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Flagler County Updated Cold Weather Shelter availability: January 11, 14, 15

By
Flagler News Weekly
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January 10, 2025 – The Sheltering Tree has announced new dates for its cold-weather shelter, which will include Saturday, January 11, Tuesday, January 14, and Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with no shelter availability on Sunday and Monday. The shelter will open at the Rock Transformation Center (formerly Church on the Rock) not only for those experiencing homelessness, but for anyone who is without heat in Flagler County.

The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures to fall below 40 degrees during the overnight hours of these dates, which is 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. Two hot meals will be served while the shelter is open.

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.

City of Palm Coast Wins Prestigious Award for Imagine 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update

By
Brittany N. Kershaw
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Photo from left: Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo, Deputy Chief Development Officer Ray Tyner, Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston, JB Pro Director of Planning Kathie Ebaugh, Director of Communications and Marketing Brittany Kershaw, and Council Member Charles Gambaro, who also serves on the Board of Directors for the NEFRC.

Palm Coast, FL – The City of Palm Coast has been honored with a prestigious Regional Award for Excellence for Planning and Growth Management from the Northeast Florida Regional Council for its visionary work on the “Imagine 2050: City on the Rise” Comprehensive Plan Update. This recognition highlights the City’s commitment to proactive planning, innovative community engagement, and strategic initiatives to shape Palm Coast’s future.

Deputy Chief Development Officer Ray Tyner, Communications and Marketing Director Brittany Kershaw, and Kathie Ebaugh of JB Pro, the City’s consultant for the Imagine 2050 project, proudly accepted the award. Joining them at the event were Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston, Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo, and Council Member Charles Gambaro, who also serves on the Board of Directors for the NEFRC. The award was presented during the annual Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC) Awards Luncheon, held on January 9, 2025, at the WJCT Studios in Jacksonville, Florida.

Photo from left: Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo, Deputy Chief Development Officer Ray Tyner, Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston, JB Pro Director of Planning Kathie Ebaugh, Director of Communications and Marketing Brittany Kershaw, and Council Member Charles Gambaro, who also serves on the Board of Directors for the NEFRC.

The Palm Coast City Council initiated the Imagine 2050 project to address the city’s evolving needs and to plan for smart-managed growth. The initiative engaged residents, businesses, and stakeholders, emphasizing collaboration to formulate a comprehensive plan that truly reflects the community’s vision for the future.

“Imagine 2050 represents the essence of Palm Coast’s spirit—forward-thinking, collaborative, and dedicated to nurturing a thriving community,” said Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston. “This award showcases the hard work and creativity of our staff and the invaluable input of our residents.”

The project’s success is rooted in an extensive outreach campaign led by a cross-departmental team, including significant contributions from the Community Development Department and the Communications and Marketing Department. Through innovative methods such as pop-up events, portable meetings, and robust digital engagement, the City reached approximately 81,685 community members:

  • 24 Pop-Up Events: Engaged ±1,595 participants.

  • Portable Meetings: Included ±490 participants.

  • Website Engagement: Garnered ±3,000 visits.

  • Social Media Reach: Connected with ±30,000 users.

  • Weekly Newsletter: Shared with ±47,000 subscribers.

This dynamic approach ensured a broad planning process, adapting to community feedback throughout the project’s development.

The Imagine 2050 initiative yielded transformative results, including:

  • Over 200 enhancements to the plan’s Goals, Objectives, and Policies (GOPs).

  • Creation of a new Economic Development Element to promote long-term prosperity.

  • Expansion of the Property Rights Element to better represent small property owners, including small business owners.

“We are proud to be recognized for a plan that not only addresses the needs of today but also sets the stage for the Palm Coast of tomorrow,” Acting City Manager Johnston added. “Imagine 2050 is a great example of the power of community-driven planning.”

The Northeast Florida Regional Council’s Regional Awards honor projects that demonstrate leadership in innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. Palm Coast’s Imagine 2050 project stood out as a model for other municipalities seeking to embrace comprehensive, community-centered planning.

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.

Tango Apasionado Heats Up The Fitz with Dance

By
Danielle Anderson
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PALM COAST, Fla. – Eyes closed, nestled in the comfortable chairs at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, and listening to the music of the Payadora Ensemble, it’s easy to envision yourself at a café in an old-world city far away.

Opening your eyes, you are drawn to the two dancers moving with fluid precision across the stage. This is Tango Apasionado.

Internationally known, Payadora brought a combination of jazz, classical and a little something original, that paired perfectly with PointeTango Dance Company.  The sultry beauty of the music and dance delighted professional dancer Magdalena Piekarz, in the audience with students from her studio.

“I am absolutely shocked and amazed. The dancers are awesome. They’re on point. I thought I had high heels when I dance but this lady’s amazing,” said Piekarz. “True, true professionals.”

The show was unique this season and Amelia Fulmer, director of the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center was thrilled to see so many new faces among the venue’s season subscribers.

“I cannot even believe we are in our hometown watching them dance,” added Piekarz. “I think tango always brings the romance, the dramatic sensibility, the musicality of Argentina. I think we all drawn to it.”

The evening’s show was sponsored in part by Sated Ventures, a Palm Coast-based travel company specializing in curated international tours featuring itineraries rich with culinary adventures.

Owner Karolina Guilcapi was on hand to meet and greet with guests throughout the show.

“South America is my heart and the heart of our company, so when I saw Argentina, I just had to sponsor it,” said Guilcapi.

“I spent an hour talking with people and I’m so amazed at how many people have been to Argentina, and          how many people want to go. There’s a lot of interest and I’m very excited about it.”

“We need to bring culture to Palm Coast and this was the perfect way to do it.”

Florida’s 2023-2024 Graduation Rate Breaks State Record at 89.7%

By
Flagler News Weekly
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida’s high school graduation rate rose to 89.7 percent during the 2023-2024 school year, an increase of 1.7 percentage points over last year, exceeding the pre-pandemic rate of 86.9% for the 2018-2019 school year. The 2023–2024 high school graduation rate represents the highest rate in Florida history, with the exception of the pandemic school years 2019–20 and 2020–21, in which graduating classes were exempt from statewide, standardized assessment requirements stipulated in state law.

“Florida leads the nation in education because we put education over indoctrination, empower parents, and have made school choice universal,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This record graduation rate is a prime metric of our success, in addition to our #1-in-the-nation rating.”

“Florida’s graduation rate continues to climb,” said Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “Florida is number one for education because of our commitment to providing a quality education that fits the needs of each student, and our climbing graduation rate is proof positive that our approach is working. Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida will continue to lead the nation in educational success.”

Highlights from Florida’s 2023-2024 high school graduation rate include:

  • The 2023-24 graduation rate rose to 89.7 percent, an increase of 1.7 percentage points over last year and 2.4 percentage points from 2021-22.

  • African American students’ graduation rate rose 2.1 percentage points over last year, and 3.3 percentage points since 2021-22.

  • Hispanic students’ graduation rate increased by 2.2 percentage points from last year and 3.1 percentage points over 2021-22.

  • The graduation rate for students with disabilities rose 1.3 percentage points over last year and 3.3 percentage points from 2021-22.

  • Economically disadvantaged students’ graduation rate rose 2.4 percentage points over last year and 3.1 percentage points from 2021-22.

  • English Language learners’ graduation rate improved 4.6 percentage points over last year and 7.7 percentage points since 2021-22.

Under Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida’s graduation rate has increased significantly, moving from 70.6% to the record high rate of 89.7 in 2023-2024.

For more information abut Florida’s 2023-24 graduation rate, visit https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/data-sys/edu-info-accountability-services/pk-12-public-school-data-pubs-reports/students.stml

Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Serves as Reminder of Available Mental Health Support for First Responders

By
Gretchen Kernbach
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Jan. 9 is a time to recognize the brave men and women who support us during our worst days. This recognition comes at a critical moment, as the holiday season often sees a surge in 911 calls, placing greater emotional strain on law enforcement officers. After the holidays, many first responders grapple with the cumulative stress of responding to crises during one of the busiest and most challenging times of the year.

These pressures contribute to a growing mental health crisis among law enforcement officers. According to Blue H.E.L.P., more than 1,000 officers in the U.S. have died by suicide since 2018, including eight in Florida in 2024.

In recognition of this day, a leading Florida behavioral health system is highlighting critical resources that are available to support these heroes during their most difficult times. LSF Health Systems’ First Responder Peer Support Program serves 20 counties across Northeast and Northern Central Florida, providing first responders and their families access to confidential, no-cost mental health services. By calling 211 and identifying as a first responder, individuals can connect with a trained peer specialist within 24 hours.

“After one of the busiest and most emotionally challenging times of the year, it’s crucial for first responders to have time to decompress and process what they’ve experienced,” said Dr. Christine Cauffield, CEO of LSF Health Systems. “On this special day, we want to properly honor them while also reminding them of the services available to support their mental health.”

While many law enforcement agencies offer internal peer support services, some officers may feel uneasy discussing personal struggles within their own department. This program provides a trusted alternative where first responders can seek help without fear of judgment. About 2,000 first responders have called 211 seeking services ranging from basic needs referrals to getting connected to a peer specialist since the program began in 2022.

First responders – or their family members – can visit StayFitforDuty.org for more information or call 211 and identify themselves as a first responder to be confidentially connected with a peer specialist.

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., LSF Health Systems is a behavioral health Managing Entity (ME), contracted by the Florida Department of Children and Families, dedicated to overseeing behavioral healthcare for people who face poverty and are without insurance. For more information, visit www.lsfhealthsystems.org.

Media Release: Gretchen Kernbach, Daigle Creative

City of Palm Coast Presents 2025 Legislative Priorities at Countywide Meeting

By
Brittany N. Kershaw
-

Palm Coast, FL – During today’s Legislative Delegation meeting at the Government Services Building in Bunnell, Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston presented the City of Palm Coast’s 2025 legislative priorities to Senator Tom Leek and Representative Sam Greco. Accompanied by Mayor Mike Norris, Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri, and Council Members Charles Gambaro, Ty Miller, and Ray Stevens, Ms. Johnston outlined the city’s vision and key projects essential to sustaining Palm Coast’s growth and maintaining its high quality of life.

“Did you know that Palm Coast became the largest city in both House District 19 and Senate District 7 in 2024,” Ms. Johnston asked. “To keep up, we need some help with our infrastructure. The City of Palm Coast’s legislative priorities focus on safety through smart growth, reducing the risk of flooding, protecting our water supply, protecting our water quality, and promoting community preservation.”

Ms. Johnston highlighted Palm Coast’s role within the Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC), advocating for regional collaboration and funding opportunities to support utility infrastructure needs across municipalities. Many municipalities in our region struggle to keep up with the infrastructure demands tied to population growth, extreme weather events, and rising construction costs.

As such, the City of Palm Coast’s top three priorities center on utility infrastructure. These priorities include converting Wastewater Treatment Facility 1 into an Advanced Water Treatment facility, adding brackish water treatment capabilities to Water Treatment Facility 3, and constructing an equalization tank to manage high rainfall periods and reduce stress on the wastewater system. Ms. Johnston underscored the need for expanded grant opportunities and matching fund programs to support these efforts.

Additional infrastructure developments are another major focus for the city. Ms. Johnston highlighted several critical projects, including the widening of Old Kings Road Phase 2A to serve as a parallel corridor to I-95, the continued development of the Palm Coast Maintenance Operations Center, and plans for Phase 3 construction of Old Kings Road North. Additionally, the city expressed its desire to enhance recreational opportunities by bringing a YMCA to Palm Coast.

The city also emphasized the importance of reducing flood risks through proactive stormwater management. Proposed projects include creating a stormwater park near Fire Station 23 and Burroughs Drive, increasing stormwater storage capacity in the Woodlands community, and lowering a weir in Seminole Woods Dry Lake to mitigate flooding risks.

Protecting the city’s water supply and quality remains a critical priority as Palm Coast plans for future well exploration and addresses intrusion and inflow issues in the wastewater system. Additionally, the city is dedicated to preserving its heritage and enhancing recreational facilities through projects such as restoring historic Fire Station 22 and rehabilitating the Frieda Zamba Pool at the Palm Coast Aquatics Center. Ms. Johnston also expressed gratitude for Senator Leek’s support of Fire Station 26, which recently broke ground, as a testament to successful partnerships.

The City of Palm Coast looks forward to working closely with the State Legislature to address the community’s needs. The countywide legislative priorities booklet distributed at the meeting includes detailed information about each priority. Once it is available online, the link will be added to this news story.

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.

New Tennis Court Debut Ribbon Cutting to Take Place at Southern Recreation Center, Kicking Off the Palm Coast Open: a USTA Pro Circuit Event

By
Kaila Throne
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Palm Coast— Excitement builds as we look to the future of tennis in Palm Coast during the process of Phase 2 construction at the Southern Recreation Center. We invite all residents to join us on Monday, January 13 from 8-9am at the Southern Recreation Center for a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling the newly finished courts and other enhancements. Redefined Food Co. will be open for food and beverage purchases during the ribbon cutting.
On June 18, 2024, City Council approved a “Growth Grant” agreement with the USTA, funding $700,000 to cover the construction of additional tennis courts. The USTA’s mission is to promote and develop tennis for all. This year, the USTA recognized the City of Palm Coast as part of the 75th anniversary of the USTA Florida Tennis Trail. The Southern Recreation Center has added 4 clay courts, new efficient LED lighting that will make us eligible for nighttime tournaments, and its first show court. Our show court is an open-air tennis stadium that seats over 140 spectators. We continue progressing towards other facility amenities including shade structures, water stations, and additional parking.
The Southern Recreation Center, located at 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, is the new home of the annual Palm Coast Open: A USTA Pro Circuit event. This year, we are excited to introduce the Women’s 35k Tournament alongside the Men’s 15k Tournament, a community staple for over 13 years. The Palm Coast Open is set to kick off on January 13, shortly after the ribbon cutting. Over the years, Palm Coast has hosted tennis legends like Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, Monica Seles, Jimmy Connors, and local star Reilly Opelka.
This year’s Tournament will feature talented players from more than 100 countries, including some of the top 300 ranked players in the world. USTA professionals will compete to earn ATP ranking points to advance to other tournaments throughout Florida. We invite residents, sports fans, and visitors to join us for the biggest sporting event in Palm Coast! The tournament is free to all spectators. Parking and tennis courts will be limited during this time.
The Palm Coast Open: A USTA Pro Circuit event will take place as follows:
Women’s 35k: January 13-19 at Southern Recreation Center
  • Qualifiers – January 13
  • Main Draw – January 14-15
  • Doubles Final – January 18
  • Singles Final – January 19
Men’s 15k: January 27-February 2 at Southern Recreation Center
  • Wildcard – January 22-26
  • Qualifiers – January 27
  • Main Draw – January 28-29
  • Doubles Final – February 1
  • Singles Final – February 2
Stay up-to-date with tournament and pass-holder information by signing up for the Southern Recreation Center Newsletter. Find things to do, where to stay, and other events happening in Palm Coast by checking out the Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches website.
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

SBDC: Small Business Success Summit Call for Presentations

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Share your expertise and become a speaker at our upcoming event!

Each year, the Florida SBDC Network hosts the Small Business Success Summit to provide small businesses with resources needed to reach new limits and to encourage success & growth.

Submit a proposal to present at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit, hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, August 18-19, 2025.

Deadline to submit proposal: April 30, 2025

The Power of Small Business: Driving Change, Creating Opportunity

This year’s theme highlights the vital role small businesses play in transforming communities, fostering innovation, and driving economic progress. Small business owners are changemakers in our communities!

Breakout session proposals should align with this theme all while showcasing your knowledge and expertise. Whether you’re sharing actionable advice, cutting-edge insights, or tools to drive success, your session will help empower small businesses to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and create meaningful change.

Things to Note

Target Audience: Small businesses, entrepreneurs, state partners and stakeholders.

Purpose: To provide small businesses with professional development and networking opportunities to help them launch, grow and thrive.

Dates of Event: August 18-19, 2025

About the Florida SBDC Network:

For more than 45 years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide existing and emerging small and medium-sized business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for Florida’s economy. In 2023, the Florida SBDC Network delivered 111,720 hours of consulting to 14,808 small business clients – resulting in business owners securing $346 million in capital, $575 million in government contracting, impacting 19,263 jobs and increasing sales by over $3.9 billion.

With over 40 offices statewide, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network, headquartered at the University of West Florida, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is a recipient of the President’s E Award for Export Service. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

Media Release: SBDC

A Buzzer-Beater to Remember / The Best Game in the Sunshine State wasn’t in Gainesville Tonight

By
Don Foley
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(Flagler County, Fla.) – The best basketball story in the nation didn’t go down in Gainesville Tuesday night. It took place on the hardwood at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, Florida. Pirates Senior Haley Olson entered a varsity game for the first time ever. Although a foul by visiting Trinity Christian (Deltona, Florida) sent Haley to the line late, her first points ever would actually come moments later in buzzer-beater fashion.

A standout with the Matanzas ESE Program, the 6-foot-1 Olson drove down the paint in the waning moments to put up the final points at the buzzer to help seal the MHS victory. A special thank you to the Trinity Christian team and staff, on the court and the sideline, who also cheered on our Pirate standout in her special moment!

A four-year cheer and four-year bowling team member, Olson’s mom says she plans to go to the University of North Florida after high school – where she hopes to begin shedding light on succeeding with Autism in today’s world.

Congratulations to you, Haley. Flagler County is cheering you on tonight! Now that’s what you call moving #FlaglerForward!

Video Link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VRFLPwezkCwlGHOJ A4JfTxYZrNscWYa7/view?usp=sharing

###

Flagler Schools strives to be the nation’s premier learning organization. Our mission is to ensure educational success through high expectations and innovative thinking in a safe learning environment to empower students to reach their full potential as responsible, ethical, and productive citizens in a diverse and changing world. We can be reached online at http://flaglerschools.com or https://www.facebook.com/FlaglerSchools and via telephone at 386-437-7526.

Mayor Norris to Host Open Office Hours for Palm Coast Residents

By
Brittany N. Kershaw
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Palm Coast—Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris is pleased to announce open office hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at City Hall. This new initiative invites residents to connect directly with Mayor Norris to share their ideas, concerns, and aspirations for making Palm Coast an even better place to live, learn, work, and play.

To ensure personalized attention and minimize waiting times, residents are encouraged to call ahead and reserve a time that works best for them. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 386-986-3702.

Mayor Norris is excited to hear from community members and work together to shape the future of Palm Coast.

Meetings will take place at Palm Coast City Hall, located at 160 Lake Avenue, and are open to all residents. For more information or to schedule a time with Mayor Norris, please contact 386-986-3702.

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.

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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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