THE HAMMOCK
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 5, NO. 12
Reading scores drop 5 FREE
• JULY 2021
Whitney Lab to expand footprint Plans move forward for new research building at Whitney Laboratory, in Marineland PAGE 3
Proposed library to feature vaccine site
Future lifeguards
Youth learn lifeguarding skills. PAGE 6
Other ideas include a cafe, outdoor stage and technology classroom. JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR
Flagler’s new southern library branch won’t be just a library. Instead, County Administrator Jerry Cameron said at a County Commission meeting June 21, it will be a community gathering place with a facility for vaccination and pandemic testing. “The architect is following directions to try to give us what we call a prototypical library of the future,” Cameron said, “and that’s going to look a lot different than traditional warehouses for books.” The library branch, which will replace the existing Bunnell branch on Moody Boulevard and will be built near the county’s Emergency Operations Center off Commerce Parkway, will also feature a “forum for the arts” and a space for technology education, Cameron said. The public health portion of the
Rylin Goff, 13; Caylee Casper, 12; Carly Kline, 12
Photo by Jake Montgomery
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Michael Tucker installed as Flagler Fire Rescue chief
Local Postal Customer
Tucker will serve as Fire Rescue Chief to more than 100 Flagler County firefighter paramedics.
Michael Tucker
JULIE MURPHY FLAGLER COUNTY PIO
Flagler County held a Transfer of Command ceremony and installation of Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker on July 9. Tucker will serve as Fire Rescue Chief to more than 100 Flagler County firefighter paramedics. He will fill the shoes as the permanent replacement of Don Petito, who retired nearly a year to the day of Tucker taking charge. The Board of County Commissioners was introduced to Tucker during its June 7 board meeting. “Flagler County Fire Rescue has a strong reputation,” he said
then. “I look forward to be able to help the organization continue to move forward and hopefully help the organization become stronger.” Tucker last worked as the superintendent at the Florida State Fire College, Bureau of Fire Standards, Division of State Fire Marshal, where he had oversight of the curriculums and programs required for the certification of the state’s 70,000 firefighters, fire inspectors, arson investigators, and fire instructors. Tucker is also a consultant with Emergency Services Consulting International where he is responsible for preparing pro-
posals, project management, and providing recommendations for professional reports. He previously served as fire chief for The Villages. In addition to his credentials in the industry — notably the distinction of Executive Fire Officer achieved through the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland — Tucker has a master’s degree in public administration. “It is an honor to welcome Chief Tucker to Flagler County,” said Commission Chair Donald O’Brien. “His credentials are impeccable. We are very fortunate that he’s chosen to call Flagler home.”