Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia is touring the state to accuse local governments of reckless overspending, but his claims rely on a simplistic formula ignoring critical economic factors like property value increases and essential service needs. Flagler County faced his unsubstantiated attacks last week. Actual budget data reveals that Ingoglia’s claims collapse under the weight of even feathery scrutiny.
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Daily Cartoon and Briefing
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, April 3, 2026
Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local
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.
Flagler Beach Approves Millions In New Debt For Sewer Upgrades Without Clear Resident Cost
The Flagler Beach City Commission approved $37 million of an expected $52 million loan to rebuild its sewer plant, and is applying for an additional, separate $19 million loan for other stormwater improvements. Yet the city cannot currently calculate exact rate increases for residents because outdated studies fail to reflect rising construction costs. Development impact fees will not provide immediate relief.
More Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local
Flagler Beach Leaders Revisit 30 Years of Paid Parking Talk Amid Growing Resentment Toward Palm Coast and County
Flagler Beach commissioners debated a new vision statement today to address identity preservation amid heavy tourism but long-standing resentment toward Palm Coast and Flagler County surfaced during discussions about traffic congestion. Despite 30 years of ignoring parking studies, officials now claim they will prioritize paid parking for visitors. No specific leader was appointed to manage the project.
Palm Coast Releases ‘Popular’ 20-Page Annual Financial Report
The City of Palm Coast Finance Department has released its latest so-called “Popular Annual Financial Report” (PAFR), offering residents a clear, accessible, and transparent look at the city’s financial position and operations.
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.
Flagler County Is 6th Fastest Growing in Florida, with 25,000 New Residents Between 2020 and 2025
Flagler County added 25,000 residents between 2020 and 2025 to reach a total of 140,360 people. The 21.7 percent increase makes it the sixth fastest growing county in Florida. Most growth stems from domestic migration. The aging demographic influences local policy decisions, healthcare infrastructure, and public school enrollment trends. Growth slowed slightly during the most recent 12-month period reported recently.
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.
Flagler Beach Approves Extended Farmers’ Market Hours for Turtle Fest, But with Warning on Future Street Closures
The Flagler Beach City Commission approved extended hours for the farmers’ market during Turtle Fest on April 11, but Commission Chair Eric Cooley has significant reservations about the city’s increasing frequency of downtown street closures and their negative impact on residents and business owners. The market will partner with Turtle Fest on April 11 and the Cedar Bridge Foundation’s autism Run/Walk on April 26, donating its revenue to the two organizations.
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.
Palm Coast City Hall and 3 Schools Lost Internet and Phone Service Thursday and Friday in Accidental Cable Cut
A subcontractor accidentally severed a Fibernet line along U.S. 1 on Thursday, caused significant internet and phone outages for Palm Coast City Hall, Matanzas High School, Belle Terre Elementary and Indian Trails Middle School. Crews worked overnight to repair the damage and restore services by Saturday morning. Teachers transitioned to offline instruction to avoid classroom disruptions. The city manager intends to seek full financial reimbursement for the repair project costs.
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.
The Live Calendar: Today in Flagler
April 2026
Apr 03 2026
Free Tax Preparation Services in Flagler County
Apr 03 2026
“My Fair Lady,” at Daytona Playhouse
Daytona Playhouse
Apr 03 2026
First Friday in Flagler Beach
Veterans Park
Apr 03 2026
Free Family Art Night at Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens
Apr 04 2026
Flagler Beach Farmers Market
In Front of Flagler Beach City Hall
Apr 04 2026
Flagler Beach All Stars Beach Clean-Up
Apr 04 2026
Coffee With Flagler Beach Commission Chair Scott Spradley
Law Office of Scott Spradley
Apr 04 2026
Grace Community Food Pantry on Education Way
Flagler School District Bus Depot
Apr 04 2026
2nd Annual Italian Festival
Flagler County Fairgrounds 150 Sawgrass Rd Bunnell, FL 32110
Apr 04 2026
Book Dragons, the Kids’ Book Club, at Flagler Beach Public Library
315 South 7th Street, Flagler Beach
Apr 04 2026
“My Fair Lady,” at Daytona Playhouse
Daytona Playhouse
Apr 04 2026
Celebrating Celine! with Jenene Caramielo, at the Fitz
Flagler Auditorium/Dennis Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts
No event found!
The Conversation
Taming the Moral Menace at Capitalism’s Core
Digital disruption and the climate crisis are often framed as economic or social challenges. But they force crucial moral questions. Who will be held accountable for the human cost? What will it take to transform business culture so that those costs are not treated as inevitable and acceptable? The answers will shape not only technology’s impact on humanity and the planet but the moral foundations of democracy itself.
Florida and Beyond
Trump Fires Pam Bondi, Ending Combative Tenure as Attorney General
Attorney General Pam Bondi is leaving the Department of Justice and will be replaced for now by President Donald Trump’s former personal defense lawyer, the president announced Thursday.
Voting Rights Groups File Suit as DeSantis Signs Proof-of-Citizenship Law
While Congress remains deadlocked on the SAVE America Act that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, that requirement will soon become the law of the land in Florida now that Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the latest “voting integrity ” legislation. The governor signed the bill (HB 991) into law Wednesday in The Villages following its approval by the Florida Legislature last month. The law requires people who are registering to vote to produce evidence of citizenship, such as a valid passport or birth certificate. It will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, April 2, 2026
“Godspell,” at the Limelight Theatre in St. Augustine, “My Fair Lady,” at Daytona Playhouse, Story Time with Miss Kim at Flagler Beach Public Library, Model Yacht Club Races at the Pond in Palm Coast’s Central Park and Doug Stanhope on nationalism.
More Florida and Beyond
US, Israel and Iran All Think God Is On Their Side
Political leaders in the United States, Israel, and Iran are increasingly employing religious rhetoric to justify ongoing military actions. From biblical metaphors used by American and Israeli officials to messianic narratives within the Iranian leadership, faith serves as a tool for authoritarian nationalism, but the instrumentalization of scripture sets a dangerous precedent for international relations, complicating efforts toward peace and violating historical secular norms during war.
Supreme Court Appears Likely to Side Against Trump on Birthright Citizenship
Every federal court that has considered a challenge to Donald Trump’s executive order that would end birthright citizenship has struck it down. After just over two hours of oral arguments on Wednesday, before an audience that included (at least for part of the morning) Trump himself, a majority of the Supreme Court seemed likely to do the same.
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.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
The Artemis launch this evening, Palm Coast’s Code Enforcement Board meets, Conversations in Democracy at Pine Lakes Golf Club, Bingo Night at Palm Coast Elks Lodge.
Why the Moon Again? Why Now?
NASA redesigned the Artemis program to prioritize building a permanent human presence on the lunar surface through strategic infrastructure investments. The agency added intermediate missions in low Earth orbit to test docking systems and life-support technologies. The shift ensures the development of reliable operations for repeated lunar missions. Consistent activity on the Moon will eventually shape international space law expectations.
Trump Gets an Airport in West Palm Beach, Taxpayers Get The $5 Million Bill
Gov. DeSantis signed legislation renaming Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump, a rebranding that’ll cost at $5 million for signage and marketing across the West Palm Beach facility. Republican supporters believe the honor reflects Trump’s presidency as Democrats criticize the wasted money as a political stunt that ignores many pressing state economic priorities for Florida.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Random Acts of Insanity Standup Comedy at Cinematique, Weekly Chess Club for Teens at the public library, Free Tax Preparation Services for a few more days, maga über alles.
Why Leisure Matters
In his powerful book “The Burnout Society,” South Korean philosopher Byung-Chul Han argues that in modern society, individuals have an imperative to achieve. Han calls this an “achievement society” in which we must become “entrepreneurs” – branding and selling ourselves; there is no time off the clock. But there’s a connection between unhealthy forms of leisure and burnout. Philosophy can help us navigate some of the pitfalls of leisure in an achievement society. The celebrated Greek philosopher Aristotle in particular can offer important insights.
Thousands Of No Kings Protesters Gathered In Red Florida Counties To Challenge Autocracy and War
Thousands of protesters gathered across Florida cities to demonstrate against Donald Trump during the third No Kings event even in Republican strongholds, including Pensacola, Jacksonville, Lakeland and Flagler County. Veterans joined diverse crowds to criticize foreign policy decisions and domestic immigration enforcement. Participants expressed concern regarding government lawlessness and executive overreach.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, March 30, 2026
Clay Jones on King Trump, the Bunnell Police Department’s seminar on “Fraud Fighters,” postcard from Beirut under the bombs, a stroll through the city.
On People Who Reject Gender Labels
It is a tumultuous time in the politics of gender. On the one hand, transgender and queer social movements have sought to expand people’s ability to break out of the gender binary of man or woman. On the other, the Trump administration has aggressively worked to reassert the gender binary by law.
Saturday in Byblos:
François de Rosset’s Story of the Execution of Two Siblings
François Rosset was a bestselling French writer who in 1619 fictionalized the story of the tragic 1603 execution of Marguerite and Julien de Ravalet for adultery and incest after eloping to escape social norms and, for Marguerite, a decrepit husband. Rosset questioned the brutal judicial system and described the couple with remarkable compassion even as he nodded in the direction of the era’s social and religious norms. The theme has since evolved through literature, art and law, with at times surprising results.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, March 29, 2026
The Flagler Home and Lifestyle Show has its second and final day, Yasmina Reza’s “Art,” at City Repertory Theatre, “My Fair Lady,” at Daytona Playhouse, Palm Coast Farmers’ Market at European Village, Richard Ford reminds us to stop blaming baseball.
Commentary
François de Rosset, “Of a Brother and Sister’s Incestuous Love and Tragic End” (1619)
A translation from the French of François de Rosset’s “Of A Brother and Sister’s Incestuous Love and Tragic End,” or “Des amours incestueuses d’un frère et d’une soeur et de leur fin malheureuse et tragique,” form Rosset’s 1619 collection, Tragic Stories (“Histoires tragiques.”)
AI’s Greatest Risk in Education Isn’t Cheating. It’s the Erosion of Learning.
People may use AI to cheat or skip out on work assignments. But the many uses of AI in higher education, and the changes they portend, beg a much deeper question: As machines become more capable of doing the labor of research and learning, what happens to higher education? What purpose does the university serve?
Oil Reserves Last for Weeks. Solar Panels Last Decades.
Rising Middle East tensions highlight the extreme vulnerability of global fossil fuel markets. Cheap renewable technologies provide a permanent solution for energy independence and national security. Transitioning to all-electric systems offers decades of stability compared to volatile fuel prices. Electrification ensures resilience by replacing imported petroleum with reliable domestic solar and wind power.
Sponsored Content
OpenAI Stock Forecast: Evaluating the Long-Term Prospects in AI
Artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, offering unprecedented efficiency and innovation. Among leading AI enterprises, OpenAI has emerged as a central figure, developing transformative technologies with applications ranging from natural language processing to enterprise solutions.
The Key Causes of Financial Gaps Among Families in Flagler County
Flagler County has a cost of living score of 98.7, meaning that it is 1.3% lower than the US national average. However, the same applies to wages. An average resident’s income tends to be 7% lower compared to what people earn across the nation. On top of that, county residents face challenges associated with housing, […]