NEWS BRIEFS: Sheriff's Office marks National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Also in News Briefs: Flagler County offers free 'storm spotters' class


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  • | 9:30 p.m. April 14, 2016
State Attorney R.J. Larizza, left, and Sheriff's Office Director Jim Troiano listen as Sheriff James L. Manfre talks about his family's experience when a drunk driver hit his father, severely injuring him, when Manfre was 7. (Courtesy photo)
State Attorney R.J. Larizza, left, and Sheriff's Office Director Jim Troiano listen as Sheriff James L. Manfre talks about his family's experience when a drunk driver hit his father, severely injuring him, when Manfre was 7. (Courtesy photo)
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Sheriff's Office marks National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with ceremony

The following is a news release from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office:

Sheriff James L. Manfre, State Attorney R.J. Larizza and Trish Giaccone, executive director of the Family Life Center in Flagler County, spoke Tuesday, April 12 at the Sheriff's Office's ceremony in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 10-16, 2016. 

All three told the crowd that the goal of events like this one  is to empower victims of crime to heal from their trauma so they can live the best lives they can, even though the crimes have changed their lives forever. 

VerdeGo landscape center of Palm Coast donated a tree that was planted at the Sheriff's Office, to remember the victims of crimes past and present.  As the tree grows, it will become a growing symbol of the community's commitment to crime victims.

Flagler County offers free 'storm spotters' class

The following is a news release from the Flagler County communications office:

Flagler County Emergency Services and the National Weather Service will host a Skywarn Storm Spotter class. 

The class will be taught by a meteorologist with the National Weather Service and will cover everything from cloud formations to thunderstorm development to visual predictions. It will be held at 6 p.m. April 21 at the Emergency Operations Center located behind the Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell.

Those who participate in the class are eligible to become volunteer storm spotters and assist Emergency Services and the National Weather Service by reporting potentially hazardous weather events. 

While warnings for thunderstorms are only issued for hail and high winds, lightning is part of all storms and is the cause of more deaths in the United States than tornadoes and hurricanes, according to the National Weather Service.

“This is a really important class because trained storm spotters serve as the local eyes of the National Weather Service,” said Bob Pickering, Flagler County Emergency Management Technician. “These classes are held infrequently, because of the limited availability with the National Weather Service to come teach the class. This is a really good opportunity for those interested in taking the class.”

Registration is required, and can be done by calling Pickering at 386-313-4250, or by email [email protected].

Sheriff swears in new crossing guard

The following is a news release from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office:

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office welcomed Linda Trump, a retired middle school teacher from Pennsylvania, as its newest school crossing guard.

Trump, 69, lives in Palm Coast and works as a substitute teacher with the Flagler County school district. She is joining the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office as a crossing guard, in addition to teaching, because she wants to serve the community, she said. “My skills are with kids and schools. I just love to be outside and I enjoy working with kids and families in the community.’’

Trump’s mother lives in the Flagler County area and she has a son, Chris, who is an attorney in Washington D.C. Trump, who starts her job today as the Sheriff's Office’s ninth crossing guard, loves to play golf and tennis, and swim in her off time.

“We’re delighted to have Linda join the Sheriff’s Office,’’ Sheriff James L. Manfre said. “Our school crossing guards are a vital part of our agency in serving the community to keep our kids safe.’’

Flagler County assists Ag Museum with projects

The following is a news release from the Flagler County communications office:

Flagler County has been moving dirt – a lot of it – at the Florida Agricultural Museum to create new roadway loops, build parking spaces and dig storm water retention ponds.

“Flagler County has been a wonderful partner,” said Florida Agricultural Museum Executive Director Andy Morrow. “The county has really helped us achieve our vision, and I think it will have a big impact on the community well into the future.”

The work is being done in house by the Flagler County Engineering and Road and Bridge departments. The museum will have a larger formal entrance with parking to the left and pastures to the right. 

“We have designed and constructed 200 parking spaces, including ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) accessible,” said County Engineer Faith Alkhatib. “It is really looking wonderful.” 

Flagler County in 2014 secured $500,000 in state money for the Ag Museum, and county staff is helping the museum get the most for that money.

“The reason all of this has come to be is because the County Commission’s efforts and support,” County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “They really want to see the museum brought up to the next level.” 

Planted pines were harvested for timber to make way for both the parking area as well as for horse pastures to support the equestrian uses of the property. Stumps were pulled and sod was laid. 

“There was a very large burrow pit – very deep – that we changed into a retention pond,” Alkhatib said.

Asphalt for the entrance is due to be laid soon, and the Flagler County General Services department will relocate two buildings on the property.

“We are very pleased to be able to do this work,” Alkhatib said. “We were able to provide the Agricultural Museum a good value by doing all of this work in-house.” 

Palm Coast breaks ground on second wastewater treatment plant April 26

The following is a news release from the city of Palm Coast communications office:

The city of Palm Coast will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Wastewater Treatment Plant 2 at 8 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, and the public is invited to attend.

Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts and the Palm Coast City Council will host the ceremony at the plant site adjacent to Water Treatment Plant 3 on Peavy Grade (west side of U.S. 1, about 2.9 miles north of Palm Coast Parkway). A directional sign will be posted on U.S. 1 to guide attendees. Mayor Netts will make remarks, and light refreshments will be served.

Construction will soon begin on the city’s second Wastewater Treatment Plant. The existing Wastewater Treatment Plant 1 on Utility Drive was built in the early 1970s and has been gradually expanded over the years, but has nearly reached its capacity.

The new facility will incorporate the latest technology and will be an Advanced Wastewater Treatment facility (AWT), producing an effluent quality that nearly meets drinking water quality standards. The primary method of disposal of this highly treated effluent will be for irrigation and groundwater recharge with the wet weather backup being a discharge to a wetland where the effluent can further enhance the environment.

The new $25.1 million Wastewater Treatment Plant 2 will add 2 million gallons per day of additional wastewater treatment capacity that will be needed to accommodate anticipated growth. The City received a low-interest loan from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the funding, so the new facility is being built without the need for an additional increase in rates to Palm Coast Utility customers.

The new plant was designed by CPH Engineers and will be built by PC Construction. Construction is expected to take 18 months.

Attend ‘WaterSafe’ event, prepare for summer fun

The following is a news release from the Flagler County communications office:

Flagler County Emergency Services is partnering with agencies and businesses throughout the county to provide an educational yet fun day of water safety instruction for families and children.

WaterSafe 2016 will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 30 at the Belle Terre Swim Club, 73 Patricia Drive, Palm Coast.

“This event is geared towards families with children – infants up to 9-year-olds,” said Flagler County Public Safety Emergency Manager Steve Garten. “We want everyone to be safe and healthy as the peak swim season nears.” 

Flagler County Fire Rescue, the Flagler County Health Department through its “Waterproof FL” efforts, Flagler County Schools and EM Pros (Emergency Medicine Professionals) will participate by providing instruction and informational literature about water safety and survival skills, sun safety, basic CPR and pool safety.

“Water safety and swim instructors will demonstrate hands-on lifesaving techniques,” Garten said. “We hope that parents and children will come in swimwear to take advantage of this learning opportunity.” 

The event is free of charge and open to the public. Sponsors include: Publix, Pinch-A-Penny, Beach 92.7 and KIX Country 98.7 radio stations.

Swim diapers are required for children who are not potty trained. Others should bring swimsuits and towels and prepare to get wet. 

 

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