GratitudeAmerica Gets Heartfelt Boost From Heiser Foundation

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May 17, 2021

Flagler County, FL (May 17, 2021) GratitudeAmerica has long considered Flagler County as a home base since the first veteran’s retreat took place in Marineland, Florida.

Started as a way to help post 9/11 combat veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and other challenges associated with combat, the programs serving men and women in uniform have been a strong source of therapeutic healing and support for more than 1,500 veterans and their support persons since 2013.

Among the program’s supporters, Tom Heiser, whose own son was active duty military, has gone above and beyond to provide for GratitudeAmerica, hosting fundraisers and providing financial support to ensure those in need are able to attend the no cost, 4-day retreats in Flagler County.

On Friday, in conjunction with this weekend’s retreat, Heiser was able to present GratitudeAmerica with a donation on behalf of The Heiser Foundation for $160,000 to help with the new facility in development and sponsor upcoming retreats according to GratitudeAmerica’s executive director Michael Anthony.

“In 2020 they sponsored 12 veteran couples to attend a 4-day retreat in Palm Coast and then chose to sponsor four more retreats in 2021. This equates to over 125 veterans and their support persons being able to attend an immersive experience steeped in nature-based recreation and focused on post traumatic growth – all in Flagler County,” said Anthony.

“In addition to their five retreat sponsorships, The Heiser Foundation has donated $100,000 to GratitudeAmerica’s center for post traumatic growth in Macclenny, Florida. This center, located on 25 acres is bordered by the St. Mary’s River and will be the site of GratitudeAmerica’s Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Healing Heroes) Program. The veterans lodge and training center are dedicated to MSGT Michael Heiser and the Khobar 19 – Airmen who were killed in the terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers. Without The Heiser Foundation’s generous support, GratitudeAmerica could not have achieved these important milestones,” he said, reminding the public why the Heiser Foundation was created.

He was humbled and proud to be a steward of the generous donation.

“Tom Heiser, his family, and realty company have been one of our biggest supporters since GratitudeAmerica’s inception,” said Anthony. “They have personally raised many tens of thousands of dollars for GratitudeAmerica since 2012. The Heiser Foundation, I believe, saw how we effectively and efficiently used their initial donation and because of that good stewardship, I believe they wanted to invest more into combat veterans locally.”

“The Heiser Foundation was founded by my brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Fran Heiser, after losing their son from the bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia,” shared Tom Heiser.

“The Heiser Foundation provides economic assistance to individuals and to partner with other organizations to support and assist those that have suffered tragic losses. We place emphasis on, but not limited to, any military connections, specifically those left childless or those without a parent. We also offer support to organizations that perform services to local communities and award scholarships for educational advancement.”

“This year The Heiser Foundation earmarked funds to help Teens-in-Flight here in Flagler County, Service Dogs of Virginia, three Scholarships and GratititudeAmerica,” he said.

Home to more than 12,000 veterans, Flagler County has welcomed the veterans and the program with an open arms approach since 2013, offering up support and unique experiences that can only be found in the area.

“Marineland Dolphin Adventure has opened their doors to our veterans, free of charge, over 21 times so veterans and their support persons can experience the therapeutic nature of dolphins,” noted Anthony.

“Ripple Effect EcoTours, has shown veterans the beauty of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve with private kayak and electric boat tours since our founding. Mr. and Mrs. Davis, owners of Whispering Meadows Ranch have opened their doors since 2016 and offered equine therapy with a barbecue lunch all free for the veterans and their supporters,” he said. “Before COVID restrictions, Flagler County Transportation shuttled the retreat participants all over the county between the hotels and activities.

“We love the business and residents of Flagler County, because of their support, we have offered over 500 combat veterans and their support persons a chance to make peace with the past.”

The Big Five … with Anne Wilson, Community Activist

By

Flagler News Weekly

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May 17, 2021

This week’s The Big Five guest has been a staunch advocate for preservation and shares background on a hot button issue in Flagler County right now.

The Big Five with Anne Wilson

The Big Five Questions:

How long have you lived in Flagler County, specifically The Hammock, and what do you love about it?
As a founding member of the Scenic PRIDE organization, with a foundation in overseeing responsible development along this Old Florida section of A1A, why did you help start it?
Talk about the process of creating the scenic overlay, and what are the pillars of it? In layman’s terms, what was it designed to do?
What other unique characteristics are part of The Hammock and why are they important to protect? (Greenway, etc.)
By changing or “tweaking” the overlay, how is this opening up or setting a precedent to possibly lose the unique characteristics of the hammock area it was designed to protect?

Bonus: The warehouse issue is one such instance of setting a precedent by “defining” marina and warehouse. How does this become a slippery slope for future challenges to land use and existing protections in place?

Anne Wilson:

I moved to the Hammock in 1976 with my family. I was blown away by the natural beauty of the area. From the river to the pristine beaches and the oak forest, I had never experienced anything like it. Before moving to the Hammock, I had visited in 1970. At that time there were a handful of model homes in Palm Coast and a ferry took customers from AIA to the Welcome Center. The canals had been dredged and the land was raw and bare of vegetation. The lots were being aggressively marketed in the northeast and even overseas.

When Admiral Corporation (a subsidiary of ITT) started promoting plans to develop Hammock Dunes a number of residents in the Hammock became concerned that runaway development would privatize the beach and ruin the natural ambience of the area. A group called the Friends of the Barrier Island was formed to try to constrain the developer’s proposals. Some concessions were won in terms of density and open space. The developer was also required to donate a series of beach front parks and a Greenway along AIA.

In the late 80’s County officials heard about Florida’s scenic byway program and realized that Flagler County’s AIA highway was a natural candidate. Hammock residents who continued to worry that development pressures would not go away and would continue to threaten the Hammock lifestyle saw the Scenic Byway as a vehicle to protect and preserve the maritime oak forest, wildlife habitat, and native vegetation, and to prevent big box stores, strip malls, and clear cutting of land. To this end, a grass roots committee of interested citizens worked with Flagler County’s Planning Department to develop an award -winning overlay district which created higher standards of land development.

Even though it has been twenty years since the scenic byway was designated, the Hammock still has a core group of residents who cherish the unique characteristics of the Hammock and volunteer as stewards of their environment. Hence, the uproar over the current proposal to allow a boat storage business, stores, and restaurant on property on scenic AIA. The overlay district specifically bans warehouses and adjusting definitions of approved uses to sidestep the community’s efforts to contain unsightly development is a betrayal of the residents who have worked so hard to protect this area from irresponsible development.

Alpha Women’s Center Gets Helping Hand From Flagler Woman’s Club

By

Danielle Anderson

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May 16, 2021

truck2 — A team effort by Alpha Women's Center and the Flagler Woman's Club to "Stuff the Truck" on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Flagler Beach, FL (May 15, 2021) – They started dropping off items long before the truck arrived, but when members of the Alpha Women’s Center rolled up to the Flagler Woman’s Club on Saturday morning, the donations continued as residents pulled in, one after the other, to help “Stuff the Truck”.

Set to restock the Alpha Women’s Center Thrift Store, Ashley Smith, client services coordinator, says sales of the donated items help sustain the nonprofit women’s organization that offers support and necessities during times of unplanned or unexpected pregnancy.

Volunteers from Alpha Women’s Center help load up the donations during the “Stuff the Truck” event hosted by the Flagler Woman’s Club on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Working with clients of all ages, Smith was honored by the Flagler Woman’s Club’s selection of the nonprofit as one of a dozen supported annually through fundraising efforts and events hosted by local women.

“We are so grateful for the Flagler Woman’s Club,” she said. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to receive all of this and it’s how we survive. This is how we’re able to give back to the community, through the donations and generosity of people in the community.”

That give back includes helping expectant mothers with pricey necessities.

“After every class we give them diapers, wipes and articles of clothing. We also have toys and baby materials that we give them for attending parenting classes,” said Smith.

Helping with the heavy lifting, ten year volunteer John Spina spoke from the heart about serving and the center’s mission as he transferred donated goods from the trunks of vehicles into the box truck.

Volunteers received enough donations to fill a box truck to benefit the Alpha Women’s Center Thrift Store during the “Stuff the Truck” event hosted by the Flagler Woman’s Club on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

“Just saving the life of the unborn is so important to us. It means a lot,” he said. “Every baby that we save is a joy. It’s been a part of me for a long time and it’s a pleasure to serve with Alpha Women’s Center because I know what their cause is. The Lord has just been real good to us.”

After canceling their annual line up of events including the popular Guns N’ Hoses Chili Challenge, and their golf tournament, Flagler Woman’s Club member Barb MacReady was among those volunteering on Saturday morning and planning for the return of the club’s annual events, alongside “Stuff the Truck” event chairwoman Ceil Bell.

The life of the party, Barb MacReady (right) keeps everyone entertained during the “Stuff the Truck” event on Saturday, hosted by the Flagler Woman’s Club.

“It’s fabulous. We started at 10 o’clock and we’re going until 3. We had so many people pre-drop things that our back room here at the club was loaded with stuff,” Bell said proudly.

Donations included gently used bedding, kitchen ware, pots and pans, home décor. Others dropped off baby items including new packages of diapers and wipes.

“The Alpha Women’s Center counsels women who find themselves surprisingly pregnant and don’t know which way to turn. They counsel them on parenting and adoption. Their thrift store also has a baby boutique where mothers can go,” explained Bell.

Celebrating their 75^th year in operation, Fran Paslowski, a member since 1991 says the organization has raised and disbursed a considerable amount of funds back into the community over the years, and unique events like “Stuff the Truck” are helping bring members back to the clubhouse post COVID.

“I joined to be active and meet nice people,” she said. “Because of COVID normally we would be doing this in-house having a rummage sale, we’d make a lot of money that would turn around and go into the community. This is good for the club because it brings members who have been staying home and brought the people to the club, and made them active.”

Featured Photo: A team effort by Alpha Women’s Center and the Flagler Woman’s Club to “Stuff the Truck” on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Army of Hope Program Supports Active Duty Military Families Across Florida

By

Danielle Anderson

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May 16, 2021

rm and greg — Elks Florida State President Rudy Masi, Sr. and Flagler County Commissioner Greg Hansen attend the Army of Hope Picnic held at the Elks Lodge in Palm Coast on May 15, 2021.

Palm Coast, FL (May 15, 2021) – It’s a little known program that can have a huge impact for family members of the U.S. Armed Forces when emergencies strike, helping to alleviate some of the worry while active duty members are deployed and serving far from home.

Hosting the East Central Florida district Army of Hope picnic on Saturday, the Elks Lodge #2709 welcomed local and state dignitaries for the celebration that coincided with National Armed Forces Day on May 15^th.

A Florida Elks’ program, the Army of Hope has disbursed more than half a million dollars to families of active duty service members since its inception more than 10 years ago according to Jerry O’Gara, chair of the Central Florida District who has 43 lodges under his purview.

“Army of Hope is a major state project for Florida Elks that takes care of active military families. Where most veteran or military causes take care of those who have been discharged, disabled or deceased, we take care of active duty military families,” said O’Gara.

Not well known in the past, O’Gara says he’s working to make the Army of Hope program more visible for those in need and to those willing to help. He was humbled by the attendance of high profile dignitaries on Saturday.

“I just wanted to have it on the record that we had it,” he said with appreciation.

Among the guests, Elks Florida State President Rudy Masi, Sr. teared up when talking about the Elks’ programs to honor and support veterans and active duty military. Over the years they’ve included 3-day trips to Washington DC, and recognition for bringing the most WWII veterans to the 75^th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

“Elks not just in Florida, but all over the country say ‘As long as there’s a veteran, Elks will never forget them’ but Elks also do a lot for actively deployed military,” said Masi.

“Our Army of Hope helps with both – from issues with somebody to cut their grass to a house payment or somebody to talk to, we get out there and do it, same with the veterans, so we do both.”

While Masi has never served in the military, he remembers the Vietnam era vividly, and had goosebumps during the performance from the Coastal Florida Police & Fire Pipes and Drums, as part of the day’s program.

Photo courtesy Heather Thompson/HT Productions

“My draft number was 361 and I never would have gotten drafted,” he shared. “My whole life I’ve felt like I wanted to pay it back. Today was moving. Great memories, a lot of reflecting.”

He encourages everyone to thank a veteran or active duty service member.

“Thank them for their service,” he said. “We need to get back to focusing on what’s really meaningful, how were we founded, what are we here for. We wouldn’t have what we have today if it weren’t for those sacrifices.”

In a show of camaraderie, Bob Swink, chairman of the board at the Titusville lodge attended the event, noting the close proximity of Patrick Space Force Base and the Kennedy Space Center in his community, while paying homage to the large contingent of military families across Florida.

Titusville Elks Lodge Chairman of the Board Bob Swink joins Jerry O’Gara, Ellks Central Florida District Army of Hope Chairman to celebrate the picnic in Palm Coast on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

“The families across Florida are military families and so many of those people serving, the military doesn’t pay very well and are now living in housing or based off housing somewhere,” said Swink dropping a $100 donation off to help. “If they have problems with certain things like the car, appliances or something like that, we can help them out.”

In addition to showcasing the many programs offered by the Elks, the event was supported by members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Flagler County Emergency Management, and local elected officials.

Retired Navy, Flagler County Commissioner Greg Hansen delivered remarks during the event.

“We always try to take care of our own when we’re on active duty, but when we’re deployed for six months, there’s things that happen – the dryer breaks, the house floods, the refrigerator conks out, and organizations like this step in and fix it,” shared Hansen.

“The Army of Hope does good things. It’s a great program and we support it one hundred percent. It was an honor today to be able to speak.”

The Army of Hope support is open to ANY active duty military family in need across Florida, and the request for assistance form may be found here. To help support the Army of Hope fund, visit here.

Featured Photo: Elks Florida State President Rudy Masi, Sr. and Flagler County Commissioner Greg Hansen attend the Army of Hope Picnic held at the Elks Lodge in Palm Coast on May 15, 2021.

Fire Rescue, Emergency Management Open House Set for June 17th

By

Flagler News Weekly

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May 16, 2021

Flagler County’s departments of Fire Rescue, Emergency Management, and Growth Management will resume its community outreach program in June after more than a year long pause, as COVID-19 killed the best laid plans for 2020.

The open-house style event scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. June 17 at the Hidden Trails Community Center in Daytona North will provide information about the various programs and services available to residents.

“I will provide information about home fire safety inspections, and smoke detector battery exchange,” said Fire Marshal Jerry Smith. “We will also answer questions about Community Paramedicine.”

Flagler County Emergency Management will provide storm and disaster preparedness information, and register attendees for ALERTFlagler notifications. Growth Management staff will provide information about flood zone construction, and permitting requirements.

“I also plan to talk about flood insurance,” said Growth Management Director Adam Mengel. “Sometimes it’s required for a mortgage and sometimes it’s not, depending on if you are in a special flood hazard area. It’s a good idea to have it even if it’s not required.”

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Commander Mike Lutz will provide an update from the FCSO, as well as talk about safety initiatives like locking parked cars, and tips for preventing road rage incidents.

“We are pleased to be able to meet with the community after a long hiatus,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “We expect to be adding dates in the near future.”

Media Release: Flagler County Julie Murphy, MPIO

2021 FCSO Ceremony Pays Respects to Fallen Officers

By

Flagler News Weekly

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May 16, 2021

Saturday, May 15^th is the official Peace Officers Memorial Day. In tribute of this national day of remembrance the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) hosted the 2021 Fallen Officer Memorial and Candlelight Vigil on Thursday evening, May 13th. The event was held outside of the Flagler County Courthouse where participants were able to observe the service.

The Coastal Florida Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, St. John’s Sheriff’s Office, the Knights of Columbus, the FCSO Honor Guard, and FCSO Chaplains were all featured during the ceremony and paid tribute to fallen law enforcement officers near and far.

“In 2020, 362 extraordinary officers laid down their lives in service of others,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “These men and women ran toward danger instead of away from it. 18 of the officers that died in 2020 were from Florida. And, so far in 2021, 125 officers from around the country have died and 10 of those officers who were killed in the line of duty were from Florida. Memorial services like this one serves as a reminder of the price that is paid by some to keep the peace for many.”

The ceremony honored all law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The names of the five fallen law enforcement officers from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office were read aloud while family members of the fallen placed a single rose in front of the memorial banner. They are: Sheriff Perry Hall, End of Watch August 21, 1927; Deputy George “Son” Durrance, End of Watch August 24, 1927; Sheriff Homer Brooks, End of Watch March 23, 1965; Deputy Charles “Chuck” Sease, End of Watch July 5, 2003; and Sergeant Francesco “Frankie” Celico, End of Watch September 9, 2011.

Thank you to all who attended and shared in the 2021 FCSO Fallen Officers Memorial ceremony.

In case you missed it, video of the ceremony can be seen here:

https://www.facebook.com/flaglersheriff/videos/195257649089266

Video of the memorial video shown during the ceremony can be seen here:

https://fb.watch/5u9exqRz –s/

Media Release:

Date: May 15, 2021

Prepared by: Shannon Martin

Phone and Email: (386) 281-9733; martin@flaglersheriff.com Release #: 2021-109

Monopoly Champ Reclaims Title During Benefit Event

By

Danielle Anderson

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May 15, 2021

win u — Mr. Monopoly (Andy Dance) congratulates Andrew Dance, winner of the 2021 North Florida Monopoly Championship, held on Saturday evening at the Palm Coast 8696, to benefit Abundant Life Ministries, Hope House Inc.

Palm Coast, FL (May 15, 2021) – Returning to reclaim the title, Andrew Dance became the North Florida Monopoly Champion for the second time on Saturday evening, during a benefit hosted by Black Tie Events at the Palm Coast VFW 8696.

Winning the inaugural championship in 2019, Dance was eliminated in the first round in 2020, but returned in 2021 to recapture first place after a close finale against Chad Barker and Ty Maloney. Yes, there’s a strategy to winning but the lineman-in-training was tightlipped about his game plan after the event.

“Normally I just play a quick game at home with my family, and my strategy is to get them to play as fast as possible,” he shared. “I did lose to my sister at home last year and it was very sad, but I’ll brag to her when I get back. I love them putting on this competition and I love to come play.”

Finalists Andrew Dance, Ty Maloney and Chad Barker play the final round overseen by banker Sandy Bianchi (CenterState Bank) during the 2021 North Florida Monopoly Championship, held on Saturday evening at the Palm Coast 8696, to benefit Abundant Life Ministries, Hope House Inc.

Event organizer Lee Filipe, owner of Black Tie Events, has professionally produced corporate and nonprofit events for decades, and says she enjoys bringing together events that will benefit community organizations like Abundant Life Ministries Hope House, Inc., the evening’s beneficiary.

“The history with my doing Monopoly tournaments started with kids in foster care, working with an organization called The Adoption Exchange. They do Wednesday’s Child all over Nevada so that’s how it all started, and it’s come right back to the beginning of doing this event to help foster kids. It’s just so great,” said Filipe.

A festive evening celebrated by Sandra Shank and friends during the 2021 North Florida Monopoly Championship, held on Saturday evening at the Palm Coast 8696, to benefit Abundant Life Ministries, Hope House Inc.

Supported by sponsors including CenterState Bank, The Net by George, Texas Roadhouse, S.R. Perrott and more, Sandra Shank, CEO and founder of Abundant Life Ministries Hope House Inc., said that throughout COVID, she has continued to see blessings manifest, that have been returned in service to the community.

“We are so blessed to have been chosen by Black Tie Events to be the recipient of this year’s Monopoly Tournament fundraiser to benefit our organization and all the things that we’re doing in the community,” said Shank.

A longtime supporter of Shank’s work, which includes work with foster children, and more recently the opening of Phoenix Community Services, a medical center providing primary care as well as mental health and substance abuse services, former Flagler County School Board member and current Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance said he was proud to help out with the event, serving as the evening’s emcee, Mr. Monopoly.

“We’ve known each other for probably 20 years, so it’s a good opportunity to kind of give back, raise money for a lot of good causes. Abundant Life Ministries does a lot for the community,” said Dance.

Dominic and Kathy Austrino, Orjanette Bryant, Mr. Monopoly (Andy Dance) and Danielle Anderson attend the 2021 North Florida Monopoly Championship, held on Saturday evening at the Palm Coast 8696, to benefit Abundant Life Ministries, Hope House Inc.

Featured Photo: Mr. Monopoly (Andy Dance) congratulates Andrew Dance, winner of the 2021 North Florida Monopoly Championship, held on Saturday evening at the Palm Coast 8696, to benefit Abundant Life Ministries, Hope House Inc.

Taste of Ormond Returns on May 23rd

By

Flagler News Weekly

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May 15, 2021

Ormond Beach, FL – It’s time to get out and taste what Ormond Beach has to offer! TASTE OF ORMOND – everybody’s favorite foodie party – was delayed this year because of the pandemic. Now we’re looking forward to enjoying a great Sunday afternoon at the Pavilion at Destination Daytona on May, 23 from 4 pm – 7 pm.

Try a filet and goat cheese empanada with chimichurri sauce from Blau, a crispy chicken biscuit slider with honey bourbon hot sauce from Rose Villa Southern Table and Bar or a mini-cheesecake from Kneading More Sweets. Sample new tastes like vegan ginger sesame teriyaki bites from Future Foods or tuna crudo from SoNapa Grille. And don’t forget to save room for favorites like pork wings from Grind Gastropub and fresh sushi from Sushi 99. You can taste all this and so much more as two dozen of Ormond’s best restaurants and chefs join together for this 8^th annual Ormond Beach MainStreet fundraiser.

Ticket holders may sample as many restaurants as they like, and there is no additional charge for each food item. S.R. Perrott will offer a tasting area with wines and craft beers. Each table also receives 2 bottles of wine to share. Additional wine and beer is available for sale. Single tickets are only $75 per person, with VIP seating available for $85 per person. Tables seat up to 10 and can be purchased for $675 for regular seating or $775 for a VIP table. Sponsorships are still available.

Live music and a charity raffle round out the afternoon with plenty of time to relax, enjoy the afternoon and the company of friends.

Taste of Ormond is a fundraiser for Ormond Beach MainStreet, the local non-profit that works to grow and enliven Ormond’s core district along Granada Boulevard. The money raised at this event goes to help new local businesses with marketing grants, fund new initiatives for Historic Ormond Beach and bring new events, art, and entertainment into the district.

Single tickets and tables for Taste of Ormond are available online at buytickets.at/ormondbeachmainstreet or by contacting Ormond MainStreet at 386/492-2938. This event always sells out, so don’t delay. Please call the office for more information.

Media Release: Ormond MainStreet – Julia Trulio, Executive Director

Hammock Beach Resort Site of Upcoming Regional Job Fair

By

Danielle Anderson

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May 15, 2021

Job Seekers and Networkers!

Mark you calendar for the upcoming event on May 17, 2021. Hosted by Flagler Radio, Hammock Beach Resort, Spherion and more, employers from across the region will be on site to talk with applicants.

“The last hiring fair was so successful, we had several businesses request we do another one,” said Kirk Keller, director of sales for Flagler Broadcasting.

“Hammock Beach Resort and their huge wedding venue is the prefect place to do a May hiring fair. Since the health department has been extremely great at getting the county vaccinated, we thought what a great opportunity to also host a business exchange. Networking events are so vital to the survival of our mom and pop businesses, and it’s a great way to meet your fellow businesses,” he said.

Want a sneak peek?

The following opportunities are available according to St. Augustine/Palm Coast Spherion Branch Manage Danielle Silva.

“We at Spherion are so happy to be partnering with Flagler Radio on this Hiring Fair at the Hammock Beach Resort,” said Silva. “During this past year our community has seen so many uncertainties with employment in the area. We are so excited to have so many different types of positions which offer something for everyone. Anyone unhappy with their current work situation should come to the Hiring Fair because you can end up leaving with a new career path! ”

Flagler County

Admin positions (full & part time) paying $12 – $16 per hour

Machine Operators (ALL shifts) paying $12 -$14 per hour (no experience needed)

Assemblers (ALL shifts) paying $11 – $12.50 per hour (no experience needed)

Forklift Operators (1st shift) paying $13-$14 per hour

Customer Service (Full Time) paying $14 per hour

Financial Assistant (Full Charge Bookkeeper) $45K

Receptionist (full time) $12-$13 per hour (no experience needed)

Volusia County

Receptionist $13 – $14 per hour

Customer Service $12 per hour

Assemblers $11.00 – $12.00 per hour All Shifts

Production $11.00 – $11.40 per hour All Shifts

Medical Billing $14.00 – $15 per hour

Call Center $12 per hour

Warehouse $13 per hour 1st & 2nd Shift

Forklift $13 per hour 2nd Shift

Communication Specialist $45K

Transportation Engineer $50K

Press Operators $11 – $12 per hour 1st Shift

Production Technician $13 – $14 per hour 1st & 2nd Shift

Tool & Die $20 – $25

Machine Operators $12 per hour All Shifts

Flagler’s Tourism Office Revamps Grant Programs for Greater ROI

By

Flagler News Weekly

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May 15, 2021

Fireworks lit up the night in Flagler Beach on Thursday in celebration of Independence Day.

May 14, 2021 – Flagler County’s tourism office – Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches – has revamped its Special Events Marketing Grant and Capital Project Funding Program to achieve two objectives: potentially provide more funding to applicants, and to provide a greater return on investment using the Tourist Development Tax.

“These grant programs are now more aligned with what other tourism organizations are doing,” said Tourism Development Director Amy Lukasik, who noted that the grant revisions were a result of its 2019 Strategic Plan.

There are three major changes this year: there is a scoring system for better grant application analysis; the Special Events Marketing Grant has been opened up to provide more than the previous cap of $1250 per applicant; and, non-profits have been added to the eligibility for the Capital Project Funding Program that had been open solely to governmental agencies. The Capital Project Grant also lifted the previous funding cap of $150,000.

“We want to ensure we are successful at delivering a high level of economic impact and tourism promotional benefit in Flagler County,” Lukasik said. “This new application criteria will help us in achieving that.”

Special Event Marketing Grant

The Special Event Marketing Grant is intended to provide funding assistance to organizations for marketing of special events that promote Flagler County as a tourist destination. Funds must be used on expenditures associated with marketing and promotion of the event to visitors from outside the county. The goal is to increase the overall economic impact or overnight stays within Flagler County.

To qualify for funding, the event must take place between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022.

Applicants will be evaluated and scored in four categories based on the following criteria:

Commitment to the overall economic impact of Tourism Development in Flagler County – Evidence of the overall tourism economic impact by out-of-county visitors.
Event Marketing Plan – Includes strategies and opportunities for attracting visitors from out-of-county. Marketing plan is thorough, well-defined and realistic.
Soundness of Special Event – Event clearly defines event objectives, funding sources and overall budget.
Stability and Management Capacity – Proven record or demonstrated capacities to effectively plan, organize and implement a unique and high quality Special Event.

The deadline for application submittal is June 11, 2021. Additional information, including complete grant guidelines and application, is available at https://www.visitflagler.com/partners/funding-programs/special-event-marketing-grant/.

Capital Project Funding Program

Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches Capital Project Funding Program is intended to provide partnership funding for projects that best use the Tourist Development Tax to deliver a high level of economic benefit or overall high promotional benefit to the community’s profile and enhance Flagler County’s economy.

Who qualifies to apply?

Applicant must be either:

A local government organization (county, municipality, school board) located in Flagler County, or
An organization that is a not-for-profit and open to the public located in Flagler County.

How much can be applied for?

Applicants must contribute a cash match in a minimum ratio of one dollar matching funds to one dollar Capital Project Funding Program funds (1:1). Matching Funds may not include grants from other state or local governments. Total available funding to be awarded is $739,158.

What is the criteria?

Criteria that will be utilized to evaluate these funding requests include:

Return on investment of TDC funds
Results from Capital Project Impact Model
Results from Tourism Economic Impact Study (if applicable)
Useful life of project
Planning and readiness of project commencement
Frequency of use and primary purpose to promote tourism
Applicant contribution or match
Stability and management capacity
Soundness of proposed project
Detailed financial projections demonstrating solid business

The deadline for application submittal is June 10, 2022. Additional information, including complete grant guidelines and application, is available at https://www.visitflagler.com/partners/funding-programs/capital-project-funding-program/.

Flagler County currently collects a 5% Tourist Development Tax (aka Bed Tax) on all overnight tourism accommodations in the County. This tax is levied on customers of hotels, motels, condominiums, campgrounds, apartments, and private homes that rent accommodations for less than six months in duration. The purpose of the tax, as outlined in Section 125.0104, Florida Statutes, is to provide funds to implement programs to increase the amount of tourist activity in counties within Florida.

Media Release: Flagler County, Julie Murphy MPIO

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