Meet the Candidates – Flagler Beach Mayoral Candidate Suzie Johnston

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February 20, 2021

Candidate: Suzie Johnston
Position Sought: Mayor of Flagler Beach

1. Please tell readers about yourself.

I’m a lifelong resident of Flagler Beach. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing in Atlanta, GA. After college, I moved back to paradise to start my family here in the same city that created me. I am right now raising my eleven year-old daughter here and decided to run for Mayor because I wanted to continue to see this city grow into a city with not just ideas, but with actions.

When Linda Provencher, Flagler Beach’s current Mayor, decided she was not going to run again, I knew it was time to step up to the plate. I’ve spent the last thirty years volunteering here and the last nine years working alongside Linda.

I have volunteered and worn many hats within the County and the City of Flagler Beach. I am currently the Vice President of Scenic Highway A1A. Co-organizer of Light Up Flagler Beach. Helped co-organize the 2019 Holiday at the Beach Parade and turned it into a fundraiser to raise over $7,000 for the two local High Schools. Help deliver meals with Feed Flagler. An original member of the Flagler Beach All-Stars and FB3 (Flagler Beach Business Group), I support the business community here on the island. Plus, I am a Board Member of the Flagler County Education Foundation. Giving back to the community where I live is important.

I love Flagler Beach. I want to help preserve the culture of this City for future generations to grow up in our beautiful, safe town like many of us did. I am friendly, personable and very approachable, with the passion to work with others. I have the advantage of bringing a resident’s point of view and a fresh perspective to old problems. I would be honored to represent you as Mayor of Flagler Beach.

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

I have the energy and the drive to be the Mayor of Flagler Beach. I have the tools with my degree and I give 100% to any task. My goal will be to fast track solutions and not throw roadblocks. I am a great negotiator and that will be a benefit when it’s time to go to the County or other governments to request additional funding to benefit our City.

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

The top 3 issues facing Flagler Beach are:

Flagler Beach is facing an aging infrastructure and faced with who is going to pay for it.
Apply and Receive Federal Grants if they are a good decision for the City. Flagler Beach is the showcase of Flagler County and monetary help is needed so residents don’t have to foot the entire bill.

Helping our commercial base prosper, which will provide jobs and increase property values. Showcase our town through advertising, community events, and we can work together by supporting local businesses.
Maintain a low tax rate. I will look for ways to save money, think outside the box, and think of alternatives. Use my relationships and negotiating skills to go to the County and ask for additional funding so our taxes won’t go up.

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?

I’ve never met a stranger. I am a people person and love to talk, share ideas, and solve problems. I have positive relationships already built on the County and City levels. I was endorsed by two County Commissioners, I have a close relationship with Mayor Holland of Palm Coast and Mayor Robinson of Bunnell, and even worked with Travis Hutson, our 7th District Senator.

5. What is the number one issue you hope to address as an elected official?

To work with County Officials and the County Attorney to get the construction portion of the Beach Renourishment project started. We have the chance for the Federal Government to pay for the project and maintain it for the next fifty years. This project is so important to the city, we can not afford to lose A1A.

Bonus Question:

Tell readers something about you that will help them connect with you on a person-to-person level. (Something you’ve done for Flagler Beach that has made it a better place)

I’m a creative and quick problem solver! I noticed that cars were not seeing and stopping for pedestrians trying to cross at our cross walks. I had seen the orange flag canisters with flags work in other cities, so I brought the idea to our hometown. I gathered the materials, purchased the flags, and worked with the Department of Transportation to get the job implemented to keep our residents safe. If you are out getting ice cream and cross the street to go to the beach, make sure to grab a flag.

Meet the Candidates – Flagler Beach Mayoral Candidate Kim Carney

By

Danielle Anderson

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February 20, 2021

Candidate: Kim Carney
Position Sought: Mayor of Flagler Beach

1. Please tell readers about yourself.

I was raised in a small town similar to Flagler Beach during the 60s and 70s in Massachusetts. I attended 3 colleges and I obtained degrees from each college. My husband was asked to relocate when he was working for a NY based company. We moved to Flagler Beach 22 years ago from Delaware. Several family members joined us after relocating to Flagler Beach. Everyone loves it here. My stepson, his wife and my grandson live in Sanford. My stepdaughter, her husband and my 3 granddaughters live in Lakeway, TX. I not only live here Flagler Beach is where I work. I love being a Realtor. Community tours and telling the history of Flagler Beach helps other people moving to this area understand why I love it so much. I have been involved for years in our community with the Rotary Club, the Flagler Beach Historical Museum, Flagler Auditorium, Open Door Ministries, Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services and Christmas Come True just to name a few. I am a member of Parkview Church and love to get involved in their ministries. I, like many other people, consider Flagler Beach paradise.

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

I served on the City Commission from 2011 – 2020. I sponsored ordinances that impacted the environment like bonfires on the beach during turtle season, wetland setbacks and protecting the gopher tortoise. I am an advocate for the environment because that is why many of us moved here. I have been involved in Beach Management and the USACE dune extension project since the inception. I have a voting record to show my concern for the environment. I am most proud of my ability to listen to what citizens have to say. I have observed the growth in our area. Planning is key to keeping essential services funded and functioning. I miss former City Manager Larry Newsom and learned a lot about local government from him. I look forward to working with the new City Manager.

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

#1 Maintaining a balance between tourism and local resident needs. I know from my former work on the EDTF (Economic Development Task Force) and the TDC (Tourist Development Council) that the City of Flagler Beach is heavily influenced by tourism. Our Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) needs to have appropriate goals and objectives so we can balance the impact tourism has on our citizens. I am a proponent of a vibrant downtown area as long as local citizens do not bear the cost.

#2 Continue to work on A1A dune extension project. This project will impact our community for several months just like the A1A reconstruction project did a couple of years ago. The project needs to have minimal impact on our environment and minimal impact on our businesses. Communication will be key. Although the City is not the non-governmental sponsor we do have the ability to interject our needs into the project scope.

#3 Replacement of infrastructure. The City is poised to undertake 2 large infrastructure projects. One being the construction of a new pier and the other being the upgrading of the waste water treatment plant. Flagler Beach needs to deal with our waste water effluent. This project will require a large investment. Getting it right is important to our community and to our environment. As for the replacement of the pier, with the funding secured I look to move toward a project so our destination area will be maintained and updated to meet the needs of today.

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?

I am a seeker of information. Sharing information, clarifying expectations and reaching a negotiated outcome is something I do every day. Negotiations should always be truthful with all necessary information shared and discussed. I have demonstrated times when I entered a situation and changed my mind once I better understood the information. I do not assume my opinions are the only opinions on an issue. I do not boast an individual achievement most decisions are made as a board of commissioners and should be treated that way. Winning at all cost is not part of my vocabulary. I find that as long as I put forward my best effort and I am open to the best outcome I am successful at building consensus.

5. What is the number one issue you hope to address as an elected official?

I’m sure there will be many issues. There always are. It is important for the Mayor to have a pulse on the needs of the community as well as how citizens perceive their voice being heard. I will work on having more open communication with the citizens of Flagler Beach. I plan to implement a Mayor Kim Carney business Facebook page to communicate and update citizens on issues and events. I would like to work toward a weekly or biweekly communication email that will keep citizens informed about City issues. I will hold monthly Town Hall meetings for open discussion. When citizens come to the bimonthly business meeting they have something to say. It is intimidating and sometimes stressful to deliver their message to the commission. With a town hall style meeting, I think citizens will be more relaxed and have the ability to speak freely.

Bonus Question:

Tell readers something about you that will help them connect with you on a person-to-person level. (Something you’ve done for Flagler Beach that has made it a better place.)

As a City Commissioner it was important to me to have a living document that would be a driving influence in the management of our beach. I understand the beach is a public beach but if citizen funds are used to maintain it and to provide safety for beach goers in addition to the fact it generates revenue for the City, I felt is was important to have a plan. I requested the City Commission organize a Beach Management Plan committee. We now have a Beach Management Plan.

Meet The Candidates – Flagler Beach City Commission Candidate Eric Cooley

By

Danielle Anderson

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February 20, 2021

Candidates participating in the March 2, 2021 election for Flagler Beach were invited to share their thoughts in a five part Q&A to help voters become more educated about where they stand on issues.

We appreciate each candidate who participated in taking the time to provide their point of view.

Candidate: Eric Cooley
Position Sought: City Commissioner of Flagler Beach (Incumbent)1. Please tell readers about yourself.Grew up in the Northeast part of the country. Graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and College. My career has been in Real Estate and Business Management. Before moving to Flagler Beach, I was a Regional Director for a Fortune 500 retailer, responsible for 500mm P&L and 1500 employees. Looking for a change of lifestyle, I purchased the 7-Eleven on A1a in Flagler Beach. I’ve been living and working on the island for almost 7 years now. I have participated in scores of volunteer projects such as beach cleanups, Feed Flagler, Flagler Co Assist REACT, and the Green Dunes Project. Looking to make a larger impact, I have been serving as Flagler Beach City Commissioner for 3 years now, helping the City navigate thru Hurricane damage, A1a closure and repair, a pandemic, and the hiring of a new City Manager. I have successfully worked with Commission to make Flagler Beach more supportive of the business sector thru ordinance changes and staff interactions, been a large voice for fiscal responsibility and this last budget pushing for and achieving the roll back millage rate which saved taxpayers from paying any tax increase vs LY, spearheaded the cities aggressive stance and demands concerning The Gardens development and our standing with this item concerning Flagler County, and been a outspoken voice for the City concerning addressing misinformation.I greatly enjoyed my time as Commissioner and feel I have made a large and consistent impact. There is still much more to address as hurricanes, the pandemic, and the loss of our city manager has slowed progress. I look forward to increased productivity and solid, long term decision making during my next 3-year term serving the residents as City Commissioner.

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

First and foremost is community involvement. I am a full time resident and business owner. If I am not working at my public interaction retail business, in my spare time I am usually volunteering with a group here in the city. All of this interaction with so many members of the public enables me to have a unique perspective that is always freshly updated as to what is important to the citizens. This allows me to be a strong voice for the community with issues brought to the city and be in tune with the desires of the citizens.

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

1 – Long term planning. Our city needs to get long term strategic planning in place. It currently does not exist. The current strategic plan only addresses 1-2 years out. There is a lot of issues facing the city in the coming years and solutions need put in place now. Many of the challenges can be met by having a clear, concise plan in place. I plan to make this my highest priority when the new city manager starts and work with Commission to get this process in place and active.
2 – Aging infrastructure. Over the last few decades, the City has not completed the maintenance and upgrades needed to keep our infrastructure updated, current, or reliable. This is a problem that will require a multi-year solution. I plan to have this worked into our strategic plan and in addition, ensure all grant possibilities are being pursued to expedite the fixes and keep the financial impact as low as possible to the taxpayers.
3 – Cost burden of tourism. While tourism is a good economic driver for the business sector, it comes with a high cost burden to the city. I plan to work with the new city manager and new mayor on ways to capture additional funding from the county and state.

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?

I have been a proven consensus builder for decades. My experience as a successful executive this skill was utilized daily. I am a strategist and a tactician. I utilize calm, fact driven, data rich, arguments in my interactions to gain by-in from other parties. I also very good with follow up. Part of getting alignment, is consistent, small, incremental steps. I have the drive to see those thru. Engaged citizens have been able to view my consensus building talents in action at our city meetings with numerous topics but most recently lowering the proposed tax mill rate, and Flagler Beaches stance regarding the Gardens development.

5. What is the number one issue you hope to address as an elected official?
As stated above, it would be implementing solid and comprehensive long term strategic planning. This city must clearly define and understand its upcoming challenges and have a rock solid plan in place to meet them in the coming years. There is nothing more important and nothing more lacking. I plan to fix that. We owe it to our future generations to manage current affairs correctly.

Old Age Has Its Benefits

By

Danielle Anderson

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February 19, 2021

Oldest AC — Scotty and Pat Girdwood were grateful winners of the oldest AC unit contest hosted by Accu-Temp Flagler Beach owner Chuck Weyant, on February 18, 2021 and will receive a new Daikin system for their Palm Coast home.

Palm Coast, FL – Some big ticket items like cars may get better with age, even earning them names like “antique” or “classic”, unlike air conditioning units that don’t garner the same prestige, but for one lucky Palm Coast couple having the oldest AC earned them a sweet surprise.

Buying their home 21 years ago and moving in not long after, Pat and Scotty Girdwood were surprised to find they were the winners of the Accu-Temp “Oldest AC Contest” after submitting their 1987 unit for consideration.

The only conditions were contestants had to live within 40 minutes of the Flagler Beach pier, and their unit had to be currently in operation.

The Girdwoods say their 34-year old unit was still running well but the thought of a new air conditioning unit and handler brought them to tears upon learning they’d won, as they spoke with Chuck Weyant, owner of the Flagler Beach-based Accu-Temp.

“We were screaming. They called up three days ago and said ‘guess what, you won the air conditioning system’, and it’s such a blessing,” said Scotty Girdwood.

For Weyant, he was thrilled to be in a position to give back to the community, and was surprised to learn the Girdwoods were chaplains.

It was a full circle for him as he too teared up.

“I started Accu-Temp back in 2006 and interestingly I re-dedicated my life to the Lord and started tithing and offering the same year I started the business. I’ve always been a believer you can’t out give God,” said Weyant.

“It’s been on my heart to do it for a few years, but to do it is another thing. I’ve done lots of things in my life, but it’s so much better to give.”

The Girdwoods expressed their sincere appreciation for the generosity.

“I hope the good news about Chuck’s company will get out and I hope the Lord blesses him,” said Scotty.

The new Daikin system, retailing at $8,000 will be installed on March 4th.

Pictured: Scotty and Pat Girdwood were grateful winners of the oldest AC unit contest hosted by Accu-Temp Flagler Beach owner Chuck Weyant, on February 18, 2021 and will receive a new Daikin system for their Palm Coast home.

Florida Rep. Chris Latvala Talks Education and Jobs with Flagler Tiger Bay Club

By

Danielle Anderson

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February 19, 2021

Flagler County, FL – Education is a hot topic as legislators work to address budgetary challenges during the 2021 session in Tallahassee.

On Wednesday Florida Representative Chris Latvala (R-Clearwater), Chairman of the House Education and Employment Committee, took time to address members of the

Flagler Tiger Bay Club

and the Tiger Bay Club of Volusia County via Zoom, about what Florida constituents can expect during the upcoming session.

Touching on hot button issues like school choice and civics, Latvala was clear about both, stressing the importance of providing Florida’s students every opportunity to be successful, and showed a clear concern for students who may be falling behind as a result of COVID’s impact on Florida schools.

With support for HB3, a bill that will supply Florida’s children from kindergarten through 5th grade with supplemental at-home reading materials to strengthen their skills, and access to Learning IQ, a digital library featuring over 5,500 titles, to Florida families at no cost through the end of the year, Latvala is focusing on the early learning fundamentals.

“Basically it’s where we will be partnering with school districts to identify those kids,” said Latvala. “This will be the first time the State of Florida will do something of this magnitude. House Bill 3 is something that is very important to us in the Florida House.”

Offering a poignant look at life in America, Florida Representative Ardian Zika’s (R-Land O’ Lakes) HB5 will focus on civics with the “Portraits in Patriotism Act”, allowing students to capture the stories of people who have survived oppression to make a better life in the United States.

“What we’re doing with this patriotism bill is we want to have actual people who have survived communist regimes, socialism talk about their experience from their home countries,” said Latvala. “But they can kind of retell their stories from whether it’s Cuba or other areas of the world, so students can learn firsthand through oral histories about these other government systems and learn why our system, frankly, is the best.”

A companion bill will be filed by Florida Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Doral).

Also expected to make news this session is what happens to students after graduation and Latvala discussed support for higher education, including a look at potential changes to the cost between in-person and digital/remote learning, and preparing Florida students to fill labor gaps with a focus on the benefits and affordability of trade schools.

“That’s really our job as the legislature to get those students prepared and that workforce prepared because those jobs are there and you know it’s our job to help fill them,” said Latvala.

Longtime colleague Dr. Joe Saviak, chairs the Flagler Tiger Bay Club’s Speaker’s Committee, and was impressed with Latvala’s depth of knowledge when answering a dozen questions presented by club members.

“Education and the economy are two of the most important issues facing Florida,” said Saviak.

“Chairman Latvala is a key statewide leader as Chairman of the House Education and Employment Committee. He has an exceptional command of public policy and he answered a wide range of questions today. We very much appreciated hearing his insights on the future of Florida.”

Moderating the meeting Flagler Tiger Bay Club president Greg Davis said the issues addressed by Latvala are important to communities across Florida.

“Our membership and affiliates were really engaged with Chris Latvala,” said Davis.

“We received a wide range of substantive questions that Latvala addressed. We are going to make the entire program publicly accessible on our website. We think that it is very important for the community to hear especially with the state facing a $2 billion shortfall.”

For more information on the Flagler Tiger Bay Club’s upcoming speakers, visit www.flaglertigerbayclub.com.

Photo: Flagler Tiger Bay Club President Greg Davis moderates the February 17, 2021 meeting featuring FL Rep. Chris Latvala.

Black Tie Events To Host 3rd Annual MONOPOLY Tournament

By

Flagler News Weekly

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February 19, 2021

2021 MONOPOLY® Tournament

presented by Florida Coastal Premier Properties
to benefit Abundant Life Ministries-Hope House, Inc.

PALM COAST, FL (February 18, 2021) – Black Tie Events announces its third annual MONOPOLY® Tournament. This unique event will benefit Abundant Life Ministries Hope House, Inc., serving those in need in Flagler County.

Sandra Shank, Founder and Executive Director says, “It is a tremendous blessing to have been chosen by Black Tie Events as the recipient of the 2021 MONOPOLY® Tournament event. Our motto is ‘Serving Humanity With Love’ and this is made possible through the generous support of community partners like Lee.”

Players will compete in the fun and excitement of a fast-paced match for high-priced properties like Boardwalk and Park Place, or worst-case scenario, Go to Jail! The top three players will face-off for a grand prize and bragging rights. $20 per person to play in this official MONOPOLY® Tournament, $40-50 per person to attend and cheer on the players. Various other ways to participate virtually or in person are also available.

“Funding from this event will go towards Phoenix Crossings, a 30 unit Permanent Supportive Housing development for youth aging out of foster care, adults with disabling conditions and extremely low income,” continues Shank, “This MONOPOLY® theme will help us connect with key people like builders and developers who we can partner with to help us with this construction project.”

Former school board member and Flagler County Commissioner District 1, Andy Dance, will again serve as master of ceremonies for the tournament, which features themed activities such as a Community Chest and Chance drawing, Wine Roll, gourmet dinner, and a silent auction.

For more information about the event, sponsor opportunities, player information or to volunteer please call Lee at 386.283.2746 or email her at blacktie-events@hotmail.com.

What: MONOPOLY® fans participate in a 90-minute combined tournament of the world’s most popular property trading game
When: May 15, 2020 from 4-9pm
Where: Palm Coast VFW Post 8696, Palm Coast, FL

Media Contact
Lee Filipe
Blacktie-events@hotmail.com
386-283-2746

About Abundant Life Ministries-Hope House, Inc.

On February 3, 2003, Abundant Life Ministries-Hope House, Inc., opened its doors to their first resident: a thirteen-year-old boy who was embarking upon his first experience in foster care. Today, Ms. Shank, along with a team of committed Board of Directors and dedicated professionals is leading its greatest expansion since inception. ALM-HHI was approved as a Community Behavioral Health provider through Medicaid and is currently in the credentialing process with several major insurance carriers.
In addition, Phoenix Crossing, a 30-unit permanent supportive housing development is in the pre-development phase. It will serve teens aging out of foster care, adults with disabling conditions, and extremely low-income individuals and families.
This year they will celebrate their 5th Annual “A Christmas To Remember” to be hosted at the Flagler County Fairgrounds for 350 children and youth in Flagler County who are in the Dependency System and/or families who are in need. This event is made possible through the generous support of corporate and individual sponsors along with a team of devoted volunteers who give freely of themselves to provide “A Christmas To Remember”!

About Black Tie Events
Lee Filipe started Black Tie Events in Las Vegas, NV in 1999 specializing in corporate and social events at first, then evolving to nonprofit events in 2005. She has been doing MONOPOLY® and other themed events for charities around the country since 2008 and has helped raise much needed funds for a variety of different organizations. She moved to Palm Coast in 2018 and is excited to be making a difference in the community with her unique fundraisers to help local nonprofits. For more info please call Lee at 386.283.2746 or email her at blacktie-events@hotmail.com.

Health & Wellness Fair Provides One Stop Shop for Information

By

Danielle Anderson

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February 19, 2021

HF1 — Flagler Radio sales director Kirk Keller joins Hilton Garden Inn general manager Ryan Crabb and HT Production Company's Heather Thompson to host the 11th Annual WNZF Health Fair on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Palm Coast.

Palm Coast, FL – Years ago residents in need of specialists may have had to drive as far as Orlando or Jacksonville to get high quality healthcare, but in today’s rapidly evolving medical environment, what you need is as close as a phone call away in Flagler County.

Helping connect residents to providers is important to Flagler Broadcasting’s sales director Kirk Keller after a stop at a health fair years ago alerted him to a potential medical crisis due to high blood pressure.

Visitors stop to talk with various representatives during the 11th Annual WNZF Health Fair on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Palm Coast.

Helping to grow the WNZF Health Fair, now in its 11th year, healthcare providers and supporting industries ranging from orthopedics to clean air were on site at the Hilton Garden Inn, Palm Coast on Thursday to talk with residents about their needs.

Part of the emerging alternative medicine industry, Florida-based VidaCann dispensary managers Bill Bruce and Sean Yereance shared information on CBD and the benefits of seeking pain management outside of opioids.

VidaCann dispensary managers Bill Bruce and Sean Yereance share information on alternative pain management during the 11th Annual WNZF Health Fair on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Palm Coast.

“Medical cannabis has come a long way over the years so now we’re able to with the legalization of marijuana medically here in the state of Florida, bring our premium cannabis products to those patients who want a better quality of life and relief,” said Yereance.

Representing the Flagler Health+ orthopedic group in Palm Coast, physician’s liaison Jennifer Webster said health fairs help educate patients about their local options.

“There’s an office right here in Town Center,” shared Webster. “It’s very important – we have flyers that tell all about each doctor and their services. We just want to make sure that everybody knows that they are here and available.”

Carrie Meng stops to chat with Flagler Health+ physician liaison Jennifer Webster during the 11th Annual WNZF Health Fair on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Palm Coast.

Feeling good doesn’t only come from the physical mechanics of the body’s function, and beauty expert Viviana Gaimaro, owner of Viviana’s Hair Studio talked with attendees about the correlation between personal care and mental well-being, especially after an illness or treatment.

“It’s very important because you’re already feeling down. I think anytime you look good, you feel good, and that’s what we’re there for, to make you feel pretty,” said Gaimaro, whose services include hair loss light therapy treatments and organic products.

Organizing the health fair is no small feat, and Keller said that presenting the options that run the gamut of services helps make it a one stop shop for people who have questions or are looking to improve their health and wellness.

“We just feel it’s very important people know about their health,” said Keller. “A lot of people don’t have pains when they have an illness, and these screenings are very important.”

General manager Ryan Crabb said the Hilton Garden Inn was pleased to host the event as one of Flagler County’s premier event spaces, and announced they would have the honor of hosting a wedding expo this June as part of their event schedule.

“June 5th we’re going to have a wedding expo which hasn’t been done in the area for quite some time,” said Crabb, which will include everything needed to create the perfect wedding day.

“Ironically enough, a lot of the weddings we had booked last year that had to cancel have already rebooked for this year, which is great news. I think more than anything, it’s going to show people we’re open for business, which is kind of how the state of Florida has been anyway compared to other states. It’s telling people we can have your ceremony here, your reception here, we can block off guest rooms for out of town guests.”

Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway Awarded Highest Designation

By

Danielle Anderson

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February 17, 2021

1-4 A1A Matanzas Inlet — Photo Image: Merriam Multimedia

The Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, Inc. are pleased to announce the official designation of the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway as an All-American Road on February 16, 2021.

Spanning St. Johns and Flagler counties, the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway was comprised of three Florida Scenic Highways, all designated in June 2001 by the Florida Department of Transportation and was officially designated as a National Scenic Byway in 2002 by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.

After a program hiatus, a call for nominations by the Federal Highway Administration went out nationwide in 2019 and the Friends of A1A felt the byway’s strongest intrinsic qualities of history and recreation met the criteria requirements and the organization’s programs and projects exceeded the visitor experience expectations to become an All-American Road.

“As President of the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, it was an honor and a privilege to be awarded the designation of All-American Road this morning by the Federal Highway Administration,” said Marge Rooyakkers. “I want to thank our board for all of their contributions. This would not have been possible without the hours of hard work done by our byway administrator Danielle Anderson.”

Recognizing the multi-partner approach from the

local, state and federal level, Anderson was

appreciative of the overwhelming support for

the byway communities, including that from

the National Scenic Byway Foundation and

Scenic America, to jumpstart the process.

“The designation application was a labor intensive process, especially as the world was grappling with the emerging coronavirus,” said Anderson. “We are grateful to each of our byway stakeholders who took the time to write meaningful letters of support on our behalf, the talented byway experts who helped review our application and provide input, and the Florida Department of Transportation for providing technical support when needed and for their encouragement and belief in our application. We are especially thankful to the U.S. Department of Transportation and members of Congress who continue to see the value of America’s Byways.”

The A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway becomes the second All-American Road in the State of Florida.

For the full release by the Federal Highway Administration, please visit https://cms8.fhwa.dot.gov/…/usdot-announces-new….

Discovering a Legacy of Service at Coastal Integrative Healthcare

By

Danielle Anderson

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February 17, 2021

CI1 — Dr. Tim Steflik serves the community as a chiropractor at Coastal Integrative Healthcare in Palm Coast.

Palm Coast, FL – While Betty Steflik had a reputation for preserving the coastal dunes and Old Florida charm of Flagler Beach, and even has a nature preserve named in honor, her relative Dr. Tim Steflik is putting his efforts into help others by preserving the mobility of Flagler County residents at Palm Coast Coastal Integrative Healthcare.

Tucked into the Cypress Plaza on Cypress Point Parkway,

it’s easy to miss the complex surrounded by lush trees

Cypress Plaza is home to businesses including Coastal Integrative Healthcare, Farm Bureau Insurance and The Health Institute.

that is home to Coastal Integrative Healthcare,

just catercorner across the street from

the bustling Superwash Express in Palm Coast.

Steflik says they’ve settled nicely into the plaza where they moved a year ago, while serving patients in Palm Coast for the past four years.

“I’m a chiropractor, and in our office we have nurse practitioners and medical staff, so we fix people that are broken,” he said with humor, while holding up a model spine during an open house event on Tuesday. “We don’t have a lot of great signage but want to make sure people know we’re here.”

It may seem obvious why a person would visit a chiropractor, but Steflik says there are some not-so obvious reasons as well.

The team at Coastal Integrative Healthcare hosted an open house on February 16, 2021.

“The top two or three conditions that we see, number one is knee pain. People that have been told they have to have surgery or drugs, we’ve helped those types of people avoid surgery. We don’t want to be looked at as a last option, we’d rather see them sooner, so we can help them sooner,” he said.

“Knee pain is a big one, peripheral neuropathy –a numbness, tingling, or burning in the feet typically with diabetics, same thing, given medications that just cover it up they don’t fix it, those are some of our favorite patients to help, and car accidents. You go to an ER and they give you an X-ray to make sure you’re not broken and pain prescription and say ice it, and a lot of primary care doctors don’t see those types of patients, so same thing, we love just helping those people that can’t get help anywhere else.”

Serving as a holistic option to pain management and surgery, services include stem cell regenerative medicine, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, cold laser therapy, and trigger point injections. While there are no steroids or pain medication injections, they do have one product that those with bad knees may have heard of whispered about at their gym or on the tennis court – chicken fat injections.

“It’s not really chicken fat, but it’s close,” said the Palmer Chiropractic College alumni, with a chuckle. “They call them chicken shots or gel shots and it’s a lubrication that will help the arthritis in there. Yes, we do those here.”

Steflik knew service was his calling, and admits he receives as much instant gratification from seeing patients feel better as they do.

“I knew I wanted to be a chiropractor to help people holistically – one because I hate needles, and I worked for a chiropractor and I saw what he did, the miracles he worked for his patients and they loved him,” shared Steflik.

“They came in raving, ‘he’s changed my life, saved my life, got me off medications, avoided a dangerous surgery’, and I knew this is what I wanted to do, help people. That’s the best part of the job. Every day they’re feeling better and we’re making a change in their lives where they can actually do what they want to do.”

Coastal Integrative Healthcare

Dr. Tim Steflik, Dr. Melony Thomas

145 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite 208 Palm Coast, FL

386-445-4455

www.coastalintegrativehealthcare.com

Resident Feedback Desired on Future Solid Waste and Recycling Service

By

Flagler News Weekly

-

February 16, 2021

Palm Coast, FL – Palm Coast residents can tell city leaders what their preferences are for the next garbage and recycling service by taking a community-wide survey that will be available starting March 1-30.

Next month, the survey will be available to take online on Palm Coast Connect at palmcoastconnect.com and the city website at palmcoastgov.com. Paper versions will also be delivered in utility bills and be available for in-person participation at the Palm Coast City Hall, located at 160 Lake Avenue, and the Palm Coast Community Center, located at 305 Palm Coast Pkwy NE. Residents with paperless billing will receive a link in email. In April, all survey results will be analyzed and presented to the City Council.

The City’s current solid waste and recycling services contract with Waste Pro ends on May 31, 2022. Under that contract, residents’ garbage is picked up twice a week, yard waste is picked up once a week and recycling is picked up once week. The rate is currently $20.36 per month.

The survey asks a variety of questions relating to the frequency of pickup; recycling costs and rewards; overall impression of services and more.

“We encourage all residents in Palm Coast to fill out the survey so they can have a voice in helping their leaders decide on a contract in the coming months,” said Cynthia Schweers, Director of Citizen Engagement. “Our residents are paying for this important service and we want to make sure that we communicate their wants and needs as we move forward in the selection process.”

The City plans to host a virtual town hall meeting in March with Schweers, Mayor Milissa Holland and a consultant from NewGen Strategies & Solutions to show what has changed in the industry and answer solid waste related questions. Residents can submit questions on palmcoastconnect.com starting March 1.

The City is working with the consultant to assess the current contract and to prepare to put a bid out in May for a new waste contract.

Media Release: City of Palm Coast

Kimberly Norman, Public Relations Associate

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