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St. Johns County Parks Foundation Earns National Award

By
SJC Public Affairs
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ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Florida, September 22, 2025 – The St. Johns County Parks Foundation (SJCPF), official philanthropic partner of the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department, received national recognition with the prestigious National Association of Park Foundations Lehman Award for Park Foundation Excellence in the “Emerging Star Foundation” category.

This honor highlights newer organizations across the U.S. that are making a meaningful impact in their communities. The award was presented at the 2025 National Recreation and Park Association Conference in Orlando, Florida. SJCPF has worked hand in hand with Parks and Recreation to expand access to County parks and amenities, enhance programs, and strengthen community connections.

In less than a year under new Executive Director Marithza Ross, the Foundation has:

  • Established pathways for giving and service, including an annual donor campaign and volunteer opportunities for residents and businesses.

  • Created sponsorship opportunities to make free and low-cost programs possible for families and residents.

  • Advanced capital initiatives such as the Field of Dreams Baseball turf replacement project at Aberdeen Park, ensuring safe, inclusive play for athletes of all abilities.

  • Reinvested more than $1 million into St. Johns County to support recreation programs and projects.

  • Aligned with national standards and best practices to better serve the Parks and Recreation Department and the residents of St. Johns County.

“This award reflects the strength of our partnership,” said Ryan Kane, director of Parks and Recreation. “The Foundation allows us to stretch beyond the limits of public funding by inviting private partnerships and community investment, ultimately giving our residents more opportunities to enjoy high-quality recreation.”

The recognition also affirms the County’s initial investment in launching the Parks Foundation, which has already begun paying dividends back to the community through tangible impact. The sustainable model being built by SJCPF will benefit generations of St. Johns County residents.

Visit the SJCPF website for more information about the Foundation, including sponsorship opportunities, donor programs, and other ways to get involved.

Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak … The #1 Issue Facing Leaders Today

By
Dr. Joe Saviak
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I was asked the other day what is the most important challenge facing leaders in the 21st century? It is integrity.

Without a doubt, the two most disheartening developments in the modern era of leadership in America are:

  1. The lack of focus on integrity. The willingness of too many Boards of Directors and senior leaders to pursue personal and self-serving interests instead of adhering to the mission and stated values and focusing on best serving customers and supporting employees.

  2. The absence of accountability. Too many organizations lack the necessary internal and external checks and balances needed to protect the integrity of the enterprise and the trust that customers and employees place in it. This creates the conditions for predictable scandal and once trust is gone, it’s gone.

Both go together and when combined, they destroy trust and demolish organizations.

These are not new problems in human history. The frequency of ethical scandals has increased in recent decades. The prevalence of declining standards is well documented. In some ways, it’s become the New Normal. What should be unthinkable and unacceptable has now become much more common.

We spend a lot of time and energy teaching the strategies successful leaders utilize and the best practices they should employ, and we should.

My counsel to everyone in leadership or teaching or studying it is this: concentrate on the need for integrity and accountability.

I heard a highly respected CEO say it at an employee meeting this year: it’s all about character. Recruit, hire, train, supervise, evaluate, promote, retain, and terminate based upon character. Ensure a culture of ethical responsibility. Because human beings are poor judges of our own conflicts of interest, have all the right formal and informal checks and balances in place.

Trust is the most precious asset any leader, organization, professional, and customer can have. Protect it at all costs.

#LeadershipLessonsWithDrSaviak

FLAGLER TECHNICAL COLLEGE RECEIVES DOLLAR GENERAL LITERACY FOUNDATION GRANT

By
Danielle Anderson
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Palm Coast, FL – Flagler Technical College (FTC) is delighted to announce it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to support its Adult Education Program Expansion project. This grant will help us better serve the Flagler County community by providing essential resources for adult learners.

This funding is a crucial investment in the future of our community. By expanding access to our Adult General Education programs—including Adult Basic Education, GED Preparation, English as a Second Language, and Academic Skills Building—we can empower more individuals to gain the skills they need for a better life. This grant will allow us to offer more classes to meet the high demand in our area.

“Helping adults in our community with education and career training opportunities is great for everyone,” said Travis Thomas, Adult Education Program Supervisor at FTC. “Learning new skills can elevate the student, their family unit, and the strength of the economy in our community.”

The ability to sustain and expand these classes means more residents can secure employment, pursue further educational and career opportunities, provide for their families, and contribute to the local economy. This directly aligns with FTC’s mission to help students become “educationally prepared and economically self-sufficient in an ever-changing global economy”. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s support helps us fulfill this mission by investing in our students, who are the future of Flagler County.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports literacy and education programs across the United States. The foundation was established in 1993 to honor cofounder J.L. Turner, who was functionally illiterate. It has awarded over $275 million in grants, assisting more than 23.8 million people in their educational journeys.

About Flagler Technical College

Flagler Technical College (FTC) is the adult division of the Flagler County School District and is accredited through the Council on Occupational Education (COE). As a local resource for career and community education, FTC offers a variety of programs, including high-demand Career and Technical Education programs to meet the needs of business and industry in Flagler and surrounding counties. Students learn practical, specialized skills from industry professionals in a hands-on learning environment

International Coastal Cleanup and Intracoastal Waterway Cleanup Set for Saturday, September 20

By
Danielle Anderson
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A1A Beach Access Points in Flagler and St. Johns counties.

We have locations all along A1A in Flagler County and St. Johns County, so there are plenty of places to help out. Bring your family and friends, church or civic groups out for a morning of serving the community.
Volunteer Locations Include: (TIMES LISTED)
Gamble Rogers State Park – Check In at Ranger Station – 8 AM – 10 AM
Flagler Beach Area – Team Captain Linda Provencher, Suzie Johnston, & A1A VP Rick Belhumeur – Flagler Beach A1A/FB All-Stars/FB Board Riders – 8 AM – 10 AM
– Flagler Beach (check in at the Flagler Beach pier)
– Beverly Beach (check in at the Flagler Beach pier)
A1A Hammock/Beach Access Points:
Team Captains: Elayne Byrd, Flagler County Commissioner Greg Hansen: 8 AM – 10 AM
– The Hammock (check in at Bings Landing for the following locations): Varn Park, Jungle Hut, Old Salt Park, Malacompra, Bay Drive Park beach accesses
Marineland/River to Sea Preserve: Check In at the GTM Outpost 8 AM – 10 AM
Crescent Beach/Matanzas Inlet: Sallie O’Hara, A1A & Rotary Team Captain – 8 AM – 10 AM
St. Augustine Beach: Bob Samuels – A1A Team Captain – 8 AM-10 AM
Vilano Beach Pavilion: Team Captains Keep St. Johns Beautiful/Sol Margin – 9 AM* to 11 AM
Ponte Vedra: Mickler’s Beach – Nicole Crosby 9 AM* to NOON
NOTE: If you do not see your specific location listed above, select the location nearest your desired location to check in.
Students: Community Service Hours are provided for activity, including pre-event set up and the art contest.
Need more info? Email danielle_anderson@ScenicA1A.org for more information!

Waterway Cleanup

18th Annual Intracoastal Waterway Cleanup
Protect and enjoy nature by helping the City of Palm Coast collect trash within developments or along City paths, walkways, and waterways at the 18th annual Intracoastal Waterway Cleanup.

Protect and enjoy nature by helping the City of Palm Coast collect trash within developments, or along City paths, walkways, and waterways at the 18th annual Intracoastal Waterway Cleanup. Boaters can work in saltwater canals and Intracoastal waters, and walkers can clear paths and trails alongside the waterway.

Pre-registration is encouraged and includes a t-shirt, trash bags, gloves, and a safety sheet. Lunch will be served to all participants at 11:00am at the Palm Coast Community Center.

Registration is open and free for all participants. To register, visit www.palmcoastgov.com/waterwaycleanup

Ormond Main Street “Taste Of” Goes to Hawaii

By
Danielle Anderson
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Ormond Beach, FL – September 2025 – Craving smoked spare ribs, roasted cedar plank salmon with jalapeño apricot glaze, cactus chili, or strawberry lemonade boba? You don’t have to choose — enjoy them all in one unforgettable afternoon at Taste of Ormond, now in a brand new fall edition!

Join us on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach, for the 12th Annual Taste of Ormond — a celebration of local flavor, fun, and community.

What to Expect

  • Unlimited Sampling: Savor dishes from two dozen of Ormond Beach’s finest restaurants, with no additional charge per item.

  • Beverages: Enjoy the exclusive wine and craft beer tasting area, courtesy of S.R. Perrott. Each table receives two complimentary bottles of wine, with additional options available for purchase.

  • Live Entertainment & Fun Extras: Relax with live music, a charity raffle, and the company of friends as the sun sets over the gardens.

New This Year: Hawaiian Luau Theme!

For the first time, Taste of Ormond transports guests to the islands! Experience fire dancers, spectacular music, and dazzling entertainment, all while sipping, savoring, and celebrating the flavors of Ormond Beach.

Mixology Experience

The Mixology Experience gives guests a hands-on cocktail adventure. For $25 per ticket, enjoy three signature drinks crafted by local bartenders, pick your favorite, and take home new tips. Only 100 tickets available — reserve yours today!

Ticket Pricing

  • General Admission: $100 per person

  • VIP Seating: $125 per person

  • Tables (seats 10): $900 regular / $1,150 VIP

Tickets are limited — this event sells out every year! Secure yours online:

www.tickettailor.com/events/ormondbeachmainstreet/1490594 Or call 386-492-2938 for more information.

Support Local — Celebrate a Cause

Taste of Ormond is a key fundraiser for Ormond Beach MainStreet, the nonprofit dedicated to enhancing our historic downtown along Granada Boulevard. Proceeds support local business marketing grants, new district initiatives, and vibrant community events, art, and entertainment.

About Ormond Beach MainStreet

As a devoted local nonprofit, Ormond Beach MainStreet works to grow and enliven the heart of Ormond Beach’s historic core. From supporting new businesses to enhancing arts, events, and culture, we’re committed to bringing energy and vibrancy to our downtown community.

Sponsors Include: City of Ormond Beach; Adams, Cameron & Co Realtors; Foundation Risk Partners; Guinness; Money Pages; Ormond Observer; Realtors; Ritchey Cadillac; Ritchey Buick-GMC; Security First; S.R. Perrott; Seacoast Bank; Security First; Southern Stone; WSB; Waste Pro.  

Pink Army Marching Into October with Proclamations & Parties

By
Danielle Anderson
-

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – It’s that time of year, and the Pink Army 2025 is pulling out all the stops to make this year the biggest and best of them all.

Kicking off a month and half of fundraising events hosted by a number of community organizations and businesses to help qualified patients receive breast cancer diagnostic screening and support through the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation, the fanfare started on Monday, September 15 with a proclamation from the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, and a commemorative photo with the county’s pink firetruck in front of the Flagler County Government Services Building.

AdventHealth Palm Coast and Flagler County Commissioners gather to kick off the Pink Army 2025 campaign.

Alongside the commissioners gathering to show support, leadership of AdventHealth Palm Coast and the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation stood shoulder to shoulder with this year’s survivor champion Regan Hansen, who recently completed her treatment for breast cancer at the Freytag Cancer Center on the AdventHealth Palm Coast main campus.

It was an especially moving moment during the county commission meeting as the proclamation was presented by Flagler County Commissioner Greg Hansen, Regan’s father, who shared that both Regan and his wife Linda, are breast cancer survivors.

Flagler County Commissioner Greg Hansen and daughter Regan Hansen.

The awareness campaign continues through the month of October with proclamations from the area’s municipalities in addition to fundraising activities with momentum building for the annual Pink Army 5K and 1-Mile Pet Friendly Walk on October 5, 2025, hosted by AdventHealth Palm Coast in conjunction with the City of Palm Coast.

“It’s great to run a community event where the community comes out not only for the fun activities we have but to raise money for a common cause that we’ve all gotten touched over the years,” said AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation Director John Subers.

Several Pink Army members attend to receive the 2025 Proclamation declaring October 2025 breast cancer awareness month.

“Regan Hansen, what a trooper this lady is and what she has gone through. To be our official starter for the event is inspiring. Her attitude of don’t quit, keep going, I think we can all learn from it,” he said.

“Not only is she the official starter but she’ll be the first to walk through our cancer survivor line and ring the bell.”

For information on the Pink Army 5K visit here.

 

 

Urologist joins AdventHealth: Dr. Arnaldo Trabucco Cares for Patients at AdventHealth Palm Coast

By
Michelle Bartlome
-

PALM COAST, Fla., Sept. 16, 2025 – Patients in Flagler County now have expanded access to urology care with the arrival of Dr. Arnaldo Trabucco, a board-certified urologist with more than 35 years of experience. He has joined AdventHealth Medical Group and cares for patients at AdventHealth Palm Coast.

AdventHealth Medical Group is a network of nearly 450 physicians and advanced practice providers in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties representing 30 specialties. Together, they cared for more than one million patient visits in 2024.

Trabucco treats a wide range of conditions affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive system. While many people think of urology as men’s health, urologists also care for women — often helping with issues like incontinence, pelvic floor disorders, or bladder cancer.

His expertise includes treating kidney stones, kidney and bladder cancers, enlarged prostate (BPH), erectile dysfunction, and neurogenic bladder. He also provides minimally invasive surgical options that can mean less pain and faster recovery for patients.

“I come from a long ancestry of doctors in my family — since the 1400s — who have dedicated our lives to serving the community,” Trabucco said. “That sense of calling is what drives me today, making sure patients get timely access to the care they need.”

Nearly one-third of Flagler County residents are over the age of 65, making access to specialty care a critical need, according to AdventHealth’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment. Recruiting specialists like Trabucco is part of AdventHealth’s investment in meeting the community’s health needs today and in the years ahead.

“Bringing physicians like Dr. Trabucco to our community helps shorten wait times for patients and expands the options for advanced care,” said Denyse Bales-Chubb, President and CEO for AdventHealth Flagler and St. Johns market. “Our neighbors shouldn’t have to delay important treatment because specialists are hard to reach. His expertise helps ensure patients can be seen and treated sooner.”

He completed a urology residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, following a general surgery residency at St. Mary’s Hospital (Yale) in Waterbury, Connecticut, and a general surgery internship at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Rome School of Medicine and Surgery Sapiensa in Rome, Italy, and later completed a fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona.

Over his career, he has served as Chief of Urology at The Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in New York and as an Associate Professor of Urology at the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian and has published multiple peer-reviewed articles.

Trabucco is seeing patients at AdventHealth Medical Group Urology, 21 Hospital Drive, Suite 125 in Palm Coast. For appointments, call 386-586-1705.

FCSO SIU Arrests Palm Coast Poison Peddler Following Undercover Operation

By
FCSO Public Affairs Officer
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Diane Gorth (Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility mug shot)

BUNNELL, Fla. — The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Palm Coast poison peddler following a lengthy investigation by the Special Investigations Unit.

On Sept. 9, SIU detectives obtained two arrest warrants for Diane Gorth, 49, of Palm Coast, for sale of cocaine, sale of hydrocodone, and two counts of unlawful use of a two-way communications device. The warrants stemmed from an undercover operation which included a series of controlled narcotics purchases earlier in the year.

With assistance from the FCSO Fugitive Unit, detectives located Gorth two days later at her residence and served the arrest warrants without incident. Detectives arrested Gorth and transported her to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where she was later released on a $30,000 bond.

Diane Gorth (Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility mug shot)

“Our Special Investigations Unit is hard at work putting poison peddlers in the Green Roof Inn and getting drugs off the street,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “If you are a drug dealer in Flagler County, be on the lookout, because we’re coming for you next!”

Gorth had recently been arrested on Sept. 4 for possession of a controlled substance without prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia, and tampering with evidence after Problem Area Crime Enforcement Unit detectives discovered drugs in her vehicle during a traffic stop.

Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak … Agents of Destruction

By
Dr. Joe Saviak
-

Hopefully you never meet one. If you have in your career, this column makes perfect sense.

Mental health studies estimate that narcissists and sociopaths are likely 1-3% of the population. Research suggests an increased prevalence in the American workplace today (Eddy, 2018).

In an unhealthy organization, they could be 5-10% or more of those in or seeking leadership roles. They crave the perceived personal benefits of leadership roles. Real leadership is all service and sacrifice but theirs is a universe of one.

If they get into leadership, employees and customers depart. Ethical and legal controversies, major financial losses, and even criminal cases occur. Trust is gone.

In leadership, they recruit others, create a subculture, and do tremendous damage. Alone, they are a serious threat. With a team, they destroy organizations.

There’s zero self-awareness of their moral deficits. They’re far less competent than they recognize. They see themselves as amazing leaders when no one else agrees.

There’s no perfect personnel process to always catch them before they enter the organization. Surrounded by the right leadership, culture, and team, it will be clear who they really are. If they get in, get them out or get out.

Pay close attention to red blinking lights and act quickly and decisively:

No genuine empathy for the pain or problems of others. They may simulate the socially expected reaction but no real emotion for others

Strained workplace relationships with colleague/subordinates

Focus or obsession with pleasing whoever they think controls their career at the moment

Inability/unwillingness to point out unethical behavior by others

Fabricate results

Instantly discard relationships without emotion

An unhealthy focus on discussing their favorite subject which is themselves

Consistent rationalization, minimization, denial, blame displacement, and justification to any perceived question about their performance – they love to blame others

Never like to clap when others win. Offer little if any encouragement to others

Push for promotions they don’t deserve – it’s the unending sense of personal entitlement

A strained or a show marriage or no marriage – their kids likely have social or legal problems – no happy family life

Different time horizon – they want it all now – they can’t postpone gratification

Little concern over unethical conduct by others – they may even joke about it

May enjoy discussing undetected unethical/illegal acts they committed

No emotional reaction to harming others without any justification

React very poorly to any criticism no matter how accurate – deeply insecure – a huge fragile ego

No genuine relationship with most people – may connect with other narcissists/sociopaths – always most comfortable with those they can control.

Don’t let them in, don’t let them stay, never promote, and leave if they don’t.]

#LeadershipLessonsWithDrSaviak

Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa Celebrates Success of 3rd Annual Food & Wine Classic

By
Danielle Anderson
-

PALM COAST, Fla. – Known as one of the most beautiful backdrops for weddings, conferences, and family vacations in northeast Florida, Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa demonstrated why their food and beverage offerings are not only up to par, but are award-winning.

Sampling from 11 stations, each hosting a signature dish the property is known for, more than 600 members and guests toasted the 3rd Annual Food & Wine Classic with sips from 41 wine and liquor purveyors offering everything from exclusive family wineries to a hand-selected Patron according to Woody Mitchell, Director of Food & Beverage at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa.

Woody Mitchell, Director of Food & Beverage at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa.

“We have 39 wine tents all serving 3-4 bottles of wine, we have a spirits table which is serving our Hammock Beach barrel selected Patron. I was fortunate enough to take, along with the sous chef, we were flown out to Mexico, went to Patron and got to taste a bunch of different barrels and picked a barrel that was great for Hammock Beach. It was lucky enough we were able to pick Barrel No. 62. I wanted to pick Barrel 62 because that is the course record for the Ocean Course,” he shared.

“The 41st tent is our Florida Beer Garden. We wanted to you outside of the Sunshine State and into some German heritage. We do feature all Florida craft beers, but the really fun thing about that area is transporting you from Florida into that little beer garden,” he shared, featuring bratwurst, warm pretzels, sauerkraut, and the star of the show, the Firkin.

“A Firkin is a sideways keg that is a ceremonial keg that’s used in Germany. In Munich to kick off Octoberfest, they always tap the Firkin. We partnered up with Veterans United Brewery and they made an Octoberfest just for this event in a Firkin and we tapped it last night (during the members only event),” shared Mitchell.

His enthusiasm for making the event was felt among the attendees, who spent the evening visiting each tent.

“I really enjoyed attending this event at Hammock Beach Club with my sister, Katie Palmer,” said Flagler County Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson.

Katie Palmer, Shelly Edmonson, and Anita Lewis attend the 3rd Annual Food & Wine Classic.

“It was great to gather with so many community leaders and friends. The evening was filled with wonderful music, great conversation, and excellent food and wine. Events like this remind us of the importance of coming together as a community, and we are truly grateful to Hammock Beach for hosting such a special evening here in Flagler County,” she said.

A red snapper dish was among the signature offerings at the 3rd Annual Food & Wine Classic.

Sharing the sentiment, Michelle Bartlome was equally pleased and enthusiastic about the success of the third annual Food & Wine Classic.

“It was a great evening,” said Bartlome.

“Iris Communications was a proud sponsor of tonight’s event, which included delicious food, wonderful networking, and a chance to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of Hammock Beach Spa and Resort.”

John and Margaret Subers attend the 3rd Annual Food & Wine Classic.

 

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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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