FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – It was a stellar night for the Rotary Club of Flagler County as they hosted their record-breaking Race of the Runways 5K under one of the year’s most stunning sunsets.
Event chair Sheila Pillath and fellow Rotarian Cindy Dalecki grinned happily as they looked around at the smiling faces post-race.
Event Chair Sheila Pillath and Cindy Dalecki.
“We had the most race participants we’ve ever had. We had 550 all together, 501 were racers and the rest were kids and virtual participants competing,” said Pillath.
“I love the turnout. There is so much energy and we got our sunset! Miraculous. I thought we were not going to get a sunset this year because of the clouds, but we were graced with a beautiful sunset. Everybody’s just so happy when they come here. They were dressed up, how fun is that?”
In for the Win
First to cross the finish line, Joshua Brands (17.50) is not only fast runner, he’s a Flagler County Firefighter/EMT. After recently finishing school and coming off of an injury, he was surprised to learn he was the first to cross.
Joshua Brands
“Yes, I am surprised. I just got back into running and coming off an injury,” he said. “It’s really cool. I work for Flagler County Fire Rescue, actually, the helicopter flying around, that’s from our department. So, it’s pretty cool to be part of something that the county’s putting on. My fire chief’s here too, so that’s pretty cool to just be part of it.”
Part of the ‘Not Fast, Just Furious’ running club, he and team members gladly stopped for a photo with Flagler County Fire Chief Mike Tucker, who shared his pride as the county’s helicopter circled the runway helping participants see the runway in the setting sun.
Dale Tucker, Joshua Brands, Flagler County Fire Chief Mike Tucker.
“For several years some of us from the fire department have been coming out, just wanting to support the Race of the Runways. The Rotary Club is a great organization and they do great things across the world,” he said.
“And maybe show off a little of the Flagler County Fire Rescue because Joshua Brands finished number one, which is exciting because he just finished paramedic school,” Tucker added with pride. “For the last 15 months he hasn’t been able to compete or do anything because he’s been in school. So we’re very proud of him.”
“The community supports us and everything we do. They love the fire department and Flagler County Fire Rescue. Fire fighting is a major asset. (Us participating), it’s another way for us to give back to the community.”
Not Fast Just Furious Run Club
Running club member Brielle Goldberg, was winded but determined after her 5K stint on runways of the Flagler Executive Airport.
“I do it for fun but it’s really cool seeing the community coming together to do things like this, especially for charities and nonprofits, and finding a community of runners has been really nice,” she said.
Stepping Up for Others
The Race of the Runways has become a tradition in Flagler County that many can get behind. Not only do the proceeds support community projects, they also help support other organizations like Project WARM at SMA Healthcare, who in turn, helps by preparing and serving part of the meal for the event.
Participants of all ages.
Serving as Acting President while the current president Karen Pastoriza is on ‘baby watch’ in New York, Bob Snyder called the evening a win-win for everyone.
“Us Rotarians are always available to step it up when we have to,” said Snyder with his signature enthusiasm.
Flagler County Communications Coordinator Julie Murphy and Rotary Club of Flagler Beach Acting President Bob Snyder.
“The weather could not be more perfect for the runners and walkers. We have broken a record tonight and that’s the most we’ve ever had. Our sponsors are wonderful and plentiful. It’s just a beautiful night,” he said, highlighting the partnership with Flagler Executive Airport.
“We are blessed to have Roy Sieger who is the administrator and executive director of the airport. He’s a past president twice of our Rotary Club of Flagler Beach,” shared Snyder. “He is all about Rotary and we are so glad that we have these partnership opportunities to not only raise money for our club but also to just have this beautiful event. It promotes wellness, with walkers and runners, and it’s fun.”
Melissa Chipps shows off the 2025 medal.
Event Chair Sheila Pillath summed it up with a thank you.
“First and foremost, thank you to our sponsors. Second, thank you to the participants. The money that we raised from this is going to help us do a lot of good in the community, help a lot of people, and that’s really what this race is all about.”
Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast has installed all traffic-calming treatments as part of the Traffic Calming Pilot Study, an initiative prioritized by the City Council to enhance roadway safety and improve neighborhood quality of life.
Following the findings of the 2024 Residential Speed Study, speed cushions have been installed on Cimmaron Drive and Florida Park Drive to address areas of concern for speeding and crash risks. Additionally, chicanes have been implemented on Farmsworth Drive and Forest Grove Drive to create slight curves that encourage drivers to slow down. Lane narrowing measures are also in place on Woodbury Drive and Sea Trail, designed to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety naturally.
Now that these traffic-calming treatments are fully installed, we want to hear from you! Share your feedback on how these changes affect traffic flow and neighborhood safety. Your input will help the City Council determine whether these measures should remain in place after the pilot program concludes in April 2025.
“This program is a top priority for the City Council because it’s all about making our neighborhoods safer and more enjoyable for everyone,” said Mayor Mike Norris. “Please take the time to answer the surveys so we can work together to find the best solutions.”
Visit www.palmcoast.gov/traffic-calming-pilot-project to submit your thoughts. Your feedback is essential in shaping the future of traffic safety in Palm Coast. All responses will be reviewed and shared with City Council Members as part of the decision-making process.
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Native American Festival at the Princess Place Preserve, members of Native American tribes from across North America gathered for one of the largest pow wows ever held in Flagler County.
Attendees remarked on the well-organized event which offered a variety of dining options to enjoy in between visits to the re-enactments, historical encampments, and demonstrations throughout the park.
The centerpiece of the weekend’s entertainment focused on the lineup of Native American dances that tell the stories of the tribes.
“Native Americans are not allowed to brag in public it’s a no-no, so the only way we have of telling people what we did was dance. We would dance in pantomime and show you the different things that we did while we were out hunting, while we were out on a work journey,” said Kiowa tribesman Duane Whitehorse.
Familiar faces like those of Cherokee Rick Bird and Whitehorse, are a staple at the Native American Festival alongside event organizer Jim Sawgrass, whose family has been involved since the inception of the festival.
Honoring veterans early in the ceremony each day, crowds stayed late on Sunday to see a final performance from Sawgrass’s son, 2019 world-champion hoop dancer Cody Boettner, and his protégé, who hopes to be a world champion herself.
Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill and Deputy Chief Bradd Clark with the Palm Coast Fire Firefighters who were recently hired.
Palm Coast, Florida – The Palm Coast Fire Department is welcoming five new firefighters to the team. The addition of these vital personnel reinforces the department’s commitment to excellence and ensures the future of fire service in Palm Coast.
Since August 2024, Kylee Burns, Jesus Cordova, Andrew Dills, Mark Paraskiv, and Zayne Smith have officially joined the ranks. These new firefighters were honored in a special ceremony at the Palm Coast Community Center, where they were proudly pinned by their loved ones.
“This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling,” said Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill. “We’re not just adding firefighters; we’re welcoming new family members. These men and women are stepping up to serve our community with courage and dedication, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill and Deputy Chief Bradd Clark with the Palm Coast Fire Firefighters who were recently hired.
The new hires are part of the department’s long-term succession plan, ensuring that Palm Coast remains well-prepared for the future. As these new firefighters begin their journey, they carry forward the proud tradition of family, loyalty, and integrity that defines the Palm Coast Fire Department.
In addition to recognizing new members, the Fire Department honored firefighters for their heroic, life-saving efforts. Lieutenant Patrick Juliano, Lieutenant Jeremy Barton, and Firefighter Osvaldo Sene were awarded CPR Life Saving Awards. Fire Chief Berryhill, joined by CPR survivor Mr. Andrew Bekas—who suffered a cardiac arrest at Holland Park in August 2024—proudly presented the CPR Life Saving Award Ribbons. Additionally, Lieutenant Joseph Fajardo, Christopher Cottle, and Junior Firefighter James Robles were recognized with CPR Life Saving Awards. They also received a heartfelt letter from CPR survivor Ms. Patricia Baker, who was unable to attend but expressed deep gratitude to the firefighters who saved her life.
In addition to the firefighter awards, community members Krystal DeWind, Steve Flanagan, Kathy Lewis, Phorn Moeuy, Scott Nicoll, and Christina Vilay were also recognized for life-saving efforts and performing CPR that resulted in the saving the lives of Mr. Andrew Bekas and Ms. Patricia Baker.
PALM COAST, Fla. – What does it feel like to stand next to a real life Broadway star and sing? Students from across Central Florida are about to find out.
More than two dozen turned up to audition on Saturday for the chance, and from those a select few will have the opportunity to perform alongside Mandy Gonzalez on March 13th at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center.
Gonzalez is best known for her work in the Broadway smash hits Hamilton and Wicked.
Chatting with vocalist Lina Nasr about what the opportunity would mean for her, she was enthusiastic.
Nasr is a lead in the current show, “Six, The Musical” at Spruce Creek High School. She sees the opportunity to not only perform with Gonzalez but attend a private workshop with fellow singers from the show, as a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Lina and Layla Nasr attend the auditions at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center. (Flagler News Weekly)
“I love performing. I’ve done theater my whole life,” said Lina. “This is going to be an amazing opportunity to perform with someone as talented as Mandy Gonzalez. She’s a very popular performer and her work has been very influential.”
“Lina has been in musical theater for a very, very long time and she enjoys being on stage,” added mom, Layla Nasr.
“I wanted her to try this process so that she can experience auditioning and a new experience of being with a Broadway star. With this opportunity comes a workshop that the children might enjoy and actually get into it, and see how much they can benefit from being one-on-one with a Broadway performer.”
Gonzalez’s body of work is award winning, from a Drama Desk Award in the Tony award-winning musical “In the Heights” to working alongside silver screen legends Martin Short and Steve Martin, and lending her vocal stylings to the voice of Mei in Disney’s Mulan 2.
Practicing briefly with Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center Director Amelia Fulmer on the piano before rejoining the rest of the group` under the tutelage of Ms. Ann Paris, Ethan Therrien knows it’s about more than just words and sheet music.
Buddy Taylor Middle School student Ethan Therrien practices with Amelia Fulmer. (Flagler News Weekly)
“I thought it would be a really eye-opening experience to sing with Mandy, and it would be fun too,” said the Buddy Taylor Middle School eighth grader.
A regular in the performing arts, Therrien doesn’t have to go far to find what works best for him.
“Just me using my own voice as my instrument. I’ve been looking for instruments, and I found my voice is my best instrument,” he said.
The students selected will perform Katy Perry’s “Firework” and a song written for Gonzalez “Fearless”.
“We’re excited because we have kids from St. Augustine, kids from Flagler County, and students all the way from Port Orange that came in for the auditions,” shared Fulmer.
“We worked really hard this year to be a regional theater so we’re including some of the opportunities to perform with the stars. It’s a big part of our mission but it’s exciting because by having auditions, we’re getting a lot of students that are really into Broadway and really want the chance to meet a Broadway star.”
Tickets for the show on March 13 at 7 PM featuring Mandy Gonzalez are on sale now at www.FlaglerEntertainment.com.
The most successful leaders understand that the team with the best people is most likely to get to the top and stay there. Recruiting, developing, and retaining the right team is their passion.
They are continuous recruiters. They never miss an opportunity to get the right individuals on their team and grow and retain them. They confirm which talent pipelines and pools produce the teammates they need to excel on the organization’s mission, goals, and objectives. They offer the leadership, culture, team, and mission to attract and keep who they must have to consistently outperform their competition. They pay close attention to the relevant talent market and study metrics and data points concerning their organization’s activities and achievements in recruitment and retention. If they can make a change in their policies which will gain them an advantage in the talent market, they do it.
They see value and potential in individuals who others might miss. They gather as much objective information and input from others as they need to be confident in their assessment.
They grow and retain the talent they attract. They invest in the success of their team. They take time to learn what each member of their team would like to see happen during their careers and work with them to enable them to experience it. They provide mentoring, professional and leadership development opportunities, and supply every resource and tool to bring out the best in their teammates. They focus on retention, so people join the team and stay for their careers. They enhance motivators and try to remove or lessen demotivators. They provide paths to the career goals each employee seeks and then they help them get there. They want each member of the team coming to work thinking, “Both the company and I are succeeding. We are both winning.”
Only when the employee gets an extraordinary offer this employer cannot possibly compete with do you see a member of this team leave. When that happens, the employer congratulates this employee and expresses appreciation for all of his or her contributions. They are elated to see and celebrate the success of every member of their team. This employer views it as a compliment that a member of their team is going on to an amazing opportunity.
They won’t have a perfect track record because nobody does. However, when you compare their hires and promotions with actual performance and integrity on the job, they have a very impressive batting average. The worst leaders have an unimpressive or lousy track record on hiring and promotions and simply repeat their mistakes.
High performing organizations consistently outperform all others on this crucial function. Low performing organizations keep picking and retaining the mediocre, fair, or poor employees. It’s like they never learn or don’t want to change. Of course, as Maxwell notes, it’s also an issue of “we attract who we are.”
Focus on this priority. Devote yourself to becoming proficient and consistent at identifying and keeping the talent you need to succeed on your mission, goals, and objectives. Invest a lot of time, energy, and effort in this role.
Have a team who is skillful at catching talent. Make sure everything in your organization aids you in winning in the competition for gifted individuals of integrity. In the 21st century knowledge economy, talent is everything and integrity remains priceless in every century (Abrashoff, 2002; Blanchard, 2011; Collins, 2001; Drucker, 2001; Grant, 2017; Kotter, 2012; Lencioni, 2012; Maxwell, 1998; Welch, 2005).
Topics Include City Manager search, Flagler Humane Society overview, Flagler Executive Airport zoning regulations, 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, February 25, at 9 a.m. will be as follows:
Presentations
The following presentations will be presented:
Strategic Government Resources (SGR) will present a summary of the 35 applicants and seek the council’s selection of the top 10 to 12 candidates to advance to the semifinalist review at the March 11, 2025, workshop.
The Flagler Humane Society will give a presentation regarding the organization’s operations and services.
Animal Refuge Flagler will present research and information to the City Council regarding welfare and shelter for animals in the community.
At the request of the City Council, Heidi Petito, Flagler County’s County Administrator, will present the Flagler Executive Airport zoning regulations.
At the request of the City Council, Heidi Petito, Flagler County’s County Administrator, will present on Flagler County’s Coastal Erosion and Management.
The Community Development Department will deliver a presentation on the Strategic Action Plan priority #3, which states that the City shall ‘“identify arterial and roadways to have a safety corridor study performed and prioritize road segments to be studied. Seek Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)/Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) grant funding.” Consisting with tactic 3.1.3, City staff is presenting to the City Council an overview of how to turn lanes are evaluated and selected for construction, status updates on current development, and funding status.
The City Administration will present Quarter 1 updated for the Strategic Action Plan.
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.
Beginning February 4, 2025, the Council will hold the following meetings each month: a business meeting at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday, a workshop at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday, a business meeting at 9 a.m. on the third Tuesday, and a new workshop at 9 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday. All meetings will continue to be held in the Community Wing at City Hall, 160 Lake Avenue, Palm Coast.
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.
PALM COAST, Fla. – Hosting one of the community’s favorite shopping experiences at the Flagler County Public Library, the Friends of the Library welcomed dozens of people to the main campus to pick up bargain books from their favorite authors while discovering new titles.
Homemade cookies, brownies and breads offered up treats at unbeatable prices, and one young Friend of the Library said he put his Publix baking skills to work creating the delicious chocolate cookies.
A classic car show drew others to the library for a chat with owners who were more than happy to share the details of their vintage vehicles.
The next Book & Bake Sale is set for May 17, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. The event will include the classic car show. For more information on Flagler County Public Library events, please visit www.flaglerlibrary.org/events.
Palm Coast, FL (February 19, 2025) — Something BIG is coming to Flagler County! For the first time ever, a spectacular drone show will light up the skies above Flagler Executive Airport as SkyGlow by Nexus 360, in partnership with Flagler Executive Airport and Warbirds Over Flagler, brings an unforgettable, family-friendly event to our community on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
This groundbreaking event will blend the past and future of aviation, combining the historic Warbirds Over Flagler airshow with the awe-inspiring technology of a state-of-the-art drone light show (SkyGlow). Families and attendees of all ages will witness drones illuminating the night sky in synchronized formations, creating a breathtaking aerial spectacle never seen before in our region.
“As local business owners who live and work in Flagler County, we created SkyGlow as a homegrown initiative to celebrate innovation, aviation, technology and community spirit, bringing an unforgettable experience to our own backyard,” said Greg Blose, CEO of Nexus 360. “This event is more than just a drone show—it’s about creating something special that brings the community together.”
In addition to bringing a first-of-its-kind event to Flagler County, a portion of the proceeds from SkyGlow will go toward scholarships for local students through Teens In Flight, a Flagler County-based nonprofit that provides opportunities for young aspiring aviators and STEM students.
“This is about Flagler County coming together to create something truly spectacular,” said Kelly Navarro, COO of Nexus 360. “Not only are we delivering a first-ever entertainment experience to the community, but we’re also investing in the future of our youth by supporting aviation education and providing scholarships to local students. As business owners, we believe in supporting our own, and this event allows us to give back to the next generation of leaders right here in Flagler County.”
🎟 Tickets are on sale now! One ticket grants access to both SkyGlow and Warbirds Over Flagler.
📍 Flagler Executive Airport | March 22, 2025
🔗 Get Tickets: https://SkyGlowFlaglerDroneShow.eventbrite.com
BUNNELL, Fla. — The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announces the implementation of the Inmate Recognition and Identification System, known as I.R.I.S., at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. This cutting-edge technology is designed to enhance public safety and ensure the identification of individuals booked into the jail.
I.R.I.S. uses advanced biometric technology to capture over 265 characteristics of the human eye, which are unique to every individual. This creates a biometric template that is significantly more accurate than other identification methods, such as fingerprinting, facial recognition, and palm scanning. This accuracy ensures that offenders cannot use false names, dates of birth, aliases, or other methods to disguise their identity.
The system can accurately distinguish between individuals, even those who resemble each other, such as identical twins, or share the same name, virtually eliminating the risk that the wrong person is listed as arrested or the wrong inmate is accidentally released.
I.R.I.S. is integrated with a national database, allowing for seamless information sharing with other law enforcement agencies throughout the country. This connectivity enhances the ability to track people who may attempt to flee or evade justice by moving across state lines or other parts of Florida.
Detention Commander Louis Miceli demonstrates the Inmate Recognition and Identification System.
“The implementation of I.R.I.S. aligns with our commitment to using the best available tools to apprehend criminals,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “We believe this system will be an invaluable resource in our efforts to identify criminals who may provide a false name. This technology is the ‘new fingerprint technology’ and is already being used by the FBI. Dirtbags be aware. We have another tool to identify you and capture you!”
I.R.I.S. is available through an innovative partnership between the National Sheriffs’ Association and BI2 Technologies. The equipment was provided to FCSO at no cost to taxpayers.
