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:
"Business With Government"
Friday, March 5, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach Street, Daytona Beach, FL
Featuring representatives from General Services Administration and Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Department of Energy, Defense & Transportation, SBA, Florida Department of Management Services
"Export and Trade Seminar"
Monday, March 8, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
American Automobile Association (AAA) Headquarters 1000 AAA Drive, Heathrow, FL Featuring representatives from US Department of Commerce, Export - Import Bank of United States, Small Business Development Center/UCF, Enterprise Florida, SBA
Please RSVP to these events, or if you need additional information, please call 407.657.8080
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.
October 13, 2009
Matanzas High School Wins Nike Grant!
Thank you to all! We did it!
Coach Novak of Matanzas High School and “She Who Has The Will To Win” have won the NIKE grant!
Thanks to all who helped MHS achieve this accomplishment. "She Who Has The Will To Win" will receive between $2,500-$5,000 in funds to help with the "Women In Sports Day" to be held at Matanzas High School.
Again, many thanks to all who voted daily and helped MHS win this grant!!
October 12, 2009
Atlantic Vibe Performance Academy
Wyndi Salvagio announces the opening of Atlantic Vibe Performance Academy, to be located at 3 Boulder Rock Drive. Registration is October 17th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Salvagio Spine Center, 50 Cypress Point Parkway, Ste B.
For more information click HERE, call 445-9950 or send an email to AtlanticVibe@gmail.com.
September 7, 2009
9/11 Remembered
This Friday is the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. To remember the day and honor all who lost their lives, numerous ceremonies will be held in Flagler County as follows:
8:30 AM - Heroes Memorial Park, Palm Coast
Invocation, postings and presentations by local fire department, law enforcement agencies, Armed Forces and the New York City Fire Department, official flyover by the U.S. Armed Forces, 8:30 a.m., Heroes Memorial Park, 2860 Palm Coast Parkway N.W., Palm Coast. 386-986-2302.
9:45 AM - 9/11 Memorial Ceremony @ Flagler Auditorium
Presented by the FPC JROTC
6:00 PM - City Walk 9/11 Event, Palm Coast
Presented by the Shoppes of City Walk, games, contests, music, car, truck, motorcycle cruise night 6-9 p.m. with tribute ceremony at 7 p.m., to benefit the Twin Tower Orphan Fund, 6-9 p.m., City Walk at Palm Coast, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast. 386-597-2979.
6:30 PM - 9/11 Remembrance Drum Circle, Flagler Beach
Presented by Flagler Beach Drum Circle, 6:30 p.m., 215 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach. 386-338-2855.
6:45 PM - We Remember – A Special 9-11 Memorial Service
Location : St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
The public is invited to attend; Firemen, Policemen and Military may participate in uniform and arrive by 6:45pm
7:00 PM - The Many FACES of Autism @ Flagler Auditorium
A tribute to heroes will be the theme for the third “The Many FACES of Autism” benefit concert for The Florida Autism Coalition for Education and Services (FACES) to be held at the Flagler Auditorium on Friday, September 11 at 7 p.m. The event celebrates what people with autism can achieve, rather than focusing on their weaknesses. Although no admission is charged, free-will donations are gratefully accepted.
Video: Remembering 9/11
9/11 Pentagon Memorial, Washington DC
Located on the western edge of the Pentagon’s grounds, just across the Potomac River from the National Mall in Washington, DC, the site is open 24 hours-a-day to the public, it is adjacent to the original impact spot. LINK
The 184 victims of the tragedy (59 victims on the plane and 125 died inside the Pentagon) are commemorated by a "memorial unit" or steel bench, one for each person killed.
A gray concrete retaining wall around the memorial park ranges from 3 inches tall, representing the youngest victim, Dana Falkenberg, who was just three years old, to a height of 71 inches tall, for the oldest victim (71 years), John D. Yamnicky Sr., a former Navy pilot and veteran of two wars.
The direction of the bench, signifies if the victim was a passenger or in the Pentagon at the time of the crash.
At night, the benches are illuminated, as is the small water pool below each one.
The two-acre site was originally a grassy field, sued as a helicopter landing field.
September 4, 2009
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
in her blue pirate gear!
· Vote for “She Has The Will To Win”. You must enter a valid email address.
· Verify your vote by clicking the link in the email from Nike
That’s it! YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED!!!
So, let’s vote each day and try to get those funds for this cause!!
If you have any questions please contact Kenneth Seybold or Sara Novak at MHS.
Remember you can vote once per day---please pass this along to all your friends!!
Here is the mission of this grant proposal:
We are a dedicated softball program that provides skills and time to reach females to make them be a successful female both on and off the softball field. We are a group of High School girls, grades 9-12th, who achieve high academic grades and are very competitive softball team. Our mission this year to provide a WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY at our Matanzas High School Campus, with guest speakers and a day full of sports and lifetime activities for girls and women of all ages.
July 15, 2009
Flagler County Awarded Grant From Kelloggs!
The School District received word today from our Flagler County government leaders that we DID recieve the $15,000 Kelloggs Plant-A-Seed grant, and that there will be a presentation at the County Commission meeting on Monday, July 20th, recognizing Karla Goodman for her diligent work in writing to Kelloggs and applying for the grant. With this grant, the ballfield at the Flagler County fairgrounds will recieve a much needed makeover and upgraded facilities!
Hooray for Flagler County and Kelloggs! Thanks to everyone for voting!
Links to learn more about Kelloggs Plant-A-Seed grant, click here:
TV Advertisement and Website.
June 20, 2009
Here are pictures from Saturday's "Stuff the Bus" event! Many thanks to the Education Foundation, Flagler County Schools, United Way, Flagler Volunteer Services and WNZF / Beach 92.7 for making this event a success!
June 12, 2009
The Flagler County Education Foundation and the Flagler County Public School District are proud to announce the “Stuff Bus” project. The first "Stuff the Bus" rally will be held on Saturday, June 20th, from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the parking lot at the Palm Coast Wal-Mart.
The goal of the “Stuff Bus” is to provide basic and essential supplies to those in need by transforming a school bus into a place where teachers and community liaisons can pick-up items at no cost when a need is determined. The “Stuff Bus” will be accessible by Flagler County public school teachers and school personnel, and local community and agency organizations such as The Children’s Advocacy Center, The Women’s Shelter, Flagler County Community Services, and local group homes and shelters.
Many thanks to the United Way of Flagler County for assisting in marketing and promoting the “Stuff the Bus” events, allowing for easy access to drop-off locations throughout the year. This is a true partnership between many wonderful groups bringing us together for one purpose, to ensure our children do not go without essential items. for more information, visit www.flagleredfoundation.org.
May 26, 2009
Fabulous 4th in Flagler Beach!
Grab the kids, your shades and some sunscreen and head to Flagler Beach’s Fabulous Fourth Festivities – an annual oceanfront Independence Day celebration in one of Florida’s favorite beach towns.
Hosted by the Flagler Beach Chamber of Commerce, this two-day festival will take place Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 in downtown Flagler Beach. The event typically draws 50,000 spectators and guests.
There are plenty of reasons to celebrate with "Flip Flops, Fun & Fireworks" this year, including a parade, live music on two stages, a BBQ and watermelon eating contest and a beauty pageant to crown Flagler's "Little Kahuna" and "Miss Tiny Tiki." Click here for the pageant entry form.
Finally, as the sun starts to set on July 4, grab a chair, stake out your space and get ready for a fantastic fireworks display over the Atlantic. Fireworks start at dusk and build up to a magnificent finale. The perfect end to a perfect holiday!
Fabulous Fourth Festivities are sponsored by the City of Flagler Beach, Tourism Development Council, AT&T, Brighthouse Networks, Florida Hospital Flagler and Halifax Hospice of Volusia/Flagler. Link to Chamber website
May 26, 2009
Memorial Day, 2009 in Flagler County
Here are pictures from the Memorial Day ceremonies at the Flagler County Government Services Complex and Hero's Park in the city of Palm Coast. It is great that we have two observances in the county remembering those who gave their lives in defense of the country.
At 8 a.m. at Hero's Park, Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts was joined by U.S. Rep. John Mica, VFW Post #8696 Commander Pat Donnelly and a host of elected officials and residents for the city's observance.
At 10 a.m. at the Flagler County Government Services Building, Air Force Major Gen. (retired) Wilfred Hessert, a Palm Coast resident, was the guest speaker for Flagler County's Memorial Day ceremony. Hessert enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1960 and served in the Air National Guard and later as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He rose through the ranks to serve in many capacities, including deputy inspector general at USAF headquarters in Washington, D.C., and military executive to the Reserve Forces Policy Board. He retired in 2000.
In addition to Hessert's speech, members of Girl Scout Daisy Troop 906 placed a wreath on the monument dedicated to all veterans in front of the government building.
Mixed in the middle of the two events was a meeting of local elected officials with Congressman Mica and Representative Proctor to discuss the flooding damage in the County. Andy Dance was present as representative for the school district.
Hero's Park:
Flagler County Government Services Complex:
Meeting with Mica and Proctor:
May 24, 2009
The Great Flood of 2009
I am sure our recent rain event will go down in Flagler County history as the "Great Flood of 2009". Flagler County historian recall that last time Bunnell was flooded like this was in the 1930's. Below are a few pictures of Moody Blvd. in downtown Bunnell, right in front of the Post Office.
May 12, 2009
Flagler Fields Need Your Vote!
It is the national pastime, and for hundreds of children in Flagler County, the Flagler County Police Athletic League needs your help to restore their “field of dreams”.
The Flagler County Recreation Area is one of 100 semi-finalists in the Kellogg's Frosted Flakes' Plant a Seed campaign. The campaign, designed to help inspire a call to action from local communities to renovate and maintain children's play areas, has committed to refurbish 30 fields across America to provide better places for families to stay active and healthy.
Your participation in a nationwide on-line vote can help Flagler County secure a $15,000 grant to renovate and improve the playing conditions at the ball fields. Voting takes place from now through May 31st 2009. You may vote once per day per e-mail address. Please pass voting information along to your friends and family and ask them to log on and vote every day.
To learn more about this exciting program, visit http://www.frostedflakes.com/ and search for Flagler County Recreation Area and plant your seeds! Click here to cast your vote.
April 9, 2009
Senator Nelson visits Flagler County for brief Town Hall meeting 
Flagler County hosted a town hall meeting with United States Senator Bill Nelson on Thursday in the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners Chambers. Senator Nelson heard from various members of our local government and school board and answered questions from the audience. Senator Nelson touched on a wide variety of subjects, such as the economy, the federal stimulus package, social security, education funding, the banking crisis and its effect on local lending practices and more.
Click HERE for the 4/10/09 Daytona News-Journal article.
You can contact Senator Nelson's through his local office at:
Michelle Barth, Regional Director
Office of U.S. Senator Bill Nelson
1301 Riverplace Blvd., #2218
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-346-4500
Fax: 904-346-4506
Email: Michelle_Barth@billnelson.senate.gov
Web: http://billnelson.senate.gov
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.