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BRIEFS
Firefighters urge residents to celebrate safely
With Independence Day on the way, Volusia County Fire Rescue officials are encouraging residents to leave the show to the pros – and keep personal fireworks off the beach. There are twice as many fires reported on Independence Day as on any other day; half of those are from fireworks.
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“The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by watching public displays,” Volusia County Fire Chief Joe King said. “We caution residents against using fireworks because they can cause fires and injuries when used improperly. Fireworks injure more than 10,000 people each year. Even sparklers can be dangerous, King said. They burn at 1,200 degrees. When children hold sparklers close to their bodies, the sparklers can burn their skin or set fire to their clothes. Volusia County Fire Rescue offers these tips for consumers who buy legal fireworks:
Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
Never place any part of your body directly over fireworks when lighting the fuse.
Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from them quickly.
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy.
After fireworks stop burning, douse them with water from a bucket or hose.
Pick up all debris and spent fireworks.
“Please keep a watchful eye on the children as we celebrate our nation’s independence,” King said.
Spirit Of America
Flagler 4th promises fireworks, festivities
bounce houses, line dancing, and performances by the U.S. Navy band from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. DJ Vern from SURF 97.3 FM will also provide music and entertainment.
beer garden.
Observer Staff
A daylong Independence Day celebration in Flagler County will begin with a parade in Flagler Beach and conclude with Fireworks Over the Runways at the Flagler Executive Airport.
The July 4 event is the result of a partnership between the Flagler County government and the cities of Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and Bunnell and the towns of Beverly Beach and Marineland, according to a news release from the Palm Coast city government. The day will begin at 10 a.m. with the Stars and Stripes parade, presented by the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach.
The parade will follow State Road A1A from North 6th Street to South 6th Street.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., events will occur all day at Veterans Park at 101 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. in Flagler Beach, including a dunk tank, contests,
Briefs
‘Red, White & BOOM’ festival planned
Flagler Broadcasting and the Florida Cracker Ranch are partnering for the first Red, White & BOOM celebration and fireworks show the weekend of June 30. Come out early on Friday, June 30, with camping gear
Gates at the Flagler Executive Airport, 201 Airport Road in Palm Coast, will open at 5 p.m., and the fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
There are two parking options for the fireworks show, according to the news release:
Option 1: Parking for airport access on the north side (front of the airport) will be available at Flagler Palm Coast High School. North-side parking will require a 0.5-mile walk from the school to the airport entrance, involving crossing State Road 100 at the Bulldog Drive and S.R. 100 crosswalk.
There will be no parking on the north side of the airport property. Access to Aviation Drive and Airport Road from SR100 will be restricted beginning at 4 p.m.
On the north side, limited bleacher seating will be available, along with a selection of vendors offering face painting, a trackless train, and various small gifts for purchase. Food vendors will provide dining options, including a and ATVs to explore over 1,200 acres of backwoods trails and mud holes.
Saturday, July 1, will feature swamp buggy rides, racing pigs, a free kids zone, food trucks, swimming in Spring Lake and live country and rock bands. Local artist Jordan Profitt will be opening, and Jordan Redding will be headlining. A fireworks show over the lake will start at 10 p.m.
“The Florida Cracker Ranch has become the fastestgrowing family off-road park, in Florida, and we are proud to bring this to Flagler County,” said Swayne Stickland, the owner of Florida Cracker Ranch. Reserve your three-day campsites in advance to stay for the whole weekend. Tents, RVs ATVs and coolers are welcome. Discount reservations and more details can be found at flaglerbroadcasting.com.
A main stage will feature a DJ, and at 7 p.m., local dignitaries and elected officials will recite the Declaration of Independence. Melanie DiMartino will perform the national anthem. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Portable restrooms and a handwashing station will be provided.
Option 2: Guests can opt for airport parking, including handicapped parking, on the south side (back of the airport), accessible via Fin Way off Belle Terre Boulevard. The south side of the airport is for fireworks viewing only: No vendors or seating will be available. Guests are encouraged to pack a picnic and bring lawn chairs. There will be portable restrooms and a handwashing station.
Entry, parking and participation in the event are free. Glass bottles are strictly prohibited.
There will be no access between the front and back of the airport during the event. The airport will be operational, except for a temporary closure for the fireworks.
Carpooling is encouraged. Go to UnitedFlagler4th.com.
Education
Rebecca Peck, MD, earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut with an interest in Geriatrics and Women’s Health. In 2001, Dr. Peck completed her Family Medicine Residency at Halifax Health and is a board-certified family physician.
Professional Highlights
Dr. Peck is a board-certified family physician who has worked in government, private and hospital-employed physician environments as a geriatric specialist and family physician. Dr. Peck is dedicated to providing excellent care and service to her patients and collaborates with other medical staff to devise effective treatment solutions. She is excited to provide a neighborhood doctor's approach combining the best of longitudinal patient relationships with the latest technological advances.
