- October 30, 2024
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Local car wash company SuperWash Express donated more than $13,000 to the AdventHealth facilities in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties to support the hospitals’ breast cancer care funds.
During October, SuperWash donated $1 for every Lava Wash and full-service Lava Wash purchased. Proceeds from the initiative will be used to help local AdventHealth hospitals provide education and screenings for breast cancer.
“On behalf of AdventHealth, I would like to thank SuperWash for their generosity and support,” said David Ottati, president and CEO of AdventHealth Central Florida Division – North Region, which includes operations in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties. “Their charitable efforts help us tremendously in the fight against breast cancer.”
“We are hoping and praying there will be a cure someday. If the money we donate helps one woman or eases the pain of one family, those funds are well spent,” said Paul Bradley, president of SuperWash Express. “A special thank you to our customers who personally donated to this cause. This money stays local and helps the women in our very own communities that are affected by breast cancer.”
Florida drivers have enjoyed declining prices at the pump, but the latest developments in the U.S.-China trade agreement may cause the plunge at the pump to stall or even reverse course.
Florida gas prices declined recently for a total of 8 cents per gallon. The state average of $2.46 is 6 cents less than a week ago. However, drivers are paying 8 cents per gallon more than last month, and 16 cents more than this time last year. The state average remains 34 cents per gallon less than this year's high - set back in April.
Crude oil prices jumped after the U.S. and China announced a tentative "phase one" trade agreement. This deal would reduce some U.S. tariffs in exchange for increased Chinese purchases of American farm goods. Until now, the trade war has had a limiting effect on crude prices, due to expectations that higher prices on each countries goods would result in lower fuel demand.
On Friday, the price of crude reached $60.07 per barrel. That was the highest daily closing price in three months, but only a dollar more than where prices were on Monday. A one-dollar shift in crude prices typically influence gas prices by about 2.5 cents.
"It's too early to know just how much of an impact this preliminary US-China trade agreement will have on local prices at the pump," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Without it, gas prices would certainly continue falling. Gasoline supplies have grown considerably in the past five weeks, while demand has entered its seasonal slowdown. It's certainly possible these fundamentals outweigh the impacts of the trade agreement, and push gas prices even lower through the end of the year; but if crude prices see significant gains this week, pump prices will reverse course.”
Flagler County’s Tourism Department is unveiling its newest video campaign, Handcrafted & Homegrown, in time for the holidays.
“We started with Flagler Beach businesses because that area has faced several challenges within the past few years, most recently the A1A road construction,” said project manager Candi Breckenridge, tourism marketing assistant. “Part of what makes this area so unique are the ‘mom and pops’ – the locally-owned and operated businesses that offer handmade items, meals prepared from scratch and small-town hospitality.”
The series of five videos so far gives local business owners the opportunity to share the passion behind their products. They will be shared across Flagler County’s social media platforms, but a greater emphasis will be placed on Palm Coast and Flagler Beach’s monthly e-newsletters, business listings and blog posts, as well as in paid advertising. Additionally, the short features have their own landing page on the tourism website visitflagler.com.
“An active ‘buy local’ campaign can boost small businesses and the regional economy,” Breckenridge said. “But to make it work well, people need frequent and convincing reminders of the benefits of shopping locally. And, what better way to get that message across than through video storytelling?”
The video campaign was created using funds from the tourism tax – also known as “bed tax” – paid by hotel visitors to Flagler County. None of the funding comes from property taxes.
“Our department provides a complex scope of services,” said Amy Lukasik, tourism director. “We don’t just bring visitors to town, we also provide initiatives that support local businesses and the economy here in Flagler County.”
Community Cats of Palm Coast held a fundraiser Dec. 6 featuring the "Pawsitively Purrfect" Auction with 60 items of animal-related artwork, décor and jewelry, most of which was donated by area artists and artisans. The event was attended by about 70 people and was hosted by Rodie’s Place in the Hammock.
Realty Exchange, LLC, once again donated new toys and clothing for the annual "A Christmas to Remember" event.
Each year, Abundant Life Ministries collects wishes from various children up to 18 years old who are victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment in Flagler County. This year, there was such an overwhelming request for assistance that this was extended to several children in Volusia County as well. These wishes included toys as well as basic needs such as clothing and even diapers and blankets.
“We were so proud that our staff came together to bring such joy to so many underprivileged boys and girls. Our team members managed to be angels to nearly 50 children,” said Julie Sabine, co-owner and broker of Realty Exchange.
“Our company truly appreciates the spirit of the holidays and really wanted to extend our love for bringing magic to the holidays in the Palm Coast and surrounding areas,” said David Petkovsek, co-owner and broker of Realty Exchange.
Those interested in helping can contact Abundant Life Ministries - Hope House, Inc. via P.O. Box 354925, Palm Coast, FL 32135 or 597-2861.
Golden Corral and Alabaster Ministries had charitable collections in front of the restaurant at 2 p.m. on Dec. 15. Patricia Ramsey and Rose Burke-Boone made crafts to raise money for Flagler High school students, collecting a total of $127.
