- November 7, 2024
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The Florida Department of Transportation will hold an open-house style public meeting Thursday, Dec. 15, to discuss permanent repair solutions for State Road A1A, according to a Flagler County government news release.
The meeting will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Flagler Beach City Hall at 105 S. 2nd Street.
A video presentation will be played a loop.
“This is FDOT’s official kick-off of the process to develop a permanent solution for State Road A1A,” County Administrator Craig Coffey said in the news release.
The Florida Department of Transportation will conduct a feasibility study for the roadway between South 28th Street south and Osprey Drive. The study will include the temporary improvements that are already in place, and will build a list of options to permanently repair the road.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status.
People wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may contact Jennifer Smith, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, at 386-943-5367 or by e-mail to [email protected].
People with disabilities who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or people who require translation services, which are free of charge, should contact Laura Clark at 407-971-8850 or [email protected] at least seven days before the meeting. Those who are hearing or speech impaired should use the Florida Relay Service at 800-955-8771 (TDD), or 800-955-9770 (voice).
A stunning image of a tiger swallowtail on a Florida flame azalea taken by the late Flagler County Commissioner Frank Meeker graces the Florida Association of Counties 2017 calendar cover, according to a Flagler County government news release.
Commission Chair Nate McLaughlin held up the calendar at the regular Dec. 5 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners and announced that the photograph taken by Meeker was one of 15 selected for inclusion for the coming year’s calendar.
“This photo was taken by the late Flagler County Commissioner Frank J. Meeker,” McLaughlin read from the inside front cover. “Commissioner Meeker was a dedicated public servant, a passionate advocate for the citizens of Flagler County and an avid amateur photographer.”
Meeker, 61, represented County Commission District 2. He died in July, and Governor Rick Scott will announce who will fulfill the remainder of his term. Even while battling cancer, Meeker worked tirelessly to get a $500,000 grant for the MalaCompra Basin Water Quality Enhancement Project.
“This is bittersweet,” County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “While it is wonderful that he is being honored for one of his passions, it’s also a reminder that there is that big void to try to fill on our commission.”
Members of the Florida Association of Counties decided on a theme of flora and fauna for the 2017 calendar contest. All 67 Florida counties were then invited to submit their best photos of the flora and fauna within their county.
“Nearly 1,000 photos were submitted, breaking our previous record of 523,” said Tracy Kusmierz, communications coordinator for the Florida Association of Counties. “From the submissions, 15 were selected for the 2017 FAC Calendar.”
They include the following: Flagler County, cover; Charlotte County, December 2016; Pinellas County, January; Martin County, February; Marion County, March; Manatee County, April; Leon County, May; Indian River County, June; Gulf County, July; Osceola County, August; Polk County, September; Hendry County, October; Hillsborough County, November; Santa Rosa County, December; and, St. Johns County, back cover.
Flagler County will host a reception for former Commissioner Barbara Revels on Monday, Dec. 19, according to a Flagler County government news release.
The reception will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Government Services Building, at 1769 E. Moody Blvd.
“Ms. Revels was an exemplary member of the Board of County Commissioners for eight years, and we want to recognize her for her service to Flagler County,” Commission Chair Nate McLaughlin said in the news release. “She was initiated and was involved with a lot of projects that are very important to our residents, like saving the Carver Gym, creating Sally’s Safe Haven, and repurposing the Historic Courthouse.”
During her tenure, Revels, the commissioner for District 3, focused on ensuring that the Flagler County was both responsive to the needs of residents and that it operated as efficiently as possible.
In addition to serving as an elected official, Revels has a long history of community service and commitment that includes presiding over the statewide Florida Home Builders Association and serving on former governor Jeb Bush’s Affordable Housing Study Commission.
“Ms. Revels served on a number of boards and commissions before she was elected to the County Commission, and I would guess this is not the end of her service,” Coffey said. “She’s done a lot for the community, and we want to give people an opportunity to show their appreciation.”
The reception will be held before the regular County Commission meeting, and all are invited to attend.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office celebrated its annual awards luncheon Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Sheriff’s Operations Center, according to a Flagler County Sheriff's Office news release. Employees, family, friends and guests gathered to eat lunch and honor those who went above and beyond during 2016.
The following yearly employee awards recognize employees law enforcement employees, detention staff and civilian staff who already received an Employee of the Quarter award in 2016.
Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year:
Detective Dennis Lashbrook has been with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office since 2013,
serving previously with the Flagler Beach Police Department. Deputy Lashbrook’s keen observation during an intensive investigation saved a 4-year-old child from an abusive relationship where he suffered traumatic head injuries from the mother’s live-in boyfriend. Lashbrook also discovered during his investigation that the mother and suspect previously attempted to sell the child. The investigation uncovered a horrendous situation where all the children in the household were being abused, prompting removal from the mother’s home and her loss of custody. Det. Lashbrook’s perseverance and seasoned investigating skills resulted in a child who is now thriving in a new and safe environment, entitling him to receive this Deputy of the Year award.
Detention Deputy of the Year:
Deputy Stephen Watkins has been with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office since 2010. During his tenure, he was selected to be on the Special Operations Team and a field training officer. While performing his duties as a Corrections C-SOT operator, he was tasked with maintaining security and keeping contraband out of the inmate facility during intakes, which he has done multiple times. As an FTO, he worked hard to develop new recruits into trained detention deputies and used his experience, knowledge and dedication to become a role model for all those he has trained.
All of these attributes make Deputy Watkins an integral part of the Sheriff's Office team and an asset to the community he serves, entitling him to be named Detention Deputy of the Year.
Civilian Employee of the Year:
Communications Specialist Joseph Esposito is being recognized for his strong sense of awareness while working off-duty. This awareness is in reference to a missing juvenile that had never shown up in the car rider line at a local school. While at a busy shopping center, specialist Esposito recognized the missing juvenile and immediately reported the contact. This action safely reunited the juvenile and his family. By stepping up and going above and beyond the call of duty, specialist Esposito has proved himself a true and dedicated professional, both on and off duty, earning him this Civilian of the Year award.
Meritorious Service Award:
Deputy Jennifer Prevatt and Communications Supervisor Amy Sisti have won this award, presented to any member of the agency or citizen rendering service entailing exceptional courage or bravery. At 3:35 a.m. Dec. 20, 2015, communications received a call about a pregnant woman who was having contractions and was about to deliver her child at home. Supervisor Sisti was able to guide the family with clear, professional, and informative assistance over the phone until law enforcement and rescue personnel could arrive. While the family was kept calm, Deputy Prevatt assisted the woman in delivering her baby. Flagler County Fire/Rescue arrived and transported the mother and newborn son to Florida Hospital Flagler and both were doing well. Due to the calm, professional demeanor of supervisor Sisti and the quick response of deputy Prevatt, this family was able to experience professional public service at its best.
Lifesaving Award:
Deputy James Gore has been presented with this award, which recognizes a member of the agency or citizen rendering aid to another, who as a result of their actions thwarts a life-ending event. On Sept. 9, 2016, Gore responded to a medical incident on Old Dixie Highway in reference to a CPR in progress on a male suffering from possible cardiac arrest. Deputy Gore took over the CPR upon his arrival and continued to assist Fire/Rescue personnel with the use of an AED. Two friends of the patient have emailed expressing their appreciation for Deputy Gore’s efforts as a first responder and advised the agency that the afflicted male is recovering well. Due to Deputy Gore’s quick response and dedication to his job and to the community he serves, a life has been saved, resulting in his receiving this Lifesaving Award.
Community Service Award:
Deputy Robert Tarczewski won this award, presented to personnel who have distinguished themselves by exemplary conduct toward the agency and/or the citizens of Flagler County while volunteering their time or serving in a service organization. While serving as the liaison to the Special Olympics for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Deputy Tarczewski has worked tirelessly to ensure the successful coordination and completion of the law Enforcement Torch Run in both 2015 and 2016. In addition to his duties coordinating the Torch Run event, Deputy Tarczewski planned and participated in multiple fundraising efforts, including the “Polar Plunge” and “Tip a Cop.” All proceeds went directly to the Special Olympics charity. Deputy Tarczewski has demonstrated a commitment to not only his mission as a law enforcement officer, but also to his community. His compassion and willingness to extend his efforts to the community through charitable acts is an example to be followed by his peers.
Unit Citation Award:
Sgt. John Bray and deputies Jeffrey Puritis, Jon Freshcorn, Eddie Valazquez, Donnie Brock, Cleo Howe, Shirley Anderson and Scott Wetherhold have all won this award, presented to any agency component for extraordinary achievement in accomplishing a specific mission. This award goes to for their professionalism and promotion of safety at the courthouse. When he retired from the bench, Judge David Walsh commended Sheriff Manfre on the superb job he has done putting together an excellent team of courthouse bailiffs. Judge Walsh stated that he was incredibly appreciative of the professionalism that was shown toward potential problems and serious emergencies that were always handled proficiently and with a calm demeanor. Judge Walsh said he felt a strong sense of safety and security while working with the FCSO deputies. A unit citation is also awarded to Cpl. Dave Edmonds and deputies George Bender, John Castanheira, Nicole Thomas, Frank Barbagallo, Art Horler, Trevor Jacob, James Gore, J. Gibson Smith, Daniel Laverne, Robert Tarczewski, Detective Joseph Costello, Communication Supervisor Amy Sisti and Communication Specialists Danielle Brown, Ashlee Hicks and Jay Aldridge. On July 30, 2016, members of Alpha Red road patrol unit responded to multiple car burglaries in the B-Section of Palm Coast. Units arrived in the area and engaged in multiple foot pursuits with five suspects who were seen running from the most recent burglary. Two suspects were immediately apprehended as well as a stolen firearm and stolen property. A perimeter was quickly established and resources, including air support and K9, assisted. Two additional suspects were located within the perimeter and taken into custody. The fifth suspect was later apprehended nearby at a convenience store. The suspects were found to be involved in a recovered stolen vehicle from earlier in the shift and believed to be involved in at least 30 vehicle burglaries within our jurisdiction and possibly in St. Johns County.
Civilian Certificate of Merit:
Kevin Miller, a Flagler County resident, has ben presented with this award, which recognizes any member of the agency or non-agency member rendering service entailing exceptional courage or bravery. On Aug. 5, 2016, Miller located a wallet that contained $3,400 in cash while he was in the TJ Maxx parking lot. Miller never had second thoughts about doing the right thing and turned the wallet over to FCSO who in turn located the owner and returned the wallet. The owner was on vacation in Flagler County with her family and the money was for them to use while staying here. Miller is being recognized for his outstanding integrity and selfless actions, resulting in him receiving the Civilian Certificate of Merit.
Civilian Certificate of Merit:
Karen Vogt has been awarded this recognition for assisting an older person who had fallen at home and might not
have been discovered for some time. Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the Plantation Oaks Sub division because the pizza deliverywoman, Karen Vogt, did not get an answer at the door of a residence but could hear someone inside who sounded like she needed help. Instead of leaving, Vogt called her employer, who in turn, called FCSO. In the meantime, Vogt found a way into the residence to offer aid to an injured female who had fallen and could not get up. If Vogt had not stayed to help, the homeowner might have been on the floor for hours, if not days. She went above and beyond her duty to offer assistance to another person in need, and received this Civilian Certificate of Merit.
Sheriff’s Award:
Gov. Rick Scott has been awarded this recognition, presented to any member who has demonstrated exceptional levels of performance within their career fields and has made an outstanding contribution to the agency and its goals.
Sheriff Manfre praised the governor for his empathy and compassion toward people, especially to Flagler County residents after they experienced the wrath of Hurricane Matthew in early October. Gov. Scott was instrumental in expediting repairs to State Road A1A in Flagler Beach, Manfre said, in presenting the award to Flagler County Commissioner Nate McLaughlin on behalf of Gov. Scott.
Retirements:
Detention Cmdr. Annette Henry began her career with the Sheriff's Office as a correctional officer on May 15, 1991. She was quickly promoted to the rank of corporal in 1994 and to sergeant just three years later in 1997. In 2001, she was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and in 2013, was promoted to commander. Cmdr. Henry was awarded the Correctional Officer of the Year award in 2005 and was the Employee of the Quarter in 2006. During her distinguished career, Cmdr. Henry has received numerous recognitions and commendations. The second employee retiring is Deputy Steve Carr. Deputy Carr began his career with the Sheriff's Office on May 27, 1992, as a correctional officer. He transferred to the Road Patrol in 1997 and into the School Resource division in 2001. He transferred back to Road Patrol (Charlie Squad) in 2007 and in 2009 he transferred to the Investigative Services Division. Deputy Carr transferred back to Road Patrol in 2010 and back to ISD in January 2013. In April 2013 through today, he has been assigned to School Resource. Deputy Carr has received numerous recognitions and commendations.
