Katrina Lyn Hatzl died Friday night after losing control of her Chevrolet Impala on U.S. 1 in Palm Coast. A witness reported the vehicle sped past his van and overcorrected before striking a guard rail then flipping into a concrete embankment. Hatzl, the mother of two young daughters, previously ran a business called Katrina’s Crystals, more recently changed to Kat’s Crystal Creations.
Cops/Courts
Palm Coast Mother Jailed for Abandoning 3 Children at Hospital Over Dog’s Death; 44 Dogs Recovered
Sandra Marie Teague faces three child neglect charges after abandoning her three children at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway. She allegedly blamed the teenagers for the death of a pet dog. Investigation revealed a home filled with 44 dogs and various other animals living in squalid conditions. Teague remains in jail on a $150,000 bond.
Immigration Sweeps Lead to Tens of Thousands More ‘Collateral’ Arrests of Noncriminals in 7 Months
A quarter of immigration arrests since August were labeled by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as “collateral,” a type of arrest and detention that’s been challenged in court as an end run around civil rights. Public outrage and lawsuits over the arrests may be tamping down the large-scale sweeps that foster them, but tens of thousands were arrested this way between August and early March.
Palm Coast Man Arrested for Plucking the Chicken in Front of Minor at Chick-Fil-A Drive-Thru
Luke Mathew Dudkewic, a 33-year-old resident of Palm Coast, faces a second degree felony charge of exhibitionism following his arrest over an allegedly lewd and enraptured exposure to a minor employee in the drive-thru line at Chick-fil-A last Friday. Dudkewic is denying any intentional wrongdoing.
Turmoil at Flagler Beach Fire Department as 5 Firefighters, Including Deputy Chief and Morgan Rainey, Resign
The Flagler Beach Fire Department is facing a leadership crisis as five firefighters tendered their resignations almost on the same day. High-profile departures include Deputy Chief Jennifer Fiveash and veteran Morgan Rainey. Personnel cite intimidation and lack of support under Chief Stephen Cox. City Manager Dale Martin is investigating the internal culture as Cox attributes the friction to chronic understaffing and low pay. Mutual aid from neighboring departments ensures continued public safety coverage.
New Investigative Details Reveal How a Deputy’s Shooting Practice Nearly Killed An 11-Year-Old Boy
A newly released affidavit describes how a projectile allegedly fired by Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy Bryan Jackson from an agency-issued AR-15 grazed an 11-year-old boy inside his home. Detectives navigated obstacles including missing surveillance footage. FBI trajectory analysis conclusively linked the shot to Jackson’s private firing range, as detectives also discovered that one of hisberms had been built on an adjoining property without the property owner’s permission.
Sheriff’s Deputy Bryan Jackson Who Fired AR-15 Shot that Struck 11-Year-Old Is Charged with Misdemeanor
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office charged Deputy Bryan Jackson with culpable negligence after a bullet from his daughter’s AR-15 grazed an 11-year-old boy in a neighboring house. Jackson currently performs administrative duties. The State Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case after the FBI reconstructed the shooting from Jackson’s makeshift backyard range.
14-Year-Old FPC Student Faces Felony For ‘Dark Humor’ SnapChat Threat Despite Voluntarily Reporting It
A 14-year-old Flagler Palm Coast High School student faces a second-degree felony charge for posting a school shooting threat on Snapchat even though the student and his mother voluntarily met with a school resource officer to disclose the joke.
Flagler Sheriff’s Deputy Kaleem Chohan, 24, Fired After Domestic Violence Arrest
The Flagler County Sheriff today fired first-year deputy Kaleem Suhail Chohan following his arrest Sunday on a battery charge involving his sister. The charge is a first-degree misdemeanor. He would have normally been suspended without pay pending the disposition of the case. Singe he was three days shy of his probation ending, he was fired.
Investigative Services Division Chief Agustin “Augie” Rodriguez Graduates Commanders Academy
Flagler County Sheriff’s Investigative Services Division Chief Agustin “Augie” Rodriguez graduated from Class 18 of the Florida Sheriffs Association’s Commanders Academy, the Sheriff’s Office reports.
Final Legal Challenge to Flagler Beach’s Annexations Of Veranda Bay And Summertown Ends
Resident Stephen Noble dropped his lawsuit against Flagler Beach over the annexation of Veranda Bay, making the 756-acre annexations of Veranda Bay and Summertown uncontested. The developer agreed to pay legal fees and transfer property to Noble as part of the settlement.
Lance Blanchette Appointed Flagler Beach Police Chief On Strength of Record and Vigorous Endorsements
City Manager Dale Martin announced the appointment of Lance Blanchette as the permanent Flagler Beach police chief during this evening’s City Commission meeting. Blanchette served as acting chief since Matt Doughney retired in early January. He earned support from Sheriff Rick Staly and an independent law enforcement panel, among others.
Judge Denies Restoring Bond For Anne Mae Demegillo Following Murder Indictment In Newborn Death
Anne Mae Demegillo will remain at the Flagler County jail following a judge’s ruling against restoring a $250,000 bond, now that a grand jury indicted the 21 year old on first-degree murder charges related to her newborn’s death. The capital felony status removes her legal entitlement to pretrial release. Defense attorneys unsuccessfully argued for her freedom based on lack of flight risk. Defense attorney Aaron Delgado has replaced Michael Politis.
Former Flagler Beach Fire Chief and Historical Museum President Robbie Creal Dies at Age 75
Former Flagler Beach Fire Chief Robbie Creal died at his North 5th Street home this weekend at 75. Creal served as fire chief for 26 years before leading the Flagler Beach Historical Museum. Police discovered his body Monday during a welfare check requested by his sister. Authorities found no signs of foul play. The local community remembers him for his extensive civic and historical contributions.
Can Green Card Holders Be Deported for Committing a Crime? Supreme Court Hears Arguments Wednesday.
The Supreme Court will determine if immigration officials need clear evidence of a crime to treat returning green card holders as seeking admission. Muk Choi Lau challenged his removal after being paroled due to pending charges. The 2nd Circuit ruled in his favor. Now the justices must decide if the government can rely on later convictions or must prove crimes at the border.
Palm Coast’s Lindsey Isaacs, 23, Arrested in Hit-And-Run That Killed Jorge Salinas, His Wife and a Motorcyclist
The Florida Highway Patrol arrested 23-year-old Lindsey Brooke Isaacs, a resident of Palm Coast’s Integra Woods apartments, for the October hit-and-run crash on I-4 that killed Deputy Flagler County Administrator Jorge Salinas, Nancy Salinas, and Joaquin Deno, a Deltona father of five. Investigators used license plate readers to locate Isaacs’s Dodge Durango. She previously sued to recover her car before these charges were filed.
Severely Injured Puppy Found In Flagler County Park’s Ditch Shows Signs Of Illegal Dog Fighting
A severely injured puppy was abandoned in a ditch at Shell Bluff park, suffering from deep wounds and infections consistent with illegal dog fighting. Caroline Johnson of SMART coordinated the rescue and transport to East Coast Animal Hospital, where Shelly continues her recovery and prepares for future adoption. There are no current leads on the dog’s recent history.
Palm Coast Man, 64, Arrested After Detectives Intercept Illegal Peer-To-Peer Child Abuse Downloads
Flagler County authorities arrested 58-year-old Scott Beverst for possessing child sexual abuse material after detectives intercepted illegal downloads through a public peer-to-peer network and traced the IP address to his Palm Coast house, where he lived with his parents. Beverst admitted familiarity with the dark web and specific abuse series as investigators found hundreds of files on his laptop. He remains in jail on a $250,000 bond.
Florida Supreme Court Elects John Couriel Chief Justice
The Florida Supreme Court has unanimously elected John D. Couriel for a two-year term as chief justice, beginning on July 1. He succeeds Carlos Muñiz, who will remain on the court after completing his second term as chief justice on June 30.
Flagler Beach Accepts $20,000 Gift from Susan Smith for 5 AEDs in Late Husband’s Memory
The Flagler Beach Fire Department and city government marked a $20,000 donation to the city’s Volunteer Fire Association to install five Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces throughout the city. Susan Smith presented the gift at City Hall to honors the memory of her husband, Mark Hietpas, who died in a rip current in the British Virgin Islands two years ago.
Jury Finds Henriqson Guilty On All 11 Child Sex Abuse Counts; Judge Sentences Him to 9 Life Terms
A Flagler County jury convicted 48-year-old Krystopher Henriqson on 11 counts of raping and molesting his former stepdaughter over three years, when she was betwen 9 and 12. DNA evidence and recorded phone confessions secured the verdict at the end of a three-day trial. Henriqson faces life in prison.
Victim, 13, Testifies Against Ex-Stepfather as Chilling Recorded Confession and DNA Evidence Pile Up
The now 13-year-old alleged victim testified today against her stepfather, Kristopher Hendriqson, in his second day of trial on capital rape charges stemming from allegations that he’d been raping and molesting her since she was 9. The prosecution presented recorded phone calls containing Henriqson’s confessions and forensic DNA evidence matching his profile that he’d left on the girl’s chest. Henriqson abandoned his self-representation after a poor start on Monday.
Sheriff Says He’ll Request 13 New Deputies as he Touts Helicopter, Drones, ICE Partnership and Crime Drop
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly reported a 54 percent crime decrease since 2017 during his annual Addressing Crime Together presentation last week. He intends to request 13 new deputies. His report detailed a new Bell 505 helicopter acquisition and expanded drone first-responder programs and defended the agency’s collaboration with federal ICE agents while highlighting successful inmate rehabilitation programs at the jail.
World Cup Security Will Cost Over $80 Million in Florida
The FDLE request involves $8.1 million in a Federal Emergency Management grant to be used for monitoring, tracking and detection through unmanned aircraft systems. Another $73.7 million Federal Emergency Management grant was awarded to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Most of the money, $63.6 million, will reimburse local law enforcement agencies for overtime expenses.
Trial Begins With Major Disruptions as Self-Representing Henriqson Delivers Improper Opening Statement
Kristopher Henriqson’s trial on child rape and molestation charges started with along delay as Henriqson, representing himself, attempted to deliver an improper 12-page opening statement. Judge Dawn Nichols ordered the prosecution to highlight acceptable portions after repeated jury recesses, reducing the statement to less than a minute.
Reimagining Itself, Flagler Beach Approves New Transportation Fees To Start Funding $38 Million ‘Mobility’ Plan
Flagler Beach commissioners unanimously approved new mobility fees on new construction to fund a $38 million transportation plan. The initiative shifts the city away from car-centered infrastructure toward a multi-modal environment accommodating pedestrians and cyclists. The fee schedule targets residential and commercial developments.
Florida Universities’ Collaboration with ICE Is Making Students Less Safe
At least 15 Florida public universities have signed agreements to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, authorizing campus police to perform certain federal immigration functions including questioning and arresting suspected undocumented students. Faculty members report an intensifying climate of anxiety and uncertainty across campuses and a damaged sense of belonging for international students while undermining the role of universities.
Kevin Cichowski, Exonerated at Trial in October, Faces 7 New Violent Charges. He’s Also Running for Governor.
Flagler County deputies arrested Kevin Cichowski following a domestic disturbance involving two elderly victims. The 46-year-old gubernatorial candidate allegedly battered the victims with a cane and a cellphone. Cichowski threatened to kill law enforcement before surrendering to the Sheriff’s Office. He went to trial on domestic violence charges last October and was found not guilty.
Flagler Sheriff’s Detective Ardit Coma Files Federal Lawsuit Against Ormond Beach For Alleged False Arrest
Flagler County Sheriff’s Detective Ardit Coma filed a federal lawsuit against Ormond Beach and the officer, Sgt. Caleb Braun, who allegedly falsely arrested Coma after a December traffic stop for speeding escalated into a felony charge of fleeing and eluding. Attorney Anthony Sabatini filed the suit on Wednesday in the Middle District of Florida, arguing the city maintains a custom of improperly escalating routine stops into unlawful felony arrests.
Accused Rapist Henriqson Fumbles to Monday Trial and Risk of Life in Prison as He Persists with Self-Representation
After trying various ways to again delay a trial that’s been postponed since last fall, former Palm Coast resident Kristopher Henriqson, 48, faces trial Monday for numerous capital and life felony charges involving the alleged rapes of his stepdaughter over three years, when she was between 9 and 12. Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols denied his request for another continuance and cautioned him in two hearings this week against continuing to represent himself in two hearings this week. Henriqson has made numerous missteps in the case.
Ex-AdventHealth Nurse Avoids Prison Time in Plea to 5 Years’ Probation for Fraud and Unlicensed Practice
Autumn Marie Bardisa received five years of probation for practicing nursing without a license at AdventHealth Palm Coast. The 29-year-old treated over 4,000 patients using a stolen identity. Judge Dawn Nichols withheld adjudication and endorsed the plea deal, saying Bardisa had the the necessary medical training, excelled at her job, but showed incredible poor judgment. Bardisa eventually earned her license, but is surrendering it as part of the plea deal.
Grand Jury Indicts Anne Mae Demegillo on First Degree Murder Charges in Infant’s Death
A Flagler County grand jury indicted 20-year-old Anne Mae Demegillo on a first-degree murder charge this afternoon. Investigators discovered digital evidence on her phone including searches for Casey Anthony and infant mortality. Demegillo previously faced manslaughter charges after her newborn daughter died in a toilet in early March. She turned herself in this evening.
School Report Leads To Arrest Of Girl’s Father Accused Of Beating her with Tongs
Flagler County deputies arrested 30-year-old Christopher Kleiner on a felony child abuse charge following a school report to state authorities that he allegedly struck his daughter with metal tongs after a dispute involving a Nintendo Switch. Investigators observed bruising and welts inconsistent with the father’s claims of accidental injury.
Tag Team: Dad Chris Calio Retires from Flagler Fire Rescue as Son Nick Begins Career
Flagler County Fire Rescue Firefighter Paramedic Chris Calio retired on April 1, no joke, and had the privilege of spending the day with his son, Nick Calio – brand new to the department at Fire Station 16 on the Volusia County border. Also on shift were Chris Calio’s best friends: Noah Hunt and Jake Gonzalez.
R.J. Larizza Hosts Former Rivals as Unveiling of 4 State Attorneys’ Portraits Stirs Old Battles and Triumphs
State Attorney R.J. Larizza Friday unveiled a portrait gallery at an event honoring four storied Seventh Judicial Circuit former State Attorneys: Dan Warren, Stephen Boyles, John Tanner and Steve Alexander. Warren’s son Raymond, a former prosecutor and public defender, recalled his father’s role in the summer of 1964, seminal in the state’s civil rights history, and Tanner used the occasion to discuss his 1963 manslaughter indictment by Warren, and subsequent enmity with the state attorney.
Appeals Court Will Decide if Flagler Beach Shopping Center Can Legally Ban Coastal Family Church Services
Coastal Family Church is appealing a court injunction prohibiting services at its Flagler Beach shopping center location. The property management company cites private covenants banning public assembly to justify the restriction. The church argues the ban violates First Amendment rights and constitutes selective enforcement. The high-stakes legal battle pits foundational private property rights against constitutional religious protections.
DeSantis Demands Impeachment Of a Judge as he Signs ‘Missy’s Law’ Ending Some Pre-Sentence Releases
Gov. DeSantis signed Missy’s Law to prevent the release of violent felons awaiting sentencing. The legislation is named after Melissa Mogle, a child killed by her stepfather after he was released on bond. DeSantis called for the impeachment of Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper for her role in that release.
In Remarkable Display of De-Escalation, Sheriff’s Deputy Bryan Carter Talks 22-Year-Old Down from Gun Suicide
Isaac Malone Lewis, his own gun to his head, was in a two-hour standoff with Flagler County deputies on Burning Ember Lane Monday following a series of domestic incidents. Deputy Bryan Carter negotiated with him and ensured a peaceful surrender. Lewis now faces felony charges for stalking and fleeing police. Sheriff Rick Staly credited the successful resolution to comprehensive de-escalation training.
St. Johns County Grand Jury Indicts Convicted Felon Christian Barrios For Two Execution-Style Murders
A St. Johns County grand jury indicted Christian Barrios today for the first-degree murders of Melissa Wood and Jason Chatham. Authorities say Barrios shot the pair outside a Ponte Vedra Walgreens after suspecting infidelity. Following the shooting, he stole a vehicle and fled to Nassau County before his capture. Barrios allegedly confessed to the killings. A judge will soon decide on sealing that confession.
Former Flagler Beach Facilities Director Bryan Moisao Sues City, Alleging Wrongful Retaliatory Termination
Former Flagler Beach facilities director Bryan Moisao filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging wrongful termination and whistleblower retaliation following his discharge last September. Moisao alleges City Manager Dale Martin fired him for reporting operational misconduct despite receiving a good performance evaluation. The city personnel board previously dismissed his administrative complaint despite discrepancies in two separate evaluations, one of which he’d never seen.
Over 1,300 ‘No Kings’ Protesters at 3 Locations in Flagler Beach and Palm Coast Proclaim Diversity of Opposition to Trump
Demonstrators gathered in Flagler Beach and two locations in Palm Coast Saturday to participate in the third set of anti-authoritarian “No Kings” protests, part of some 3,100 such protests across the country. More than 1,300 people voiced opposition to the Trump administration through signs and chants. A small counter-protest emerged at Palm Coast Parkway. Participants expressed concerns ranging from civil rights to immigration issues, but the movement’s political effectiveness ahead of the November election is unclear.
As War and ICE Fuel Momentum, Throngs Expected at No Kings Rallies in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach Saturday
Organizers in Flagler County scheduled three separate No Kings rallies in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, joining millions expected to participate in over 3,000 demonstrations across the nation and beyond Saturday. The non-hierarchical protests draw on thematic opposition to recent foreign and domestic policies and the president’s authoritarianism.
City Manager Names Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill Interim Deputy in Place of Departing Lauren Johnston
Palm Coast City Manager Mike McGlothlin appointed Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill as the interim deputy city manager today, replacing Lauren Johnston, who is joining the local school district in April. Bradd Clark will lead the fire department during the transition. Berryhill’s long tenure with the city and previous stints as acting manager provide institutional memory for a city staff seeking continuity, leadership, and stability.
Sheriff’s Gala Raises $70,000 for Employee Assistance Trust
During a night that included dancing, dinner, and honoring Flagler County’s finest, more than 170 guests celebrated the 2026 Sheriff’s Gala and raised over $70,000 to support the Flagler Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Trust. The annual black-tie event, which was held on March 21 at Hammock Beach Resort, raised money to aid Flagler County Sheriff’s Office employees in times of unexpected need.
Woman’s Arrest Over Stolen Palm Coast Lots Reveals Murky Financial Trails and Cryptic Country Music Ties
Authorities arrested 63-year-old Cheryl Annette Jefferson on a Flagler County warrant for orchestrating a multi-state property fraud scheme involving over $421,000. Investigations began after a New York woman discovered her Palm Coast lot was sold without her knowledge. Jefferson claims she acted on behalf of famous country music artists. Detectives traced stolen funds to cryptocurrency accounts and identified additional fraudulent transactions across Florida, Georgia, and Colorado.
Cyclist Ronald Lynn Broaddus Dies After Sunday Afternoon Collision With Pickup Truck On U.S. 1
Sixty-four-year-old cyclist Ronald Lynn Broaddus died Sunday following a collision with a Ford F-150 on U.S. 1. The crash occurred near the Flagler-Volusia county line as Broaddus attempted to cross into the median. Emergency responders transported him to Halifax Hospital with critical injuries.
9th Annual Addressing Crime Together Meeting and Sheriff’s Citizens Academy
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office hosts two community events this spring to promote transparency and engagement. The Citizens Academy begins March 31. The free multi-week program offers residents a look at agency operations and includes patrol ride-alongs. Sheriff Rick Staly also holds the ninth annual Addressing Crime Together meeting on April 9, focusing on local crime trends and safety initiatives for 2026.
Palm Coast Council Candidate Darlene Shelley Preparing to Sue City and Council Member Theresa Pontieri Over ICI Vote
Darlene Shelley filed a lawsuit against Palm Coast and Council Member Theresa Pontieri. The legal action–hung up in an errors cue at the clerk’s office for now–challenges an approved housing expansion in the E Section. Shelley alleges the council violated due process and transparency rules. She also claims Pontieri holds a conflict of interest regarding first responder housing. Pontieri dismissed the claims as frivolous and politically motivated.
She Was in Labor at a Florida Hospital. Then She Was in Zoom Court for Refusing a C-Section.
Cherise Doyley faced a bedside judicial hearing during active labor after refusing a C-section at a Jacksonville hospital. Doctors cited uterine rupture risks, yet Doyley prioritized her autonomy and recovery concerns. The court eventually authorized emergency intervention without her consent in a case that highlights how fetal personhood policies can strip pregnant patients of constitutional rights, leading to forced medical treatments and controversial legal precedents.
Palm Coast Driver Killed In Rear End Collision With Tractor Trailer On State Road 11
A 37-year-old Palm Coast man died Friday morning after his Subaru struck the rear of a tractor-trailer on State Road 11 as the truck was making a turn onto a logging road. The collision occurred between Bunnell and Cody’s Corner. Emergency responders extracted the unresponsive driver, but paramedics pronounced him deceased at the scene.