FlaglerGOP to Hold Candlelight Vigil Honoring Charlie Kirk
Flagler County, FL – September 12, 2025 – The Flagler County Republican Executive Committee (FlaglerGOP) is hosting a candlelight vigil in honor of Charlie Kirk, a nationally recognized conservative leader and voice for American values. The vigil will take place on Wednesday, September 17, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Flagler County Courthouse Courtyard.
Community members are invited to gather in unity to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk’s tireless dedication to faith, freedom, and country. For safety reasons, no open flames will be used; participants are encouraged to bring battery-powered candles or use their phone flashlights to light the night.
“Charlie Kirk inspired millions to stand strong in defense of liberty and to never back down from their convictions,” said Perry Mitrano, Chair of the FlaglerGOP. “This vigil is an opportunity for our community to come together in gratitude and remembrance of his work, his voice, and his legacy.”
The vigil will include a time of reflection, prayer, and remarks honoring Kirk’s contributions to empowering the next generation of conservatives and strengthening grassroots movements across the country.
All are welcome to attend this peaceful and respectful gathering.
Event Details:
Location: Flagler County Courthouse Courtyard
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Flagler Tiger Bay Club Issues Statement After Assassination of Charlie Kirk
In the aftermath of the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and as we mark the anniversary of 9/11, we are reminded once again of both the vulnerability and resilience of our nation. These moments call us to reflect on our shared values, the choices we make in the face of tragedy, and the example we set for others.
At Flagler Tiger Bay Club, our guiding principles are simple yet profound. We believe in civility in our conduct and discussions, respect for all, and the ability to bring passion to issues without anger. We commit to seeking understanding from others’ points of view, fostering open communication, and maintaining our non-partisan foundation.
Now more than ever, these principles matter. Difficult conversations are necessary. When approached with civility and respect, they keep the door open to understanding and progress. In a time of increasing polarization, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to lower the temperature, model constructive dialogue, and unite around the many values and hopes we share.
Let us continue to be an example for our community and beyond: a place where ideas can be exchanged openly and respectfully.
Best regards,
Jay Scherr
President, Flagler Tiger Bay Club
New Procedure Offers Relief for Men with Enlarged Prostate
PALM COAST, Fla., Sept. 8, 2025 – For many men, living with an enlarged prostate can mean restless nights, constant trips to the bathroom, and a loss of confidence. Now, a new minimally invasive procedure at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway is offering relief — without the risks of major surgery.
The procedure, called prostate artery embolization (PAE), is performed by Dr. Kyle Burton, an interventional radiologist with AdventHealth Medical Group. Burton is currently the only physician offering PAE in AdventHealth’s East Florida Division.
“PAE is an important step forward in how we treat an enlarged prostate,” said Burton. “It gives patients in Flagler County access to the latest care options with fewer risks and quicker recovery. Our goal is to expand choices so men can find the treatment that works best for them — without having to wait months or travel far from home.”
BPH — benign prostatic hyperplasia — is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that affects millions of men. It can cause frequent or urgent trips to the restroom, weak urinary flow, and incomplete emptying of the bladder.
Traditionally, severe cases required surgery known as TURP, which involves general anesthesia, a hospital stay, and a higher chance of side effects like incontinence.
By contrast, PAE is done as an outpatient procedure under light sedation. Using a catheter, Burton blocks small blood vessels that feed the prostate, causing it to shrink. Patients typically return home the same day.
AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway also offers Aquablation therapy, a robotic-assisted treatment introduced in 2023 that uses a heat-free waterjet to remove excess prostate tissue. While Aquablation remains an important option for many patients, PAE is expanding choices even further — giving men in Flagler County access to the latest treatments tailored to their needs.
Nearly one in three Flagler County residents is over the age of 65, according to AdventHealth’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment. For many, conditions like enlarged prostate are a daily challenge — affecting sleep, daily routines and overall well-being. Expanding access to innovative treatments like PAE and Aquablation helps meet that growing need and ensures patients can receive advanced care without leaving the community.
With these advanced options available, Burton has become a regional leader in BPH treatment. At AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway, he performs PAE using cone beam CT imaging — the only technology of its kind in Flagler County. Since January, he has completed more than 65 PAE cases, up from just 28 earlier this year, with more scheduled in the months ahead.
Plans are also underway to expand access to PAE at additional AdventHealth locations, including AdventHealth Palm Coast.
FWC Cast Your Imagination: Florida Fish Art Contest Now Open
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is proud to announce the opening of the 2025-26 Florida Fish Art Contest! This annual program invites kids in grades K-12 from across Florida to connect with nature and learn about our native fish and aquatic habitats, while exploring creative art and writing. Florida is one of the many participating states of the national Fish Art Contest, contributing to the effort that inspired more than 85,000 kids across the world to become the next generation of outdoor stewards.
A first-place winner and runner-up will be selected for each grade bracket (kindergarten-third grade, fourth-sixth grade, seventh-ninth grade, 10th-12th grade), for each category, one for illustrating the best freshwater fish species and one for the best saltwater fish species.
How to Participate:
- Select a Florida native fish species from the list on our website to research, focusing on its habitat, behavior and conservation needs.
- Create an original, handmade creation of the chosen fish. All physical mediums are welcome, no digital artwork.
- Write a one-page creative writing piece that reflects what you have learned about your chosen species (fourth grade and above).
- Submit your entry online through the Fish Art Contest entry form page.
All first-place winners and runners-up will receive a variety of prizing and recognition from the FWC. Details on prizing can be found on our website.
The 2025-26 contest is open for submissions until Feb. 28, 2026. Participants can find more information, educational resources and submission guidelines at MyFWC.com/FishArt.
The NASCAR Foundation’s Speedy Bear Brigade Powered by Kaulig Giving Returns for Its Ninth Year
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2025) – The NASCAR Foundation and Kaulig Giving are once again teaming up for National Teddy Bear Day, delivering 5,000 NASCAR-themed teddy bears to children in 135 hospitals across all 50 states, as well as Mexico and Canada, for the ninth annual “Speedy Bear Brigade.”
In addition to delivering Speedy Bears to multiple different hospitals, The NASCAR Foundation will be giving $10,000 grants to select hospitals participating in Speedy Bear Brigade. These donations are made possible through the Foundation’s Speediatrics Children’s Fund, which supports needs expressed by hospitals, specialty clinics, camps, and others providing children’s medical and health care services.
“Each year, Speedy Bear Brigade continues to grow and expand, allowing us to create more memories and craft special moments for children in hospitals across North America, and we truly couldn’t do it without the support of our friends at Kaulig Giving,” said Nichole Krieger, Executive Director and Vice President, The NASCAR Foundation. “Seeing the joy and smiles that these NASCAR-themed Teddy Bears bring to a child’s face is what this program is all about.”
This year’s efforts mark the biggest to date with 135 hospitals participating across North America, topping last year’s number which previously held the highest sum. The Speedy Bear Brigade initiative honors National Teddy Bear Day, celebrated on Sept. 9, with hospital visits taking place in multiple race markets and communities surrounding NASCAR tracks.
The Brigade kicks off in Akron, Ohio, with the first Speedy Bear delivery of the year taking place in the home of Kaulig headquarters. This will be the fifth year Kaulig Giving has partnered with the NASCAR Foundation for Speedy Bear Brigade.
“It’s always special to kick off the Speedy Bear Brigade right here in our backyard at Akron Children’s,” said Matt Kaulig, Executive Chairman and Founder of Kaulig Giving. “Our partnership with The NASCAR Foundation is a perfect fit, as Kaulig Giving shares the same mission of helping children live happier and healthier lives. A stay here is never easy for kids, and these bears are a simple way to deliver comfort, positivity, and cheer to children across the country.”
NASCAR fans can join the Speedy Bear Brigade by making a $25 donation to sponsor a Speedy Bear and have that bear delivered to a child in participating hospitals. Fans can visit NASCARfoundation.org/
District 1 Flagler Schools Board Member Headed To Washington
Flagler County, Fla. – Flagler Schools announces that District 1 School Board Member Derek D. Barrs has formally submitted his resignation to Governor Ron DeSantis, effective September 30, 2025.
Mr. Barrs, appointed to the board by Governor DeSantis in October 2024, has been nominated by President Donald J. Trump to serve as the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“Serving Flagler Schools has been an extraordinary chapter of my public service life,” Barrs said in his resignation letter to the Governor. “From working alongside dedicated educators, staff and board members, to supporting our outstanding teachers and administrators, I have deeply valued the spirit of Children First, fostering Trust and Respect for All and striving to Empower Others.”
Flagler Schools extends its gratitude to Mr. Barrs for his service, dedication and contributions during his tenure on the board, and wishes him success as he steps into this significant national leadership role.
“We are grateful for Mr. Barrs’ service to the students and families of Flagler Schools,” said Superintendent LaShakia Moore. “His time on the board reflected a strong commitment to collaboration and keeping students at the center of every decision. We wish him the very best as he continues his service at the national level.”
Barrs came to the board after former Flagler Schools Board Member Sally Hunt stepped down in September 2024. In accordance with Florida Statute, when a vacancy occurs on a district school board, the Governor of Florida is responsible for appointing a replacement who will serve for the remainder of the term, or until the position is filled at the next general election, as prescribed by law.
Flagler Schools will continue to provide updates as the process moves forward, as well as continue the business of educating our children in Flagler County.
Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility Selected for National Innovation Award
BUNNELL, Fla. — The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility has been selected by the National Institute for Jail Operations to receive the 2025 Detention Facility Innovation Award. The award will be formally presented during the JAILCON25 Southern Regional Conference on October 15 in Mobile, Alabama.
The Detention Facility Innovation Award is awarded to a detention facility which has demonstrated exceptional achievement in developing and/or enhancing a particular aspect or feature in the facility or in the operations of the facility in line with the mission of the Sheriff’s Office during the past year.
The award is the latest for the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, which, since Sheriff Rick Staly took office in 2017 and recruited Court and Detention Services Chief Dan Engert to lead the jail in 2020, has become a state and national model for corrections facilities. This marks the second time the jail has won the NIJO Detention Facility Innovation Award, having previously won the award in 2022.
“Since I became Sheriff, it has been my goal to make our jail one of the premier facilities not just in our state, but the entire country. As this award shows, we are proving that our jail is a leader in corrections and rehabilitation,” said Sheriff Staly. “Although we are tough on crime, we don’t want to have a revolving door arresting the same offenders over and over. Today, we give our inmates the tools and opportunity to turn their lives around and become productive citizens. By doing this our community is safer, which is reflected in our more than 50% reduction in crime since 2017.”
The NIJO previously awarded the jail the 2022 Detention Facility Innovation Award for its implementation of two programs designed to improve inmate outcomes and reduce recidivism after inmates are released from jail — the Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment Program and the Homeward Bound Initiative. In the three years since, both programs have been expanded in innovative ways and shown success with few graduating inmates returning to jail.
To further its mission of improving inmate outcomes, FCSO pursued innovative partnerships to give inmates in the SMART Program, which is provided in collaboration with EPIC Behavioral Healthcare, unique opportunities designed to supplement the program’s evidence-based therapy curriculums.
In December 2024, the jail partnered with Parkview Church to reunite inmates with their children during the holiday season through a program called “Joy Beyond Walls: A Christmas Connection with FCSO and Parkview Church.” The jail again partnered with Parkview Church in April for “The Hope Project,” an ongoing initiative designed to provide inmates with the opportunity to participate in worship and church services.
In July, the jail introduced a new homeless kitten-fostering initiative in partnership with the Flagler Humane Society. Through this program, inmates conduct daily kitten care routines, including feeding, socializing, and bottle-feeding, designed to give inmates a sense of purpose, responsibility, a daily routine, and emotional support — all key components in effective addiction treatment and recovery.
Between 2022 and 2024, the SMART Program was evaluated by a research team from the University of North Florida to assess its effectiveness. During this period, they found that 69% of SMART Program graduates remained successful in recovery after their release from jail, and that program graduates were about 18% less likely to be re-arrested within six months of their release, compared to non-program participants.
The jail has also expanded its Homeward Bound Initiative, a partnership with Flagler Technical College, to provide inmates with training and credentials to enter good paying, high demand, readily available, and sustainable careers in the community after their release.
When the jail was first recognized by NIJO in 2022, the Homeward Bound Initiative offered two courses to inmates: vinyl graphics application and an HVAC pre-apprenticeship program. Now, the initiative features six courses, with food service management/culinary, electrician pre-apprenticeship, automotive body repair, and sewing and alterations programs added to its offerings.
Beyond skills and job-training courses, the Homeward Bound Initiative was also expanded in 2023 to include a General Education Development program, which provides inmates the opportunity to earn their GED diploma, equivalent to a high school degree, while at the jail.
“We’re very proud of our programs and all that we have accomplished to help our inmates succeed and reduce the chance they will commit another crime and return to jail,” said Chief Engert. “We’ve expanded our programs greatly over the past few years, and we value our partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and Flagler Technical College. This partnership allows us to give our inmates opportunities to become productive citizens.”
“Our detention services team has done an excellent job building and expanding these programs so that we can help inmates succeed,” Sheriff Staly added. “I commend our detention team for embracing the vision and model of helping inmates turn their life around and not just a warehouse model of detention.”
In addition to the NIJO’s Detention Facility Innovation Awards, the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility was previously awarded the 2023 Innovation Award – Medium Sized Jails from the American Jail Association and in February 2025, Chief Engert was selected to present on the jail’s award-winning programs during the National Sheriffs’ Association’s Winter Conference. Chief Engert is also a Commissioner on the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission, setting standards for corrections throughout Florida.
The Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility is a two-diamond accredited corrections facility, holding accreditations by the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.
Launch Your Name Around Moon in 2026 on NASA’s Artemis II Mission
NASA is inviting the public to join the agency’s Artemis II test flight as four astronauts venture around the Moon and back to test systems and hardware needed for deep space exploration. As part of the agency’s “Send Your Name with Artemis II” effort, anyone can claim their spot by signing up before Jan. 21.
Participants will launch their name aboard the Orion spacecraft and SLS (Space Launch System) rocket alongside NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
“Artemis II is a key test flight in our effort to return humans to the Moon’s surface and build toward future missions to Mars, and it’s also an opportunity to inspire people across the globe and to give them an opportunity to follow along as we lead the way in human exploration deeper into space,” said Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
The collected names will be put on an SD card loaded aboard Orion before launch. In return, participants can download a boarding pass with their name on it as a collectable.
To add your name and receive an English-language boarding pass, visit:
https://go.nasa.gov/artemisnames
To add your name and receive a Spanish-language boarding pass, visit:
https://go.nasa.gov/TuNombreArtemis
As part of a Golden Age of innovation and exploration, the approximately 10-day Artemis II test flight, launching no later than April 2026, is the first crewed flight under NASA’s Artemis campaign. It is another step toward new U.S.-crewed missions on the Moon’s surface that will help the agency prepare to send the first astronauts – Americans – to Mars.
To learn more about the mission visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/
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Learn About ‘Compound Flooding Risks,’ Adaptation Strategies for Flagler County on September 25
September 8, 2025 – The public – local officials, residents, interested stakeholders – are invited to attend a presentation of the results of an analysis of Flagler County when it suffers “compound flooding risks.” Compound flooding risks occur any time two or more flood-generating mechanisms – storm surge, high tides, heavy rain, elevated river flow – happen simultaneously or in quick succession resulting in more widespread flooding.
The Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC) worked with Flagler County through a Florida Department of Environmental Protection resilience grant to conduct a study and develop a Flagler County Adaptation Plan to address the identified vulnerabilities. NEFRC will make a presentation of the study, the draft adaptation plan, and maps that show the inundation risk at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, September 25, at the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 3, Bunnell.
“The results of this study offers critical insights into how multiple flood drivers can interact to increase risk,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “Attendees will learn how compound flooding could affect local neighborhoods, infrastructure, and natural resources, and explore potential strategies to reduce these risks.”
The event highlights include:
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Presentation of the Compound Flooding Analysis results for Flagler County;
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Detailed flood risk maps showing high-impact areas;
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Overview of the Draft Adaptation Plan, including proposed resilience and mitigation measures;
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Opportunity for public feedback to help refine the plan before final adoption.
Follow Flagler County Emergency Management on a variety of social media channels:
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Instagram: www.Instagram.com/FlaglerEOC
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X (formerly Twitter): www.Twitter.com/FlaglerEOC
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Facebook: www.Facebook.com/FlaglerEOC
