. The Stormwater & Engineering Department will present a resolution approving a construction contract with 4C’s Trucking and Excavation, Inc. for the K-Section Drainage Improvements project. The project will replace old pipes with concrete box culverts to improve drainage and flood protection in the Quail Hollow (K-Section) neighborhood.

  6. The Stormwater & Engineering Department will present a contract with S.E. Cline Construction, Inc., for the Pine Grove Waterway Dredging Project. The project involves dredging sediment from the Pine Grove Canal to improve water quality, reduce maintenance, and address eroding canal banks.

Consent

The following consent items will be presented:

  1. A resolution approving the purchase of additional Wetland Mitigation Credits for the Maintenance Operations Center project.

  2. A resolution approving a work order with Geosyntec Consultants for the evaluation of B1, B2, and B3 control structures along the Bellaire Waterway.

  3. A resolution approving a work order with Geosyntec Consultants for evaluating drainage issues along Citation Boulevard.

  4. A resolution approving the purchase of one John Deere Gator HPX615E for Wastewater Treatment Plant #2.

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. Public comment is limited to thirty minutes.

Proclamations and award presentations during evening business meetings will now begin at 5:30 p.m., 30 minutes before the meeting start time. 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.

Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review.

Flagler County, Palm Coast Work To Bring New Industry

By
Julie Murphy, MPIO
-

March 28, 2025 – Flagler County and the City of Palm Coast are working together to bring a new industrial business – specifically a fuel terminal that receives gas and diesel by rail, which will distribute fuel to the tri-county area. The goals are three-fold: providing high paying jobs, diversification of tax base, and increasing the property tax from an estimated $500 to $800,000 annually. An added benefit of this project is a safer, lower cost and more reliable delivery of fuel to the region.

The project under consideration is with a company called Belvedere Terminals, which will make $75 million to $80 million in capital investment plus an additional $10 million in state appropriations. It is anticipated the company will bring in 30 to 35 high-paying, full-time jobs.

Ideally, Belvedere would build on 78 acres near the tracks and the city’s utility plant off U.S. 1 and Peavy Grade.

“The Florida Department of Commerce grant will cover the land acquisition, site improvements, and the construction of critical infrastructure necessary to support a fuel storage and distribution terminal,” County Administrator Heidi Petito said. “It needed to be a county project, so that’s why we are involved. And, it needed to be in the Flagler, Volusia, Brevard corridor.”

This would be an economic development boon that would bring tax revenue into Flagler County – the bulk of which comes from homeowners with only about 5% coming from commercial and industrial properties.

“This land is already zoned industrial in Flagler County,” said Acting City of Palm Coast Manager Lauren Johnston said. “We’ve heard from our community that economic vitality is a top priority, as it will help us diversify our tax base. This project will help us start to balance our tax base more evenly and minimize the burden on residential homeowners.”

Follow Flagler County Government on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FlaglerCountyGovernment.

Palm Coast Launches Quarterly Tours of Water and Wastewater Plants to Highlight Infrastructure Operations

By
Shannon Martin
-
Palm Coast — Following the success of the inaugural tour on March 12, 2025, theCity City of Palm Coast has decided to offer residents quarterly tours of its water and wastewater treatment facilities. Residents who attended the initial tour praised the event, expressing how informative and insightful it was. They noted they gained a deeper understanding of the treatment processes.
The upcoming quarterly tours will be held on June 18, September 17, and December 10, 2025, each from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. All tours will take place at 400 Peavey Grade, Palm Coast, FL 32164, offering participants an in-depth look at how the city treats and manages its water and wastewater. City staff will lead residents through the facilities, providing detailed explanations and answering questions throughout the tour.
Participants are advised that the tours involve walking, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Space is limited to 25 participants per session to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Advanced registration is required, you can register by visiting www.parksandrec.fun and typing “water” in the search box.
Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review

Manatees On the Move! Go Slow & Look Out Below

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

Have plans to get out on the water this spring? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds boaters to go slow and keep an eye out for manatees as the slow-moving mammals naturally disperse from their winter refuges.

Manatees overwinter in Florida springs, power plant discharges and other warm-water sites, relying on water that is warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. As temperatures rise in spring, manatees gradually disperse from their winter habitats and are more likely to be present in rivers, canals and nearshore waters.

Spotting manatees in the water can be challenging, but going slow and looking out below helps boaters and personal watercraft users better spot manatees in the area. When on the water, you can help manatees by wearing polarized glasses, following all manatee protection zones, keeping an eye out for visible snouts or manatee “footprints” — large circles on the water that are indicators that manatees are below the surface —and always giving manatees space.

From April 1 through Nov. 15, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being injured or killed by motorboats or personal watercrafts. Boat strikes continue to be a major threat to Florida manatees. FWC law enforcement officers patrol state waters to inform boaters of the seasonal manatee speed zones and take appropriate enforcement actions. Boaters are reminded to abide by the regulatory signs they see on the water. Manatee protection zones are marked by waterway signs and maps of manatee protection zones are available online at MyFWC.com/Manatee by clicking on “Data and Maps.”

As a reminder, manatees are a protected species and it is illegal to feed, harass or harm them. Physically handling a distressed or stranded manatee can cause additional harm to the manatee and may put you at risk of serious injury. Instead, please report injured, distressed, orphaned, sick or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) so trained responders can assist.

Resources for boaters, educators and other interested members of the public are available at MyFWC.com/Manatee. What should you do if you see a manatee? The Viewing Guidelines page provides helpful tips on respectfully viewing manatees, additional guidelines for boat and personal watercraft operators, and information on what you can do to help these amazing aquatic mammals.

Are you interested in supporting the FWC’s manatee research, rescue and management efforts? You can purchase a Florida manatee license plate or donate $5 to receive a collectable FWC manatee decal. Both are available from your local Tax Collector’s office.

Spring is an active time for many of Florida’s wildlife species. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/News and click on “Spring Wildlife News.”

Media Release: FWC

Save Your Fridays for Entertainment at The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center!

By
Danielle Anderson
-

The Brothers Doobie – Tribute to the Doobie Brothers
Location: The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center
Date: Friday, March 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT

Celebrating the music of one of rock and roll’s greatest 70’s act, the Doobie Brothers, with amazing musicianship and spot on harmonies. Always delivering an accurate and high-energy show, THE BROTHERS DOOBIE – Tribute To The Doobie Brothers perform the full range of The Doobie Brothers top hits, including some of the most complex and challenging songs performed for live audiences. Comprised of some of the best musicians and performers in the industry, The Brothers Doobie also introduces Sean Byrne, a world-class vocalist who is no stranger to commanding the stage. THE BROTHERS DOOBIE – Tribute To The Doobie Brothers consistently delivers a remarkable show that will exceed your expectations!
If you have any questions please call the box office at (386)437-7547
The show starts at 7:00 PM. The doors will open at 6:30 PM.

Buy Tickets

 

 

The Show: Uptown Motown
Location: The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center
Date: Friday, April 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT

Fusing Bruno-Mars-caliber stage presence with top-tier vocals and wall-to-wall choreography, the men of UPTOWN combine the smooth stylings of R&B with the fresh hits of today in a unique and modern show that gets every crowd on their feet! Born in New York City (the epicenter of contemporary pop and soul music), the group exudes unparalleled energy with their blend of contemporary radio hits and classic Motown music. Every single member of UPTOWN is a world-class soloist, with frequent comparisons to the artistry of icons like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye; when they come together as one collective, the resulting remix creates “the most electrifying show you’ll see this decade!” (Agua Caliente, Palm Springs CA).

“UPTOWN is fabulous — great music, totally engaging, highly professional and thoroughly entertaining. Serious thumbs up recommendation!”
If you have any questions please call the box office at (386)437-7547.
The show starts at 7:00 PM. The doors will open at 6:30 PM.

Buy Tickets

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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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