Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
72.8 F
Palm Coast
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Home Blog Page 69

Attorney Vincent Sullivan Receives Jay Grife Pro Bono Award for Seventh Consecutive Year

By
Lacy Martin
-

Palm Coast, FL — Chiumento Law proudly announces that Attorney Vincent Sullivan, a Partner at the firm, has once again been honored with the prestigious Jay Grife Pro Bono Award for the seventh consecutive year. This award recognizes his outstanding dedication to providing free legal assistance to those in need through St. Johns County Legal Aid.

To qualify for this award, an attorney must donate at least 100 hours annually to pro bono legal services, reinforcing a commitment to justice and community service. Vincent’s continued recognition highlights his unwavering dedication to bridging the justice gap for individuals unable to afford traditional legal representation.

Pro bono work, derived from the Latin phrase “pro bono publico,” meaning “for the public good,” plays a vital role in ensuring that essential legal services remain accessible to all.  According to the Florida Bar’s latest survey, hourly legal service rates range from $300 to $500, making pro bono efforts crucial for many community members facing legal challenges without financial means.

Since beginning his legal career in 2015, Vincent has consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to providing legal aid to underserved populations. His devotion to community service aligns with the core values of Chiumento Law, a firm that prides itself on giving back to the community it serves.

Originally from central California, Vincent has called Palm Coast home since 1999. A proud graduate of the first Matanzas High School class in 2008, he furthered his education at Flagler College in St. Augustine, earning a Political Science degree in 2012. He then attended Florida Coastal School of Law, where he graduated in 2015, ranking in the top quartile of his class. Beyond his legal practice, Vincent serves on the Board of Directors for the Flagler County Education Foundation and chairs its Governance Committee. He is also an active member of the Young Executives for Flagler Tiger Bay Club.

Vincent specializes in various legal areas, including consumer defense, appeals, debt collection defense, foreclosure defense, and real estate matters involving residential and commercial property transactions, landlord-tenant disputes, and zoning and land use issues. Each month, he volunteers his time to meet with clients in need, reinforcing his belief that justice should be accessible to all.

Michael Chiumento, Managing Partner of Chiumento Law, expressed immense pride in Vincent’s ongoing commitment to pro bono service: “We are honored to have Vincent as part of our team. His dedication to the community exemplifies the mission of our firm. When you consider the time Vincent has donated, it equates to nearly 2 ½ weeks per year devoted solely to pro bono work. It is attorneys like Vincent who uphold the principles of justice and provide ‘a wealth of justice for those who have neither,’ as emphasized by St. Johns County Legal Aid.”

Vincent Sullivan’s dedication to community service and legal accessibility reflects both his professionalism and his deep-rooted passion for justice. Chiumento Law congratulates him on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to his continued contributions to the community.

Cold Weather Shelter to Remain Open with Continuing Cold Snap

By
Julie Murphy, MPIO
-

January 21, 2025 – The Sheltering Tree is adding to this week’s openings because of cold overnight temperatures hovering around the mid-30s early for Thursday and Friday (January 23 through January 24). The shelter operated at the Rock Transformation Center (formerly Church on the Rock) is not only for those experiencing homelessness, but for anyone who is without heat.

Sue Bickings, chairperson of the Sheltering Tree, has nothing but gratitude for the volunteers as the number of nights open is about to top 20 and there are still 10 days left in January.

“We could not do this without our volunteers,” Bickings said. “It looks as though Flagler will miss the snow, but people without heat are still going to need a place on these cold nights.”

Flagler is also going to get a one-night break from the bitter cold overnight on Wednesday, but the National Weather Service is once again predicting temperatures to fall below 40 degrees during the overnight hours on January 23, and 24 – the criteria for opening the cold-weather shelter.

The county will provide bus transportation along two routes, following the schedules below:

East side of the county

  • Dollar General at Publix Town Center on Market Avenue (leads to Dollar General), 3:30 p.m.

  • McDonald’s at Old Kings Road South and State Road 100 at the dirt road on the east side, 4 p.m.

  • Dollar Tree behind Carrabba’s in the Dollar Tree Parking lot, 4:30 p.m.

  • Palm Coast Main Branch Library, northwest corner of Palm Coast Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway, 4:45 p.m.

 

West side of the county

  • Dollar General at County Road 305 and Canal Avenue in Daytona North, 4 p.m.

  • Bunnell Free Clinic, 703 Moody Boulevard, 4:30 p.m.

  • Bridges United Methodist Church in Bunnell, 205 N. Pine Street, 4:30 p.m. (listed as the same pick-up time because of the close proximity)

The Rock Transformation Center is located at 2200 N. State Street. The cold-weather shelter will open at 5 p.m. and will close at 8 a.m. the following day.

The Sheltering Tree, 386-437-3258, is under the umbrella of the Flagler County Family Assistance Center and is a non-denominational civic organization that was created to provide cold-weather sheltering during cold nights in Flagler County.

Weather and heat safety preparedness tips from Flagler County Fire Rescue include:

  • Never use the oven to heat the home

  • All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning

  • Screen fireplaces to contain sparks

  • Portable space heaters should be kept 3-feet away from anything that can burn

  • Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed

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

Gulf Winter Weather System: Early Prescription Refills Permitted Under State of Emergency

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

On January 20, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 25-13 declaring a state of emergency in the State of Florida in preparation for winter storm impacts.

The Florida Department of Health is working with emergency managers statewide to prepare for any impacts to communities and reminds Floridians to have enough of their prescriptions on hand in the event pharmacies are temporarily unavailable. Under a state of emergency, Floridians are permitted to receive early prescription refills. An early refill may include controlled substances as long as the medical drug is not listed in Schedule II appearing in Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, of the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act.

Furthermore, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has issued the following reminder to all health insurers, managed care organizations, and health entities:

Florida Law Reminder for Early Prescription Refills
This notice is a reminder that all health insurers, managed care organizations, and other health entities must comply with provisions of section 252.358, Florida Statutes, which allows for early prescription refills in the event the Governor issues an executive order declaring a state of emergency. This mandate remains in effect until the Governor’s executive order is rescinded or expires.

Executive Order 25-13
In accordance with section 252.358, Florida Statutes, emergency-preparedness prescription medication refills:

All health insurers, managed care organizations, and other entities that are licensed by the Office of Insurance Regulation and provide prescription medication coverage as part of a policy or contract shall waive time restrictions on prescription medication refills, which include suspension of electronic “refill too soon” edits to pharmacies, to enable insureds or subscribers to refill prescriptions in advance, if there are authorized refills remaining, and shall authorize payment to pharmacies for at least a 30-day supply of any prescription medication, regardless of the date upon which the prescription had most recently been filled by a pharmacist, when the following conditions occur:
(1) The person seeking the prescription medication refill resides in a county that:
(a) Is under a hurricane warning issued by the National Weather Service;
(b) Is declared to be under a state of emergency in an executive order issued by the Governor; or
(c) Has activated its emergency operations center and its emergency management plan.
(2) The prescription medication refill is requested within 30 days after the origination date of the conditions stated in this section or until such conditions are terminated by the issuing authority or no longer exist. The time period for the waiver of prescription medication refills may be extended in 15- or 30-day increments by emergency orders issued by the Office of Insurance Regulation.
This section does not excuse or exempt an insured or subscriber from compliance with all other terms of the policy or contract providing prescription medication coverage.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health is responsible for the regulation of health care practitioners for the preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The Licensing and Regulation section provides information relating to professional, facility, and permit licensing along with information on enforcement.

About the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has primary responsibility for regulation, compliance, and enforcement of statutes related to the business of insurance and the monitoring of industry markets. For more information about OIR, please visit www.floir.com or follow on X @FLOIR_comm.

Media Release: Florida Department of Health

Volusia-Flagler Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Kicks Off Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Vision Zero Comprehensive Safety Action Plan

By
Pamela Blankenship
-

The Volusia-Flagler TPO recently announced that the TPO, in partnership with Volusia and Flagler Counties as joint applicants, was a recipient of a federal SS4A grant of $320,000 to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) which will identify projects, programs, and implementable strategies aimed at eliminating fatalities and serious injuries for all modes of travel on our roadways.

The TPO has begun work with its consultant VHB, Inc., to develop a Vision Zero Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) through a collaborative effort which will include a robust community outreach campaign engaging the public and community stakeholders throughout the process to collect diverse input and ensure equitable representation across the two-county region.

Currently, a Vision Zero CSAP Task Force Working Group is being assembled which includes local law enforcement partners, local businesses, community leaders, FDOT, city and county staff, and TPO advisory committee members, among others. Three community workshops are currently being planned to educate and request public feedback on maps that reflect the results of the safety analysis; dates will be announced in the coming days.

Once complete in June 2025, the CSAP will provide a detailed and collaborative assessment of transportation safety issues in Volusia and Flagler Counties and identify feasible safety improvements for targeted risk areas on the roadway network.

“While we continue to make our roads safer through education, project prioritization, and programming, we must take further action and work collectively with our member governments, agency partners, community stakeholders, and the public to develop an inclusive safe system approach to roadway safety,” said Ms. Colleen Nicoulin, Volusia-Flagler TPO Executive Director. “This grant provides the TPO with the opportunity to take the next step by developing a Vision Zero Action Plan for our communities that will serve as a roadmap in leading us to an ultimate vision of zero fatalities and serious injuries on our transportation system.”

Information and updates on the CSAP are available at www.vftpo.org/public-involvement/vision-zero/.

For more information, contact Pamela Blankenship at 386-226-0422 ext. 20416 or email at PBlankenship@r2ctpo.org.

Day One: President Trump Signs Additional Executive Actions

By
Flagler News Weekly
-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
01/20/25

President Trump Signs Additional Executive Actions
President Trump has signed the following Executive Actions:

 

Media Release: Office of U.S. President Donald J. Trump

FDOT Will Have Nighttime I-95 Double-lane Closures Beginning January 22 on the Bridge over Moody

By
Julie Murphy, MPIO
-

January 17, 2025 – Flagler County officials are advising residents that Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced it will have nighttime double-lane closures on Interstate 95 (I-95) on the bridge that crosses Moody Boulevard (State Road 100) on January 22 and 23.

The closures are needed for striping operations and safety, according to FDOT. The maintenance will begin on the northbound lanes and then shift to the southbound lanes.

Motorists should expect delays and are asked to follow the posted speed limits and directional signage. As always, FDOT asks drivers to avoid distractions and pay close attention when driving through the construction zone.

The work schedule is subject to change because of weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

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

President Trump Signs Executive Actions

By
Flagler News Weekly
-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
01/20/25

President Trump Signs Executive Actions
President Trump has signed the following Executive Actions:
Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions
Regulatory Freeze Pending Review

Hiring Freeze
Return to In-Person Work
Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defeating the Cost-of-Living-Crisis
Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements
Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship
Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government
###

Media Release: The White House Communications

President Donald J. Trump signs executive orders on his first day in office, January 20, 2025.

Palm Coast City Council Business Meeting on January 21, at 9 a.m.

By
Shannon Martin
-

City Council Business Meeting on January 21, at 9 a.m.

Topics include amending and restating the Fair Housing Ordinance, approving the Affordable Housing Incentives Report, updating the Volunteer Firefighter Retirement System, 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, January 21, at 9 a.m. will be as follows:

Minutes

The following minutes of the City Council will be approved:

  1. January 7, 2025, Business Meeting

  2. January 14, 2025, Workshop Meeting

Ordinance Second Read

The following ordinance will be presented:

  1. The Fire Department will present an ordinance amending the Volunteer Firefighter Retirement System and Trust Fund to include a retirement plan for career and volunteer firefighters.

Ordinance First Read

The following ordinance will be presented:

  1. The Community Development Department will present an ordinance that amends and restates the City’s Fair Housing Ordinance to align with recent changes to federal compliance regulations.

Resolutions

The following resolution will be presented for consent:

  1. The Community Development Department will present a resolution approving the 2024 Affordable Housing Incentives Report, developed as part of the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program.

  2. The Community Development Department will present a resolution to approve a property transfer agreement for a stormwater easement adjustment relating to 135 Palmwood Drive, where a stormwater ditch currently extends beyond its current boundary. The proposed solution involves transferring 10 feet of City-owned property at the rear of the lot to align with the ditch’s location.

  3. The Community Development Department will present a resolution approving the Final Plat for the Enclave at Seminole Palms and finalizing the subdivision process for this development.

  4. The Stormwater and Engineering Department will present a resolution approving expenses related to global treatment services under the current piggyback contract with Hernando County, Florida, and Ashphalt Paving Systems, Inc.

Consent

The following resolution will be presented:

  1. The City Administration will present a resolution approving an amendment to the Interlocal Subaward Agreement with Flagler County for utility infrastructure improvements under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

  2. The City Administration will present a resolution approving easement agreements with TECO Partners, Inc., for Fire Station 22 and 26.

  3. The Stormwater and Engineering Department will present a resolution approving additional project expenses for the Blare and Colbert Conveyance Project. As part of the Stormwater Master Plan completed in 2019, Conveyance improvements have been recommended to improve surface water conveyance across Blare Drive and Colbert Land at three Crossings.

  4. The Stormwater and Engineering Department will present a resolution approving piggybacking the Broward College contract with Shenandoah Construction, LLC., for storm drain cleaning, repairs, and maintenance services on an as-needed basis.

  5. The Stormwater and Engineering Department will present a resolution approving master services agreements for stormwater and pipe inspection services with In Depth, Inc., Gulf Coast Underground, LLC, and EnviroWaste Services Group, Inc.

  6. The Utility Department will present a resolution approving a Master Services Agreement with RCM Utilities, LLC, for upgrades to Pump Stations 13-4 and 23-1. Staff recently inspected and evaluated the pump stations, and they were determined to require upgrades to their internal and external structural integrity.

  7. The I.T. Department will present a resolution approving piggybacking the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) contract with Konica Minolta to purchase printing services and equipment. City staff will purchase items as needed using budgeted funds appropriated by City Council.

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.

 

Meetings of the Palm Coast City Council typically occur three times per month. A 6 p.m. business meeting on the first Tuesday of the month, a 9 a.m. workshop meeting on the second Tuesday of the month, and a 9 a.m. business meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. All meetings occur in the Community Wing at City Hall at 160 Lake Avenue in Palm Coast.

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.

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.

Off Center Pottery, Flagler Beach Announces February and March Classes

By
Danielle Anderson
-

POTTERY CLASSES

FEBRUARY
Bowls 
Use soft slabs and bisque molds to make several unique and beautiful small bowls to use at home.
Mondays, February 10,17, 24 ~ 2:00-4:00 $125.

Pinch Pots, Terra Silgillata and smudge Fire
We’ll show you how to use the pinch pot forming method, Terra Sigilatta and finally how to create unique surface effects with the smudge firing technique developed at The Pottery Studio by Don Davis.
Saturdays, February 8, 15 and 22~ 2:00-4:00 $125.

MARCH
Slab Boxes
Make beautiful boxes using the easy to learn soft slab technique.
Mondays, March 10, 17 and 24~ 2:00-4:00
$125.

Decorative Tiles
Blend carving techniques and sculpting techniques to create one of a kind decorative tiles. Saturdays, March 15, 22 and 29 2:00-4:00
$125.

Final meeting of three- session classes will reveal finished fired work and include a group discussion of the results. This is when we oooh and aaaah!

Class fees include everything: expert instruction, materials and firings. All experience levels welcome!

Get Started in Clay by Appointment
In two sessions (two hours each) learn basic hand building and glazing techniques.
$90.00.
Try the Wheel by Appointment
$65. per two- hour session
OPEN STUDIO HOURS (must have clay experience or have taken our get started or intro to ceramics classes)
Anytime between 2:00-5:00 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays $150. per month includes 12 pounds of clay, glazes and firings.  

Sign up for a class today on the GOLA web site: flaglergola.com, call 386-439-6659 to sign up by phone or reply to this email to set up a custom experience.

*To see instructors’ and students’ work check out the pottery studio FB and offcenterpotters on instagram and facebook.

Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak … Humility is Key to Successful Leadership

By
Dr. Joe Saviak
-

I was with a national leader one time who was asked by his boss to take on a major role in our nation’s security after 9/11. The boss of his boss reported directly to the President of the United States.

He immediately told his bosses he was not the most qualified for this major national leadership role and asked if they would consider others rather than him. They insisted and he devoted himself to mastering the mission, rose to the occasion, and was highly effective at a critical time.  His integrity is an excellent example to us all.

So, let’s move to the leadership lesson here.

The best people and leaders readily admit if others would be better at the job and even recommend them. We admit when we are not the right person for the job. Why? The mission matters most. Those we serve must come first.

Integrity requires competence. If I am less competent or incompetent, I must be honest with myself and others. If I cannot train to the task at hand, master the mission, and be the right leader at the right time, I should not pursue the position or expect the promotion.

It’s an integrity issue if I insist on seeking, holding, and retaining a position which will always be beyond my competence. Others will experience the costs and consequences of my arrogance, incompetence, and intransigence.

Humility, honesty, listening to others about my impact on them, an objective understanding of myself, and accepting reality are key to integrity.  These are leadership values.

Sadly, we see this all the time today when people expect and get promotions which clearly exceed their competence and eclipse their ability to rise to the challenge. The results are predictable. The impact on the mission and team is always negative sometimes catastrophically so. The person has chosen self above service. That’s not leadership. It’s a character problem.

Either prepare for or pass on the promotion and suggest others or do what it takes to be the right leader in that role at this time if you are directed to do it. Be honest with yourself and to others. Those are the only options for a genuine leader.

#LeadershipLessonsWithDrSaviak

1...686970...546Page 69 of 546
Flagler News Weekly Editor: Danielle Anderson Published by Sunrise Media Group, LLC ©Flagler News Weekly, All Rights Reserved.
Contact us: FlaglerNewsWeekly@gmail.com
Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Flagler News Weekly