Community Spotlight: Music, Laughter, and Love for a Cause

A Successful Night Benefiting S.M.A.R.T. of Flagler County

On Thursday, October 2nd, the community came together at Palm Coast Lanes for an unforgettable Music Bingo Fundraiser benefiting S.M.A.R.T. (Saving Missing Animals Response Team) of Flagler County. Hosted by Loren Ashley of Pawfessional Pet Services working in conjunction with Mark Mistie who made the magic happen.  "What an amazing and incredible night was, the house was packed with 200 people through the evening, some even tailgating!" says Mistie.

From Flagler Schools: October 2, 2025 - Suzanne Carter is being honored for making significant contributions in working with OKES fifth-grader Maverick Fitzgerald. 

Working with our amazing Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students is something we cherish and take great pride in. And this week, we get to announce that one of our very own Flagler Schools staff members has been selected by the Florida Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (FAER) as the winner of the 2025 Outstanding Achievement by a Paraprofessional Award. Old Kings Elementary School (OKES) Paraprofessional Suzanne Carter is being honored for making significant contributions in working with OKES fifth-grader Maverick Fitzgerald. 

The award is for a person employed as a paraprofessional in work with persons who are blind or visually impaired. Congratulations, Ms. Carter, for all you do for Maverick and Old Kings Elementary School. 

Carter will be honored in a state ceremony in Altamonte Springs later this month. We are tremendously proud in the work you to help move us all, #FlaglerForward.

Flagler Schools Bids Farewell to SRD Michael Spinelli After 25 Years of Service.

Palm Coast, FL — Flagler Schools proudly honors the retirement of Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy and School Resource Deputy (SRD) Michael Spinelli, who has dedicated more than 25 years to serving and protecting Florida communities, including the past four years at Rymfire Elementary School.

On his final day, students, staff, and families at Rymfire came together to celebrate SRD Spinelli’s unwavering commitment, compassion, and steady presence. His impact on the school community has been immeasurable — providing not only safety and security, but also mentorship, encouragement, and care to every student and faculty member he served.

“Deputy Spinelli has been more than an officer on campus — he has been a trusted role model, a listening ear, and a friend to our children and staff. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him every happiness in his well-earned retirement.”

As he closes this chapter, Flagler Schools extends its heartfelt gratitude to SRD Spinelli for his years of dedication to law enforcement and to the students of Flagler County. His legacy of service will continue to inspire long after his retirement.

Thank you, SRD Spinelli! We wish you an amazing retirement.

Tax-Aide Program Needs Volunteers to Help Taxpayers

(Flagler County) – Tax filing season may be months away, but the Flagler County Tax-Aide District is already seeking volunteers who want to serve their community through the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program, said Sheri Muth, District Coordinator of Flagler County. Tax-Aide focuses on serving older adults with low to moderate income and helps them secure much-needed tax refunds.

Tax-Aide volunteers provide free tax preparation and filing services to taxpayers, as well as provide tech support, help organize, recruit volunteers, translate and more, Muth said. Anyone interested in helping can go to their website www.taxprepfree.net, or call (386) 313-4048 for details.

The time commitment can range from a few hours a week to 3 days per week during the period.

For the 2024 tax season: 28,300 volunteers helped taxpayers receive 1.3 billion in total refunds for more than 1.7 million people at 3,600 sites across the nation. Locally, 60 volunteers in various roles, located at 6 sites in Flagler County, helped more than 3,200 taxpayers. They helped more than 2,200 people secure over 2.7 million in refunds.

“All levels and types of experience are welcome.” Volunteers come from a variety of industries, range from retirees to college students, and do not need to be AARP members.

Tax-Aide volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable older adults right in their communities by helping build their financial resilience. Even modest refunds can impact the lives of older adults, especially those living with low incomes. Our Tax-Aide volunteers help make sure they don’t miss out on the credits and deductions they have earned and need.

Dating back to 1968, Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program that began in Florida by 4 volunteers.

For more information, contact Sheri Muth at 386-243-5556 or go to the local website at www.taxprepfree.net 

How to Volunteer with Tax-Aide in Flagler County

• What: Help seniors and families with free tax preparation

• When: Training in Dec–Jan, service runs Feb–Apr

• Where: 6 location sites across Flagler County

• Who Can Volunteer: All experience levels — retirees, working professionals, and college students welcome (no AARP membership required)

September 26, 2025 Palm Coast Citizens Academy Alumni Ambassadors Host Third Successful Connecting to Palm Coast Expo

Palm Coast, FL – The Palm Coast Citizens Academy Alumni Ambassadors, in collaboration with the City of Palm Coast, hosted their third Connecting to Palm Coast Expo on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Palm Coast Community Center. The event welcomed residents from across the community.