FlaglerChat.com Forum - Local News Headlines http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum Discuss Local News and Events affecting PalmCoast and Flagler County en Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:16:54 GMT vBulletin 5 http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/images/colortheory/misc/rss.jpg FlaglerChat.com Forum - Local News Headlines http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum <![CDATA[Wedding at Strathmore's]]> http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68366&goto=newpost Mon, 06 Sep 2010 22:01:35 GMT On flaglerlive.com there is a delightful, bittersweet story about a Palm Coast couple that met awhile ago and the relationship grew into love.

God bless them both for what they're going through and give them a good life for the future. :thumbup:

The story title is called Wedding made in deli--it's on right hand side of page ]]> Local News Headlines towee http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68366 Motorcycle down 9/5 9:20am http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68330&goto=newpost Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:22:48 GMT There is a motorcycle accident at Palm Coast Parkway and Rt 1. Fireflight has launched. Please avoid the area. 9/5 9:20am. There is a motorcycle accident at Palm Coast Parkway and Rt 1. Fireflight has launched.

Please avoid the area. 9/5 9:20am. ]]> Local News Headlines creampuff http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68330 What a great idea http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68239&goto=newpost Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:59:43 GMT I didn't know where to put this, here or local news, maybe both?

http://www.news-journalonline.com/ne...s-to-area.html

Palm Coast looks at pay for steering jobs to area
By FRANK FERNANDEZ, Staff writer
September 2, 2010 12:05 AM
Posted in: Flagler Tagged:jobs PALM COAST -- The Palm Coast City Council is exploring an idea dating to the days of posses hunting down desperados -- only this "posse" would round up businesses and jobs.

Councilman Frank Meeker pitched the idea during a Tuesday workshop with a PowerPoint presentation featuring scenes of dusty Old West towns and wanted posters for villains like Billy the Kid. Residents who attract a qualifying business to town could get a "bounty" of up to $1,000 per employee, Meeker said.

"In the old days, if you wanted to bring someone back to town, you'd hire a posse and go get them," Meeker said.

It's the latest suggestion on how to deal with the area's economic woes in a county consistently posting the state's highest or nearly highest unemployment rate. Flagler was second worst in the state in July, with 15.6 percent unemployed. Voters in November will decide whether to tax themselves 25 cents per $1,000 of taxable property value to pay for economic development.

Meeker's idea is another in the mix. A bounty would give an incentive to the city's 75,000 residents to attract businesses, Meeker said. Former executives who retired to Palm Coast could reach out to old contacts tired of shoveling snow and convince them to relocate to sunnier climes with lower taxes, Meeker said.

City Council members said the idea is worth exploring but cautioned that "the devil was in the details." Mayor Jon Netts instructed City Manager Jim Landon and City Attorney Bill Reischmann to examine the proposal and report back.

Here's how Meeker envisions his posse working: If a resident attracts a new business, the city would pay that resident $200 per employee the day the company opens for business in Palm Coast. If the business is still running after one year, the resident receives another $300 "bounty" per employee. If at the end of three years the business is still running, the resident receives a $500 bounty per worker, Meeker said.

The idea won't cost the city anything unless companies actually move to Palm Coast, said Meeker, who suggested setting aside $250,000 in the budget as bounty.

"And if nobody takes us up on the deal, we haven't spent any money," Meeker said.

No budget decision was made at the workshop.

Council members threw out some questions, including what type of business would qualify and who could claim a bounty. City commissioners and city staff would not be eligible for a reward, council members said.

It's an interesting idea, said Greg Rawls, executive director at Enterprise Flagler, the county's public/private economic development agency.

"I don't think I've ever heard that before," Rawls said. "That's not to say it's a bad idea."

It could add up to big money, Rawls said. He gave the example of a hose company that recently agreed to move to Flagler County and plans to eventually hire 125 employees. For a company of that size, Meeker's citizen recruiter would get $125,000, Rawls said.

"That should motivate people," Rawls said.

The posse would not compete with efforts at Enterprise Flagler, Rawls said. He said he envisions Enterprise Flagler would probably be involved in helping snag state incentives for companies looking to move to Palm Coast.

"I guess we'd be pretty busy following up on leads," Rawls said.

As proposed, a resident would get a bounty only if a business relocates to the city. Vice Mayor Holsey Moorman said the reward should apply whether a business relocates or opens a new branch in Palm Coast.

City Manager Landon said the proposal would use public money, but Meeker interjected that the city already uses public money to provide incentives for economic development.

Meeker's PowerPoint presentation included an example of a resident with lots of contacts up north: former Palm Coast Mayor James Canfield, a retired New York school superintendent who oversaw 28 high schools in Manhattan.

Canfield said in a phone interview he was not familiar with Meeker's idea but it has merit.

"I think Frank might have a good idea there," Canfield said.

It would be like having all the city's residents turned into ambassadors for Palm Coast, Canfield said.

But at some point the city would have to get involved in negotiations with a prospective company and that confidentiality would be needed in negotiations, Canfield said.

"If the average citizen knows the owner of a business and he convinces them to come down here, then there should be a reward for that if that person relocates," Canfield said. ]]> Local News Headlines cookie http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68239 Student faces felony charges for homemade explosive http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68232&goto=newpost Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:39:21 GMT http://staugustine.com/news/local-news/2010-08-31/student-faces-felony-charges-homemade-explosive http://staugustine.com/news/local-ne...made-explosive ]]> Local News Headlines Starbucklady http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68232 PalmCoast.biz Sold http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68026&goto=newpost Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:00:16 GMT


PalmCoast.biz Sold


I am proud to announce that PalmCoast.biz has been sold. While it's always bittersweet to let one of my pet projects go, I have full faith that the new owners will provide a very high level of service to the business community while continuing to maintain the integrity and privacy to its users.

Congratulations to Ky & Lisa Ekinci and Jason Johnson of Palm Coast Media Online in your purchase of PalmCoast.biz .... Hats off to our online community and to your continued success...


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Palm Coast Media Online LLC, a Palm Coast, Flagler County-based company, announces the purchase of PalmCoast.Biz

New Owners Promise Higher Traffic and Reach to Flagler County Businesses

Palm Coast (Flagler County), FL: August 24, 2010: PalmCoast.biz, the flagship Business Search Engine & Directory, and Rating-Portal serving Palm Coast and Flagler County now has a new owner: Palm Coast Media Online, LLC.

The former owner, known to the community as “Jason” (of FlaglerChat.com), started PalmCoast.biz some 7 years ago. Jason later spun off the forum capability to FlaglerChat. As an online marketing professional, Jason continues to own FlaglerChat.com and works on multiple online initiatives and engagements.

The new PalmCoast.Biz ownership team is comprised of local professionals with business backgrounds spanning management, marketing, online design and technology, law, and human resources professions. The new management team will be dedicated to excellence in customer service, database integrity and, most importantly, in further increasing the website’s traffic. Visibility through added distribution channels on Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and other network partners, will be a game-changer for area businesses.

Ky Ekinci, Co-Founder of Palm Coast Media Online says:

Quote:
"It is pretty rewarding to see a Palm Coast Business return top Google search results because of their listing on PalmCoast.Biz. As seen in the popularity of Yelp and Angie’s List, consumers want to provide feedback about the companies and professionals theywork with. PalmCoast.biz’s platform provides those much needed tools. Combine PalmCoast.Biz, this successful online entity, with our business and technology backgrounds and focus, and you’ve got a winning formula. For the homeowner who is typing ‘Landscaper, Attorney, or Realtor in Palm Coast’ while sitting in their Ohio, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania office, the benefit of consumer insight and the ability to provide a review when the work is done is immeasurable."
Jason Johnson, Co-Founder of Palm Coast Media Online says:

Quote:
"With over a quarter million website visits annually, businesses can get their offering in front of local Palm Coast and Flagler County residents instantly! There is no other exclusive business directory in the area that can commit to and deliver on that promise today. PalmCoast.Biz is a mature online entity, a local icon. The possibility for even greater reach is exciting."
With the onslaught of home-based businesses, the changing economic landscape, and Flagler County’s population pushing a new high of 100,000, the exact number of Flagler County businesses is a moving target. The Chamber of Commerce estimates over 1800 businesses are active in Flagler County with 1,000 as Chamber members. The new PalmCoast.Biz will provide a free business listing for every Flagler County Business in the directory thereby helping Flagler businesses to be found online, be noticed for excellence, and rise to the top of their category. The power of the group, the PalmCoast.Biz collective, will be what catapults local businesses to new visibility and growth.

Upgraded listing options start from as low as $9.95 a month. As part of the new management announcement, PalmCoast.Biz has announced a limited time offer of 50% OFF listings with annual prepayment options.

For more information call 386.449.8748, e-mail support@PalmCoast.biz or visit the company website at http://www.PalmCoast.Biz ]]> Local News Headlines FlaglerChat http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68026 Entrepreneurial Spirit in Palm Coast: Women Inventor Helps Golfers... http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68014&goto=newpost Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:24:43 GMT Great to see Entrepreneurial Spirit alive in Palm Coast.

One golf instructor, and 8th Grade School Teacher -- Katie O'Keefe is receiving praise with her invention: The 'O' Beam!

It's a laser device which helps golfers learn to putt better.

Read it here:
http://palm-coast-flagler-county-flo...her-helps.html

Kudos to Ms. O'Keefe!

... ]]> Local News Headlines officedivvy http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68014 Where to Look for EMT runs or Current Criminal Updates http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67996&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:22:21 GMT What I'm trying to say is - several days ago in early a.m., 7:30 maybe, I saw a couple of EMT units going out Crompton (off Clubhouse) and was just curious what was going on. Also where can you look to find the current criminal activity here in Palm Coast? I know people here often ask if someone had seen this or that or knew something - I just wondered if there was some way to check things like that out. ]]> Local News Headlines trpkap http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67996 Marinas raising rates or closing/Abandoned boats an issue http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67995&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:21:23 GMT * States deal with increase in abandoned boats* Posted on August 26, 2010 ShareThis (http://java_script:void(0)) Image: http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/images/m_images/rssButton.png ... States deal with increase in abandoned boats

Posted on August 26, 2010 ShareThis

State officials across the country are taking steps to deal with an increase in derelict boats abandoned by their owners in a tough economy.
See Related Articles


In Massachusetts, Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill this month that gave local governments the power to seize abandoned vessels, according to a report in USA Today.
The problem was growing faster than the state's ability to deal with it, says Michael Nichols, legal counsel to Democratic state Rep. Antonio Cabral, who introduced the bill.
"The recession was affecting people's ability to keep and maintain a boat," Nichols says. "To have abandoned vessels taking up valuable space in the marinas and harbors was a problem."
In Washington state, one of seven states where lawmakers set aside money to collect and dispose of abandoned boats, the number of vessels collected rose from 16 in all of 2009 to 17 in the first half of this year, Melissa Ferris, manager of derelict vessel removal at the Department of Natural Resources, told the newspaper.
In Florida, which has a million registered boats, marinas have had to close or raise prices, pushing boat owners out, said Richard Moore, chief of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's boating division.
"We're seeing a large number of impromptu anchorages popping up in areas around the state ... where people are just parking a bunch of boats," he told USA Today.
In California, where regulators say thousands of boats litter state waters, a program in the pending state budget would allow owners to turn in boats without penalty.
Twelve states, including Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee, have passed laws on abandoned boats in the last five years, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Most streamline the process of taking title and disposing of boats when owners cannot be found. ]]> Local News Headlines boatlady http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67995 Anyone know anything about the bus incendent? http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67991&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:49:45 GMT Pine Lakes area this morning.. Bus on side of road police and ambulances around. Wondering if anyone knows what happened. Thanks. Pine Lakes area this morning.. Bus on side of road police and ambulances around. Wondering if anyone knows what happened. Thanks. ]]> Local News Headlines bkgirl http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67991 <![CDATA[Bunnell to consider hiring Sheriff's Office]]> http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67915&goto=newpost Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:15:20 GMT BUNNELL -- City leaders will hold a workshop to discuss replacing the Police Department with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
City Commissioner Elbert Tucker suggested making the change during a budget workshop Monday night when he questioned some expenses of the 13-member department. "I would like to see what the Sheriff's Office would charge us to patrol the city of Bunnell," Tucker said.
The department's proposed budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1 is $988,553. The present budget is $1.1 million. Vice Mayor Jenny Crain-Brady and City Commissioner Jimmy Flynt also said they would be willing to hear what the Sheriff's Office had to offer. Commissioner Daisy Henry said she didn't think the workshop was necessary.

Resident Hutch King, a former Bunnell city commissioner, said it was worth checking to see if the city could get better police service for less money.
"Palm Coast does not have a police department," King said, referring to Flagler County's largest city. "It's probably cheaper for them to contract with the sheriff's department."
The Police Department has had some recent problems. Lt. John Murray and his wife, Lisa, were both fired from the department after they were arrested in June. Both were charged with official misconduct. John Murray was also charged with possession of cocaine, tampering with physical evidence and grand theft.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/ne...fs-office.html ]]> Local News Headlines lesliep http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67915 New Cell Phone tower http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67728&goto=newpost Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:07:18 GMT :)I read in the Flagler newspaper that there was going to be A new cell phone tower built at the New Fire Station on Belle Terre near the new Publix. I thought it was scheduled to be built A month ago. Has anyone heard any updates on the new tower??? :)I read in the Flagler newspaper that there was going to be A new cell phone tower built at the New Fire Station on Belle Terre near the new Publix. I thought it was scheduled to be built A month ago. Has anyone heard any updates on the new tower??? ]]> Local News Headlines mikeymike31 http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67728 New Flagler Pier hours http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67724&goto=newpost Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:12:27 GMT Starting October 1st, the Flagler Pier will be closing at 10pm instead of midnight. The Pier bait shop has been opening late on weekday mornings, so if you head to the pier at 6am when it opens, you may want to bring some bait with you. Starting October 1st, the Flagler Pier will be closing at 10pm instead of midnight.
The Pier bait shop has been opening late on weekday mornings, so if you head to the pier at 6am when it opens, you may want to bring some bait with you. ]]> Local News Headlines Tare http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67724 New Business at the Airport http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67678&goto=newpost Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:26:27 GMT There is an article on flaglerlive.com about the new hose business that will be opening up at the airport. They will be hiring approximately 180 people. There is an article on flaglerlive.com about the new hose business that will be opening up at the airport. They will be hiring approximately 180 people. ]]> Local News Headlines towee http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67678 Dubai firm to open Palm Coast office !! http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67576&goto=newpost Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:08:20 GMT Even tho Dubai has their own real estate development issues [that almost vacant, man-made palm tree with all beach-front homes] ...maybe they have a few Saudi Riyal left to buy up a few thousand beautiful, bargain-basement priced homes...
Welcome to Palm Coast!!! :wave:

Dubai firm to open Palm Coast office
By AARON LONDON,STAFF WRITER -Daytona Beach News-Journal 12A, Aug 13, 2010

PALM COAST — The city’s ef­forts to get noticed in the glob­al economy are apparently paying off.

Sherwoods Real Estate Con­sultants, a Dubai-based real­estate brokerage and invest­ment- consulting firm, an­nounced the opening of a Palm Coast office Thursday.

Iseeb Rehman, the firm’s managing partner, was on hand for the announcement, along with local businessman Khalid Muneer. The two spoke with city leaders about their plans and said the com­pany is already looking to invest up to $4 million in Cen­tral Florida.

Rehman said he was in town to learn more about Palm Coast and the city’s vision for the future.

He was given a quick educa­tion on the city by Mayor Jon Netts, Vice Mayor Holsey Moorman and Councilwoman Mary DiStefano.

Netts touted the city’s re­cent receipt of a gold certifica­tion from the Florida Green Building Council as a sign of its commitment to environ­mentally friendly practices. He also spoke to Rehman about the city’s efforts to tar­get specific industries, includ­ing medical and biomedical companies as well as the pres­ence in Flagler County of the Whitney Laboratory for Ma­rine Bioscience.

After the meeting, Netts said the fact an international company is opening an office in Palm Coast is proof the city’s efforts to attract busi­ness development are work­ing.

‘‘I think they recognize, as we all do, that there’s potential here,’’ Netts said. ‘‘I think it’s very positive that anybody is looking in the area.’’ DiStefano invited Rehman to spend more time in the city on his next visit, even offering to act as a tour guide, an offer Rehman gladly accepted.

‘‘I look forward to that op­portunity,’’ he said.

Rehman said the clients his company represents are looking for investment oppor­tunities with long-term poten­tial and that is what attracted him to the area. He said the lifestyle Palm Coast offers and the investment opportunities in the area make it an attrac­tive place to do business. And Thursday’s meeting was the first step in the process.

‘‘I think by next year we’ll be pretty much up and run­ning,’’ he said. Rehman said meeting with city leaders was important, be­cause it gives him the kind of information he can take back to potential investors. ‘‘It’s ex­tremely useful; it really tells you straight from the No. 1 person what the vision is,’’ he said.

aaron.london@news-jrnl.com



REHMAN


MUNEER




]]> Local News Headlines bali http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67576 Dominoes in St. Joes Plaza http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67553&goto=newpost Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:48:30 GMT Tried to order from the website and couldn't and tried to order by phone and couldn't. Anyone know whats going on over there? ]]> Local News Headlines Marykins http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67553 <![CDATA[A1A Burritos Works opening 2nd location -- IN Palm Coast! :>)]]> http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67550&goto=newpost Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:16:06 GMT Our favorite "burritos by the beach" joint is opening a second location in Palm Coast!!!!

It's going in the small strip mall near the corner of Belle Terre and Palm Coast Parkway (library area/corner). Same shopping area as Papa John's and European Deli. Signs are up in the window!

http://palm-coast-flagler-county-flo...-works-to.html

:heart::love::thumbup::):) ]]> Local News Headlines Mom2MandMG http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67550 Cruelty to Animals http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67511&goto=newpost Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:19:45 GMT PALM COAST -- A Palm Coast man won't be getting his nine pit bulls back but he will be getting a bill from the city for $46,368.79 for their care.
City workers confiscated Kenji Najera Axum X's pit bulls in May after the dogs were found in a wooded lot behind his Sederholm Path house. The pit bulls had numerous scars on their faces and legs; some were dragging heavy chains with extra links hanging from their collars, investigators said.
Their condition was consistent with dogs being prepped for dog fighting, authorities said. The dogs also had no food or water except one dog had a bucket with some dirty water in it, Flagler County sheriff's detectives said.
The 41-year-old Axum X's house in the Seminole Woods section of Palm Coast has been an intermittent blip on the radar screens of animal control officers since 2007. That's when the Flagler Humane Society received a complaint that dogs were being tied up in the wooded lot behind his property.

more here: http://www.news-journalonline.com/ne...-dog-care.html

]]> Local News Headlines lesliep http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67511 Accident on Riverview this morning 8/9/2010 http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67441&goto=newpost Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:41:30 GMT I saw a car had smashed into a pole on Riverview Drive this morning, and was wondering if anyone knew whether or not the driver was ok, it looked very serious. I saw a car had smashed into a pole on Riverview Drive this morning, and was wondering if anyone knew whether or not the driver was ok, it looked very serious. ]]> Local News Headlines EducatedLIAngel http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67441 Word on the Street: Palm Coast Data Adding 100+ Jobs http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67349&goto=newpost Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:53:23 GMT mmmmmmm verrrrrrry interesting http://www.flaglerlive.com mmmmmmm verrrrrrry interesting

http://www.flaglerlive.com ]]> Local News Headlines Bahston girl http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67349 School deputies http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67282&goto=newpost Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:53:44 GMT Just wondering others thoughts on this subject: http://flaglerlive.com/8710/palm-coast-layoffs-deputies Just wondering others thoughts on this subject:

http://flaglerlive.com/8710/palm-coast-layoffs-deputies ]]> Local News Headlines mjmont1968 http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67282