October 2, 2011

Bad Boy Wrestling Club: An Ancient Sport Underhooks Flagler’s Youngest

From Flaglerlive.com

Note: The next match is Sunday, Oct. 16–at 1 p.m. at the 800 Gym on the FPC campus

The ancient sport of wrestling gained a foothold in Flagler County decades ago–in what passes for ancient history in this county–but this season the two-year-old Flagler Bad Boy Wrestling Club expanded its youth program and introduced wrestling to elementary students from 3rd to 6th grade around the county.

“We have decided to start an entire elementary season,” says Bobby Bossardet, head wrestling coach at Flagler Palm Coast High School and the program’s coach. “We are trying to build one big program here and we wanted to give the kids an opportunity to be introduced to the sport at an early age.”

Registration in September netted an enrollment of 180 students. “The numbers are through the roof,” Bossardet said. “The kids are looking forward to wrestle the other elementary schools in the county.”

Read the Flaglerlive.com article HERE.

 July 5, 2011

"School's Out For Summer", the FCSD 4th of July Parade Float!

A special thanks goes out to Jacob Oliva, Sabrina Crosby, Andy Dance, Colleen Conklin, John Fisher and other school district volunteers that helped make the parade float come to life Monday morning! This was a great opportunity to celebrate the news that the Flagler County School District is an "A" district 4 years in a row!

July 3, 2011

"Fabulous 4th" Celebration at Flagler Beach

Flagler County will be celebrating Independence Day at Flagler Beach once again! Fireworks are back on (9:00PM), and the parade will start, rain or shine, at 10:00AM Monday morning. Join the Flagler County School District in celebrating the holiday, as we participate in the parade with the  "Schools Out For Summer" float!

Click HERE for a map of the parade route.

Click HERE for a list of the day's activities.

Have a fun and safe 4th of July!

April 25, 2011

Flagler Youth Orchestra "Take a Bow" Concert Scheduled For May 4th

 
For more information, check out FYO Online at: http://flagleryouthorchestra.org/ 

FYO is also on Facebook. "Like" the FYO today!

April 12, 2011

Are You Smarter Than A 10th Grader?

Since it is FCAT week, try your luck at a sample tenth grade FCAT math question. Do you know the answer?

Question #1: A wholesaler is offering two different package deals of roses and carnations to florists. One package contains 20 dozen roses and 34 dozen carnations for $504.00. The other package contains 15 dozen roses and 17 dozen carnations for $327.00. This information can be represented by the system of equations below, where r represents the cost of one dozen roses and c represents the cost of one dozen carnations.

20r + 34c = 504
15r + 17c = 327

What is the cost, in dollars, of one dozen roses?

Question #2: An electrician charges a $45 fee to make a house call plus an hourly rate for labor. If the electrician works at one house for 3 hours and charges $145.50 for the job, what is the electrician’s hourly rate?

Question #3: Kendra has a compost box that has the shape of a cube. She wants to increase the size of the box by extending every edge of the box by half of its original length. After the box is increased in size, which of the following statements is true?

 
F - The volume of the new compost box is exactly 112.5% of the volume of the original box.
G - The volume of the new compost box is exactly 150% of the volume of the original box.
H - The volume of the new compost box is exactly 337.5% of the volume of the original box.
I - The volume of the new compost box is exactly 450% of the volume of the original box. 
  

Answers Here.

November 11, 2010

In Honor Of Our Veterans

Here is the poem read at the Veteran's Day celebration at GSB today..."I Am A Soldier".

Thank you to all the Vets.

I am a soldier.

My blood permeates the soil of many countries.
I have gasped my last breath on many a desolate stretch of beach.
For you . . . all of you, the children who play in the parks,
the mothers who watch over them, the fathers who struggle to sustain them.

There are those here who have belittled and reviled me,
who have made a mockery of me and what I stand for.
You, also, have I suffered and died for.

I withstood heat, insects and disease
so the right to dissent would be yours.
I endured the pain and terror of battle and the maiming of my body
to ensure that you might worship as you please.
I died in agony in order that you, no matter who or what you are,
have the freedom to choose your own destinies.

And I would do it again.
Because I believe in the ideals that made this country what it is today . . . free.I love her with a deep and abiding love that transcends mere physical pain.

I am a soldier.
Pray that I will always be there,
for if I disappear from this country,
so will you.

Author Unknown

August 16, 2010

Elegant Limo Gets School Supply Drive Moving!

Limo Gets Filled With Needed School Supplies

Palm Coast's Mike and Marlo Denning, owners of Elegant Limousines of Palm Coast, organized a charity raffle to benefit all Flagler County Schools and children in need of school supplies. Using word of mouth and local internet forum, FlaglerChat.com, the response was overwhelming and exceeded all expectations for the inaugural event. Many thanks go out to Alan Kugler at Bob Evans for hosting this event in the Bob Evans parking lot, and also helping get the word out.

Elegant Limousines of Palm Coast named this event FILL A LIMO WITH SCHOOL SUPPLIES. Everyone who donated a minimum of $5 worth of school supplies received a raffle ticket for a chance to win 2 free hours of limousine service. The turn out was amazing as the community really came together for the cause. The estimated value of school supplies that was donated was $1,500 (see the inventory of donated supplies HERE).

There were two winners for the FREE Limo Ride. The first winner was fourth grader Cassidy Van Brink who has big plans for her day of royalty. Kelly from Daytona Popalock was the second winner and donated her ticket to Flagler County Schools in order to reward deserving students with a glamorous limo ride.

The Dennings extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped and donated. The school supplies will be forwarded to the Flagler County Education Foundation's STUFF BUS for distribution to students in need throughout Flagler County. If you know of a student in need of school supplies for the new school year, please call Nicole at the Flagler County Education Foundation, 437-7526, ext. 3125.

Pictures of the event below:

April 24, 2010

FPC Grad Mardy Gilyard Drafted by NFL's St. Louis Rams

Congratulations to Flagler Palm Coast High School graduate Mardy Gilyard for being drafted in the 4th round of the NFL player draft today. Gilyard was drafted by the St. Louis Rams with the 99th selection, and will be catching passes from the #1 overall draft pick, QB Sam Bradford. Below is a conference call with Mardy after his selection, taken from the St. Louis Rams website, www.: LINK

(On if he’s ready to catch passes from Rams QB Sam Bradford)

“Yeah I’m ready. I can’t wait. Oh God, I can’t wait.”

(On how he felt waiting to be drafted)

“Stressful. Pretty much the same thing it was with Sam. Sam was trying to (figure out) if he was going to be the first guy took overall or if anybody was going to take him overall anyway. It’s just been really stressful.”

(On if he expected to be taken earlier)

“Yeah, I thought I was going to be one of the top guys taken as far as wide receivers, but God has a plan for everybody, so I just tried to stay focused and deal with it.”

(On whether he feels he can contribute immediately)

“I’m just going to try and come in and compete my hardest and let the rest of it just sort itself out.”

(On if the Rams had shown a lot of interest in him)

“It was shocking to hear my name. They called me before 10:00 (ET) and said, ‘Hey we’re going to take you. We’re not going to fool around or beat around the bush.’ I was just like, stoked, because now I can finally get ready to go to work. I’ve been waiting to go to work for forever it seems like.”

(On his activities during the draft)

“Watch a little bit here, watch a little bit there. Go outside and relax with my family, play with my dog. Fishing… I mean, I tried to do some of everything.”

(On what he’s doing now)

“I’m about to go crabbing.”

(On why he’s been successful in the return game)

“We had good coaches and we had a really good scheme at Cincinnati and that really fit me well. I was able to just kind of (hone) my skills as a special teamer. Watching old film on guys and just being in the film room… (I’m) a film guru, seeing the weak links and knowing what I can do and how I can do it. I had a natural knack at it.”

(On contributing immediately on special teams)

“Yes, I think I can come in and make an immediate impact with the special teams game.”

(On his best qualities as a receiver)

“Probably my hands and the way I get in and out of routes.”

(On if he’s currently out home in Florida)

“Yes I am.”

(On what crabbing is)

“Crabbing is an old school way of catching crabs. I’m from the backwoods and we’re country folk back here, so we’ll be in the backlands or the backwoods here in Florida not to far from where my parents stay at. It’s just old school - chicken necks, string and netting - just kind of catching crabs. Go for what you know.”

(On catching dinner for his family)

“Yeah. We’re actually throwing a big party for me here in a couple hours, so I’ve got to be the man to bring back some crabs. Everybody loves seafood.”

(On how he spent the last two days)

“Yeah we actually (had a party) the last two days because nobody knew where I was going to end up going. Thursday we were sitting out enjoying ourselves at a private venue. Friday we were at a family member’s house. Today everyone will be at my grandmother’s house.”

(On wondering if this day would ever come)

“I didn’t think it. It’s just all a dream. Now it’s come true. As a kid you’re always doing the little countdown, ‘3-2-1, I’ve scored the winning touchdown! I’m going pro!’ It’s like slim to none that kids get a chance to actually go pro. Now that I’ve actually heard my name called and knowing that I’m going to be a Ram, that’s a blessing.”

(On Rams WR Coach Normal Cromwell calling his mother)

“I wasn’t around so she just kind of told me. My mom, she’s just so everywhere with this whole experience. When she got that call, she was like, ‘Some guy called. I don’t want to mess his name up baby. I think he called from St. Louis.’ I was like, ‘Well Momma, what is he talking about?’ She was like, ‘I don’t know baby. I was listening, but you know, I don’t know.’ I was like, ‘Momma, you can’t tell me? This is important stuff! I need to know this!’ She was so excited she probably couldn’t pay attention to everything he was saying because this is all brand new to us. This has never happened to anyone back home where I’m from, and everybody is just kind of stoked. The whole city is behind me. Like I said, my mom, she is just bananas right now. I know she’s going extra bananas right now because she’s called me about eight times in a row.”

(On where in Florida he is from)

“Bunnell, Florida.”

(On the size of his hometown)

“Do you have a pen? A piece of paper? Take your pen and just dot the paper, and it’ll be the (size of the) dot in comparison to the paper.”

(On his mother’s importance to him)

“She does, man. That’s my ‘sugar wooga ooga booga.’ She’s my everything.”
stlouisrams.com

March 3, 2010

Congressman Mica to Host Free Business Seminars

In a recent letter to local municipal leaders, Congressman John Mica announced  two free business seminars for businesses in Florida. One will be held locally in Daytona Beach and the other in Heathrow.

Congressman Mica will be conducting the following seminars "to assist in expanding business opportunities" and "to aid those interested in doing business with government agencies and also help those who would like to increase export and trade business".

The seminars are summarized below:

February 26, 2010

Free Movie Nights in Central Park

Flagler County Schools and the City of Palm Coast are partnering to play free monthly movies for the entire community in Central Park at Town Center.

The Movie Night will be the second Friday night of each month. Favorite family features will be shown in the stage area at the main entrance to the park.

A huge blow-up screen (see pics below) will make the movie large enough for all to see! School

groups will provide mouthwatering

concessions.

 
Friday Night Movie in Central Park opens on March 12th at 7:00 p.m., featuring Madagascar 2. Plan to bring blankets, chairs and bug spray and enjoy a special night out with your family.

For more information, please call the City’s Recreation & Parks Department at 386-986-2323.

December 9, 2009

 
Imagine Schools Rejected

Hillsborough County Decision Could Have Statewide Implications 

TAMPA — Hillsborough County School Board (HCSB) rejected a proposed Imagine Schools charter application saying the out-of-state company is operating in Florida against state law.

By law, Florida charter schools are supposed to be organized or run by nonprofit groups with local roots. On Tuesday, in a vote with statewide implications, the HCSB unanimously rejected the Imagine Schools application that met precisely the opposite description, according to its attorney: not a legal nonprofit, and controlled by a corporation 1,000 miles away.

If Hillsborough is correct, 11 other Imagine Schools in Florida could be operating with invalid charters. Charter schools are authorized and funded through local districts, but set their own policies and programs.

 
Read the rest of the St. Petersburg Times article: LINK

December 7, 2009

Property Values Continue To Fall Across Florida

Property values across Florida are continuing to fall and the financially stressed public-school system can expect another drop in its tax base next year, state officials warn.

To read more, follow this link to the Orlando Sentinal article: LINK

October 30, 2009

Feed Flagler Project Getting Underway
 

Update - The Feed Flagler event was a big success! Although the crowd that attended the food service at Buddy Taylor Middle School was smaller than expected, the volunteers boxed up enough "to go" meals to meet the original goal of feeding 2,000 hungry folks in Flagler County. Congratulations to all the sponsors and volunteers for their generosity!

Bunnell Fl. -- A cross section of Flagler County leaders are getting together to address world hunger by starting in their own back yard.

The program called Feed Flagler, is undertaking the task of feeding 2,000 hungry folks the day before the Thanksgiving Holiday. Although it is not the first community meal offered in the county during the holidays, it is certainly the largest.

The effort began with a suggestion from County Commission Chair Milissia Holland, who got a nod from the County Commission and it has quickly blossomed into a county-wide effort joined by the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce, Flagler County Schools, Bunnell Methodist Church (cold weather shelter site), the cities of Palm Coast, Bunnell, Flagler Beach and a who’s who list of community organizations.

At its second meeting Thursday in the Government Services Building, Flagler County Deputy Administrator Sally Sherman was elected to oversee the effort, Marc Ray will handle preparing the food, and the Chamber of Commerce is to handle donations and funds for the effort and Jean MacAllister with Flagler Volunteer Services to coordinate volunteers.

What is planned is a sit down dinner Wednesday November 25 for several thousand at two locations, the Bunnell Methodist Church, which traditionally offers a holiday meal to those affected by the economy, and the second site is Buddy Taylor Middle School cafeteria, 4500 Belle Terre Boulevard. The Flagler County Transportation will shuttle people and food between the two locations and offer transportation assistance for individuals where needed.

“We can’t solve all the problems with the economy or provide a meal every day to everyone who needs a meal,” Holland said. “But we can do something. It is the age old truth of the proverb that it is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness. We are lighting a candle and hopefully making the holiday a little better for some of our county neighbors.”  

Members of the growing committee know that they are up against the clock. Feeding 2,000 people a traditional Thanksgiving Meal, organizing a volunteer effort and gathering donations of food and funds in less than three weeks is a daunting task. They are looking for lots of help from anyone willing to join them. The committee’s next meeting is 10:30 a.m. Thursday November 5 in the School Board Conference Room on the third floor of the Government Services Building. Donations to the effort may be made by conntacting the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce at 386-437-0106.

September 7, 2009

9/11 Remembered

9/11 Pentagon Memorial, Washington DC

Matanzas High School needs your help!

 
Sara Novak, head softball coach at Matanzas High School is trying to win a grant from NIKE to secure funds for a “WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY” to be hosted here at Matanzas High School.

Sara needs your vote to make this happen! If you could go to the link: www.nikebackyourblock.com and do the following:

· Click on the State of Florida
· Click on the northern most “dot”---that is the St.

   Augustine NIKE store
· You will then see “She Has The Will To Win” and a picture of Lindsay Fromm

Flagler County Awarded Grant From Kelloggs!

Memorial Day, 2009 in Flagler County

Hero's Park:

Flagler County Government Services Complex:

Meeting with Mica and Proctor:

Man Biking Cross-Country For Flagler Education Nears Home Stretch
Wednesday, April 01, 2009 12:45:49 PM

DAYTONA BEACH -- Flagler County resident Jake Scully and a friend of his are reaching the home stretch of a cross-country bike trip.The pair plan to end the trip, which began in San Diego, in St. Augustine.

They're expected to cross over the state line and begin pedaling across the Florida Panhandle Thursday. Scully is also trying to raise money for the Flagler County Education Foundation. So far, he's raised more than $5,000.

Scully and his friend Marty Dunstan have kept a blog of their trip. LINK to CFNews13

Additional Information
· Jake & Marty's Trip Pledge Form
· Jake and Marty's Trip Blog
Related Stories
· Local Man Biking Cross-Country For Education

Check out the GPS of the path they took and their latest location: LINK, and the pictures from the trip.

Crist Appoints Andrew Dance as New Member to Early Learning Coalition Board

PRESS RELEASE                                                                March 16, 2009

Andrew S. Dance of Palm Coast has been appointed by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist to fill a vacancy on the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia (ELCFV) Board of Directors. Mr. Dance is founder of Andrew S. Dance and Associates, LLC a firm providing landscape architecture services in Northeast Florida.  

This appointment adds to Mr. Dance's commitment to serve his community and the children of Flagler County. Currently, Mr. Dance is also a board member to the Flagler County Education Foundation and the James F. Holland Foundation. Additionally, Mr. Dance was recently elected to the Flagler County School board.

His ELCFV term is from February 17, 2009 to April 30, 2012. 

The ELCFV is the sole provider of quality state funded School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) early learning services to children ages birth to five who are at risk of abuse or neglect, at risk due to socio-economic factors, or are from working poor low-income families earning at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.

Andrew S. Dance & Associates, LLC (ASD) is a leading provider of landscape architectural services in Northeast Florida. ASD was founded in 2008 with the vision of providing superior service and value to clients, while at the same time demonstrating environmental stewardship and natural resource conservation principles in every project. It is ASD's belief that this vision will not only enhance the community they serve, but also result in high quality projects for their clients. 

New Board Member Introduced! 
November 18, 2008

The Flagler County School Board held their reorganizational meeting Tuesday evening in which newly elected board members are sworn into office. Judge Kim C. Hammond administered the oath for new board member Andy Dance and returning board members Colleen Conklin and Sue Dickinson. After the swearing in, the new board members convened and elected Evie Schellenberger, Chair and named Peter Palmer Vice-Chair.

Andy Dance and his family

(L to R) Greg Otte, Nancy-Ellen Otte (sister), Dylan Otte, Kevin Dance, George Dance (brother), Nancy T. Dance, Kayla Dance (daughter), Nancy H. Dance (mother), Drew Dance (son), Andy, Sarah Dance (daughter), Luci Dance (wife) and Trooper John Dance (brother).

Board members sworn in by Judge Kim Hammond 

(L to R) Colleen Conklin, Andy Dance, Sue Dickinson, Judge Kim Hammond

Dance Elected to Flagler County School Board

November 4, 2008

Local bussinessman and parent Andy Dance defeated Lucy Green Davis for the Flagler County School Board District 1 seat. Dance won with 58% of the overall vote, winning all three components of the election; early voting, absentee and election day votes.

SCH BRD DIST 1
		Total
Number of Precincts		38
Precincts Reporting		38	100.0%
Andy Dance		23379	57.87%
Lucy Green Davis		17017	42.13%