15-year-old Chukwumelije CLARKE (USA) surprises us all by defeating Kateryna VOLODKO (UKR) 7-5, 6-4. Clarke is already in the top 200 of ITF Junior rankings with 30 wins and only 9 losses.
Diletta CHERUBINI (ITA) continues to impress as she produces yet another win against (4) Ekaterina MAKAROVA.
Diletta CHERUBINI ITA
(1) Maria BENOIT (BEL) def. Kate FAKIH (USA) 6-2, 6-1
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Castillo de San Marcos National Monument joins a growing number of tourism and recreation-related organizations in northeast Florida to be awarded the Certified Autism Center™ designation by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification comes as part of a larger initiative led by the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, aiming to achieve the Certified Autism Destination™ designation. The initiative will ensure that St. Johns County and the City of St. Augustine offer a multitude of options for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families seeking entertainment, recreation, and lodging.
“Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is proud to be the first U.S. national park area designated as a Certified Autism Center by IBCCES,” says Superintendent Gordie Wilson. “Park staff are committed to the National Park Service’s vision to provide amazing, meaningful experiences for everyone who visits these national treasures. This initial step helps us rise to the challenge of creating a fun, equitable, and accessible environment where visitors thrive.”
Castillo de San Marcos Superintendent Gordie Wilson (right) stands proudly with the certification on January 15, 2025. Photo courtesy of the National Parks Service/Castillo de San Marcos.
This designation signifies the park’s commitment to enhancing inclusivity for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors. As the first national park to earn the designation, Castillo de San Marcos staff completed a specialized training and certification process, equipping them with resources and best practices to assist visitors. “We’re proud to partner with Castillo de San Marcos National Monument as they provide critical knowledge about our past and protect this amazing historic landmark,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman.
In the summer of 2024, the Castillo hosted a Youth Empowerment Stewards (YES) Program intern, in partnership with Conservation Legacy, who conducted extensive ground-truthing to produce accessibility guides for the public. These, along with sensory guides and feedback from IBCCES will be used to inform park managers about decision making and program development in the coming year. The park is excited to make the in-person and online visitor experience more accessible to all.
About IBCCES
Committed to providing The Global Standard for Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders – IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.
Palm Coast – The Palm Coast Citizens Academy Alumni Ambassadors are excited to host the first-ever Connecting Palm Coast Expo, a unique event designed to welcome and support new and recently settled residents. This free event will be held on January 16, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center, located at 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE.
At the Connecting Palm Coast Expo, attendees will find a variety of booths hosted by city departments, local civic organizations and clubs, and social services, each offering valuable resources and guidance to help new residents get acquainted with everything Palm Coast has to offer. Representatives from a range of city departments will be available to answer questions, while civic groups and clubs will provide information on how to get involved in the community.
“This is a great opportunity for new residents to learn about city services, meet community members, and discover ways to connect with others who share their interests,” said Brittany Kershaw, Director of Communications & Marketing for the City of Palm Coast. “We look forward to helping make the transition to Palm Coast as smooth and welcoming as possible, and we’re so appreciative of our dedicated Citizens Academy Alumni Ambassadors for spearheading this effort.”
Event Highlights:
Informational booths from Palm Coast city departments
Insights from local civic organizations and clubs
Access to social services and other important community resources
A welcoming atmosphere to meet fellow residents and city representatives
FREE goodie bags to the first 100 attendees!
Additional prizes may be awarded.
The Connecting Palm Coast Expo is free to attend, and all are welcome. Whether you are brand-new to the area or looking to learn more about your community, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
PALM COAST, Fla. – January 14, 2025 – Nexus 360, a firm specializing in PR, marketing, communications and strategic planning, is proud to announce its partnership with Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, Inc. Together, the two organizations are embarking on a mission to enhance the preservation and promotion of the Scenic A1A corridor, a 72-mile treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance along Florida’s east coast.
Friends of A1A, led by Executive Director Danielle Anderson, is a nonprofit organization committed to preserving, protecting, and promoting the resources of the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway. The corridor spans from the Volusia/Flagler County line to the St. Johns/Duval County line, encompassing some of the most breathtaking and historically rich landscapes in the United States.
Greg Blosé
“Our partnership with Nexus 360 allows us to expand our reach and ensure the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway remains a treasured resource for our community and visitors alike,” said Anderson. “Together, we are building a stronger foundation to support our mission for years to come.”
Nexus 360, led by CEO Greg Blosé and COO Kelly Navarro, is honored to support Friends of A1A with strategic planning, marketing initiatives, and fundraising efforts to further their mission. This collaboration will focus on developing innovative campaigns to highlight the Byway’s intrinsic resources, including its nature, culture, recreation, archaeology, scenic beauty, and history.
Kelly Navarro
“Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway is an iconic part of Florida’s landscape and history,” said Greg Blosé, CEO of Nexus 360. “Our goal is to amplify their efforts through effective strategy and outreach, ensuring this vital corridor continues to inspire and enrich our communities for generations to come.”
“We are thrilled to work with Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway,” said Kelly Navarro, COO of Nexus 360. “Their commitment to preserving and celebrating the unique character of this historic corridor aligns perfectly with our mission to amplify impactful organizations and drive meaningful results.”
BUNNELL, Fla. — Sheriff Rick Staly announced today that he has appointed Commander Joseph Barile as the Chief Deputy of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. The Chief Deputy will be responsible for law enforcement and court and detention operations.
Chief Deputy Joseph Barile
FCSO has not had a Chief Deputy since the retirement of Undersheriff Jack Bisland six years ago. For the last six years, these duties have been split between Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge and Sheriff Staly.
Chief Deputy Barile has been with the Agency since 2007 and has previously served in the Community Policing and Investigative Services divisions. Prior to his appointment as Chief Deputy, he served as the Commander of the Homeland Security and Investigations Section and has been at the forefront of the innovation and success of the Real Time Crime Center.
Chief Deputy Barile holds a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and is currently matriculating his master’s degree in Criminal Justice. He is a graduate of the Florida Sheriffs Association’s Commanders Academy, where he was the class president, and is a recent graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy.
“I am fortunate that I have many leaders within our staff. Chief Deputy Barile graduated from Flagler Palm Coast High School and joined FCSO as a Deputy Sheriff as he continued his college education,” said Sheriff Staly. “He has been promoted through the ranks and is well-respected within the FCSO team. He has been instrumental in implementing cutting-edge technology that has helped us reduce crime. FCSO and our community run through his veins, and he will help deliver our vision for a safer community, with the continual challenge of unprecedented growth.”
“I am very honored to be appointed Chief Deputy,” said Chief Deputy Barile. “Sheriff Stal has changed the culture and foundation of the Sheriff’s Office, which is now recognized as a leader in law enforcement and detention services across Florida and America. It is my honor to assist in delivering the best guardianship policing services possible for our community.”
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis established the Hope Florida Office within the Executive Office of the Governor to oversee and administer the growing Hope Florida Pathway to Prosperity Initiative.
Established in 2021, Hope Florida is a first-of-its-kind initiative that maximizes support from community partners outside government—predominantly non-profits, faith-based organizations, and private sector business partners. Utilizing a personalized navigation model, Floridians seeking government assistance are provided a Hope Navigator who utilizes those aforementioned entities to meet immediate needs and guide them on a Pathway to economic self-sufficiency. In fact, Hope Florida has already led to more than 30,000 Floridians decreasing or eliminating reliance on public assistance. Estimates show that Hope Florida could save taxpayers nearly $1 billion dollars over the next 10 years.
Under the Hope Florida model, government serves as a convener and collaborator between good people who need help and good people, outside of government, who are willing to help. Government is uniquely positioned to make the connection and thus reduce its role in assisting people in need, while also providing preventative navigation that aims to prevent Floridians from reentering or becoming dependent on the “government system.”
Celia, a mother of three, was a graduate student who was struggling with student loans, rent, and childcare. While deciding between leaving school and applying for government assistance, Celia was introduced to Hope Florida. Through Hope Florida, Celia was connected with daycare resources, enabling her to finish school and land a full-time job. Her Hope Navigator encouraged her to continue her education and helped her develop a sustainable financial plan. Learn more about Celia’s story here.
“Hope Florida is the alternative to government dependency,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Thanks to Hope Florida, Floridians will receive better services that lead to self-sufficiency through this one-of-a-kind program.”
“Hope Florida is revolutionizing the way state governments meet needs,” said First Lady DeSantis. “By bringing together existing resources outside of government and pairing those in need with a navigator to guide them through all of the available help, Hope Florida is using government as the connector and then getting out of the way. In short, Hope Florida is help finding help.”
Since Hope Florida’s creation in 2021, more than 150 Hope Navigators across the state have referred over 100,000 Floridians for assistance, established 5,600 Hope Florida partners, including over 2,000 faith-based partners into the Hope Florida network.
The newly established Hope Florida office within the Executive Office of the Governor will work closely with state agencies to deepen partnerships with the public and private sectors to optimize Hope Florida’s effectiveness across the state. Erik Dellenback, who currently serves as the Governor’s Liaison for Faith and Community, will lead the Hope Florida office as Executive Director.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this new role, but more importantly to steward the bold vision of the Governor and First Lady for Hope Florida,” said Erik Dellenback. “Through Hope Florida, I believe we are standing witness to an incredible model of simple yet profound connection that will change our state and sweep across the nation.”
In August, Governor DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced “Activate Hope,” an expansion of Hope Florida to serve Floridians recovering from the impacts of disasters. Read more here.
Media Release & Image: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
MAY PANG, JOHN LENNON’S COMPANION & LOVER DURING HIS “LOST WEEKEND” ERA TO SHOWCASE HER CANDID PHOTOS OF LENNON INCLUDING SEVERAL TAKEN AT DISNEY WORLD AT A SPECIAL TWO-DAY FREE EXHIBITION AT OCEAN ART GALLERY IN ORMOND BEACH, FL, TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 & WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025
EXHIBITION ENTITLED “THE LOST WEEKEND: THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF MAY PANG” COINCIDES WITH THE RECENT DIGITAL RELEASE OF THE FEATURE FILM DOCUMENTARY ON LENNON AND PANG “THE LOST WEEKEND: A LOVE STORY”
MAY PANG TO APPEAR AT SHOW BOTH DAYS FROM NOON – 8PM TO MEET AND GREET CUSTOMERS
Few people knew John Lennon as intimately as May Pang. Pang was Lennon’s lover during the infamous “Lost Weekend” which lasted 18 months during late 1973 through 1975. During this highly creative time for Lennon, Pang took candid photos of Lennon in a comfortable, relaxed environment. A collection of these private photographs including several taken at Disney World, will be on display and available for purchase at Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E. Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL., on Tuesday, January 21 & Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Admission to the exhibit is free to the public. All works are available to purchase – See John Lennon as May saw him!
May Pang will be in attendance at Ocean Art Gallery both days from noon – 8pm, meeting customers, signing all purchased prints and telling stories behind these amazing limited-edition photographs for sale of John Lennon.
During the Lost Weekend, with May’s help, Lennon had his most artistically and commercially productive period post-Beatles—with the albums “Mind Games”, “Walls and Bridges”, which included his only #1 Hit Single “Whatever Gets You Through the Night”, “Rock and Roll” and collaboration with Rock legends Elton John, David Bowie, Harry Nilsson, Mick Jagger, and Ringo among others. Also, on that album Pang can be heard on the song “#9 Dream” where she whispers John’s name in the song. Another song on the album “Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox)” was written about Pang.
Pang also encouraged Lennon to reconnect with his family and his friends, which ultimately led to a reunion with Paul McCartney and a memorable jam session between the two Beatles. Pang also arranged for Julian Lennon to visit his father for the first time in almost three years. One of Pang’s photographs of Julian Lennon graces the cover of Julian’s latest album entitled “Jude.”
Lennon also went into the studio with friend Harry Nilsson during this time and produced his album “Pussy Cats.” It was during this time that Pang rented a house in Santa Monica and moved in with Lennon and fellow partiers Ringo Starr, Keith Moon (The Who) and Harry Nilsson. Several photos from this time also appear in the exhibition. Other highlights of the exhibition include the only photograph that exists of John Lennon signing the contract to dissolve the Beatles which occurred at the Polynesian Resort at Disney World, as well as one of the last known photographs of John Lennon and Paul McCartney together from March 29, 1974. Both photographs have never been available to the public until now.
Pang has also published three books on her times with Lennon including Loving John, John Lennon – The Lost Weekend and Instamatic Karma featuring photos from her private archives.
“The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” coincides with the recent digital release of the feature film documentary “The Lost Weekend : A Love Story,” produced by Briarcliff Entertainment. Watch the film’s trailer here: https://www.maypang.com/the-lost-weekend (Available on Amazon Prime, AppleTV, YouTube. Xfinity, Verizon and Vudu).
“The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” exhibition will provide fans a rare opportunity to see John Lennon in a new light, through the lens of someone who knew him intimately during one of the most creative periods of his life. Pang’s photos will be on display and available to purchase for two days only. Check out the show and meet May Pang at Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E. Granada Blvd (in the Granada Plaza Shopping Center), Ormond Beach, FL, Tuesday, January 21 & Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
IF YOU GO
WHO: May Pang, John Lennon’s lover and companion during the infamous “Lost Weekend” which took place late 1973 through 1975.
WHAT: A photographic exhibition and sale entitled “The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” featuring candid photos of John Lennon and friends coinciding with the digital release of the feature film documentary on May Pang and John Lennon’s relationship “The Lost Weekend – A Love Story.”
WHEN: Tuesday, January 21 & Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 12pm – 8pm both days.
WHERE: Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32176 – in the Granada Plaza Shopping Center (386) 317–9400; www.oagart.com
Media Release & Image: Scott Segelbaum, RockArtShow.com
(Tallahassee, Fla.) – Today, as his first bill of his Senate career, State Senator Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach) filed legislation in honor of Daytona Beach Police Department officer Jason Raynor who was killed in 2021 in the line of duty. The legislation, to be named the “Officer Jason Raynor Act,” makes mandatory those charged with manslaughter to receive life in prison without parole in the death of a law enforcement officer.
“I am proud to file this important legislation to honor the memory of police officer Jason Raynor in his untimely death at the hands of someone who was only sentenced to 30 years instead of life in prison without parole,” said Sen. Leek. “Those who choose to attack our law enforcement with deadly force must face the consequences of their actions and be held accountable and prosecuted to the highest extent of the law,” he concluded.
A companion bill in the House of Representatives has not yet been filed but is expected in the coming weeks. Similar legislation was filed in 2024 (SB 1092/HB 1657) but was not passed during the 2024 Legislative Session.
Background provided here by the “Officer Down Memorial Page” website here:
Jason Robert Raynor – Police Officer Jason Raynor succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained on June 23rd, 2021, while he was investigating a suspicious vehicle.
He noticed the vehicle parked near an apartment building in the 100 block of Kingston Avenue at about 8:50 p.m. The occupant of the vehicle exited it and then suddenly pushed Officer Raynor. During the ensuing struggle, the subject shot Officer Raynor in the head.
The man fled to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was arrested three days later. He was extradited to Florida and charged with first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer. In September 2023, the man was convicted of manslaughter, and in October 2023, he was sentenced to 30 years.
Officer Raynor had served with the Daytona Beach Police Department for two years and had previously served with the Port Orange Police Department for three years. He is survived by his mother, father, and sister.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis issued the below proclamation, calling for a special session of the Florida Legislature to convene on January 27th, 2025, and to address the following issues: combatting illegal immigration, condominium regulation, agricultural relief in response to natural disasters, replenishing the My Safe Florida Home program, and the citizens’ initiative petition process.
To view the executed proclamation, click here. To watch the governor’s press conference on the call, click here. Please also see the governor’s statement on X.
PROCLAMATION STATE OF FLORIDA EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR TALLAHASSEE TO THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WHEREAS, Article III, Section 3 of the Florida Constitution permits the Governor to convene the Legislature in Special Session during which only such legislative business may be transacted as is within the purview of this Proclamation, or of a communication from the Governor, or as is introduced by consent of two-thirds of the membership of each house of the Legislature; and
WHEREAS, Article III, Section 3 of the Florida Constitution limits the duration of a Special Session to twenty (20) consecutive days; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida is experiencing a wide range of issues that require immediate attention; and
WHEREAS, the federal government’s open border policies under Joe Biden have caused an unprecedented increase of illegal immigration into the United States, including Florida, which has resulted in massive costs and other adverse impacts to the American people; and
WHEREAS, the federal government’s policies demonstrate a brazen disregard for the rule of law and pose a threat to public safety; and
WHEREAS, on November 5, 2024, the American people elected Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States; and
WHEREAS, President-Elect Trump will be inaugurated on January 20, 2025, and has conveyed plans to immediately address the Biden border crisis; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida will play an important role in supporting the Trump administration and must be fully prepared with sufficient resources; and
WHEREAS, the Florida condominium market continues to face challenges including soaring costs related to assessments, repairs, and inspections; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the Legislature to address these challenges to ensure that Florida residents can continue to afford to live in their homes; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, Florida experienced significant natural disasters causing wide-spread disruption to the agricultural industry; and
WHEREAS, these disruptions have revealed several needs within the agricultural industry and the communities highly affected by the agricultural industry that necessitates immediate Legislative action; and
WHEREAS, the integrity of the election process is of critical importance; and
WHEREAS, the Department of State has identified several instances of fraud in the citizen initiative petition process the past election cycle; and
WHEREAS, both in-state and out-of-state organizations exploited loopholes in the citizen initiative petition process; and
WHEREAS, the loopholes need to be immediately closed and the citizens’ initiative petition process needs to be strengthened to ensure the integrity of our election process.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, Governor of the State of Florida, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by Article III, Section 3(c)(1) of the Florida Constitution, do hereby proclaim as follows:
Section 1: The Legislature of the State of Florida is convened in Special Session commencing at 9:00 a.m., Monday, January 27, and extending no later than 11:59 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2025.
Section 2: The Legislature of the State of Florida is convened in Special Session for the sole and exclusive purpose of considering legislation and appropriations relating to (a) combatting illegal immigration, (b) condominium regulation, (c) agricultural relief in response to natural disasters, (d) replenishing the My Safe Florida Home program, and (e) citizens’ initiative petition process.
###
Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Palm Coast, FL—The Vincent’s Clubhouse Enrichment Center will host the Grand Opening of its new location at 101 Palm Harbor Parkway, Unit B120, in European Village. The celebration will take place on Tuesday, January 21, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
The Vincent’s Clubhouse Enrichment Center will provide hope, empowerment, and inclusion for individuals with autism and special needs in Palm Coast and Flagler County. Founded in 2016 as a summer camp by a determined mother, it has grown into a lifeline for families. Now expanding into a year-round center, it will offer camps, social events, support groups, and advocacy services, offering connections and resources for families in the community.
“The Vincent’s Clubhouse Enrichment Center is a vital addition to our community,” said Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri. “This new space will create countless opportunities for individuals with special needs and their families to feel empowered, supported, and included. It’s a remarkable achievement, and I’m honored to celebrate this milestone alongside them. I also want to thank all those who made this possible. We have a great community, and this is simply one example of just how much our residents care about one another.”
The grand opening celebration will offer residents a unique opportunity to tour the enrichment center, meet the passionate team behind its mission, and discover ways to get involved. The enrichment center operates Monday through Friday. Adult programs focus on life skills and vocational training, while the afternoon enrichment program provides additional activities and support. For more information on Vincent’s Clubhouse, visit vincentsclubhouse.org.
