Palm Coast Observer Online 11-5-15

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PALM COAST

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 6, NO. 39

FREE

Gov. Rick Scott and Flagler County Sheriff James L. Manfre

OPS CENTER OPENS PAGE 2

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2015

WELCOME TO

PALM COAST

ARTS+CULTURE

After five temporary locations in 15 years, the city offices have a permanent home, in Town Center. PAGE 3

A veteran among veterans There are 12,537 veterans in Flagler County who rely on Sal Rutigliano and the Veterans Service Office.

‘GREETINGS’

Robin Davis will star in the Flagler Playhouse’s production of “Greetings.” PAGE 20

ONLINE It has happened again. In the fourth child-related traffic incident this year, a 13-year-old boy was struck by an SUV the afternoon of Nov. 2 while he was riding his bicycle from Buddy Taylor Middle School. The boy was hospitalized, but, fortunately, the injuries were deemed to be nonlife-threatening. See the story at

PalmCoastObserver.com

JACQUE ESTES STAFF WRITER

The one veteran known by most every other veteran in Flagler County is also one of the hardest working: Sal Rutigliano, who has been the Flagler County Veterans Service officer for the past 15 years. The day before Halloween, Rutigliano and his wife, Cindy, went shopping for food and decorations for a party at a veterans wellness center in Volusia County. After the Halloween party, the Rutiglianos’ schedule included assisting a veteran who was finally moving into the Bella Vista apartments through the HUD/ VASH (VA Supported Housing) program. The apartment wasn’t ready when originally planned, and he was homeless. “I called the American Legion post, and they kicked in four nights at the Red Roof Inn, the

VFW paid for another four nights, and the Marine Corps League took care of the remainder,” he said. It’s that kind of caring and coordination county veterans have come to expect from their county service officer, and one he makes look easy. Rutigliano currently works with 12,537 veterans in Flagler County. These veterans are of all age groups, with the majority being Vietnam veterans. He estimated there are approximately 1,200 World War II veterans. His job is to assist veterans and their families when they are applying for benefits, recovering necessary documents, and filing claims. He can navigate what can seem to some as a labyrinth of government red tape. He is also the adjunct for the Flagler Veteran Advisory Council. The Rutiglianos are involved in several organizations, the American Legion being the primary.

Jacque Estes

Sal Rutigliano assists veterans and their families apply for benefits.

Cindy is president of the American Legion Auxiliary. Now, he has decided it is time for him to take his retirement seriously. Sal Rutigliano said he has begun his last year of service. On Oct. 1, 2016, he is going to retire — for real this time. SEE RETIREMENT PAGE 5

HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED

Looking for a list of events honoring veterans next week, throughout Flagler County? PAGE 27


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