Flagler Schools Celebrate Career and Technical Education Month in Florida

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February 25, 2021

ftc — Instructor Frank Santana, Curriculum Specialist for Flagler Schools Kay Barnett, Director of Flagler Technical College Renee Stauffacher and Student Services Manager Lynn Taillon, celebrate the proclamation issued by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recognizing February as Career Technical Education Month in Florida, on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.

Flagler County, FL – Ready to help accelerate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ goal of having the number one workforce in the nation by 2030, members of the Flagler Schools’ team were on hand Tuesday evening during the regular school board meeting not only to acknowledge the governor’s proclamation recognizing February as Career and Technical Education Month in Florida, but to share some of the district’s program successes.

Highlighting both the opportunities at Flagler Technical College to earn trade certificates in areas of high demand, while noting the reimplementation of the HVAC and electrical contractor certification programs, the presentation also showcased, by way of student testimonials, the dual enrollment opportunities to help fast track students from classrooms to careers.

“Our goal at Flagler Technical College is to connect career and technical education programs on the K-12 level with post-secondary options for our students, right here in Flagler County,” said FTC director Renee Stauffacher, who works closely with Kay Barnett CTE curriculum specialist for Flagler Schools, to achieve the district’s goals.

Among those assisting with this mission, Frank Santana has been a member of the Flagler Schools’ family for two decades, but it’s his newest course work that had Barnett spotlighting the instructor during the presentation.

Nabbing a $1,500 grant from the Volusia Manufacturers Association to help the program, students under the tutelage of Santana now have the opportunity as part of the advanced manufacturing program to learn what he deemed “skills to pay the bills”, while becoming a CPT – certified production technician.

“What I’m bringing to the table are skills to the kids, that if they’re not planning on going to college, it’s one of those things where we’ve got a captured audience, so those kids have an opportunity now to learn a skill that they can use almost immediately after school,” said Santana.

“We’re prepping them for the workforce, so right after school they can go to work either as an apprentice and get more training or to a technical school if they want,” he said.

Tying the opportunities together from K-12 on to higher education based on the “Get There Florida” plan launched statewide in September 2020, Barnett said students in Flagler County have many choices when considering a career path.

“It’s no longer either or,” when it comes to a bachelor’s degree or a trade certification explained Barnett.

“We are letting our students have opportunities that give them the step up, the smart start for going into the future,” she said.

“A lot of folks who have gotten bachelor’s degrees have gone back for a certificate for training, for licensure because the job market is shifting, and I think that’s something we’ll continue to see in the future.”

Read Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Proclamation: http://www.fldoe.org/…/5398/urlt/CTEMonthProc-19.pdf

Pictured: Instructor Frank Santana, Curriculum Specialist for Flagler Schools Kay Barnett, Director of Flagler Technical College Renee Stauffacher and Student Services Manager Lynn Taillon, celebrate the proclamation issued by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recognizing February as Career Technical Education Month in Florida, on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.

FB3 First Quarter Meeting Advocates for Small Business Community and Employees

By

Danielle Anderson

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February 25, 2021

Flagler Beach, FL – After a challenging 2020, state and federal legislators are staying even more engaged with their constituents on the local level to gage needs and learn more about specific issues affecting their local communities.

Holding the first quarter Flagler Beach Business Bureau (FB3) meeting at Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill on Wednesday, February 24th, FB3 President John Lulgjuraj welcomed not only representatives from U.S. Senator Rick Scott and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s offices but staff from Florida Representative Paul Renner and Florida Senator Travis Hutson’s team to learn more about policy issues critical to the service industry-heavy beach town.

Representatives from state and federal legislators attend the FB3 meeting on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. From left: Gary Holis representing U.S. Senator Rick Scott, Ashley C. representing U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, Amanda Story representing FL Rep. Paul Renner, and Danielle Curbow representing FL Senator Travis Hutson.

Updates from Flagler County attorney Al Hadeed about the $25 million U.S. Army Corps of Engineers beach re-nourishment project signaled a big win for the grassroots GoFundMe campaign led by community leader Carla Cline in conjunction with the ongoing efforts by the county to address the final four property owner holdouts.

“The support of the business community has been huge,” said Hadeed. “We could not be at this point without the business community.”

While tourism was down across the nation in 2020, facts and figures presented by Flagler’s tourism chief Amy Lukasik showed the county’s bed tax collection was off by less than other Florida counties – just 13% in 2020, and with 2021 numbers already looking promising, Scott Fox, co-owner of Tortugas Florida Kitchen & Bar said businesses are ready to roll out the welcome mat for travelers.

Flagler County Tourism Executive Director Amy Lukasik provides an update during the FB3 meeting on February 24, 2021.

“It just further confirms the importance of partnerships and working together because we all are stronger together and we can accomplish so much more. Having Johnny and Scott at the helm of this program is what’s going to help us go to the next level, from a tourism perspective and small business perspective,” said Lukasik.

Advocating for a pro-business agenda Lulgjuraj dove into the heart of the issue for many small business owners not just in Flagler Beach, but across America – building loyalty among staff by adding quality benefits to what small business employers can offer those seeking stable, long-term employment.

“The goal today was to start the conversation, to get the creative juices flowing for the number one problem that businesses have – it’s attracting and keeping loyal employees,” he said, rallying small business owners.

“We need to find a way to be able to offer quality benefits. A lot of the stuff that we have available to us that’s affordable as businesses, is not really attractive. You ask any business owner what we need, and it’s that quality workforce that is going to be loyal to you and stop this transient style labor pool that we’re all used to.”

Tortugas Florida Kitchen & Bar co-owner Scott Fox, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association representative Nicole Chapman and Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill owner John Lulgjuraj work on policy issues while updating Flagler Beach business owners during the FB3 meeting on February 24, 2021.

Lulgjuraj says that by creating longevity, it’s also creating fulfillment that employees truly need.

“They should feel secure. You can’t just pay them good. You have to offer more. We’re fortunate we have a great staff but moving forward, I want to do more for them and I’m trying to find a way to do it,” he said. “I think all of us business owners feel the same way – we want to take care of our people, now let’s have the conversation on how we can do that.”

Supported by the powerful Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Lulgjuraj is advocating for policy changes, something Nicole Chapman, Director of the Northeast & Florida Inn Chapter is helping facilitate among other issues.

“I joined the group today to talk about the impact of the upcoming minimum wage increase on small businesses so they can be prepared for those,” said Chapman. “And also listen to Johnny’s ideas on healthcare and the different needs in the industry.

“Everyone is equally affected. COVID and unemployment definitely took a toll on our industry so I know all these restaurants are eager to bring their employees back, welcome them back and give them some great jobs. Obviously you’re in hospitality because you love service and what you do.”

Palm Coast Historical Society Adds Tuesday Talks

By

Danielle Anderson

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February 23, 2021

Palm Coast, FL – Have you ever wondered about how the planned community of Palm Coast got it’s start? Maybe you’ve heard of stories of vast tracks of woodlands where today’s community leaders once rode their bicycles through undeveloped Flagler County, and cartoon character Garfield was the area’s mascot.

Join the Palm Coast Historical Society on Tuesdays this spring as they feature a different speaker each week to share their perspectives and stories about this growing community. Guest speakers include real estate guru Toby Tobin, former Flagler County Commissioner George Hanns, Flagler County’s favorite weatherman Bob Pickering, Flagler County history buff Bill Ryan, and Flagler Beach aviation historian Tom Duncan.

Presented via Zoom, there is no cost to attend and guests are invited to join from 6:30-7:30.

For more information, visit https://palmcoasthistory.org/tuesday-talks-spring-2021/.

Storm Spotter Classes Offered by National Weather Service

By

Flagler News Weekly

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February 23, 2021

Flagler County, FL – Ever dream of being a storm spotter or wonder what the approaching clouds could mean?

You can attend STORM SPOTTER TRAINING, presented by the National Weather Service.

This is a no cost online training. The basic spotter class covers local severe weather hazards, safety recommendations, proactive weather monitoring and ways to report observed weather information to NWS Jacksonville.

To register for a class, please click on the link below and select a date that works for you.

https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/499280942979438860

Please contact us with any questions at 386-597-2950 or email Judy at judy@flaglervolunteer.org.

Rotary Rocks the Runway for 10th Anniversary

By

Danielle Anderson

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February 22, 2021

Flagler County, FL – Never let it be said small can’t equal mighty.

Though it may be a small club, the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach knows how to put on an event, and welcomed more than 500 participants to the 10th Annual Race of the Runways for Rotary on Saturday, February 20.

A smashing success, organizers prepared early on for about 300 but as the weather held out and turned into a beautiful cool day, the registrations continued to climb, surpassing their goal of 500.

Club president Rosanne Stocker was gratified by the response that helps support so many of the programs the beachside club oversees.

“I believe people are just ready for a safe gathering and this type of event is popular – Race of the Runways is popular in Flagler County anyway, but the fact that we have all these COVID safety protocols in place and we’re able to spread everybody out and make you feel as safe as you can under the current circumstances, I think people are just ready to see other people and have some fun in a beautiful outdoor venue,” said Stocker.

“Rotary is all about doing good and being the good, so Rotary Club of Flagler Beach locally we provide over 1,000 Christmas toys for children in need, we feed 400 families every month, we provide scholarships for students at Matanzas and FPC, we are currently working on a program to provide appreciation meals for our first responders in the COVID frontline workers at two local hospitals, we provide pack and play cribs to help prevent SIDS deaths in Flagler County, we are just constantly on the lookout for ways to improve the community and especially help the most vulnerable among us.”

Held at the Flagler Executive Airport, competitive runners, joggers and walkers were launched in waves, and were able to experience the unique event hosted on the runways as the evening turned into night and the moon and stars were on display.

Airport director Roy Sieger enjoys the opportunity to showcase the airport, and hosting the memorable event on site.

“We’re very excited about it,” said Sieger. “This is actually the largest crowd we’ve ever had. I think it’s why we had such a strong response, is people wanting to get back to a normal life.”

As volunteers handed out after party packs to go, Stocker summed up the evening.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this small but mighty Rotary Club,” said Stocker. “They’ve pulled off the best 5K we’ve ever had.”

PWFC to Host Networking Luncheon Feb. 25th

By

Flagler News Weekly

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February 22, 2021

Flagler County, FL – The

Professional Women of Flagler County – PWFC are pleased to announce that the group is hosting a virtual Networking Luncheon on February 25th from 11:30am – 12:30pm.

In honor of February being Heart Health Month, Tammy Cornelius, Director of Cardiovascular/Cardiopulmonary with AdventHealth Palm Coast, will be the spotlight speaker.

Ms. Cornelius has been a cardiovascular board-certified Registered Nurse for the past 27 years and joined the AdventHealth family six years ago.

We all know that developing long-term relationships for mutual gain and creating lasting impressions with people, help you and others learn a life skill which has many applications for you both personally and professionally.

Join PWFC on February 25th to meet and network with professional women in our area to not only learn about other businesses, but to get the word out about what you and/or your company offers.

Pre-registration is required. Those interested in attending can visit https://professionalwomenflagler.org/events to register.

Media Release: Marketing 2 Go

Personal Story Inspires Local Give Back

By

Danielle Anderson

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February 22, 2021

flc2 — Sharing her personal story, Hammock Wine & Cheese manager Amy Hampton was supported by owners Billy and Lisa Oates, when asked to host a fundraiser to benefit the Family Life Center on Sunday, February 21, 2021.

The Hammock, FL – Amy Hampton remembers the day she crossed the state line two years ago with a 10×10 truck and her three year old.

Fleeing a domestic violence situation after 12 years Hampton’s trek began in Texas, in March of 2019, and her arrival in Florida on April 1st wasn’t an April Fool’s joke, but a chance to begin her life over.

Finding the help she desperately needed in Flagler County after working with the

Family Life Center, on Sunday it was an opportunity for her to give back.

Supported by Hammock Wine owners Billy and Lisa Oates, Hampton, who serves as the restaurant and gourmet wine shop’s manager, helped organize and oversee a benefit to raise an estimated $3,000 for Flagler County’s only domestic violence and rape crisis center.

“This was a very important personal issue for somebody that is very important to me, so there was no reason not to,” said Billy, of hosting the event. “You put all your resources at it and let it do the best it can and make people aware of something that needs to be addressed.”

Rebuilding her life over the past two years has been an arduous process, but her story was one that has impacted those who’ve heard it, including her professor at

Daytona State College who helped get her story “Our Voice” published in the school’s literary magazine Ohana. https://dsc-ohana.com/our-voice

“My parents were here and I came to stay with them, and I went to the Family Life Center because I was completely starting over,” said Hampton. “They helped with a lot of different things, finding a job, clothing for work. I’m still rebuilding, but it takes a while.”

She’s planning to begin the process of working towards home ownership through

Flagler Habitat for Humanity in the near future.

While many survivors choose to remain anonymous, Hampton hopes her story will help others both to get help if needed or to help, if able.

“You can get out. If my story will help anybody, I think the worst fear for me wasn’t the leaving but the uncertainty of starting over. That’s scary,” said Hampton.

“Not only are you worried about this, but how am I going to do it, can I do it. You don’t want to be a burden and that’s what I was afraid of.”

Talking with guests at the benefit, community relations advocate Gary Perkins was grateful for the support from both Hampton and the community in what has been a lean year for nonprofits as they dealt with COVID’s impact on community outreach.

“We try to really empower the survivors that we work with so for them to come back and try to help us, whether it’s during the holidays or outreach events like this really makes a difference in what we do,” he said.

“Since the pandemic happened, numbers have shot up nationwide and it was very important for us to get creative in our outreach and events. This is one of the ways we can reach a part of the community that may not know our services have been available for 30 plus years,” said Perkins.

New to the community, Paige Naylor and her mother Kathy Hardtke said they wholeheartedly support the work of the Family Life Center to empower survivors.

“I think one the most important things is standing up and actually speaking,” said Naylor.

“I know it’s hard to speak. We get censured into not speaking, everybody tells us you’re less for speaking, you cannot speak because you’re a woman, you cannot talk about it, but that’s not true. You try to find a way to speak and talk about it. This is something we support and any woman I know would support.”

Pictured: Sharing her personal story, Hammock Wine & Cheese manager Amy Hampton was supported by owners Billy and Lisa Oates, when asked to host a fundraiser to benefit the Family Life Center on Sunday, February 21, 2021.

Standing Tall, Local Organizations Help Survivors

By

Danielle Anderson

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February 22, 2021

standing tall — Toni Mayes, director and founder of Find Your Peace by Pieces co-hosts a Self Love Abuse and Suicide Survivors Photo Shoot with the help of photographer Jessica Rodgers, owner of Jessica Gray Photography to help nurture empowerment among survivors, on Saturday, February 20, 2021. From left, Toni Mayes - Find Your Peace by Pieces, Jessica Rodgers - Jessica Gray Photography, Alyssa Kissee, Kaitlyn Campbell, owner of Lunar Sol, Lisa Edwards - Economic Justice Advocate for the Family Life Center and Carrie Petkovsek -Shelter Advocate for the Family Life Center.

Bunnell, FL – While more than 10 million women and men in America are victims of domestic violence each year, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence says the epidemic is still underreported and suicide remains a leading of cause of death in the United States according to the National Institute of Mental Health, it can be challenging for those in the cycle violence or in the throes of a mental health crisis to seek help. Even once a person is out of the situation, it can be a struggle to move on.

The statistics are staggering and recovery is a long process.

Helping victims overcome feelings often associated with the trauma of domestic violence or suicide that can include shame, helplessness, hopelessness and a loss of confidence, Toni Mayes, director and founder of the nonprofit Find Your Peace By Pieces has made it a mission to help support the mental health recovery landscape with events and activities around Flagler County, including Saturday’s ‘Self-Love, Abuse and Suicide Survivors Photoshoot’ co-hosted by Mayes in conjunction with professional photographer Jessica Rodgers, at her studio Jessica Gray Photography LLC.

Offering a chance for survivors to let down their walls in a safe environment, those who came for the no cost photoshoots like Alyssa Kissee, said it was a chance to reclaim herself and express her emotions.

“I’ve been through some rough stuff between growing up in a domestic violence household, battling suicidal thoughts, a horrible marriage, it’s been rough,” said Kissee.

“I’ve really been working on self-love and being confident, being proud of who I am and what I’ve been through and decided I’d give it a try, and it was amazing.”

Mayes is a survivor herself, and wanted to help focus the attention on helping those coming out on the other side realize they were not alone.

“This is something I’ve been thinking about for a year or two, just wanting to empower people,” said Mayes. “I’m an abuse and suicide survivor as well. I know how it feels to finally feel empowered, and the independence, and I thought the pictures would be a great way to portray that.”

Providing professional photography for happy occasions like family portraits, milestone birthdays and events, Rodgers said the sessions were something very different for her, and at times struggled to maintain her composure while working with the survivors.

“This is actually something a little different than what I normally do, but a good different,” shared Rodgers.

“I love making people happy, that’s just what I do. I love evoking emotion and seeing people happy whether it’s parents with their newborns or being able to be part of something so emotional as this, in a different way it was very cool to be a part of that, and their story.”

On site to assist and support those who attended were Kaitlyn Campbell, owner of

Lunar Sol who provides special “POP bags” created by Find Your Peace by Pieces volunteers filled with inspirational items, and Lisa Edwards and Carrie Petkovsek from the

Family Life Center.

“Just reaching out, being personal and taking the time to listen,” are keys to helping those who need it shared Edwards.

For more information:

Find Your Peace by Pieces: www.peacebypieces.net

Family Life Center: www.familylifecenterflagler.org

Jessica Gray Photography: www.jessicagrayphotography.com

Lunar Sol: www.lunarsol.org

Will the Real Meg Seabury Please Stand Up

By

Danielle Anderson

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February 22, 2021

ufb3 — The REAL Meg Seabury and Florida author Tim Baker take part in filming the promo for "Unfinished Business", a book turned TV series by Baker, at Coquina Coast Brewing Company in Flagler Beach on Saturday, February 20, 2021.

Flagler Beach, FL – As with other titles presented by Flagler County author Tim Baker, there’s a connection somewhere between the places and characters in his books and real life.

He’ll swear he told you.

Onlookers with a keen eye watching the filming of the promos for Baker’s upcoming TV series “Unfinished Business” got a chance to meet not only the story’s leading lady Meg Seabury, played by Hollywood actress Margot Demeter, but the REAL Meg Seabury.

Modest and even a little shy, Seabury chatted unobtrusively with a friend at the bar as an extra during the filming at Coquina Coast Brewing Company, INC.

in Flagler Beach on Saturday, but Demeter was quick to point out the main character’s inspiration.

“I guess I’m the inspiration. It’s so exciting,” said the real Meg Seabury, sharing a little backstory.

“I’ve known Tim for years. When he first wrote the book he and I sat down and he got a little bit of background about what I do and some of the terminology. I said ‘why don’t you just use my name because Seabury is kind of a unique name for a mortician’, she said with a knowing look.

And while her time at the table hasn’t been as adventurous as the main character’s, she’s had her share of paranormal experiences.

“Not like you read in the book, but I can say I’ve felt maybe a spirit or two.”

Even though the project has nabbed some big names including Alan J. Levi as the show’s director, keeping the project truly local along Florida’s east coast is something Demeter, who lives a stone’s throw away in New Smyrna Beach, finds refreshing.

“It’s great to have something with such depth, and great cast and crew, here in Flagler,” she said.

After Baker reached out a year ago about playing the role, Demeter read the book and felt a kinship with the character.

“When I read it I felt like I had a connection with her,” she said in between takes on Saturday.

“She kind of grows up like a black duckling, on her own, with her own unique way of thinking about things but she remains positive. (She’s) kind of like this force of nature, and I kind of see myself that way. I wake up every day thinking how can I be a good person today.”

Coming on as co-executive producer, Greg Feldman brings an arts and culture background to the table and says he loves being part of something that will bring attention to the community while helping to support the local economy.

“This is exciting for the whole community because depending on which study you look at, filmmaking returns such an incredible amount of money to the community,” he said.

“Studies have shown that 25 percent of all people who come to Florida go to a specific location because they saw it in a TV show or movie. There’s no way you could spend enough money to have the exposure like this in a TV show or movie.”

Filming of the show is slated for late spring/early summer 2021, and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Visit www.blindoggproductions.com for details.

Meet the Candidates – Flagler Beach Mayoral Candidate Pat Quinn

By

Danielle Anderson

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February 20, 2021

Candidate: Pat Quinn

Position Sought: Mayor of Flagler Beach

1. Please tell readers about yourself.

• My name is Pat Quinn and I am a candidate for Mayor of Flagler Beach. My wife Diane and I have 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and are married for 42 years. I have been a local business owner for 9 years and my family has lived in Flagler Beach for 15 years. I retired from the New York City Carpenter’s union as a steward. In addition, I was a volunteer fire fighter for 41 years on the eastern end of Long Island.

2. What experience makes you uniquely qualified to hold the position you are seeking?

• Living in Flagler Beach for 15 years and visiting the island for over 25 years I have seen a significant change in our area, some good, and some very interesting. I have a passion for this community, I have excellent listening skills, and aim to be a very visible mayor for all residents and visitors. I am not a Politian and I have no predetermined party affiliation. I will look at items before me where I can add input from a logical perspective that I believe will serve the citizens of Flagler Beach best.

3. What do you think are the Top 3 issues facing Flagler Beach in the next five years and how will you address each?

• Beach erosion is one of my top issues. I will work with the local board, as well as state and federal officials to come up with a solution to get our beaches fixed for our community and their families.

• Smart growth for our town is another topic of concern for me. We need to keep the small town charm by keeping the height limits of any future building a must. As mayor, I am part of the architectural board and would review all construction projects coming into Flagler Beach and voice my opinions that would be most beneficial to our future.
• The third issue I would address would be local parking. I would suggest non-resident kiosk areas to help generate income for our community.4. Local, state and federal officials must work together to ensure the community is successful as a whole. What qualities do you possess that make you a consensus builder?
• Excellent listener
• Fast learner
• Experience collaborating with and managing a team of people
• Nonpartisan to any particular group, (open mind)
• Not intimidated to make a difficult decision

5. What is the number one issue you hope to address as an elected official?
• The number one issue I would address if elected would be getting events back at our park. I look forward to having First Fridays Music in the Park, craft fairs, car shows and festivities for the youth in our town to get them engaged as well.

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