Wonderful Video of Flagler Beach, Florida

Flagler Beach is a 'retro' town with salty style; with a population just under 5,000.

Incorporated in 1925, it also is one of the oldest cities in Flagler and Volusia County.

Friendly locals and open-air restaurants set the stage for a laid-back afternoon. This is where you can enjoy eclectic shops, surfing, a classic fishing pier and a six-mile-plus stretch of spectacular ocean views -- with free access to the beach!

Flagler Beach was also named by Where to Retire magazine as one of the top retirement destinations in Florida (November 2012).

Here is a taste from Flagler Beach:



Well done Visit Florida; this is a wonderful video!

Two End of The World Parties in Palm Coast to Attend

The Mayan calendar has 1,872,000 consecutive individual days and lasts 5,125 years --a length of time known as the Great Cycle.

The End of The World theory makes reference to the Mayan calendar, which will end on December 21st 2012, marking the end of a cycle.

Depending on how you are looking at it, it may be a time for celebration or fear!

If you fear the end of the world on December 21st is a fact, and if you’re looking for safe places to be on the day the world will end as we know it, then you can either head to Şirince (Turkey) or Bugarach (France)

Şirince, a village of around 600 inhabitants in Western Turkey, has a positive energy according to the doomsday cultists; because it’s at a mountaintop, only a stone-throw away from Ephesus, near where Christians believe the Virgin Mary ascended to heaven. 

Bugarach, a tiny French village at the foot of the Pyrenees, is also supposed to survive the end of the world when the Mayan calendar ends. According to New Agers, the local mountain has magical powers as a gate between different worlds. 

Both towns are already overrun with visitors who are seeking safety on doomsday!

The world will not end on December 21, 2012, or any day in 2012 –according to NASA.  And if you are in Palm Coast and Flagler County, and want to celebrate, instead of fear, the End of The World, then there are two parties to attend:

I Decided Not to End The World party will take place at Hollingsworth Gallery, located at the City Marketplace.  The Art Gallery wants to convince God with a work of ART that human race should be allowed to continue.  Party starts at 6 PM and you can RSVP on facebook here.

End of the World Party at Farley’s Irish Pub in European Village will be another fun place to be.  It will also feature a book signing by two local authors who published a Zombie Apocalypse Novella that takes place in European Village: DYING DAYS~The Siege of European Village.

You will enjoy a tremendous beer selection at Farley’s (along with great cocktails and full-liquor bar); and meet the authors Armand Rosamilia and Tim Baker.  What better way to celebrate this momentous day then to pick up a signed copy of this truly unique tale of zombie apocalypse and how it affects the coolest destination in Palm Coast. Who knows? Maybe a zombie or two will even show up!  The party and book signing starts at 7 pm; and you can RSVP on facebook, here.

Want to learn more about the book and read a sample?  Read this article:

Local Authors Release Book with Zombies at European Village

Live Music and Fireworks in Palm Coast on New Year's Eve

European Village is going to be a unique destination in Palm Coast with live music & entertainment and midnight fireworks this New Year's Eve!  Say goodbye to 2012 and celebrate 2013 at European Village with a live show of 60s Groovy Music by "Beach St. A Go Go" along with Fireworks at midnight at European Village.

The Italian Restaurants at European Village also went all out --offering special New Year's Eve menus:

7-Course Meal at Mezzaluna

Starts at 8 pm to past midnight!  $49.95

• Antipasta
• Assorted Pizzas
• Fried Calamari
• Penne Alla Vodka
• Chicken Marsala
• Eggplant Rollittini
• Canoli Cream Cake
• Coffee
• Champagne Toast at Midnight

* Tax, gratuity, beer and wine additional

4-Course Meal at La Piazza
La Piazza is doing two seatings for New Year's Eve Dinner. First seating is for early birds, from 4pm to 6pm priced at $50 per person.

Second seating is for those who want to ring in the new year in style, starting at 8:30pm: $75 per person.

Four-course menu is available for both seatings, and includes multiple choices for first course and the main dish:

1st Course ---Choice of one (1) cold or hot appetizer

• Antipasto Italiano: Pepperoni, prosciutto, capicola, soppressata, mozzarella, provolone, roasted peppers, artichoke hearts, olives, with Brushetta
  or
• Clams & Mussels in a garlic & oil white wine sauce, or our homemade marinara sauce.

2nd Course

• Salad: Mixed baby greens with grape tomatoes, cucumbers dried cranraisins, gorgonzola, candied pecans drizzled with homemade Champagne vinaigrette.

3rd Course ---Your choice of (1) one of the following

• Surf & Turf – NY Strip & Lobster Tail with drawn butter, baby vegetables, zucchini, carrots & squash & Potato souffle’.
  or
• Frutti Di Mare – Lobster Tail, Shrimp, Calamari, Clams, Mussels, over spaghetti pasta in our homemade marinara sauce.
  or
• Veal Saltimboca, layered with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, & sage, over a bed of spinach.
  or
• Chicken Picatta, Artichokes and capers, sautéed in a light lemon butter sauce, over spaghetti.

4th Course

• Homemade platter of Cannolis, Cream Puffs & Biscotti served with coffee

* Optional $25 open bar, unlimited house wine & beer.  Second seating includes Champagne toast at Midnight, party hats, noise makers, favors & such. Tax, Gratuity is additional.


Farley's Irish Pub, Humidor and the new Kokoro are also open at European Village this New Year's Eve!

Local Authors Release New Book with Zombies at European Village in Palm Coast

Flagler / Volusia County Authors Armand Rosamilia and Tim Baker launch their first co-written work: Dying Days -- The Siege of European Village.

The book is the latest release in the Dying Days series by Armand Rosamilia, and a first with Tim Baker (author of Water Hazard and Pump It Up).  The book combines both authors' favorite characters with some of the locally known names in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach in one rousing story!  Book includes an Author Interview detailing how the story came about, as well as sample chapters from both authors!

The book's settings are familiar places for Palm Coast and Flagler County residents: from the Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine, to A1A, Matanzas Inlet, with the main setting at European Village in Palm Coast --one of the last safe havens in the Nation, where shop-owners and residents join together in fight against the invasion of Zombies...

Here is an excerpt:

     The building itself was massive, with four stories and set in a triangular pattern, three different buildings connected by catwalks and ramps.
     "It looks like shops on the bottom floor and apartments on levels two to four.  Almost like a small city. The sign says European Village. Looks like a nice place to spend an afternoon. Except for the guys with rifles. Oh, and the zombies."
     "This side is gated and I'm sure every other entrance is blocked as well. It looks like a great setup for whoever is living there."
     "The problem for us is they've most likely looted the area for miles around." Darlene snickered.
     "I think we're wasting our time here. Going into Palm Coast will end up being a bust. We need to get back on A1A and find another neighborhood."
     "Where? Everything out there has been picked clean already. Even the extra supplies we couldn't carry and left at the Golden Lion on previous forays have been moved."
     "Did you say foray? Really?"
     "Shut up."
     John's smile faded. "We have company."
     Two zombies, both older men, were shuffling slowly and silently toward them, dead eyes locked onto John and Darlene.....

The book is available on Amazon digital edition (kindle), with the paperback version being released at a press event and book signing session with the authors at European Village in the coming weeks.  You can purchase the Amazon Kindle edition here:

Dying Days -- The Siege of European Village

..and you can connect with the authors on twitter, here: Tim Baker | Armand Rosamilia

Palm Coast Fire Chief Becomes a CFO

Fire Chief Mike Beadle of the Palm Coast Fire Department has successfully completed the process which awarded him the professional designation of "Chief Fire Officer" (CFO).

The Commission on Professional Credentialing met on November. 6th, and officially conferred the re-designation upon Chief Beadle. Chief Beadle is now one of only 908 CFOs worldwide.

The Chief Fire Officer Designation program is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components: Experience, Education, Professional Development, Professional Contributions, Association Membership, Community Involvement, and Technical Competencies.

Beadle received his original designation on Aug. 9, 2006. To maintain the designation, individuals need to show they have continued to develop as a CFO in four areas: Professional Development, Professional Contributions, Active Association Membership and Community Involvement.

A Board of Review consisting of members of the fire and emergency services profession, academia, and municipal agencies review each application and recommends successful candidates for designation to the Commission.

Chief Beadle has been a member of the Palm Coast Fire Department for 24 years and currently resides in Palm Coast.

Live Music Concert at European Village in Palm Coast: Southbound

Southbound -- a Flagler/Volusia County based rock-and-roll band will keep the dancers dancing, the bartenders busy, and the crowd screaming at European Village, Palm Coast on Friday November 16, 2012 from 7pm to 10pm.

The live concert is a part of the City of Palm Coast’s Friday Night Live FREE Concert Series at the Courtyard at European Village just in time for the new bandstand. You can bring your chairs, or enjoy dinner at the outdoor restaurants surrounding the courtyars.  FREE ADMISSION.  Note: No coolers allowed.

Flagler County Extension Service and Master Gardeners offer classes

SHORT and SWEET HORTICULTURE PROGRAMS
UF/IFAS Flagler County Extension Service and Master Gardeners

The Fall “Short & Sweet” Horticulture continues Monday October 29th and Monday November 5th,
between 10 am and 12 noon at the Flagler County Extension Service.

Programs presented by Ruth Micieli, Horticulture Program Assistant and Master Gardener Coordinator with the University of Florida, IFAS Flagler County Extension Service Flagler County Master Gardeners and Louise Leister Flagler County Water and Environmental Education Program Coordinator.

Where does the Short and Sweet name come from?  These are “Short” educational programs while enjoying our famous “Sweets” provided by the Flagler County Master Gardener Volunteers.

The series will cover details of managing your landscape and help you get it ready for winter. All programs are based on the Florida Friendly Landscaping™ principles which gardeners save time, money and water!

Program Schedule:
Monday 10/29/12: Holiday Gifts from the Garden – Master Gardener Angela Hill will demonstrate how to create beautiful gifts using items found in your garden, Louise Leister will show you how to create beautiful container gardens and topiaries and Ruth Micieli will make special holiday delicacies from garden fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables. $5.00 per person at the door.

Monday 11/5/12: Winter Landscaping 101 – Louise Leister will cover the do’s and don’ts on caring for your Florida landscape during the winter months. Program also includes winter irrigation schedule, pruning, maintenance and more. There is no charge to attend this program.

Due to popular demand, you must pre-register at least 2 days prior to the event.

Both programs will take place between 10 am and 12 noon at Flagler County Extension Service, located at 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell, FL 32110.  Phone: 386-437-7464

Flagler County and National Weather Service Offer Classes

Flagler County and the National Weather Service are hosting a combined Basic and Advanced Skyward class at 6 pm on Friday, November 2nd at the Emergency Operations Center --located at Building #3 in the Flagler County Government Center at 1769 East Moody Boulevard (S.R. 100) in Bunnell (behind the Government Services Building).

Assistant Warning and Coordination Meteorologist Angie Enyedi from the National Weather Service will conduct the classes. The classes are intended to provide training on what to look for and how to report, potentially dangerous weather conditions. Classes will also provide the necessary training to become a volunteer storm spotter.

To sign up for the free class contact Bob Pickering, Emergency Management Technician at (386) 313-4250 or email BPickering@flaglercounty.org.

Going the Extra Mile in Bunnell

The City of Bunnell invites breast-cancer survivors, friends and supporters to wear your best pink outfit and participate in the 3^rd annual “Going the Extra Mile” walk scheduled to start at the Historic City Hall Saturday, October 13th, at 8:00 am. 

The walk is organized by the City of Bunnell to raise awareness and funding for the fight against breast cancer in Flagler County. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the music of Tarnished Halo, interact with and/or cheer on the walkers, and get information about the disease. Staff and volunteers will be supporting walkers along the 4-mile route. 

Suggested donation is $10.00 per participant, and children under 13 and pets walk for free. 

100% of the donations go to the American Cancer Society. 

For further information, please contact Gigi Hart with the Department of Grants, Community Projects and CRA at 386-437-7425, or visit the website for City of Bunnell.

Flagler Beach's Golden Lion Cafe celebrates 20th Anniversary

Golden Lion Cafe, located in Flagler Beach is celebrating its 20th year anniversary on October 26th.  The Flagler Beach bar and restaurant has been one of Flagler County's most awarded restaurants, and was named as one of Florida's Top-Ten Beach Bars two years in a row.

On October 26th, Golden Lion invites Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and Bunnell residents to celebrate its 20th year in Flagler Beach!

A fantastic night (and possibly a very crowded night) awaits you, with a long lineup of musicians from Golden Lion's 20-year history such as Elizabeth Roth, Guy Savino, Joe Atti, Donny Rox, David Lane, Stu Weaver, and more!

Also on the same day, Golden Lion will also have a ribbon-cutting on its new Raw Bar (the only raw bar in Flagler County, right now).

Make plans now to attend this spectacular event on Friday, October 26th, starting at 6 PM!

Christmas Come True to Hold Hangar Party at Flagler Airport

Flagler County Non-Profit, Christmas Come True is holding a Hangar Party with Food, Music, Dancing, Cash Bar, Aviation Photo Opps and more at the Flagler County Airport on Saturday, October 27th.

The event is for Adults only (21+), will take place at the Blue Sky Yakrobatics office and hangar located at Flagler County Airport, 279 Old Moody Blvd, Palm Coast.  Event starts at 7pm on October 27th. Tickets are $40.

There are also two limited issue raffles for two Flights of Fantasy Exclusive Experiences:

$50.00 raffle ticketfor a Nanchang CJ-6A flight experience. Limited to 150 tickets.
Flight is a $350 Value. 

$150.00 raffle ticketfor an L-39 Fighter Jet flight experience. Limited to 150 tickets.
Flight is a $1995 value.

The winners of the flight experience will enjoy (at a later date): A Meet Your Instructor Session with Top Gun Naval Aviator Bill “Pirate” Mills, Flight Suit and Safety Gear Fitting, Preflight Ground School and Aircraft Inspection, Hands-on in-flight instructions at YOUR controls,Flight Certificate and Photo (Total experience approximately 2.5 hours, 30 minutes actual air time).

Raffle tickets are available for purchase at Hangar Party.

Christmas Come True's mission is to provide a complete Christmas experience for area resident parents who are unable to financially afford the traditional Christmas for their families. The organization provides a Christmas dinner for the family to prepare, a Christmas stocking filled with goodies, a new outfit, and age appropriate toys or gifts for each child --all anonymously to the children so their parents become the actual heros!  .

For more information, visit www.ChristmasComeTrue.org or call 386.569.4429

City of Flagler Beach 2012 Annual Report for Flood-Plain Management

The City of Flagler Beach has established its own Floodplain Management Plan pursuant to the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Community Rating System (CRS).  
In this plan there are several specific action areas that are established to identify either prevention of flooding or responses to flood warnings or actual flooding.  This report outlines these action areas and the progress or lack thereof in each of these activities.

PREVENTION OF FLOODING:
a. Planning and Zoning  -  The City has processed three new building permits in the Areas of Special Flood Hazard in fiscal 2011/12.  In each case, our Land Development Regulations (LDR) have helped us manage development activity in the floodplain and ensure established limitations to impervious surfaces and wetland protection to help prevent and reduce flooding.
b. Stormwater Management – Although the City has not experienced any flood events in the past year, this action item, in conjunction with the City’s Stormwater Master Plan, helps us evaluate the effectiveness of our LDR and recent stormwater projects.  The City has completed four out of seven prioritized stormwater projects. All completed projects have performed as designed to mitigate areas of flooding.  In addition, we have started a project to complete our CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Streetscape Improvements which includes the extension of our existing  stormwater system from S. 5th Street to S. 9th Street on S. Central and S. Daytona Avenues, thereby completing the downtown portion of the system.
c. Drainage System Maintenance – The City’s Roads and Streets Department maintains the stormwater drainage systems throughout the City.  This is an ongoing activity which includes routine monthly inspections, street cleaning as needed to prevent build-up in stormwater structures and vacuuming of stormwater inlets twice this year.

PROPERTY PROTECTION:
a. Property Acquisition – In the past, the City has purchased several lots in the Areas of Special Flood Hazard.  Most significant are the lots purchased  in the Mirror Lake Overlay District.  In the past year the City has not purchased any lots.
b. Building Elevation – Through enforcement of the City’s LDR, structures located in floodplains are identified through the permitting process and allowed to build to a finished floor elevation of one foot above the 100-year floodplain.
c. Insurance – The City participates in the NFIP and educates property owners, realtors, banks, brokers, architects and contractors annually by individual letter.  The City also maintains information on our website on how to contact us and Flagler County Emergency Services for information regarding flooding.  We also have a kiosk and bulletin board in City Hall to display and distribute floodplain literature.

EMERGENCY SERVICES:
a. Flood Warning – There have been no flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service this past year.  If there had been flood warnings, the City would have coordinated emergency services through the Flagler Beach Fire Department and the Flagler County EOC.
b. Flood Response – Since there were no flood warnings this past year, there were no flood response plans in effect.

STRUCTURAL PROJECTS:
a. Storm Sewers – As stated above, our CRA Streetscape Improvements include 32 new stormwater inlets for the CRA to complete our downtown system.
b. Retention – This year, no new developments were constructed in the City which would require stormwater retention.

PUBLIC INFORMATION:
a. Map Information – The City Building Department reviews all Permit Applications to determine the location of the property in relation to the floodplain.  We use the FEMA FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map) and property survey elevation information to make our determination and apply it to the permit.

______________________
source: City of Flagler Beach

8th Annual Creekside Festival is on October 6-7, 2012

Held along the stunning shores of Pellicer Creek, at Princess Reserve, the Creekside Festival is an annual tradition that attracts 17,000 guests each year for family-friendly activities, live bluegrass music and more in a picturesque natural setting.  The event will take place Saturday, October 6th and Sunday, October 7th, 2012.

This year, six talented bluegrass bands have been scheduled for live music:

Saturday, October 6

• 10AM to 10:45AM - Seminole Ridge
• 11AM to 11:45AM -Passerine
• Noon  to  12:45PM - New River Bluegrass
• 1PM  to 1:45PM - Seminole Ridge
• 2PM  to 2:45PM - Passerine
• 3PM  to 3:45PM - New River Bluegrass 

Sunday, October 7

• 10AM to 10:45AM - Aslyn and the Nay Sayers
• 11AM to 11:45AM - Andrews Family Band
• Noon  to 12:45PM - Xtremegrass
• 1PM to 1:45PM - Aslyn and the Nay Sayers
• 2PM  to 2:45PM - Andrews Family Band                               
• 3PM  to 3:45PM - Xtremegrass

In addition to live music, the festival features arts & crafts booths, letting the kids get creative with handmade crafts, booths and trucks featuring meals and snacks “al fresco,” and live demonstrations by local artisans.

On Saturday, you can watch, or join, the pumpkin pie eating contest at 12:45PM. It’s free and limited to the first 12 people who show up. On Sunday at 1:45PM, the winners of the annual student photography contest will be announced. All entries submitted by students at Flagler Palm Coast High School and Mantanzas High School will be displayed in the lodge Saturday and Sunday.

The Creekside Festival will be open Saturday, October 6 from 10AM to 6PM and Sunday, October 7 from 10AM to 5PM. Admission is $5 per carload or $3 with advance purchase from the Flagler Chamber of Commerce.  Call 386.437.0106 for more information.

Cheech and Chong Come to Daytona Beach in November 2012

The iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong defined an era with their hilariously irreverent, satirical, counter-culture, no-holds-barred comedy routines; and became a tremendous success beyond their wildest dreams.  Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong’s phenomenal success began on the stand up comedy circuit which led to 9 hit comedy albums and 8 hit films, breaking box office records, shattering comedy album sales, garnering multiple Grammy nominations and mesmerizing fans for more than a decade.

Cheech & Chong announced their first tour in over 25 years!  And they will be performing at the Peabody Auditorium for a one-evening show on Friday, November 9th.  Tickets are in the range of $45 to $75 and can be purchased here.

Entrepreneur Night gets Wider Support and New Sponsors

Launched in late 2011 as an Open, Grassroots event for and by Entrepreneurs, the successful Entrepreneur Night event lands new sponsors for the Fall 2012 Series of Events:

• Intracoastal Bank
  A Palm Coast-based community and small-business friendly bank
• Mitchell Noel Insurance
  A full-service insurance agency with headquarters in Ormond Beach

Both organizations are on brand for Entrepreneur Night; and they both serve the Small Business Communities in Flagler and Volusia Counties.  Intracoastal Bank and Mitchell Noel join Office Divvy ™ and  Palm Coast Business Assistance Center as sponsors.

The event is open to anyone including Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, those who support entrepreneurs, as well as Investors.

Each event features complimentary appetizers, a speed-networking slot with "Entrepreneur Dance Cards," cash bar, door prizes, and more.

The September event at McCharacters will also feature an Entrepreneur Karaoke Contest; and November's event at Pine Lakes will feature an Entrepreneur Putting Contest.

Participants expect to have a fun time, meet new peers, and have meaningful conversations with each other and learn from each other.  Hundreds are expected to attend each event this Fall. Participants come from Palm Coast, Bunnell, Flagler Beach, St. Augustine, Ormond and Daytona Beach and sometimes beyond.

Palm Coast Chamber to host Block Party at West Pointe Plaza

Palm Coast Chamber of Commerce --and affiliate of Flagler Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Block Party at West Pointe Plaza in Palm Coast on Thursday, September 20th, 2012.

The event is FREE to Attend for both the residents and all business owners, Chamber-members or not, and features:

• Free Appetizers
• Complimentary Wine, Beer and Soft-Drinks
• Entertainment by DJ Vern
• Door Prizes
• Great Networking Opportunity!

No RSVP necessary.  The event will be held at the inner Courtyard of West Pointe Plaza, located between the eastbound and the westbound lanes of Palm Coast Parkway about half-point between Belle Terre and US-1.  

Fall Crop Maze in Flagler County

Cowart Ranch and Family Farms is offering acres of family fun in Flagler County this Fall; including:

• 6 acres of crop maze
• Hayrides
• Pumpkin and Sunflower Patch
• Farm Animals
• Play Zone for Kids ...and more

You can visit between October 5th and November 4th:

Every Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm
Saturdays, 10 am to 10 pm
Sundays, 12 noon to 8 pm

Cowart Ranch and Family Farm is located 7 miles west of Bunnell, on Highway-100.  Admission is $9, kids under 4 are free.  Call 386-243-4140

Wounded Warrior Walk in Flagler on May 19, 2012

Would you walk a mile or a few to support our returning veterans?

Flagler County is organizing a 5.5 miles walk to support for the Wounded Warrior Project, a not-for-profit organization that assists returning veterans with everything from medical help to buying a home.

The Flagler County Wounded Warrior Walk is planned for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 19 at Flagler Palm Coast High School. The walk is a 5.5 mile loop through Town Center, connecting to Flagler County’s Lehigh Trail and returning to the school.

A shorter loop is available for those who want to support a relay team.

Registration for the walk is $20 for individuals. Relay teams are $100 per team.  Cost includes a lunch at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 51 North Old Kings Road in Palm Coast, after the walk.

Walkers are encouraged to sign up sponsors for each mile they walk.

County Commissioner George Hanns said:

“ It really is a great cause.  The Wounded Warrior Project’s mission is to honor and empower our wounded warriors. Most people would like to thank those who serve our country, this event is a way to give back.” 

Rest stops, traffic control and roving assistance will be provided along the route. Flagler County is also looking for corporate and private sponsors to assist in covering expenses of the event. Information about the walk, registration and sponsorship are available here: Flagler County Wounded Warrior Project

Will 2012 be an active hurricane season?

Hurricanes feed off warm water.  But does that mean it'll be an active hurricane season for Florida?

Should the folks in Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and elsewhere in Flagler County be concerned?

Brian LaMarre, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service says: "Warm temperatures in the winter really have no correlation with hurricane frequency in the summertime."

Watch the video:


Let's hope they are right.

Do you buy it?  Are you concerned?

Super Moon over Flagler Beach Cinco de Mayo 2012

Cinco de Mayo overlapped with the Super Moon 2012 in Flagler Beach.  Hundreds of professional and amateur photographers filled up the town and the beach to capture the biggest moon of 2012 with the Flagler Beach Pier in the background.

Crowds also filled up the bars and restaurants --with Golden Lion Cafe and Finn's Beachside Bar particularly in demand.

Here are some pictures and a video from May 5, 2012:

    ...and, enjoy this video:



______________
Related blog post:

Pictures of Biggest Moon Rising in Flagler County! (2011)

Google+: It Ain't Facebook, and That's a Good Thing

It's been about 9 months since Google+ launched.  The initial response (and much of what continues) is to try and compare the service to Facebook.  But in all honesty trying to simply compare it as just another social networking service is a real miss.  It is actually very different with it's own benefits that are often getting missed.

I'm not here to say that I don't like Facebook, because I do.  Facebook has done, and continues to do, a great job of connecting people.  It's been a great platform for businesses and organizations to connect with their customers in ways never before possible.

So what does Google+ offer that Facebook doesn't?  To truly get a sense of Google+ and it's benefits you have to look at what Google has been about with a majority of it's products . . . collaboration.  That's where the real power in this service lies.  And it's the same thing that makes it a real game-changer in communication going forward.  The service is blended in very nicely within all of Google products allowing for some very nice new functionality.  Here's a look at just some of those new features and capabilities:

1. Organizing in circles.  Circles were one of my immediate likes because it provided a very easy way to organize contacts and choosing who I want to share certain items with.  This just makes sense and is how we normally want to share things socially.  I can also share a circle out to others.  For businesses and or teams this is a great feature because you can easily create a circle for your company, department, and teams for organizations you are involved with.  Adding a new person and keeping everyone on board with the same set of contacts is as simple as sharing the circle.  
2. Hangouts.  This feature allows for video chatting with up to 10 people at once.  Use the "Hangouts with Extras" and you can even share and collaborate on documents shared within Google Docs, or share screens to easily walk others through something.  The other great thing about hangouts is they can be started at anytime.  So if you're in the middle of something and need to speak to a team member or colleague, you can start a hangout which they can access on their PC or smartphone and you can have a short meeting even sharing documents you may need to share.  So if I see that Ky just added a post about something we need to speak further on, I can simply click the Hangout icon and we can begin chatting.  Or I can schedule a hangout for a meeting with people that are in different geographic places which would have typically been a barrier to getting together.  
3. Tie-in with other great Google Products.  Google+ shows up in all of Google products such as Docs (which is an amazing suite of products if you haven't checked it out already), YouTube, Search, etc.  I can use that '+1' button to share out relevant items with people.  I can start a hangout for a video I am watching on YouTube.  I can share out a document I need others to contribute to and have added them in to work on.  
4. Sharing individually.  Rather than send someone an email or share something out into a stream, I can simply share to one person or a few people individually.  This takes messaging to a whole new level because typically we do this through email or a separate messenger program.  Now I can use the same platform and simply send that message out from there.  
5. Organization Pages.  Like Facebook, you can create separate pages for you company or organization to connect with people.  What's nice about this in comparison to Facebook pages is that it functions a lot like the personal accounts in terms of Circles and whatnot.  So you may have certain sets of customers (i.e. VIP's) in one circle and your employees in another.  This way you can choose who you want getting what.  Maybe you want to send out an exclusive discount to your VIP customers.  Again, one platform for multiple internal and external uses.  

There's quite a bit more great features that goes beyond what Facebook was and is designed for.  Have you checked out Google+ yet?  What are your thoughts?  Make sure to check out some great local people and companies on Google+

• Ky Ekinci, Owner of Office Divvy
• Social Smidge - Local social media marketing company
• Carmen Bongiovanni - Current President of the Flagler County Association of Realtors
• Kathleen West - Realtor at Trademark Realty Group
• The City of Palm Coast
• Palm Coast Auto Repair
• Daytona Food Examiner by Connie Rice
• Me
• Plus more.  Simply search 'Palm Coast' on the Google+ page to find local people and pages.  

Celebrate World Four Square Day in Palm Coast on 4/16

4/16 is officially declared as 4SQ Day!  4 squared = 16 ..... that is 4/16, get it?

As a result nearly 15,000 FourSquare fans in 1,700 cities are celebrating Four Square Day on April 16th.

A gathering is also planned  for Palm Coast and Flagler County Four Square users on April 16th, between 4:30PM and 6:00PM at Office Divvy.

What is FourSquare?  It is a social media platform that runs on a smartphone and tablet app that helps you keep up with where your friends are at any giving point, discover what’s near you, save money and unlock deals.

On April 16th, join local Palm Coast and Flagler County FourSquare users to meet eachother, chat, and have fun with.  Office Divvy is located at West Pointe Plaza, 389 Palm Coast Pkwy SW, Ste 4, Palm Coast.  Call 386-445-4153 if you need directions.  Beer and wine, soft drinks, snacks and sweets will be provided.  Free to attend.

You can RSVP on Meetup.com here.

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PS: If you are a Palm Coast, Flagler County business owner you can also pick up free window decals for your business location at Office Divvy

Bike Rodeo in Palm Coast, Flagler County

Palm Coast and Flagler County's first Bicycle Rodeo is taking place on Saturday, March 10th!

The event will highlight bike safety and enjoyment, and will take place at the Central Park in Town Center between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  This is an event for the whole-family.

What's included?

• Bike safety checks
• Bike Safety Course teaching stopping, hand signals
• Free ice cream cones from Brusters for those who complete the course
• Clinics on how to repair a flat tire, what to do if a bike breaks down
• Old bike drop off
• Helmet raffle
• Fingerprinting for children

Central Park in Town Center is located north of Flagler Palm Coast High School at Bulldog Drive. By the time you're leaving, you'll have had an awesome day, and you'll know so much more about bicycle safety than ever before!

Remember to bring your bike helmet!

Sponsors of the event include, the Flagler County Rotary, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, Bicycle Doctor, the Frank Celico Foundation and PC Bikes of Palm Coast.  For more information, contact the Palm Coast Parks and Recreation Department at 386-986-2323.

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Join over 4,000 residents on the > Palm Coast Facebook page < here!