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Volusia-Flagler TPO: Operation Best Foot Forward Update

By
Pamela Blankenship
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Bike/Walk Central Florida’s Operation Best Foot Forward for Pedestrian Safety Program’s vision is that if the rate of drivers that stop for pedestrians in crosswalks increases, then more pedestrians will cross in crosswalks. The program uses a four “E” approach to encourage drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks: Evaluation, Enforcement, Education, and Engineering. In 2024, in Volusia County, enforcement has helped increase driver yield rates 23% at the crosswalk at Ocean Shore Boulevard and Tom Renick Park in Ormond Beach. Enforcement and engineering interventions have increased the driver yield rate at the crosswalk at W. Highbanks Road and the Spring-to-Spring Trail in DeBary by 22%.

The Volusia-Flagler TPO is funding the program’s expansion into Flagler County over the next year. A stakeholder coalition representing the jurisdictions of Flagler County was recently formed and included members of law enforcement, city/county technical staff and planners, and TPO committee, board and staff. A workshop was held in January to discuss the crosswalks that will be chosen as the locations for enforcement operations, the first of which is expected to take place between February 11-21, 2025. Below are the eight crosswalks chosen (with aerial links to Google Maps):

Flagler County 

Palm Coast 

Flagler Beach

Bunnell 

Flagler Woman’s Club Announces February Events, Including Meet the Candidates Night

By
Mary Louk
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Saturday, February 15, 6 pm – Bunco: The Flagler Woman’s Club invites you to come and enjoy an evening of Bunco on Saturday, February 15 at 6 pm at 1524 S Central Ave, Flagler Beach.  The Baked Potato themed Bunco Buffet will be served at 6 pm with Bunco to follow.  Bring toppings, a side dish or dessert to share. BYOB if you like. $10 donation at the door.  Call Shelly at 630-209-9660 or Debbie at 312-607-8200 for more information.

Wednesday, February 26, 7 pm – Meet the Candidates Night: The Flagler Woman’s Club invites you to Candidates’ Night on Wednesday, February 26  at 7pm at the clubhouse located at 1524 S Central Ave, Flagler Beach.  Meet the Candidates for the following local races: Bunnell City Commissioner and Flagler Beach City Commissioner. Each candidate will be given time for an initial presentation, followed by a question-and-answer period, and then closing statements.  Afterwards will be an opportunity to talk one on one with the candidates.  Please be aware of and respect the club’s no campaign paraphernalia in the clubhouse rule.  For more information call Joann Soman at 305-778-2885. The evening will be livestreamed by Flagler News Weekly.

Friday & Saturday, February 21 & 22 – Rummage Sale: The Flagler Woman’s Club invites you to our annual Rummage Sale on Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22 from 9 am – 2 pm.  It will be held at the clubhouse at 1524 South Central Ave., Flagler Beach.  Everyone is invited rain or shine.  Plenty of things to choose from including jewelry, household items, home decor, clothing, toys, electronics, collectibles, and much more at bargain prices. For information call Barbara at 215-209-9332 or Shelly at 630-209-9660.

Phemotron Systems Corp. Welcomes Leslie Giscombe as President and Chief Business Officer, Strengthening Space Innovation Leadership

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Pictured (L-R): Dr. Femi Ishola, Founder/CEO Phemotron Systems; Dr. Rachael Seidler, Deputy Director Astraeus Space Institute; Jordan Callaham, Assistant Director; Leslie Giscombe, President/CBO Phemotron Systems Corp.

Gainesville, February 5, 2025 – Phemotron Systems Corp., a pioneering space engineering startup, is proud to announce the appointment of Leslie Giscombe as President and Chief Business Officer. In this role, Giscombe will drive the company’s mission to revolutionize the small satellite market and further position Phemotron as a key player in the space technology sector.

“I am honored to serve as President and Chief Business Officer at Phemotron Systems Corp.,” said Giscombe. “As an innovative space engineering startup, we are poised to disrupt the small satellite market. Our collaboration with academic institutions and industry leaders is helping to shape the future of space mission technology.”

Phemotron Systems Corp. is at the forefront of space innovation and is a founding partner of the University of Florida’s Astraeus Space Institute. Phemotron Systems is the only Black-owned space technology company that is a founding member of the UF Astraeus Space Institute. This collaboration underscores the company’s commitment to advancing space mission technology while contributing to Florida’s expanding leadership in the aerospace industry. Phemotron Systems is also a proud corporate member of the African American Entrepreneurs Association, which has been a tremendous support.

 

Pictured (L-R): Dr. Femi Ishola, Founder/CEO Phemotron Systems; Dr. Rachael Seidler, Deputy Director Astraeus Space Institute; Jordan Callaham, Assistant Director; Leslie Giscombe, President/CBO Phemotron Systems Corp.

Dr. Femi Ishola, Founder and CEO of Phemotron Systems, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s trajectory. “At Phemotron, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space technology. With Leslie’s leadership and our ongoing partnerships, we are well-positioned to drive meaningful advancements in small satellite technology.” Dr. Femi is an MBA cohort at the College of Business and an Adjunct Faculty at the Aerospace Engineering Department, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

The company’s work aligns with the Space Foundation Consortium, a coalition that includes the University of Central Florida and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. This initiative has received recognition from Governor Ron DeSantis for its role in strengthening Florida’s space innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Rachael Seidler, Deputy Director of the Astraeus Space Institute, emphasized the importance of these collaborations. “Working with Phemotron Systems allows us to translate cutting-edge research into practical space solutions. This partnership is instrumental in furthering our mission to lead in space exploration and technology.”

As Phemotron Systems Corp. continues its transformative journey, the company remains committed to driving innovation, fostering strategic partnerships, and playing a pivotal role in the next generation of space exploration.

For more information about Phemotron Systems Corp., please visit https://phemotron.com/. To learn more about Astraeus Space Institute, visit https://astraeus.ufl.edu/leadership/.

President Trump Issues Message on Super Bowl LIX

By
Flagler News Weekly
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I look forward to joining the fans in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX to cheer on two great teams—the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles—as they battle for the National Football League’s Vince Lombardi Trophy.

The coaches, players, and team staff on the field tonight represent the best of the best in professional football, but they also embody the best of the American Dream. Their hard work, dedication, and tenacity is admirable, and their individual journeys are as inspiring as the drive and determination that has led them to this extraordinary moment. They also represent the hopes and dreams of our Nation’s young athletes as we restore safety and fairness in sports and equal opportunities among their teams.

Football is America’s most popular sport—for good reason—it fosters a sense of national unity, bringing families, friends, and fans together and strengthening communities. This annual tradition transcends our differences and personifies our shared patriotic values of family, faith, and freedom heroically defended by our military service members, law enforcement officers, and first responders. We value their devotion to protecting our great Nation and salute their selfless service.

This year, the Super Bowl returns to the Caesars Superdome for a record setting 8th time. While thousands of fans from across our Nation gather in New Orleans to cheer on their favorite team, we remember that 14 families will be missing a loved one who was tragically murdered during a senseless terrorist attack while celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street. Our thoughts are also with the 35 individuals injured during the attack whose lives were changed forever that fateful night, and our prayers will remain with them for continued strength, comfort, and healing.

Tonight, we look forward to a terrific game and the crowning of the Super Bowl Champions. Melania joins me in sending our best wishes for a great Super Bowl Sunday. May the best team win, and may God bless you, your family, and the United States of America.
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Media Release: The White House, Office of Communications

Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy Graduates 13 In New Year

By
Dr. Joe Saviak
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Thirteen executives, managers, and professionals graduated from the Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy at a special ceremony at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center on Thursday February 6th at 4:30 p.m.

The graduates are:
Mike Baldwin, City of Palm Coast, FL – Government
Karen Callahan, Flagler County Government
Althea Civil, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
Robert Dalton, City of Palm Coast
Jonathan Dopp, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
Doreen Gleason, Flagler Schools
Roxana Godfrey, Office of the Flagler County Tax Collector
Jordan Martin, Office of the Flagler County Tax Collector
Daniel Nicholas, Flagler County BOCC
Crystal Nobre, City of Flagler Beach
Darlene Seaman, Office of the Flagler County Tax Collector
Brandon Seminara, Flagler Schools
Crystal Wray, Office of the Flagler County Tax Collector

Daytona State College partners with the Flagler County Tax Collector’s Office and local governments to provide this leadership academy which now has several dozen graduates in executive, managerial, and professional roles serving the citizens of Flagler County. Graduates receive a certificate of completion from Daytona State College. Dr. Sherryl Weems, Associate Vice President with Daytona State College, attended.

Students master the subjects, skills, and expertise needed to effectively lead and deliver exceptional service to the citizens of Flagler County. It is an intensive four-month executive education program which meets weekly for two-hour classes at the Tax Collector’s Office.
The graduates enhance their knowledge of critical topics like leadership, human resources, budgeting, risk management, customer service, program evaluation, teamwork, and organizational culture. Students read two nationally recognized books on leadership and complete a series of challenging real-world assignments. They sharpen valuable competencies like research, writing, presenting, analysis, decision-making, teamwork, project management, communication, problem-solving, and planning. They study the use of best practices, model policies, and data-driven decision-making to best serve citizens.

“As leaders, we have to be thinking about today, tomorrow, and ten and fifty years from today. This academy helps our current leaders be their best and it prepares emerging leaders for future roles. We congratulate all of our graduates on this accomplishment. We look forward to seeing your continued success as you and those you lead create a very bright future for Flagler County for many years to come,” stated Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly.

“The knowledge you have gained and the skills you have sharpened are being utilized now to best serve residents and develop more leaders. We congratulate you on this highly impressive personal, professional, and academic achievement. We are grateful for your devotion to public service,” said Dr. Joe Saviak who taught the leadership academy.

“This leadership academy is one of the most valuable things we can do for our employees and residents. It sustains strong partnerships across local governments. We teach best practices in successful leadership to help ensure that local government always operates effectively and efficiently for our citizens,” stated Flagler County Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson who coordinated this academy and hosted the classes at her main office.

Palm Coast Hosts Key Visit to Strengthen Utility Infrastructure Advocacy

By
Brittany N. Kershaw
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Palm Coast –In a proactive effort to secure funding and support for vital utility infrastructure projects, Council Member Charles A. Gambaro, Jr. organized a tour of Palm Coast’s Wastewater Treatment Plant #1 for District Director Barry Cotton of Senator Rick Scott’s Office. The visit aligns with the City of Palm Coast’s legislative priorities to enhance its utility system and ensure a sustainable future for the community.

The visit provided an opportunity for city leadership to highlight ongoing challenges within the wastewater infrastructure and discuss potential funding avenues with federal support. The tour was led by Council Member Gambaro, Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston, Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo, Utility Deputy Director Peter Roussell, and Wastewater Utility Systems Manager Danny Ashburn.

“We have fantastic support from Senator Scott’s Office,” said Council Member Gambaro. “I wanted Director Cotton to see our challenges firsthand and truly understand the scope of what we’re facing. This is just the beginning—we plan to bring Senator Scott himself to see the need for investment in our city. We’re committed to aggressively pursuing grant opportunities, and having the Senator’s support will be instrumental in securing the necessary resources.”

The City of Palm Coast continues to take a forward-thinking approach to addressing infrastructure needs, ensuring that its utility systems remain efficient, reliable, and capable of supporting the city into the future. Today’s visit underscores the city’s dedication to working with state and federal partners to advocate for funding solutions that benefit Palm Coast residents.

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.

Secretary of State Cord Byrd Invites the Public to Attend the Presentation of the Florida Arts and Culture Awards

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Secretary of State Cord Byrd today announced that the presentation of the 2024 Florida Arts and Culture Awards will take place at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, on February 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. The Florida Arts and Culture ceremony will include the presentation of the Florida Folklife Program’s Folk Heritage Awards, and the induction of Florida artists into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.

“We are delighted to honor these exceptional Florida artists and their contributions to enhancing our state’s rich and colorful arts and culture community,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “Through their creativity, passion, and dedication, they have inspired countless others and helped shape our beloved Sunshine State.”

The historic Florida Theatre has been an integral part of Jacksonville and Florida since 1927. In addition to movies, over the years, the theatre has hosted opera, dance and theatre productions, trade shows, fashion shows, charity benefits, and civic meetings, all making the Florida Theatre a hub of community activity.

“The Florida Theatre is honored to host this statewide celebration of arts and culture. The theatre is, after all, named after the state, so what could be more natural than hosting the Florida Arts and Culture Awards at the Florida Theatre?” said Florida Theatre President Numa Saisselin. “As a nonprofit arts organization, we are pleased to help celebrate the outstanding talent and contributions of these Florida artists, who have enriched the lives of Floridians statewide, as well as the lives of many more worldwide, too.”

Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for the ceremony beginning at 5:00 p.m. The event is free and is first-come-first-served, but interested parties must RSVP by February 13, 2025, at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/florida-arts-and-culture-awards-ceremony-tickets-1228251807219?aff=oddtdtcreator.

The award winners are listed below.

Florida Folk Heritage Award Recipients

Marisol Blanco, Miami

Julia Belen Alverio, Orlando

Jude “Papaloko” Thegenus, Miami

The Ukranian Dancers of Miami, Miami

Florida Artist Hall of Fame Inductees

Roger Bansemer, St. Augustine

George Clinton, Tallahassee

Xavier Cortada, Miami

Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jacksonville

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About the Florida Folk Heritage Awards

Based on public nominations and recommendations from the Florida Folklife Council, the Secretary of State confers Florida Folk Heritage Awards annually. Awards are given to outstanding Folk Artists and Folk Culture Advocates who have made long-standing contributions to the folk cultural resources of the state. The program honors the state’s most influential tradition bearers and folk advocates for excellence, significance, and authenticity in terms of traditional arts. To make a nomination, contact State Folklorist Dominick Tartaglia 850.245.6427, or visit flheritage.com/folklife.

About the Florida Folklife Program

The Florida Folklife Program, a component of the Florida Department of State’s Division of Arts and Culture, documents and presents Florida’s folklife, folklore and folk arts. Funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the program coordinates a wide range of activities and projects designed to increase the awareness of Floridians and visitors alike about Florida’s traditional culture. Established in 1979 by the legislature to document and present Florida folklife, the program is one of the oldest state folk arts programs in the nation. For more information, visit flheritage.com/folklife.

About the Florida Artists Hall of Fame
Established by the Florida Legislature in 1986, the Florida Artists Hall of Fame recognizes persons, living or deceased, who have made significant contributions to the arts in Florida either as performing or practicing artists in their disciplines. These individuals contribute to Florida’s national and international reputation as a state with a sustained commitment to the development of cultural excellence. The Florida Artists Hall of Fame currently consists of more than 50 inductees, including musician and performer Ray Charles, actor and director Burt Reynolds, writers Zora Neale Hurston, Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway, filmmaker Victor Nunez, and visual artists Duane Hanson, Robert Rauschenberg and James Rosenquist. For more information about the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, visit dos.myflorida.com/cultural/programs/florida-artists-hall-of-fame/.

About the Division of Arts and Culture
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Arts and Culture is Florida’s legislatively designated state arts agency. The Division promotes the arts and culture as essential to quality of life for all Floridians. To achieve its mission, the Division funds and supports cultural programs that provide artistic excellence, education, access and economic vitality for Florida’s communities. For more information, visit dos.myflorida.com/cultural.

City of Palm Coast Celebrates the Opening of Award-Winning Citation Boulevard Extension

By
Brittany N. Kershaw
-

Palm Coast –The City of Palm Coast is proud to announce the official opening of the Seminole Palms Citation Boulevard Extension, a vital east-west connector that enhances mobility and public safety for residents and businesses. This project is a successful collaboration between the City and Kolter Group, demonstrating the impact of public-private partnerships in community development.

The Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA) recognized this partnership by awarding the 2024 “Outstanding Private and Public Partnership” honor to the project.

The Citation Boulevard Extension was part of the City’s long-term transportation plan, which identified the need for a direct connection between Belle Terre Boulevard and Seminole Woods Boulevard. When Kolter Group began planning the Seminole Palms residential community in late 2021, the City saw an opportunity to align infrastructure improvements with private development. Through collaboration, Kolter agreed to provide land for the right-of-way, stormwater ponds, and floodplain compensation while also constructing the road in exchange for City-owned land and site-specific transportation impact fees.

“This project is a great example of how strategic partnerships can bring about infrastructure solutions,” said Ray Tyner, Deputy Chief Development Officer. “By working together with Kolter Group, we have delivered a roadway that not only improves connectivity but also supports public safety in Palm Coast.”

In addition to enhancing transportation, the Citation Boulevard Extension has helped enhance emergency response services. A 2020 fire station location study indicated that two new fire stations would be required to maintain the current level of service—one near the southern end of Belle Terre Boulevard and one in Seminole Woods. However, with Citation Boulevard now providing a direct connection, Fire Station 26, currently under construction in Seminole Woods, will effectively serve both areas, eliminating the need for an additional station and saving taxpayer dollars.

Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill stated, “Our mission is not only to protect our citizens through public safety but also to spend public funds wisely. This roadway allows us to maintain our level of service through a one-time transportation investment that will increase the effectiveness of future Fire Station 26.”

The $4.5 million Citation Boulevard Extension was funded by road impact fees. Kolter Group constructed the road along with essential utilities, including a reclaimed wastewater main that connects to a new system extending west to Belle Terre Boulevard. This will provide a reclaimed water service loop and better connections to Flagler Village and Citation Estates. The project will also include sidewalks and street lighting to ensure safe and accessible travel.

The Seminole Palms Citation Boulevard Extension highlights the City’s commitment to long-term infrastructure planning. This new east-west connector not only meets the growing transportation needs of Palm Coast but also supports responsible development and improved emergency response services.

The rapid progress of this project—from planning to construction in under two years—demonstrates the success of this public-private partnership and the City’s dedication to proactive infrastructure improvements that enhance the community.

For more information about the Citation Boulevard Extension and other ongoing city projects, visit the Capital Projects Dashboard or the Palm Coast Progress page at www.palmcoast.gov/pcprogress.

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.

State Senator Tom Leek Files Legislation in Support of Florida’s Museum of Black History in St. Johns County

By
Flagler News Weekly
-
Tom Leek for State Senate District 7

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – Today, State Sen. Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach) filed Senate Bill 466: Florida Museum of Black History in furtherance of Florida’s Museum of Black History by creating a board of directors to oversee the commission, construction, operation and administration of the museum. The Florida Museum of Black History Task Force selected St. Johns County as the preferred location for the museum.

“As we recognize February as Black History Month, I am proud to file Senate Bill 466 as we move forward as the preferred location for the Florida Museum of Black History,” said Sen. Leek. “The museum will be built on the former site of Florida Memorial University, which has historical significance here in St. Johns County and I look forward to working with our community and our state in furtherance of this significant designation.”

Senate Bill 466 provides legislative intent by establishing the Florida Museum of Black History Board of Directors and requiring that the board work jointly with the Foundation for the Museum of Black History, Inc., and the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, which will provide administrative support and staffing to the board until the state completes specified actions.

The campus-style Black history museum is planned to be built on the former site of Florida Memorial University, one of the State’s oldest academic centers and a historically Black university as well as the site of the recent relocation of the Canright House – a home where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was scheduled to stay in the 1960s before segregationists vandalized it. The historical significance of this site provides a captivating, enchanting landscape through which to immerse in the centuries of steps taken by African Americans to advance racial equality.

Orthopedic surgeon returns to AdventHealth

By
Danielle Anderson
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PALM COAST, Fla., Jan. 30, 2025 – Dr. David Gay, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder, elbow and wrist disorders, has joined AdventHealth Medical Group and will operate at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway.

Gay previously cared for patients at AdventHealth Palm Coast for over a decade before serving as director of orthopedics at UF Health St. Johns in St. Augustine.

AdventHealth Medical Group is a team of nearly 450 employed physicians and advanced practitioners representing 30 different medical specialties. With 75 practice locations across Flagler, Lake, Sumter, and Volusia counties, AdventHealth Medical Group clinicians collectively cared for more than one million patient visits in 2024.

Gay’s return to AdventHealth Medical Group after five years marks a homecoming to the community and is part of the health care organization’s plan to bring nearly 15 orthopedic specialists to the area in 2025.

“I am excited to be back at AdventHealth and to serve this community again,” said Gay. “My focus is on helping people with shoulder, elbow and wrist issues get back to doing the things they love.”

“With the talented team here, we are ready to provide the best possible care to restore mobility and improve lives,” he added, noting AdventHealth’s gold seal certification from the Joint Commission for knee, hip and shoulder replacement surgery.

Gay earned his medical degree from the University of South Carolina and completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Florida in Jacksonville. He pursued advanced training with fellowships in hand and upper extremity surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and shoulder and elbow care at the Melbourne Shoulder and Elbow Centre in Australia.

Gay is the author of numerous publications in professional journals and has led presentations at international clinical conferences.

His clinic is located at 3 AdventHealth Way, Suite 250 in Palm Coast, and can be reached at 386-232-9487.

Media Release: AdventHealth East Florida Division

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Flagler News Weekly Editor: Danielle Anderson Published by Sunrise Media Group, LLC ©Flagler News Weekly, All Rights Reserved.
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