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Friday, September 17, 2010

Flagler Volunteer Services - Can you help??

Volunteering in your community is a great way to show your neighbors that you care.

Here in Palm Coast and Flagler County, there are many ways to contribute your time and talent.  Most recently I contributed several hours of graphic design for the Flagler Beach Historical Museum's fundraiser, Gilli-Gala    The rewards are more than the feeling you get from helping out.  In this case, I received great exposure, learned some new collaboration skills in Adobe InDesign® and developed both personal and business relationships with other members of our community.

Check out these ideas of needs in our community:

Office Help Needed
There are several agencies that are currently seeking office help 1-2 days per week.  If you can donate your time please let us know.  Current needs:
  • Flagler Volunteer Services: Volunteers must have phone and computer skills and be willing to work at least 4 hours per week.
  • Flagler Auditorium: Volunteers that can help 1-2 days per week in the office, as well as volunteers to help write press releases, grants, and assist as event coordinators.

Fun Coast Bed Race
Volunteers needed to help with planning and promoting of Flagler Fun Coast Bed Race, October 2, 2010.   Additional volunteers will be needed to assist with event logistics and activities.

Volunteer Reading Mentors - "I CAN READ"
Volunteers are needed to be reading mentors.  The mentors provide one on one reading/mentoring with students in grades K-3 and make a commitment to serve the same child/children for the entire school year.  Schools in need of assistance are:   Rymfire Elementary School & Wadsworth Elementary School.  If you are interested in learning more please call the Flagler Volunteer Services office at 597-2950 to sign up for a mandatory orientation and training session.

Tax Prep Volunteers
AARP would like to know if any volunteers are interested in being candidates for volunteer tax preparers candidates for the coming season.  Only real requirement is basic computer knowledge. They will train all volunteers. The preliminary training for new people will be two full days in late November and the full training program will be three days in January. Volunteers need only volunteer one day per week from February 1 through April 15, although they are always happy if you can do more. They also need a few additional non-computer people to work as facilitators and appointment takers.

Flagler Beach Historical Museum
If you are a history buff, or just love to talk to people, the Flagler Beach Historical Museum is the place for you. They are looking for new DOCENTS and you could help greet their guests and answer their questions about the area.

Volunteers to sew dog beds: Second Chance Rescue
Volunteers are needed to sew dog beds.  Second Chance Rescue will supply precut fabric or bulk and the stuffing to be sewn together. There are different size dog beds which will need to be completed by the first week in October.  The dog beds will be used as a fundraiser for their organization.

American Red Cross - Disaster Action Team Members
The American Red Cross needs volunteers to be trained as Disaster Action Team Members.  These volunteers will respond to home fires and other local disasters and provide assistance to clients with their most immediate needs.



Upcoming events

Friday/Saturday - October 1/2, 2010 -  Fun Coast Bed Race
Flagler Volunteer Services, Kiwanis Club of Flagler County, and the Flagler Beach Rotary Club in coordination with the City of Flagler Beach will conduct the 2nd Annual Flagler Fun Coast Bed Race to Benefit Children and Youth Programs in Flagler County.  Activities begin with a preview party at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and continue Saturday with the Bed Parade at 3:00 p.m. and the Bed Race at 4:00 p.m.  You can get a team together, build a bed and decorate it according to a theme that YOU CHOOSE!  If you win the race, you take home the bragging rights for the whole year.  So wake up you sleepy head, get up, get out of bed and join us as a participant or just come out and watch the fun and excitement.   Prizes will be awarded for Beauty, Creativity, and Decorative Humor at the parade.  To you register your team or get more info, contact Jean MacAllister at 597-2950 or visit our website at www.flaglerfuncoastbedrace.org .

Friday/ Saturday - October 1/2, 2010, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m
Giving Store Rummage Sale
in the Cattleman’s Hall at the F.C. Fairgrounds

This is our fall rummage sale to benefit the RSVP Giving Store.  We will have amazing treasures and trinkets for unbelievable bargain prices.  Please stop by and check out the selection.  Also if you have items you would like to donate please call the office to schedule drop off or pick up.

Saturday, October 9, 2010 – Fishing Tournament 
Join us as we fish the waterway from St. Augustine Inlet to the Tomoka River.  The tournament will be held at Herschel King Park, Palm Coast  There is a $50 entry per person.  Prizes will be given in the following categories:  Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Drum.  You CAN Win Big $$$!  Proceeds will benefit the signature programs conducted by Flagler Volunteer Services.

Thursday, October 21, 2010 -  Preventing Identity Theft
A presentation on Preventing Identity Theft is being offered by RBC Bank to any interested volunteers.  The presentation will begin at 4:00 p.m. Location to be determined.  Please register to attend by calling our office.  You are invited to participate.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Taste of Portugal Luncheon to benefit the Giving Store

The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m and cost $20 to attend.  Buffet includes:  Chicken Marsala, Steak with onions, Fish filet in lemon sauce, Rice, Roasted potatoes, Mixed vegetables, Salad, Dessert and Beverage.  Gratuity is included in the cost.  There will be doorprizes and a 50/50.  Additionally, if you bring a new, unwrapped gift for the Giving Store (no food or clothing please) you will receive a raffle ticket!!



For more information on opportunities or events, visit www.flaglervolunteer.org or call 386-597-2950


Compiled by Christine Speno...  Christine was formerly the editor of Palm Coast Neighborhood News, and she is currently a semi-monthly columnist for the St. Augustine Record  focusing on Palm Coast and Flagler County community news. She works as a volunteer with several non-profits in our area doing graphic design. She is the founder of Words Etc Writing & Editing offering writing, editing, blogging, and graphic design services. She maintains a close relationship with Embry Riddle by offering editing services to graduate students working on their thesis and graduate research projects. She is married and has three grown daughters who all reside in Florida.


Thursday, September 16, 2010

Vince Ligouri: "Say NO to Enterprise Flagler's Tax Levy Proposal"

In July 2010, Flagler County had the second highest unemployment rate in the state of Florida at 15.6 percent unemployed.  The county is in desperate need to create opportunities that will spur job growth.

On the November 2 ballot, there is an "economic development tax levy" proposal, championed by Enterprise Flagler; supported by the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce and Associates, the Flagler Home Builders Association (HBA), and the Flagler County Association of Realtors.

If approved in the referendum, a new tax would be implemented in the amount of 25 cents per $1,000 of taxable property value for 10 years. It would cost the owner of a $150,000 home with a $50,000 homestead exemption, $25.00 per year.

The tax is expected to generate about $1.8 million per year for economic development; and is proposed to be in place for 10 years.

According to Enterprise Flagler there is a plan to spend 60% on infrastructure to prepare a site for a possible large industrial user at the county airport; 30% would go toward incentives and 10% for marketing.


Vince Ligouri is a Palm Coast resident.  He is active in civic, political, and economy related issues.

Mr. Ligouri spoke at last week's forum presented by the Palm Coast Civic Association.  He provided a counter perspective to the economic development referendum on the upcoming November ballot, that was put forth by Enterprise Flagler.

Palm Coast blog contributor Harriet Lewis interviewed Mr. Ligouri on his thoughts on the upcoming referendum, as they relate to an economic development proposal made by Enterprise Flagler.

Here is this video interview --enjoy:




Here are select quotes from Mr. Ligouri:
" Did you know that since 2002 Enterprise Flagler was given $3.4 Million.  I as a citizen say: "What have you done with that money?  How many jobs have you created?  Did you not realize then that you needed a building?"  So I question their utilization of funds and their direction."

" City of Palm Coast should be against Enterprise Flagler's Economic Development tax proposal, because they will be completely disenfranchised. I did not fight for 5 years to become a city to again become dependent on County Commissioners."

" I implore the citizens of the county to look into the facts, examine both times, and to make a decision. We do need job environment and job creation, but there is a better way to do it. "



Related Article -- Expert Opinion:

Strategies to Connect People to Policy:
Communicating Economic Development to Residents
By: Harriet Lewis, PhD


Related Article -- Enterprise Flagler's Pitch:

Greg Rawls of Enterprise Flagler:
"Vote Yes for Jobs"


Related Article -- FlaglerLive's Pierre Tristam:
Memo To Enterprise Flagler:
Why Your Tax Plan Is Fumbling
( and What To Do About It)


Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Greg Rawls of Enterprise Flagler: "Vote Yes for Jobs"

This is a guest blog post submitted by Greg Rawls, Executive Director of Enterprise Flagler.

On November 2, 2010 Flagler County voters will have the opportunity to vote yes for future jobs and economic development in Flagler County.

A local economic investment initiative has been approved for inclusion on November’s ballot, giving voters the opportunity to decide. For an investment of what amounts to pennies a day, the struggling community could finally see some progress in economic development.

A successful referendum will specifically address the high unemployment rate in Flagler County and the uneven tax burden currently carried by all residents. All funds raised by this initiative will be dedicated specifically to economic development.

Nate McLaughlin, County Commissioner Elect, says:
Job creation was the number one issue in my campaign, and I will continue the cause once in office. Even though these are hard times for our community, it is imperative to the economic success and viability of Flagler County that we stand up and take initiative. Investing in economic development will give us the resources to even the playing field between Flagler County and competing communities. Simply, we need to get in the game of job creation, and in turn lessen the tax burden on our residential property owners, and enhance our quality of life.


Economic development in the modern age is a highly competitive process. Communities offer incentives and ready-built sites for large employers to relocate. Although Flagler County has the employment base, it suffers in the competitive process due to its lack of a dedicated funding source that allows the area to attract desirable jobs.

Greg Rawls, Executive Director for Enterprise Flagler says:
Time and time again we see potential jobs go to other communities because they have sweetened the pot to a point that we simply cannot match without a dedicated funding source. We are not talking about giving away the farm, but fostering opportunities to make a business’ transition into Flagler County as seamless and fast as possible. Any future employment incentive offered will be tied to the number of quality jobs created and hired from our unemployed workforce.

Another benefit of the economic development referendum is its potential to shift the local tax burden from the current residential tax base to a future mix of residential, commercial and industrial entities that share in the cost of maintaining the quality of life enjoyed by the citizens of Flagler County.

County Commissioner Barbara Revels says:
Right now 86 percent of the tax burden is on the shoulders of the Flagler County residential homeowner. We must diversify our community’s tax burden by the creation of more commercial and industrial tax payers. This will create a diversity of jobs – again improving and supporting a healthy and vibrant community. Unfortunately right now the costs of local services are borne mostly by an overburdened residential community.

The crux of this initiative is to give Flagler County the tools larger communities have to compete for projects.

Approximately, 80% of project leads require existing facilities. There has been little significant industrial development in the past 30 years and nothing that meets this demand,” added Rawls. “Currently, less than 1% of land use in Flagler County is dedicated to industrial use. I believe only Monroe County (Key West) has a lower usage rate.

Charles Ericksen, a retired Palm Coast resident, says:
I was inclined to say NO on the face of it, but after being invited to express my doubts to the committee, and learning the actual details, the more inclined I am to say YES. I urge people to get the facts before making a decision.

The dedicated funds will be distributed after approval by the Board of the County Commissioners. Recommendations would come from a committee that has representation from all municipalities as well as private sector leaders. The funds will be allocated with at least 60% going towards capital projects, at least 30% for employment incentives, and no more than 10% for enhanced marketing of the community.

Palm Coast's Mayor Jon Netts says:
I consistently hear from the voters that more needs to be done about the lack of economic opportunity in our community.  Citizens need to study this initiative and decide if this investment in economic development is warranted. It is clear that some type of investment will be required to improve our situation.

Information about the referendum is available at the newly launched website.  Supporters have also created a Facebook page and Twitter account for people to receive updates and news regarding the referendum, which can be accessed from the website.



This is a guest blog post submitted by Greg Rawls.  He is the Executive Director of Enterprise Flagler.  Enterprise Flagler can be reached at: (386) 586-1224



Related Article -- Expert Opinion:

Strategies to Connect People to Policy:
Communicating Economic Development to Residents
By: Harriet Lewis, PhD


Related Article -- On the Other Side:

Palm Coast Resident Vince Ligouri says:
"Say NO to Enterprise Flagler's Tax Levy Proposal"



Monday, September 13, 2010

Don't Take Candy From Strangers: Staying Safe Online

"ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten." - Robert Fulghum

That statement above is so true in so many ways, but we often forget so much of what we learned as kindergartners especially when it comes to computers and the online world.  We all hear the stories of so and so's was stalked by a user online.  So and so had their identity stolen.  So and so posted something that ended up having repercussions in their work or personal life.  And the list goes on.  The truth is that whenever I look further into these stories I find that many times the user has to take some blame because they didn't take the necessary precautions.  Instead we like to blame the service or the technology. 

When it comes to the online world and social networking services the best protection is to keep in mind all of those safety lessons you were taught, learned in life, and what you teach your children.  For example, if a stranger knocks on your door and you realize they are a stranger would you open the door and invite them in?  Hopefully you answered "no".  But when it comes to a 'friend request' online, many will simply accept that request just to build a quantity of 'friends' online.  By doing this keep in mind that you have just opened that proverbial door to anyone and everyone to 'come in'.  Likewise, we all teach our children 'don't take candy from strangers.', but at the same time many click any link that comes their way in an email and end up with viruses.  A malicious user (just like the stranger with candy) will make it enticing for you (i.e. win this or that, 'get the secret to . . . ', etc.) and has just offered you the proverbial 'candy'. 

Then there is the reputation and personal embarrassment that many have suffered due to their behavior online.  A few years ago I remember reading a story about an aspiring private school student who posted on his MySpace page comments about using illegal drugs while also mentioning the school on his page.  The comments were meant as jokes.  The school got wind of it and suspended the student.  The parents obviously defended the student and used the argument of 'it's just the internet'.  Was the school in the wrong?  Absolutely not.  The actions of that student and the reflection on their reputation could be detrimental to all students.  Just the same as one wearing a company uniform or nametag and acting in an unsavory way in public.  That behavior could have repercussions to the organization and it's public image and there can be repercussions for the person.

Staying safe is not all that difficult online and does not require all that much technical knowledge.  These are the same lessons parents need to be teaching their children as well to keep them safe and instill the foundations as they encounter these services more and more as life goes on.  Here's the basics:

  1. Lock the doors.  We all lock the doors to our homes for safety reasons.  Put a password on that wireless router.  Consult your router's instructions to do this.  Your router broadcasts that signal outside of your 4 walls and anyone can easily connect to that signal.  They don't just get access to your internet service either.  They then get access to the computers connected through that router.  
  2. Don't talk to strangers or take candy from strangers.  Just because someone requests a connection on a social service doesn't mean you have to accept it.  If I don't know the person, I won't accept the connection.  Likewise, I am always skeptical of clicking links in 'FWD' (forwarded) emails or offers that seem to good to be true.  
  3. Don't act that way in public.  Moms and Dads always tell their kids what is and what is not acceptable behavior in public.  The same things hold true online.  If I'm about business online and plaster every profile with my company information, I'm not talking about things which could easily alienate others.  My rule of thumb I follow is by asking the question, "Would I say or display this while standing in a crowded WalMart?"  This doesn't mean you shouldn't express your opinion, but maybe you need to tweak the approach.
  4. Look both ways before crossing the street.  This little action provides us with information to make the best decision whether or not to proceed across the street.  Engaging in the use of these online services should be an informed decision.  Know what the privacy settings are and where the information posts to.  
  5. Be aware of the suspicious car outside the house.  Location-based social networking services (i.e. FourSquare) are great services to highlight and help promote places or businesses you like.  But if you are one to let any request for a connection in keep in mind that you are publicizing where you are at which may lead to a malicious person now knowing you are not at home.  One couple in a recent news story were on vacation and posted pictures of their vacation on Facebook while they were away.  Their house was then been broken into while they were gone.  Come to find out it was by a connection in their 'friends list'.  They knew of the man from many years ago but had never had contact since and simply accepted the person's connection request. 
  6. Keep your wallet safe.  Using credit cards online has become common place.  Many of us also use our debit cards with that credit card logo.  I personally do not enter that credit card information into any website that I do not know is a reputable seller of something or that I normally do business with.  The common scams today are offers to 'secrets to getting hired or making loads of money online'.  They bait you with the 'secrets' part (candy) and then ask you for your money to give you the rest of the information.  Likewise, storing account information on sites where you pay bills seems convenient but make sure you feel comfortable doing that prior to leaving the information there.
There are plenty of ways to make these connections.  The point is that the online world and the services we use are extensions of the things we already do in life.  Just because it's the internet does not make it any different. 

What are your thoughts?

Thursday, September 9, 2010

City of Palm Coast increases Impact Fees by 8.5%

City of Palm Coast has announced an increase for the transportation impact fees (aka "impact fees"). Permits applied for on or after October 1, 2010 will be assessed an increase in transportation impact fees by 8.5%.

The new fee for a Single Family detached home or a Mobile Home on an individual lot will be $3,868.39.  For multi-family homes or apartments the fee is $2,239.26.

By statute, an increase in transportation impact fees is expected to be annually adjusted:
ARTICLE II.  TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEES 
Annual adjustments.  On October 1, 2005, and each October 1st thereafter, the City of Palm Coast shall adjust all transportation impact fees assessed by the City. Adjustment shall be determined by comparing the U.S. Department of Labor (USDL) Highway and Street Construction Index for March of the year of adjustment, to the USDL Highway and Street Construction Index for March of the previous year.

What exactly is Impact Fees?
Let's turn to who else but Wikipedia for that:
"An impact fee is a fee that is implemented by a local government on a new or proposed development to help assist or pay for a portion of the costs that the new development may cause with public services to the new development.  They are considered to be a charge on new development to help fund and pay for the construction or needed expansion of offsite capital improvements.   These fees are usually implemented to help reduce the economic burden on local jurisdictions that are trying to deal with population growth within the area."

Any Advice?
Cyd Weeks, the owner of PalmCoasting.com and a Flagler County Realtor® says:
" Talk to your builder, and if you can, pay for it before October 1, 2010."





Charles Rinek, CEO of Rinek Homes and the current President of Flagler HBA (Flagler County Home Builders Association) says:
" The timing is unfortunate in that anything that increases the cost of building continues to discourage much needed growth in our community. 
This limits potential increase in the overall ad valorem tax base income for the City
Since the city has a right to adjust the impact fees every year, we hope they agree to lower the impact fees next year. "



How about the Permit Fees?
In 2009, Palm Coast City Council voted to reduce permitting fees by 90% with hopes to stimulate the local economy and reduce a surplus in the Building Department.  Administrative, Plan Review and Inspection fees assessed by the Building Department are currently reduced by 90%.

The reduction in permit fees will be in place for all permits subject to these fees issued through January 1, 2012.

Additional fees to include revisions, re-inspections, subcontractor change, contractor registration, impact fees, etc. and other departmental fees including Fire, Stormwater, Engineering, and Zoning are not eligible for the discount.

For more information on Permits and Impact Fees, contact:
City of Palm Coast
Building Division
160 Cypress Point Parkway
Suite B-106
Palm Coast, FL 32164
Phone : (386) 986-3780


Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Social Means Socialize: Effective Use of Online Social Networking For Business

Visit the Palm Coast Facebook Page
Most of the time when it comes to online social networking and business the advice is things like "You have to be on . . ."  The key word here is 'be'.  Being is about existing, and when's the last time you heard of any business truly succeeding simply because they chose to exist.  Social networking is designed around socializing, but many businesses and professionals don't effectively use these services.  Rather they create accounts or a Facebook page and do very little if nothing with them.  The result . . . little or nothing.

The key to understanding online social networking is to first think of it in terms of real world things we are used to.  Think of a time you went to or were invited to a social event.  You get dressed accordingly.  Probably pack up some business cards to hand out.  And you arrive.  You have one or two options here.  1) You could stand against the wall and nod to people here and there as they go by, or 2) You can get out there, introduce yourself, and truly socialize.  Which one would probably be more effective in that setting?  If you said, "Number 2" you are absolutely right!  Sorry, no prize.  But what most people do with online social networking is the first scenario.  They become the online virtual wallflowers.  The question then becomes how is this type of inactivity online effecting your brand?

Scan me with your smartphone
The next obvious question is how does a business or organization effectively use these online social networking tools for business?  Mostly these tools will be used for marketing purposes with any business or organization.   Seth Godin in a recent blog post summed up how to effectively market anything in a very simple way . . . "The best way to truly learn how to do marketing is to market."  Read the rest of his article and it will make more sense.  I'm constantly testing these services marketing various things on a personal level to see what works.  I look for what peaks people's interest, what gets people talking, things not to discuss or share (i.e. politics), what others are doing, and always looking to see how something could be used maybe in combination to something else as a real benefit (i.e. video, photos, etc.).  One example, is QR Codes.  If you don't know what these are, read my blog on this very interesting topic. Imagine you want to promote your business through Foursquare and offer a special discount for those that 'check in' through the service'.  Why not a  scannable QR code like the one above that automates that for visitors? 

There are several individuals, groups, and businesses locally that are great examples of how they have embraced online social networking for business and organizations using various services like Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, etc. in combination.  They are very active, interesting, and gaining great attention.  Here's a few:


On Twitter:

On Facebook

What it is so great about all of these groups and individuals is that there is a focused use of these services, they are consistently active on the services, and they truly engage the community locally and beyond (yes, I'm a Buzz Lightyear fan). 

Tell us how you are using online Social Networking services for your organization or business.  Tell us about your successes.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

A common question nowadays: "Should I File For Bankruptcy?"

This is a guest blog post by
Donald Appignani, Attorney at Law.
Offices Palm Coast & Boca Raton area.
If Hamlet lived today and lived on this side of the Atlantic Ocean, would William Shakespeare change his famous line as “To file or not to file?  That is the question!

It is not a joke: These are tough economic times, not only in Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Flagler County overall, but for the entire state of Florida and our nation…

According to American Bankruptcy Institute, with exception of 2005, the bankruptcy filings are at an all time high:



Many folks in Palm Coast an Flagler Beach ask me whether or not they should consider bankruptcy. 

In all honesty, that is an entirely personal decision, and it also depends on your particular circumstances.  For instance, some people do not have any assets over and above what the law allows them to keep. 

Some people find it helpful to file for bankruptcy because their financial situation is causing them emotional distress or depression, or because they would like to free themselves of debt now –if legally allowed, and if they want to have their income and assets to themselves in the future.  Also, some people may find that a bankruptcy is worth filing even if they do lose some of their assets.

If your answer is YES to some of the following scenarios, you may be a candidate to consider bankruptcy:
  • Your wages have been garnished, or your bank account has been attached. 
  • Most of your debt is unsecured; such as credit card bills, or hospital or doctor’s bills.
  • Your total debt, not including your car or house loan, is more than you could afford to pay, even over 5 or more years.
  • You are receiving frequent calls from collection agencies at home and/or at work.
  • Your payments are more than 30 days behind on more than one bill.
  • There are lawsuits pending against you.
  • You have high medical bills not covered by insurance.
  • You have few assets.
  • You have little or no savings.
  • You have had property repossessed (such as a vehicle).

If you answered yes, to some of the questions above, filing for bankruptcy may help you with some or all of situations above.

You should always seek the opinion of a competent bankruptcy attorney before deciding whether to file for bankruptcy. 

There are a few good attorneys in Palm Coast and Flagler County, whose practice includes bankruptcy, debt relief, and foreclosure defense

I’ve filed hundreds of bankruptcy petitions in Florida from Miami to Jacksonville.  In my practice, I do not charge for an initial consultation, it is always free.   So naturally, my recommendation to you is to chose an attorney who doesn’t charge for initial consultation.  Schedule an appointment and interview them to see if you and the attorney are a good match.

Stay Positive Palm Coast and Flagler County -- I truly hope that better days are ahead for you and your family…





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