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Phemotron Systems Corp Triumphs at SATELLITE 2025 Startup Space Pitch Competition

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Pictured (L-R): Jeffrey Hill, Satellite2025 Chair; Leslie Giscombe, President Phemotron Systems; Dr. Femi Ishola, Founder/CEO Phemotron Systems; Rafferty Jackson, Founder/CEO Jack Industries; Aubry Williams, Satellite2025 Director

Washington, D.C., March 13, 2025 – Phemotron Systems Corp, a pioneering aerospace technology company, is proud to announce its victory at the prestigious Startup Space pitch competition, held during the SATELLITE 2025 Conference & Exhibition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on March 11, 2025.

Phemotron Systems made history by becoming the first African American space startup to win this distinguished award in the competition’s nine-year history. The company’s groundbreaking technology, led by founder and CEO Dr. Femi Ishola, captivated the judges with its innovative AI-MotherBox-1, a 12U small CubeSat platform with a high-performance AI engine designed to execute data-gathering tasks at unprecedented speeds. This cutting-edge technology promises to revolutionize satellite communication and data processing, offering enhanced capabilities for a variety of applications.

Dr. Femi Ishola, Founder and CEO of Phemotron Systems, was named the winner of the 9th annual Startup Space Competition. Femi competed against nine other global startups in a five-minute pitch contest judged by the most active investors in space.

Phemotron Systems is a multinational space company with operations in Nigeria, Japan, and the USA. It is developing and aiming to launch a 12U small satellite (CubeSat) platform called the AI-MotherBox-1, which is equipped with a high-performing AI engine that can execute data-gathering tasks at superior speeds than conventional CubeSats. The AI-MotherBox-1 artificial intelligence is capable of learning and adapting to the dynamic space environment in the low-earth orbit.

“This was the most competitive Startup Space pitch event we’ve held in our nine-year history. Dr. Femi Ishola delivered a fantastic pitch highlighting how Phemotron Systems’ CubeSat could potentially utilize existing ground infrastructure in Africa to distribute analytics and critical data to various customers. He also explained how his company’s partnerships put it in a unique position to find success in Africa’s geopolitical landscape,” said Jeffrey Hill, SATELLITE 2025 Executive Chair. “This is a well-deserved win for Dr. Ishola and the Phemotron Systems team. Congratulations to them and to all of the competitors who participated in this year’s pitch event at SATELLITE 2025. We look forward to next year’s competition, when we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Startup Space!”

Dr. Ishola, a distinguished aerospace engineer with a global academic and professional background, expressed his gratitude during his acceptance speech, dedicating the award to aspiring innovators from Africa. “This is a testament that you can do it,” he remarked, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams in the aerospace sector.

Pictured (L-R): Jeffrey Hill, Satellite2025 Chair; Leslie Giscombe, President Phemotron Systems; Dr. Femi Ishola, Founder/CEO Phemotron Systems; Rafferty Jackson, Founder/CEO Jack Industries; Aubry Williams, Satellite2025 Director

In attendance was the President and Chief Business Officer, Leslie F. Giscombe, who expressed his enthusiasm for Phemotron’s continued growth and success in the industry.

Phemotron Systems operates across the United States, Japan, and Nigeria, focusing on the potential of small satellites and providing advanced engineering technologies and services in space, aviation, and ground domains. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability underscores its mission to shape the future of space and its benefits to the continent of Africa.

The Startup Space competition, now in its ninth year, offers emerging entrepreneurs a platform to showcase transformative ideas, connect with industry leaders, and gain essential resources for success. Phemotron Systems’ achievement highlights its dedication to advancing aerospace technology and contributing to the global space industry.

Contact: Phemotron Systems Corp.
Email: info@phemotron.com
Website: www.phemotron.com

Registration Now Open for 2025 Palm Coast State of the City

By
Danielle Anderson
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Palm Coast, FL – The City of Palm Coast is pleased to invite all residents to attend the 2025 State of the City Address. This annual event will take place on Thursday, April 10 at the Palm Coast Community Center, located at 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The presentation will provide a comprehensive report on the “State of the City,” focusing heavily on this year’s theme, ‘Charting the Course: Strength and Stability.’ Key topics will include economic development, public safety, and the vision for the year ahead. The evening will feature remarks from local public safety leadership, including Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly.

The State of the City address is free and open to the public. However, due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to reserve their seats by visiting the registration website.

Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. for the event. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on the City of Palm Coast’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@PalmCoastFL and will be viewable afterward on the channel.

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.

FCSO: Deputies Save Man Attempting to Jump Off I-95 Overpass

By
FCSO Public Affairs Officer
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BUNNELL, Fla. — The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office led a multi-agency effort to save a man who was threatening to jump off the Interstate 95 overpass bridge above State Road 100 in Palm Coast.

On the afternoon of March 18, 2025, the FCSO Communications Center received multiple calls reporting that an adult male was sitting on the overpass bridge. According to the callers, the male was drinking, making obscene gestures at passing drivers, and motioning that he was going to jump.

Deputies responded to the scene, followed by members of the Florida Highway Patrol, Flagler County Fire Rescue, Palm Coast Fire Department, and Flagler Beach Police Department.

Deputies shut down I-95 and SR 100 in all directions and began rerouting traffic while the FCSO Crisis Negotiations Team established contact with the male. Crisis negotiators spoke with the male while firefighters brought up a ladder truck beneath the overpass. Following a lengthy conversation, deputies and firefighters assisted the male from the overpass and onto a fire department bucket lift. Once secured, deputies placed the male into protective custody under a Baker Act, and he was transported to Stewart-Marchman for treatment. Previously, the same individual made the same threat at Palm Coast Parkway and I-95.

“I am thankful to see this situation was resolved safely with no one getting hurt,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I hope that this guy is able to get the help he needs. This rescue was truly a team effort. Thanks to our deputies’ quick response, our well-trained Crisis Negotiations Team, and coordination with our partner agencies, we saved a life today. It is unfortunate that so many drivers were delayed but the important part is a life was saved.”­­

Members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Flagler County Fire Rescue, Palm Coast Fire Department, and Flagler Beach Police Department respond to a suicidal male at the I-95 overpass over State Road 100.

Sheriff Staly and FCSO remind residents that there are numerous resources available in Flagler County for those struggling with mental health, and help is always available for those who need it. Get help by contacting Flagler Cares at 386-319-9483 or contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org.

Sheriff Rick Staly debriefs with deputies after the male was rescued and placed into protective custody.

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Welcome Home! NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Back on Earth After Science Mission

By
Flagler News Weekly
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NASA Space X Crew-9. Photo: NASA

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 completed the agency’s ninth commercial crew rotation mission to the International Space Station on Tuesday, splashing down safely in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, in the Gulf of America.

NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth at 5:57 p.m. EDT. Teams aboard SpaceX recovery vessels retrieved the spacecraft and its crew. After returning to shore, the crew will fly to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and reunite with their families.

“We are thrilled to have Suni, Butch, Nick, and Aleksandr home after their months-long mission conducting vital science, technology demonstrations, and maintenance aboard the International Space Station,” said NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro. “Per President Trump’s direction, NASA and SpaceX worked diligently to pull the schedule a month earlier. This international crew and our teams on the ground embraced the Trump Administration’s challenge of an updated, and somewhat unique, mission plan, to bring our crew home. Through preparation, ingenuity, and dedication, we achieve great things together for the benefit of humanity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible from low Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars.”

NASA Space X Crew-9. Photo: NASA

Hague and Gorbunov lifted off at 1:17 p.m. Sept. 28, 2024, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The next day, they docked to the forward-facing port of the station’s Harmony module. Williams and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft and United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on June 5, 2024, from Space Launch Complex 41 as part of the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test. The duo arrived at the space station on June 6. In August, NASA announced the uncrewed return of Starliner to Earth and integrated Wilmore and Williams as part of the space station’s Expedition 71/72 for a return on Crew-9. The crew of four undocked at 1:05 a.m. Tuesday to begin the trip home.

Williams and Wilmore traveled 121,347,491 miles during their mission, spent 286 days in space, and completed 4,576 orbits around Earth. Hague and Gorbunov traveled 72,553,920 miles during their mission, spent 171 days in space, and completed 2,736 orbits around Earth. The Crew-9 mission was the first spaceflight for Gorbunov. Hague has logged 374 days in space over his two missions, Williams has logged 608 days in space over her three flights, and Wilmore has logged 464 days in space over his three flights.

Throughout its mission, Crew-9 contributed to a host of science and maintenance activities and technology demonstrations. Williams conducted two spacewalks, joined by Wilmore for one and Hague for another, removing a radio frequency group antenna assembly from the station’s truss, collecting samples from the station’s external surface for analysis, installing patches to cover damaged areas of light filters on an X-ray telescope, and more. Williams now holds the record for total spacewalking time by a female astronaut, with 62 hours and 6 minutes outside of station, and is fourth on the all-time spacewalk duration list.

The American crew members conducted more than 150 unique scientific experiments and technology demonstrations between them, with over 900 hours of research. This research included investigations on plant growth and quality, as well as the potential of stem cell technology to address blood diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancers. They also tested lighting systems to help astronauts maintain circadian rhythms, loaded the first wooden satellite for deployment, and took samples from the space station’s exterior to study whether microorganisms can survive in space.

The Crew-9 mission was the fourth flight of the Dragon spacecraft named Freedom. It also previously supported NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4, Axiom Mission 2, and Axiom Mission 3. The spacecraft will return to Florida for inspection and processing at SpaceX’s refurbishing facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, where teams will inspect the Dragon, analyze data on its performance, and begin processing for its next flight.

The Crew-9 flight is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, and its return to Earth follows on the heels of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 launch, which docked to the station on March 16, beginning another long-duration science expedition.

The goal of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program is safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the space station and low Earth orbit. The program provides additional research time and has increased opportunities for discovery aboard humanity’s microgravity testbed for exploration, including helping NASA prepare for human exploration of the Moon and Mars.

Learn more about NASA’s Commercial Crew Program at:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak … Hiring Key Leaders

By
Dr. Joe Saviak
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Hiring a CEO or key leaders or promoting people to top leadership roles are profoundly consequential decisions. The right choice results in unprecedented success. The wrong call can set an organization back decades.

Hire or promote slowly. Hire and promote for integrity and performance only. Adhere to objective evidence and avoid subjective and personal biases or irrational reasoning. Have a model process and allow it to work. Seek the input and insights of many. It will confirm a sound choice or avoid a disastrous decision.

A professional, disciplined, comprehensive, strategic, and evidence-based recruitment and hiring process seeking the best pool of top tier internal and external candidates leads to positive outcomes. Know your mission, goals, objectives, culture, and team and who you need to excel with all of them.

Your reputation enables you to attract a pool of high-quality candidates. You should have also developed a team of leaders in the organization ready for greater challenges.

Employ a search process guaranteed to locate, interest, and engage talented leaders of integrity. Look at your mission, goals, objectives, culture, and team and specifically advertise and recruit for leaders who match them. Position advertisements can’t be long generic wish lists. They are highly specific based upon the organization’s mission, goals, objectives, culture, and team.

Collect a lot of information from many different sources and create numerous different opportunities for quality interaction with the candidates and your diverse set of key internal and external stakeholders. Listen to and learn from employees and others who interact with the candidates.

Dysfunctional organizations resort to rapid hiring, snap promotions, and fraudulent or make-believe searches. They allow a single person to handpick their successor with no input from anyone else. They rig the game to get their personally preferred candidate.

Their reputation stops gifted leaders of integrity from ever applying. They allow friendships, family, personal likes or dislikes, being confident they can completely control the person, or any other non-evidentiary or illogical factor unrelated to performance and integrity to drive the decision. They write personal checks on the company account. Subjective biases replace objective evidence.

They don’t listen. In fact, they don’t want to hear it. They will pick a CEO over the objections of most employees, key investors, and plenty of customers pointing to the person’s total lack of qualifications for the role.

In the end, both high performing and failing organizations get what they want. Recruit, hire, evaluate, and promote for performance and integrity and you will get it. Decide on your leaders like it will strongly impact the careers and lives of many good people because it will. Choose them like the very survival of the company is at stake because it is (Abrashoff, 2002; Blanchard, 2011; Collins, 2001; Drucker, 2001; Grant, 2017; Kotter, 2012; Lencioni, 2012; Maxwell, 1998; Welch, 2005).

#LeadershipLessonsWithDrSaviak

Palm Coast City Council Business Meeting on March 18, at 9 a.m.

By
Shannon Martin
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City Council Business Meeting on March 18, at 9 a.m.
Topics Include Proclamations, Utility Rate Amendment, Accepting the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2024, 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 Business Meeting on Tuesday, March 18, at 9 a.m. will be as follows:
Proclamations
The following proclamations will be presented:
  1. March 21, 2025, as World Down Syndrome Awareness Day
Minutes
The following minutes will be approved:
  1. March 4, 2025, Business Meeting
  2. March 7, 2025, Special Workshop Meeting
  3. March 11, 2025, Workshop Meeting
Ordinances Second Read
The following ordinances will be presented:
  1. The Stormwater and Engineering Department will present an ordinance amending utility rates to ensure sufficient revenue for system operation, maintenance, and expansion. Following the first reading on March 4, 2025, City Council directed modifications to the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan based on removing the second bond. This ordinance follows a Utility Gap Analysis by Raftelis and a Water & Wastewater Revenue Study by Stantec, addressing financial sustainability and regulatory compliance
Resolutions
The following resolutions will be presented:
  1. The Financial Services Department will present a resolution accepting the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. The report, audited by James Moore & Co., P.L., will be presented by Webb Sheppard, CPA, for City Council review and acceptance.
  2. The Parks and Recreation Department will present a resolution approving the Cultural Art Grants for Fiscal Year 2024-2925. In partnership with the Flagler County Cultural Council (FC3), the City has reviewed 13 applications and recommended funding for 11 organizations to support arts, history, and cultural programs in Palm Coast.
  3. The Parks and Recreation Department will present a resolution approving renaming the show tennis court at the Southern Recreation Center to the Friends of Tennis Court. This renaming honors the Friends of Tennis, contributing to the facility’s growth and Palm Coast’s reputation as a tennis destination. The Beautification and Environmental Advisory Committee (BEAC) unanimously approved this request on January 23, 2025.
  4. The Parks and Recreation Department will present a resolution approving the renaming of the Community Wing at City Hall to the Jon Netts Community Wing in honor of former Mayor Jon Netts. Netts served on the City Council for over 15 years and played a key role in Palm Coast’s early development. The Beautification and Environmental Advisory Committee (BEAC) unanimously approved this request on January 23, 2025.
Consent
The following consent items will be presented:
  1. The Stormwater and Engineering Department will present a resolution approving the vacation of platted streets-Parkgate Boulevard, Sliding Court, and Park within Palm Coast Park, Tracts 18 and 20. This is necessary for the Maintenance Operations Center (MOC) development, ensuring the project remains on schedule and aligned with the Master Plan.
  2. The Stormwater and Engineering Department will present a resolution approving a master price agreement with Waste Management Inc. of Florida and LCD of Flagler, Inc. for citywide debris disposal. This agreement covers the disposal of debris from public property and rights-of-way at local landfills, supporting routine maintenance operations.
  3. The Stormwater & Engineering Department will present a resolution approving a work order and expenses of $589,822 for the Indian Trails Sports Complex baseball field lighting. This includes lighting installation and materials for fields 5-8, utilizing a Sourcewell contract with Musco Sports Lighting and installation by Palmetto under a continuing services agreement.
  4. The Stormwater & Engineering Department will present a resolution approving a $90,000 work order with LTG, Inc. for design services related to the Palm Coast Parkway Streetlight Project. This project, part of the City’s Continuous Streetlight Master Plan, will enhance roadway illumination along the NE and SE segments of Palm Coast Parkway between Florida Park Drive and Palm Harbor Parkway, ensuring compliance with urban arterial lighting standards.
  5. The Stormwater & Engineering Department will present a resolution approving Master Services Agreements with Ardaman & Associates, Inc. and Connect Consulting, Inc. for Professional Hydrogeological Services. These agreements will support the Utility Department with water source development, well design, aquifer performance tests, and related services on an as-needed basis, aiding in the expansion of infrastructure for substantial growth. Work orders will be presented to the City Council as required for specific projects.
  6. The Stormwater & Engineering Department will present a resolution approving a Piggyback Contract with Omnia Partner and Lowe’s Home Centers LLC for maintenance, repair, and operation supplies, equipment, and services as needed. This agreement will utilize existing competitive bid pricing, offering cost savings and eliminating the need for the City to conduct a separate bidding process. The contract will run through October 31, 2027, and the City staff will make purchases based on the budgeted funds as needed.
  7. The Information Technology Department will present a resolution approving the Updated Wireless Master Plan. This revision updates the original plan adopted in 2018, reflecting changes in property selection criteria and removing references to Diamond Towers. The updated plan now focuses solely on city-owned properties, with 17 properties considered for wireless communication facilities. Additionally, the City Manager (or designee) will have the authority to remove properties from the plan, if necessary, while adding properties will remain under City Council’s approval. This update ensures better cellular coverage and supports the City’s communication needs.
 
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.
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.

Stage Magic Takes Students from The Fitz to Broadway

By
Danielle Anderson
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PALM COAST, Fla. – There was no shortage of enthusiasm as Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez gathered in the Black Box of the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center on Thursday evening for a private meet and greet with the students selected as part of her back up choir.

Eager to show off their talents and pay homage to the performer, the young vocalists teamed up in groups to sing portions of a song from Hamilton, while others softly sang snippets for the songstress as she autographed books from her ‘Fearless’ young adult series.

Andy Hicks

“It’s just a really great opportunity to get to sing with someone like her. Her story, her background, it just inspires me so much, and it’s a privilege and an honor to sing with her,” said Buddy Taylor Elementary School seventh grader Andy Hicks.

One of two young men selected to perform, Hicks said it was a great honor for him, and something he will never forget.

The opportunity for students to perform with Gonzalez is something she is doing on her national tour and during her show she offered her gratitude to the students as parents throughout the performing arts center recorded the moments on cell phones.

Amelia Fulmer, Mandy Gonzalez, Ann Paris and the students.

Connecting students to professional opportunities is a vital part of the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center at Flagler Auditorium’s mission.

Director Amelia Fulmer, a career music teacher, has made it her mission to put arts in the spotlight across Flagler County. Working with Ann Paris of the Flagler Performing Arts Academy, the pair helped oversee the auditions for the Mandy Gonzalez show.

“You don’t know how it’s going to go because we brought kids in from everywhere. They are so excited and so well prepared. It’s been really great,” said Fulmer, giving a nod to retuning Flagler Palm Coast High School alumni Nicole Tilton Gross.

Gonzalez, a top name among high school and college age performers, has held leading roles in Broadway shows including the smash hits “Wicked”, “In the Heights”, and “Hamilton”. Fulmer understands the impact an interaction with professional performers can have on a student’s life.

“How many of them, if they went to New York would actually get to sing with Mandy Gonzalez? Would they actually talk to Mandy Gonzalez? No. She’s on Broadway. One of the stagehands actually saw her on stage as Elphaba (in Wicked), and she’s totally fangirling,” shared Fulmer.

Setting the expectation for excellence, Paris and the students warmed up with Gonzalez during the sound check, allowing them to experience the professional side of the career they are pursuing.

“I’m hoping it will really get them to pay attention when we do sight reading in class. If you want to be a musician, you need to be a musician. It’s a serious business. It’s fun but work too,” said Paris.

Gonzalez proved why students were so excited to work with her during her performance, with warm, friendly banter, life stories, and rich, pure vocals, that are nearly unmatched on the Fitzgerald Performing Arts stage.

Drawing students from as far away as Winter Park and St. Augustine, by the end of the night, there was magic in the air as they lent their voices to “Fearless” and “Firework”, closing the show with a standing ovation.

Celebrate Spring at the Palm Coast Egg’Stravaganza

By
Shannon Martin
-

Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast invites residents and visitors to get ready for a morning of fun, laughter, and egg-citement at the City of Palm Coast’s annual Egg’Stravaganza on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Avenue. This beloved spring tradition promises a variety of activities the whole family will enjoy!

Attendees can look forward to arts and crafts, face painting, carnival games, and more! Capture a special moment with the Easter Bunny, with free photo opportunities using your own camera. Souvenir photos will also be available for purchase for just $2.

During the event, local businesses and organizations will host interactive booths where children can participate in fun activities and earn Easter eggs as prizes. The Carnival Midway is packed with exciting games where everyone wins eggs! Plus, this year, more golden eggs will be hidden around Town Center, each containing special prizes, so be sure to arrive early to find one!

“This year’s Egg’Stravaganza promises to be even better than the last, thanks to our amazing community partners,” said James Hirst, City of Palm Coast Parks and Recreation Director. “This event is all about bringing our community together and creating lifelong memories. Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting for the weekend, we invite you to join us for a morning of springtime fun!”

The City of Palm Coast welcomes local businesses and organizations to be part of this fantastic event! If you’d like to run a booth, simply provide a fun activity or craft, and we’ll supply the eggs. For more information on how to participate, please contact kthrone@palmcoastgov.com.

Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for an unforgettable morning at Egg’Stravaganza 2025!

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

One Night Only: Mandy Gonzalez at The Fitz Tonight

By
Danielle Anderson
-

ABOUT THE SHOW

Mandy Gonzalez is an accomplished film, TV, and stage actor and author. She possesses one of the most powerful and versatile contemporary voices of our time. Mandy has starred on Broadway in the megahit Hamilton as Angelica Schuyler. She also originated Nina Rosario in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, In The Heights, for which Mandy received a Drama Desk Award. Mandy also starred as Elphaba in the Broadway production of Wicked, blowing the roof off of New York’s Gershwin Theatre each night as she belted out the signature song, “Defying Gravity.”

Mandy also received an OBIE Award and overwhelming critical praise for her performance in the Off-Broadway production of Eli’s Comin’. Television viewers have had the pleasure of seeing Mandy in her recurring roles in the hit series “Madam Secretary” and “Bull”, and alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short in “Only Murders in the Building.” Equally at home on the big and small screen, she has appeared in “Across the Universe,” directed by Julie Taymor, “After,” starring opposite Pablo Schreiber, and “Man on a Ledge” with Sam Worthington. Mandy can also be heard as the voice of Mei in Disney’s “Mulan 2.”

U.S. Senator Rick Scott Announces U.S. Service Academy Applications Are Now Open

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

Each year, I have the great honor of nominating some of Florida’s incredible young men and women to attend our nation’s U.S. Service Academies. As a Navy veteran myself, I appreciate those interested in serving our nation, and am grateful for the opportunity to support young Floridians eager to attend our service academies and serve their country.

This year, I need your help in identifying our state’s best young leaders! Please share this message HERE or below with any eligible and interested students.

Learn more about the nomination process HERE.

Sincerely,

Rick Scott

United States Senator

About Academy Nominations:
All members of Congress are authorized by law to nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. Service Academies. These schools include the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. In addition to requesting a nomination from a Member of Congress, or another nominating official, an individual seeking appointment to a service academy must separately apply to the service academies to which he or she seeks to be appointed.

To learn more about my nomination process, please read the information below and visit my website HERE.

Please find more information and frequently asked questions below, or on Senator Scott’s website HERE. For additional questions, please contact our office at Nominations@rickscott.senate.gov.

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Q: What are the eligibility requirements?
A:To qualify for a service academy, an applicant must meet all of the eligibility criteria required by the respective service academy, including the following:

Citizenship: U.S. citizen or national;
Must be a Florida resident;
Age: At least 17 years of age and not yet 23 years old on July 1 of the year the applicant would enter an academy (25 years old for USMMA);
Dependent Status: Unmarried; Not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents
Meet the academic, physical, medical, and all other eligibility requirements of the respective service academies
—

Q. What documents are required in my nomination application?
A. The following documents must be completed and received by our office no later than Friday, September 26, 2025:
Completed and Submitted Questionnaire;
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation;
Headshot;
Unofficial High School Transcript;
If you’ve completed any courses at a college or university, please include unofficial transcripts for each of the academic institutions attended.
SAT/ACT Scores;
To directly submit your SAT/ACT test scores to Senator Rick Scott’s office, please use the SAT test code of 0220 and ACT test code of 7118. Please note, it takes approximately six weeks for our office to receive official scores. Our office must receive SAT/ACT test scores from the testing agency by September 26, 2025. To provide equal opportunity for all applicants, we will not accept any late submissions.
—

Q. What is the timeline for the nomination process?
A. All application materials must be submitted by Friday, September 26, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.

To ensure your materials are considered for review, please submit all required materials through the online application portal available HERE.

Please note, all other methods of submission will not be accepted.

Below you will find the official timeline for our nomination process. We expect all applicants to plan accordingly to meet all posted deadlines.

March 10, 2025 Application portal opens
September 26, 2025 Deadline to submit application and required materials
Week of October 13, 2025 Students notified of interview status via email
October 25, 2025
In-person Interviews conducted (Tampa)
November 2025 through December 31, 2025:
Nomination selections made
January 31, 2026: Deadline for Congressional Nomination Submissions to U.S. Service Academies
—

Q: How do I submit my application and the required documents?
A: All application materials must be directly uploaded to your online application profile. No other methods of submission with be considered, including sending to our office through any mail carrier services.

Access your online application profile HERE.

—

Q: Is my application complete and submitted?

A: To determine the status of your application, please log into your online application portal. To complete your application, please ensure you’ve submitted each of the application requirements including your questionnaire, two letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, official test scores and profile photo.

Completed checklist requirements will be indicated with a checkmark and the statuses “Complete” or “Received”. If your online application portal lists one of these requirements as “Incomplete” or “Not Submitted” your application isn’t finalized. To maintain eligibility for further consideration, you are encouraged to complete all of the application requirements by the September 26, 2025 deadline.

If you have fulfilled each requirement, your application is considered submitted. Please note, you may receive automated reminder emails throughout the remainder of the application cycle. If college/university transcripts or “enlisted only” documents do not apply to you, then you are not required to submit documentation as they are listed as optional.

You may receive reminder emails throughout the remainder of the application cycle.

Please allow our office until October 13, 2025 to deliver initial decision notices on the status of your application. Due to the competitive nature of this statewide process applicants are not guaranteed an interview.

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Q: If I am a rising Junior, can I apply?
A: We are currently accepting applications for rising seniors (high school graduating class of 2026) or high school graduates for the 2025-2026 U.S. Congressional Nomination cycle.

If you are a rising junior (high school graduating class of 2027), we recommend that you prepare for the 2026-2027 U.S. Congressional Nomination cycle.

For more information, please visit our website HERE.

Please note, application requirements, timelines, and processes are subject to change for each U.S. Congressional Nomination cycle.

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Q: I have completed and submitted my questionnaire. What is the next step in the process?

A: Please allow our office until a minimum of the week of October 13th, 2025 to deliver initial decision notices on the status of your application. Please note, due to the competitive nature of this statewide process applicants are not guaranteed an interview. Applicants will be contacted via e-mail regarding interview status. Please be sure to add nominations@rickscott.senate.gov to your contact list to ensure our emails are not going to your spam folder.

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Q: When will interviews be held?

A: Applicants will be notified via e-mail the week of October 13th, 2025 if they received an interview. Interviews will be conducted in-person on October 25th, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Q: Can I apply for a nomination through other congressional offices?

A: Yes. Due to the limited number of nominations available to each Senator, we strongly encourage applicants to apply for a service nomination through U.S. Senator Ashley Moody’s office and their local member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Please find your local congressional office at the U.S. House of Representative’s website HERE.

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Q: Which U.S. Service Academies require a congressional nomination?

A: These schools include the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

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Q: I am interested in the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Where can I find more information regarding USCGA admissions process?

A: Please find information regarding the U.S. Coast Guard Academy HERE and please find your USCGA admission officer HERE. Please reach out directly to the Academy for questions regarding USCGA admissions.

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Q: What are the Active Duty requirements?
A: Enlisted applicants will complete the same application process. Enlisted applicants may be required to submit additional requirements based on their preferred academy.

Please review your preferred academies’ additional requirements for enlisted applicants.

U.S. Naval Academy
U.S. Military Academy
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
U.S. Air Force Academy
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If you have any additional questions, please contact our office at Nominations@rickscott.senate.gov.

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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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