AdventHealth’s East Florida Division Announces Regional Leadership Structure
As AdventHealth continues to expand its presence to better meet consumers’ health care needs, the East Florida Division has announced the transition from a market leadership structure to a new regional leadership structure, with two regions comprising the division.
“Our goal at AdventHealth is to be a preeminent health care system known for whole-person care,” said Audrey Gregory, PhD, East Florida Division president/CEO. “With this aspiration in mind, our sacred responsibility is to grow our services and expand our reach so that more people can experience wholeness in body, mind and spirit.”
Effective Jan. 12, the following CEOs will report to Gregory and lead each region:
David Weis has been promoted to serve as president/CEO for the region covering east Volusia, Flagler and St. Johns counties.
Most recently, Weis held the role of president/CEO for AdventHealth Daytona Beach in addition to providing market leadership for the network of facilities in east Volusia County.
Under his leadership, AdventHealth Daytona Beach began a $220 million expansion to add 104 beds and over 240,000 square feet.
Additionally, the hospital has received numerous accolades and national recognitions, including the No. 1 hospital ranking in Volusia County by U.S. News & World Report and a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Before assuming leadership at AdventHealth Daytona Beach, Weis held roles as president/CEO for AdventHealth DeLand and chief operating officer for AdventHealth Daytona Beach.
Prior to joining AdventHealth, he served as vice president of operations and chief operating officer for Adventist Health Ukiah Valley in Northern California, where he provided oversight of operations in the medical center’s ambulatory and acute care areas.
Weis has a Bachelor of Science in biology from Southwestern Adventist University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Loma Linda University.
He also earned a Master of Business Administration in health care management from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut.
He serves on the executive board of the Daytona Chamber, is the second vice chair for the Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation, serves on the board of Food Brings Hope, and is the board chair of Indigo Christian Junior Academy, a Christ-centered educational facility in Daytona Beach.
“It’s an honor to lead this incredible, mission-driven team of leaders, medical staff and team members as we expand access to care and bring hope to those who need it most,” Weis said. “Whether it’s by the bedside, in our clinics or those working behind the scenes, this team embodies compassion and excellence in all they do.”
Lorenzo Brown has been promoted to serve as president/CEO for the region covering west Volusia, north Lake and south Sumter counties.
Brown most recently served as the president/CEO for AdventHealth Fish Memorial in addition to providing market leadership for the network of facilities in west Volusia County.
In this role, he oversaw the opening of a $100 million patient tower at AdventHealth Fish Memorial in 2021 and expanded critical services such as birth care, intensive care and emergency services — including a dedicated pediatric emergency room.
Brown has dedicated almost 30 years to the health care industry, starting his career journey in Florida in outpatient rehabilitation.
He joined AdventHealth 25 years ago and has served in multiple leadership roles, including as vice president of operations at AdventHealth Kissimmee, assistant vice president of radiology enterprise and president/CEO for AdventHealth DeLand.
Brown earned a Bachelor of Science in sports medicine from Ohio University and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University.
Serving on many boards over the years, he is currently dedicating his time as a member of the Backpack Buddies board, which addresses food insecurity in the West Volusia community, and participating in annual mission trips to Guatemala, where he joins volunteers in providing essential health care services to children in need.
“It’s been a pleasure working with the incredible team at AdventHealth Fish Memorial and supporting the leaders at AdventHealth DeLand,” Brown said. “As I build and strengthen relationships with our north Lake (County) and south Sumter County teams, I look forward to joining them in serving the great communities across our region.”
A search will take place to fill the CEO positions at AdventHealth Daytona Beach and AdventHealth Fish Memorial.
Media Release: AdventHealth Central Florida Division
Memorial Service for Alfred Groos Set for January 23 at Santa Maria Del Mar
Alfred John Groos January 2, 1931-November 11, 2024.
Our heavenly father honored Alfred John “Fred” Groos and welcomed him home on Veteran’s Day.
Alfred John Groos, age 93 passed on November 11, 2024, peacefully with his family by his side. Fred was born January 2, 1931, in Manhattan NY.
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps July 1947 where he earned the rank of Sergeant and fought during the Korean war. He received the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Korean medal of honor and service ribbons. After he left the Marine Corps, he furthered his education while working at the New York Stock Exchange. He enjoyed a successful career at Prudential Insurance as a district manager earning multiple awards for his team. After retirement Fred worked with the census, he supported family businesses and volunteered at Avent Health Palm Coast Hospital and the local Veterans of Foreign War.
He and his wife Audrey raised their family in Hawthorne N.J. and eventually retired in Palm Coast FL. He took pleasure in connecting with people always making sure he lived each day to the fullest. Everyone who knew him enjoyed his spirit and generosity. A devout Catholic, he supported his church and special charities such as Parkinson’s research, World Wildlife Fund, St Jude’s Children’s fund, and Marine Corps charities.
Fred enjoyed traveling, loved taking the scenic route and discovering places along the way. Fred was an avid reader and bowler scoring a perfect game more than once. He enjoyed playing golf and achieved the impossible hole-in- one. He was always ready for a game of cards, a piece of Hershey’s chocolate, and a spin on the dance floor.
On every occasion he was camera ready and captured the best memories. Fred was a true gentleman, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend, and hero to most that knew him, always remembering his friends and family’s birthdays and special occasions with a personalized message. Fred lived his life with an optimistic viewpoint and believed “Every day is a good day.”
Fred is survived by his children Alfred (Mary Ann) Groos of New Orleans, LA, Cindy (Mark) Longo, of St Augustine, FL, Karen Feldstein, (Melvin) of Cumming GA, Linda (Randy) Shul, of Northville, MI, Laura (Gregg) Kirby, of Gulf Breeze, FL, and Robbin (Roy) Robinson, of Montgomery, AL and his brother and sister, Frederick Groos of Wells, NY and Helen Sciancalepore of Rexford, NY. Fred had many nieces and nephews that cherished their time with him and thirteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren who brought him so much joy.
Fred will be laid to rest at the Jacksonville National Cemetery with his beloved wife Audrey of 44 years.
Memorial services will be held at Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church; 915 N. Central Ave in Flagler Beach, FL on January 23, 2024 at 12pm.
The family and church requests that flowers be delivered to the church on Jan 22, 2025, from 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church
915 N. Central Ave
Flagler Beach, FL
For donations, we would like them to go to the Marine Corps League https://www.mclfoundation.org/
Memorial Certificate Program:
https://www.mclfoundation.org/_files/ugd/7284fc_974e02618d7d41e0931853ed5dee7e5c.pdf__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!Pt9stVYjHGSRrlWQWSp6ratgvJ3dPtMHk0KebhaAPek6rwTafvSkfOb1lRNTiGeQfC_PXxINeApe4ZCmgG2GThigZwlQZfT-$
Traffic Advisory: Intermittent Lane Closures with Detours on S.R. A1A in Flagler Beach to Begin Jan. 6
FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – Motorists are advised that daytime lane closures are planned for State Road (S.R.) A1A (Ocean Shore Boulevard) in Flagler Beach from Monday, Jan. 6 through Friday, Jan. 10. Work will occur near the intersection of 19th Street South.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will perform asphalt work on S.R. A1A from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Intermittent lane closures will occur in both directions, with traffic detours depending on the direction of the lane closure.
- Southbound lane closures: Motorists will be detoured to South 19th Street to South Central Avenue, returning to S.R. A1A at 20th Street South.
- Northbound lane closures: Motorists will be detoured at South 20th Street to South Central Avenue, returning to S.R. A1A at South 19th Street.
Motorists should follow posted detour signs and use extra caution in the work zone. The work schedule is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT District Five Public Information Office at FDOT-D5COMM@dot.state.fl.us or by phone at (386) 943-5593.
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Media Release: FDOT Central Florida Division
Off Center Pottery Announces January Workshops
POTTERY CLASSES
JANUARY
Garden Sculptures
Learn how to use the pole-technique to make unique sculptural pieces for your garden.
Saturdays January 11,18, 25 ~ 2:00-4:00 $125.
Make a Planter
We’ll show you how to pinch, slab, paddle and carve a beautiful flower pot or planter. You can make it hang or add feet.
Mondays, January 13, 20 and 27~ 2:00-4:00 $125.
Final meeting of three- session classes will reveal finished fired work and include a group discussion of the results before taking pieces home.
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
Off Center Pottery Studio is located at 208E South Central Avenue Flagler Beach Florida 32136.
Virtual Skywarn Storm Spotter Class to be Held January 27, Registration Required
December 31, 2024 – Flagler County Emergency Management is facilitating the National Weather Service’s free, and virtual, Skywarn Storm Spotter class from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 27, from the comfort of anywhere participants wish to be.
A seasoned meteorologist with the National Weather Service will teach the class.
The Skywarn Storm Spotter class will provide participants with the knowledge to become a part of a nationwide network of volunteers who support local emergency management and the National Weather Service by recognizing and reporting severe weather. Well-trained volunteers help improve weather reports, which allows Emergency Management to better prepare for weather events and protect the Flagler community.
Students will learn about storm formation and structure, as well as how to identify and report severe weather.
To register for the Skywarn Storm Spotter class to secure a spot, go to: www.FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency and click on Volunteering & Training where there is the link to register.
Emergency Management encourages residents to stay informed about significant weather and other emergencies by signing up for the free ALERTFlagler service at http://www.FlaglerCounty.gov/ALERTFlagler.
To stay up to date with the latest information from Flagler County Emergency Management, visit www.FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency and by liking and following FlaglerEOC on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).
Follow Flagler County Government on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FlaglerCountyGovernment.
New Year Sizzle: Experience Tango Apasionado at The Fitz January 9
Start your 2025 mesmerized.
Experience a show unlike any others to grace the stage at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center as they welcome Tango Apasionado on January 9th. If trying something new is on your list of new year’s resolutions, come get inspired!
ABOUT THE SHOW
PointeTango is a unique, “one-of-a-kind” dance company directed by choreographer and dancer, Alexander Richardson and created with lead dancer, Erin Scott-Kafadar. By pushing new boundaries in dance, PointeTango combines the intimacy of Argentine tango with the precision of classical ballet, creating a new dance vocabulary that is both intimate and bold.
Pointe-Tango emerged from the question: ‘What happens when classical ballet meets Argentine tango?’ Having trained and worked in both disciplines of classical ballet and Argentine tango extensively, Erin and Alexander challenged themselves to develop a new dance vocabulary of “pointetango” that respects the codes and connection of the Argentine tango “abrazo” (embrace) while searching for new solutions and opportunities to the challenges encountered when transitioning from heels to pointe shoes. PointeTango is the only dance company in the world to dance authentic, improvised Argentine tango on pointe shoes.
IF YOU GO
SHOW: Tango Apasionado
DATE: THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 AT 7 PM
LOCATION: FITZGERALD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 5500 HWY 100, PALM COAST
TICKETS: Tango Apasionado Tickets | Palm Coast, FL | The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center
Flagler Beach Welcomes New Year with Surfboard Drop and Fireworks Spectacular
FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – It’s grown steadily over the past few years and this year residents and visitors turned out to see the surfboard wrapped in colorful lights and suspended in the air by the Flagler Beach Fire Department drop at the stroke of midnight.
Filling Veterans Park excited revelers partied and danced, snapping photos with the oversized 2025 and surfboard before the big moment while DJ Vern Shank, owner of Pyramid DJs and founder of Surf 97.3 FM kept the vibe going with high energy dance music.
Not a spot could be found along the boardwalk either as locals lined the shore ready for a fireworks show. And they were not disappointed. A truly spectacular display of fireworks were launched from the pier, illuminating the 2025 with backlighting and showcasing the iconic A-frame, making for excellent commemorative photos.
Revelers were glad to see fireworks back in Flagler Beach, nabbing front row seats at area hot spots like Tortugas Florida Kitchen and Bar and Finn’s.
