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Wednesday, November 5, 2025
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Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber Announces John Phillips as New President

By
Flagler News Weekly
-
John Phillips

Palm Coast, FL – The Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber is pleased to announce and welcome John Phillips as the new President of the Chamber, following an extensive and in-depth interview and vetting process to ensure the right leadership fit for the Chamber’s continued success.

John Phillips

This transition follows five months of dedicated leadership by our interim President and CEO, Howard Holley, who played a critical role in re-organizing Chamber operations and establishing key initiatives such as the Economic Vitality Partner and Business & Entrepreneur Council Membership Groups, new Governance Processes, and a Communications Task Force. Thanks to Howard’s efforts, John Phillips is stepping into a well-structured Chamber, ready to take our business community to new heights.

Over the past five months, Holley has diligently served as the Interim CEO and President, successfully leading the Chamber and positioning it for future growth. During his tenure, Holley implemented strategic initiatives, organized key committees—including Small Business, Governance, and Communications—and provided a strong foundation for Phillips to build upon. His leadership has ensured a seamless transition and created a clear path for the Chamber’s continued growth and prosperity.

Michael Chiumento, John Phillips, Howard Holley.

As a valued Chamber member, we want you to know that our mission remains steadfast: to help businesses unite, grow, and succeed by providing networking opportunities, government advocacy, economic research, and leadership development. With John at the helm, we are confident in our continued success in driving economic vitality and enhancing the quality of life in Flagler County.

Michael Chiumento, Chamber Chair, expressed confidence in Phillips’ leadership,
“John Phillips is the right leader at the right time for the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber. His expertise, vision, and passion for economic development will drive the Chamber to new heights. With the strong foundation set by Howard Holley, we are confident that John will successfully lead initiatives that support our business community and foster economic prosperity in Flagler County.”

The Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce exists to help the business community unite and grow by providing valuable networking opportunities, political and governmental guidance, economic research, and leadership to shape the future of Flagler County. The Chamber’s core mission is to drive economic vitality and enhance the quality of life through:

  • Access to Resources and Expertise
  • Relationship Building
  • Community Engagement and Visibility
  • Advocacy and Policy Support

 

For any questions or to learn more about upcoming Chamber initiatives, feel free to reach out to Kelsie Lombard, our Membership Experience Director, at Kelsie@pcfchamber.com.

We look forward to seeing you at future Chamber events and working together to build a stronger business community that helps to sustain our Quality of Life that makes this place special!

The Chamber offers partnership opportunities at various levels, including Community Builders, Economic Vitality, CEO, Elite, and Visionary Members. Businesses interested in becoming part of this dynamic network are encouraged to reach out.

For more information, visit www.pcfchamber.com or contact us at 386-283-4884.

Media Release: Palm Coast Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce

 

Mother Seton, Flagler Broadcasting Hosting Foodtruckpalooza This Saturday

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Detectives Find Drugs, Neglected Child, and Abused Dogs During Warrant Service, Leading to Four Arrests

By
FCSO Public Affairs Officer
-

BUNNELL, Fla. — The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit, with assistance from the FSCO and Putnam County Sheriff’s Office SWAT teams, served a narcotics-related search warrant in the 5000 block of Nutwood Avenue in Bunnell, closing down the drug operation and making four arrests.

Sheriff Rick Staly stands alongside a sign stating, “This Drug House Closed For Business” posted following a narcotics-related search warrant in the 5000 block of Nutwood Avenue in Bunnell.

Detectives obtained the search warrant following an undercover operation. During the search of the residences, which consisted of four RVs and a modular home together on one property, detectives located and seized methamphetamine, cannabis, drug paraphernalia, and multiple firearms.

Inside one RV, detectives encountered a child and two dogs living in deplorable conditions. Both dogs appeared to be emaciated and had untreated skin infections that caused extensive fur loss. The Florida Department of Children and Families responded to the scene and took custody of the child. Flagler Animal Services responded and took custody of the dogs.

David Price, 38, and Clara Sands-Benefield, 30, who resided in the RV where detectives found the child and dogs, were arrested for Child Neglect and Animal Cruelty. Price was additionally arrested for Possession of Marijuana (20 Grams or Less) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. They were transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where they were later released on $4,000 and $3,000 bonds, respectively.

Margaret Rush, 55, was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where she was later released.

Howard Crouch, 53, was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held on a $3,500 bond.

“This was such a prolific neighborhood nuisance a nearby home had posted a sign in their yard saying, ‘drug house next house’,” said Sheriff Rick Staly, who was on scene during the search warrant. “I thank the community for your tips as this property made my Sheriff’s High-Interest Target list, a naughty list you do not want to be on! This was another excellent job by our SIU and SWAT teams, as well as our partners at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office who assisted us, to safely serve this warrant and shut down another drug house. If you are a poison peddler in Flagler County, we’re coming for you next, so I suggest you take your drug dealing business elsewhere before we shut it down, send you to the Green Roof Inn, and put a sign in your yard letting all your neighbors know we did so.”

Anyone with information on suspected narcotics activity or drug dealers in Flagler County are encouraged to contact FCSO by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477), emailing TIPS@flaglersheriff.com, or submitting a tip through the FCSO website or app.

Applications Accepted for Palm Coast City Council District 3 Seat

By
Brittany N. Kershaw
-

Palm Coast – The Palm Coast City Council is seeking applicants from District 3 residents to fill the vacant City Council seat following the resignation of Council Member Ray Stevens on February 28, 2025. The appointed individual will serve from the appointment date through November 2026.

To qualify, applicants must reside in District 3, maintain residency in District 3 for the duration of the appointment, and must reside in District 3 for at least 45 weeks in the year. Please be advised that background screening of all applicants is required.

The application window is open from March 4, 2025, until 5:00 p.m. on March 19, 2025. City Council will thoroughly review each application as part of their consideration for the appointment to District 3. Applicants will be interviewed by the current City Council members in a public session on April 1, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

The City Council will further discuss the applicants during the workshop meeting on April 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., with the final appointment scheduled for April 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. All meetings will be held at City Hall, 160 Lake Avenue, and are open to the public. Meetings will also be streamed live on the City of Palm Coast YouTube channel: youtube.com/CityofPalmCoastTV.

Key dates to remember:

  • Application Period: Open until March 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
  • Interviews: April 1, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
  • Discussion of Applicants: April 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
  • Appointment Date: April 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Residents interested in applying can find more information, including the application form and a map of District 3, by visiting https://www.palmcoast.gov/district-3-seat. For additional details, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (386) 986-3713 or email CityClerk@palmcoastgov.com.

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.

Palm Coast Invites Residents to Tour City’s Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants

By
Brittany N. Kershaw
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Palm Coast, FL— The City of Palm Coast is inviting residents to get a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s water system and distribution process when it presents special tours of Water Treatment Plant #3 and Wastewater Treatment Plant #2 on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The tour will provide an in-depth overview of the water treatment and distribution process from the aquifer to our treatment plant to our city’s residents and businesses. It will also include a tour of the wastewater plant and outline the treatment process.

Residents can choose between two tour sessions: 9 a.m. or 2 p.m. The tour will include visits to Water Treatment Plant 3 and Wastewater Treatment Plant 2, which share a main operations center. During the tour, participants will learn how water is treated and distributed, explore the wastewater treatment process, and have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the experts who manage these essential services.

“We want these tours to be an eye-opening experience, just like our Citizens Academy,” said Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston. “Our team is passionate about what they do, and this is a great chance for residents to see firsthand how we treat and distribute water across the city. We hope everyone leaves with a new understanding of the process and an appreciation for the people who make it happen!”

For safety reasons, space is limited, and residents must register in advance by visiting parksandrec.fun and typing “Guided Tour” into the search bar. The tour sites are ADA accessible, and handicapped parking is available. Water Treatment Plant 3 is located off US 1 at 400 Peavey Grade. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour.

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

Flagler County Contractor Review Board Seeks Licensed Roofing Contractor

By
Julie Murphy, MPIO
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March 6, 2025 – A licensed roofing contractor is being sought by Flagler County to fill a vacancy on its Contractor Review Board.

The Contractor Review Board meets at 5 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month in the Commission Chambers of the Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Bunnell.

The Board assists in the proper administration of the ordinance that governs contractors – Ordinance 2022-04 (Ordinance 2015-06; Ordinance 2007-10). The Board shall have the power and authority to discipline Authorized or Certified contractors as set forth in Section 8-15 of this Ordinance.

The vacancy is for a four-year term, and members must remain actively licensed in good standing throughout the term with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Applications can be found on the Flagler County website at: https://www.flaglercounty.gov/Government/Boards-and-Committees.

The seven-member board represents various licensed trades and a consumer member. The members shall not be elected officials or employees of Flagler County or its municipalities. Members shall serve without compensation.

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

Joe Rizzo Memorial Golf Classic Set for April 7

By
Danielle Anderson
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Honor Joe Rizzo’s memory and make a difference for Flagler students! Register for the Joe Rizzo Memorial Golf Classic or become a sponsor. Your participation will benefit the Flagler School Classroom to Careers program and help it continue its important work.Food & Drinks on every hole!

Games oncourse!

Silent Auction!

50/50 Raffle!

Footjoy Swagbag!

Golf Ball Launcher on course!

and so much more.

From hospital bed to Wedding Vows: A patient’s hospital stay turns into an unforgettable wedding day

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

PALM COAST, Fla., March 5, 2025 – Malcolm Dodson and his wife, Paula, were supposed to marry on Valentine’s Day, but when Malcolm fell ill, their wedding plans came to a halt.

A week later, with the help of the team at AdventHealth, the couple said “I do” in an unexpected place, the hospital’s chapel.

What seemed like a common cold quickly escalated, leaving Malcolm unable to move, he was admitted to AdventHealth Palm Coast. Getting sick took Malcolm, 60, of Palm Coast, away from his business as General Manager at Cue Note Billiards.

Despite his illness, Malcolm never lost sight of the special day he and Paula had been dreaming of.

When Krista Beltz, nurse manager of the hospital’s progressive care unit, visited him on Valentine’s Day, she saw his disappointment.

“I walked into the room and said, ‘Hey, Malcolm, Happy Valentine’s Day, how are you doing today?’” said Beltz. “And he was like, ‘It is Valentine’s Day, and it was supposed to be my wedding day.’ My heart just broke for him.”

Determined to make his dream come true, Beltz and her team sprang into action. When Malcolm asked if he could get married in the hospital’s chapel, Beltz didn’t hesitate.

In just one day, Beltz and her colleagues pulled together every detail: flowers, cake, a Mr. and Mrs. cake cutter.

Surrounded by close family members and friends, Malcolm and Paula exchanged vows in the hospital’s chapel – turning an unexpected setting into one filled with love, joy and celebration.

The day before the wedding, the hospital’s progressive care unit received a surprise delivery: a bouquet of roses with a note that read: “Thank you for all you do for your patients.”

The sender was anonymous, but the florist let it slip: it was Malcolm.

“When I asked him about it, he just smiled and said, ‘Shh. I don’t want anyone to know. I just want you to know that you care for everyone so well and I just want you all to feel appreciated,’” said Beltz.

At AdventHealth Palm Coast, the team is adamant that whole-person care is a commitment lived out every day.

“We give our all for our patients, not just in treating illness, but in lifting spirits,” said Beltz. “Some of our patients are very sick, but finding moments of joy during difficult times is what makes this work so special.”

For Malcolm, the kindness he and Paula experienced reflected something he’s always loved about his hometown.

“Being a 10-year resident of Palm Coast, one of the beautiful things I have noticed is the family structure in this community,” said Malcolm. “The love and support here are unmatched.”

Media Release: AdventHealth East Florida Division

GO VOTE: Flagler Beach, Bunnell To Hold Elections March 4th

By
Danielle Anderson
-


 The City of Flagler Beach will have an election on March 4, 2025 for two City Commissioners. You may vote for ONE or TWO candidates on this ballot. The City of Bunnell will also have an election on March 4, 2025 for two City Commissioners. You may vote for ONE or TWO candidates on this ballot.

No early voting will be held for this election.
✅ Election Day: March 4, 2025
✅ Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.
✅ Election Day Polling Place: Flagler Beach City Hall, Commission Chamber Room, 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach 32136.


Many city candidates have provided a statement about their vision and goals, qualifications for office, and biographical information for the public.

CLICK HERE

Queen of Comedy Cristy B Announces Second Location

By
Danielle Anderson
-

Comedian, entrepreneur, & owner of CristyB Comedy Club THE CLUB in Palm Coast, Florida announces the opening of her 2nd location.

Cristy B Comedy Club “THE CLUB IN DAYTONA” is scheduled to open Spring of 2025.

For more than 10 years Cristy B has been running shows In cities such as Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, St. Augustine, Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach and Maryville Tn.

In addition to now owning and running 2 comedy clubs Cristy B continues to bring Funny to Flagler in other locations.

‘I Crave Comedy’ at
Craves Coastal Kitchen &
‘LAFF AWAYZ @ Break-Awayz’ at the Beach both have monthly comedy shows booked and produced by Cristy B and are located on A1A in Flagler Beach.

Cristy B also books comedy for local Hotels such as Hammock Beach Resort & The Hilton Garden Inn both in Palm Coast, Fl.

Please Follow Cristy B on her comedy journey as she continues to bring you the funny.

Social media
Facebook:
Cristy B Comedy
Cristy B Comedy Club “THE CLUB”

Instagram:
CristyBComedy
CBC_THECLUB

CRISTYBCOMEDY.COM

386-297-2131

Comedians send clips to:
TheCBCclub@gmail.com

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Flagler News Weekly Editor: Danielle Anderson Published by Sunrise Media Group, LLC ©Flagler News Weekly, All Rights Reserved.
Contact us: FlaglerNewsWeekly@gmail.com
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