Flagler In Focus

In this episode of Flagler in Focus, hosts Samantha Shakes and Lovie Haley sit down with Thomas Lopez, Director of the Flagler County Access Center, and Kirk Kief, Director of Food Service Operations at SMA Healthcare.

Together, they take us behind the scenes of SMA Healthcare’s local impact in Flagler County. From accessible behavioral health services and crisis support to hands-on culinary vocational training that builds real-world job skills, Thomas and Kirk share how SMA is supporting residents across our community.

Plus, get an exclusive preview of SMA’s new building expansion and upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony, learn how to connect with local services, and find out how residents and families can reach out for support.

Step back in time and go behind the scenes of community resilience as Flagler in Focus sits down with one of Flagler County’s longtime local history keepers! Hosts Samantha Shakes and Lovie Haley welcome Emergency Management Specialist Bob Pickering—known across the area as "BP".

In this engaging episode, BP reflects on his decades of service keeping Flagler County safe, touched by his unique journey from working with dolphins to navigating local disasters. Together, they discuss what it’s been like to watch Flagler transform from a quiet coastal area into one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties, how emergency response and weather tracking have evolved over the decades, and crucial lessons learned from past major storms and wildfires. Plus, stick around for a fun rapid-fire round where BP reveals his favorite scenic local spots, essential go-bag items, and three words that capture the true heart of Flagler County!

Get ready for spine-chilling fun as Flagler in Focus dives into one of Palm Coast’s most anticipated Halloween traditions! Hosts Samantha Shakes and Lovie Haley are joined by Patrick Appolonia from the City of Palm Coast Communications & Marketing team and Lt. Dan Driscoll from the Palm Coast Fire Department.

Together, they go behind the scenes of the annual Hall of Terror at Fire Station 21 to discuss what it takes to bring this year’s "Universal Monsters" theme to life while keeping daily fire station operations running seamlessly. Plus, Lt. Dan Driscoll reflects on his 13-year legacy as the official 'Boo Master' as he prepares to pass the torch after his final year leading the event. From event hours and spookiness levels for families to hidden details inside the haunted walk-through and a hilarious Halloween rapid-fire round, this episode is packed with everything you need to know before heading out on October 30th and 31st!

In this episode, we sit down with representatives from the Flagler Education Foundation to explore how community investment directly transforms local classrooms. From innovative teacher grants and student scholarships to vital literacy programs, learn how the Foundation bridges gaps, supports Flagler County public school educators, and creates lasting opportunities for students across the district.

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Graves, Outreach Specialist for the East Flagler Mosquito Control District, to break down what goes into protecting Florida communities from vector-borne pests.

Nicole takes us behind the scenes of district operations—from environmental monitoring and drone technology to active community education.

Together, we explore the primary mosquito species threatening coastal and inland Flagler County, the common public health risks associated with diseases like Dengue virus, and the eco-friendly control measures and biological treatments used to keep populations in check.

She also shares simple, high-impact action steps homeowners can take around their own yards to eliminate breeding habitats before they start.

Whether you're dealing with backyard swarms or curious about how local government manages public health threats, this conversation delivers actionable insights for staying bite-free year-round.

In this episode, we sit down with Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Kaiti Lenhart to break down everything local residents need to know ahead of the election. We dive into why voting in primary elections is critical for shaping local leadership, how key offices are decided, and why civic participation matters at every level.

We cover the practical essentials for Flagler County voters—from early voting options and mail-in ballot procedures to ballot drop box security and Florida voter ID requirements. Plus, we explore youth civic engagement programs in local schools, voter turnout trends, and the surprising power of the iconic "I Voted" sticker.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Elections & The Primary: What offices are on the ballot and why primary elections drive local decisions.
• Voting Options: Navigating early voting, Election Day precincts, and requesting mail-in ballots.
• Election Security & Rules: Florida identification standards and safety protocols for ballot drop boxes.
• Civic Duty & Education: How local student elections and outreach efforts build future voters.
• Resources & Tools: How to use online voter tools to stay informed and election-ready.

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Desko, Michelle Emden, and Quentin Davis from Daytona State College’s TRiO Talent Search program.

Learn how this free federally funded initiative helps middle and high school students (grades 6–12) in Flagler County, who are often first-generation or from low-income backgrounds, prepare for college success.

Discover the academic advising, career exploration, college tours, financial aid guidance, and workshops that empower students to graduate high school and pursue higher education. Hear real insights, and success stories straight from the team making a difference. Perfect for students, parents, and educators!

Tune in to explore how TRiO Talent Search is opening doors to brighter futures.

Apply or learn more at https://www.daytonastate.edu/student-resources/trio/trio-talent-search/index.html

Follow @flagler_trio on Instagram.

On this episode of Flagler in Focus, we sit down with David Hanak, Adult Program Coordinator at the Bunnell Library.

David gives us an inside look at the diverse and engaging adult programs offered at the library designed to enrich lives in Flagler County.

We discuss our joint content creation opportunities and what our ideal “dream public library” could look like!

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about lifelong learning, collaboration, and the vital role libraries play in our community.

In this episode, guests Chuck Gleichmann and Brian Hilgers dive into their mission of revitalizing the Intracoastal Waterway through the innovative use of Vertical Oyster Gardens (VOGs).

Chuck, a passionate resident along John Anderson Drive who fondly calls it “Our River,” shares nostalgic memories of crystal-clear waters where he could once spot pebbles from his dock. Inspired by a piece in Florida Sportsman, Chuck took action by installing VOGs—recycled oyster shells hanging from docks that foster marine habitats and cleanse the water. Amazingly, just one adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water daily.

In this enlightening episode, discover how individuals, whether dock owners, business operators, or environmentally conscious citizens, can contribute to cleaner waterways.

Learn how easy it is to embark on restoring your local aquatic environment—one oyster at a time.

Tune in to explore how community efforts can spark significant change, and visit oystersformyneighborhood.com to learn more and get involved in this impactful movement.

Flagler County Emergency Communications Director Christina Mortimer and Communications & Engagement Manager Karen Callahan discuss 9-1-1 operations. Whether you're curious about public safety, considering a career in emergency communications, or just want to better understand the heroes behind every emergency call, this episode is packed with insights, real stories, and appreciation for the men and women who answer when it matters most.