The Flagler County Commission will conduct public Zoom interviews with six finalists for the county administrator position later this month. The commission plans to select two or three finalists for in-person interviews in late August before making a final hiring decision shortly thereafter.
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Daily Cartoon and Briefing
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local
20-Year-Old Drunk Driver Avoids Prison in Lenient Sentence for Injuring Ebiker on Belle Terre Parkway
Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols sentenced Mollie Hayes, 20, of Palm Coast, to 180 days in jail and four years on probation for striking and severely injuring an ebiker on Belle Terre Parkway and Pine Grove Drive. Hayes avoided a felony conviction through a plea agreement–for now: The judge is almost certain she will violate her terms. If so, she would be adjudicated a felon and sentenced to prison.
Calling Homestead Amendment Ballot Measure Misleading Political Rhetoric, Judge Orders Rewrite
The title and summary of a property tax cut proposal to be placed on the November ballot contain political rhetoric and are misleading, and must be redrafted, a Leon Circuit Court judge ruled late Monday. “Voters are entitled to a fair, clear, accurate and non-misleading ballot statement to assist them in making their critical determination,” Judge David Frank wrote in his 18-page ruling.
Florida Sheriff’s Association Joins Other Public Safety Groups Raising Alarms Over Homestead Amendment
Public safety groups–and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly–are warning voters about the property tax cut amendment that will appear on ballots this November. On Monday, the Florida Sheriffs Association released a statement saying they were “significantly concerned” about Amendment 3, which if passed, would increase homestead exemptions from $50,000 to $250,000 over two years.
More Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local
Ex-Lt. Rainey’s Testimony Shifts Momentum in Fired Flagler Beach Fire Chief Stephen Cox’s Appeal Hearing
Former Flagler Beach Fire Chief Stephen Cox faces a difficult appeal hearing following his sudden firing by City Manager Dale Martin following staff resignations. Cox presented a strong defense emphasizing his spotless record but devastating testimony from former Lt. Morgan Rainey exposed his leadership flaws and shifted the case momentum strongly against him on Friday. The hearing isn’t over.
Facing Devastating $140,000 Cut, Flagler Humane Society Urges Palm Coast to Fully Fund Animal Care
The Flagler Humane Society faces a severe financial deficit because Palm Coast underfunds mandatory stray animal care, Treasurer Rebecca Reynolds argues. She notes the city covers only a fraction of actual costs, leaving the shelter to absorb the difference. With proposed budget cuts looming, Reynolds urges the city to preserve adequate municipal funding.
Know Palm Coast’s New E-Bike Rules As You Ride Back to School
As students prepare to head back to school, the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and Flagler Schools are reminding families that electric bicycles (e-bikes) remain a popular way to get to and from school—but they also come with important responsibilities. Officials are encouraging parents and riders to review Palm Coast’s e-bike ordinance and practice safe riding habits before the first day of school.
Sheriff Staly Arrests Super-Speeder Going Up to 125 MPH on I-95
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly Friday evening arrested a 22-year-old Palm Coast man who allegedly sped past his unmarked car on I-95 at 125 miles per hour and swerving in and out of lanes. Last year Florida enacted a “super-speeder law” that makes excessive speeds a first degree misdemeanor and subjects the speeder to arrest.
Seven Palm Coast Employees Escorted Out of City Hall in Broad Cost-Cutting Layoffs and Resignation
In a grim day at Palm Coast City Hall Friday, six employees were laid off and a seventh resigned, five of them in code enforcement and animal control, including long-time Code Enforcement Manager Barbara Grossman, and two in planning, cutting roughly $700,000 from the budget. The administration was under strict directive from the City Council to reduce the budget, though internal issues at code enforcement may also have played a role.
Darlene Shelley, Palm Coast City Council Candidate: The Live Interview
Darlene Shelley is one of four candidates for the Palm Coast City Council, District 4, an open seat. She faces Dylana Galery, John Kvederis and Ramon Marrero. This is a non-partisan race. All registered voters in Palm Coast may cast a ballot in the Aug. 18 primary.
Palm Coast Requests Trial Delay In Lawsuit By Town Center Developer
A hearing before Circuit Judge Sandra Upchurch is scheduled for Aug. 14 to address a motion by the city of Palm Coast to delay the trial of the Town Center developer’s case against the city. The trial is scheduled for mid-November. Palm Coast is seeking a delay until March.
Ramon Marrero, Palm Coast City Council Candidate: The Live Interview
Ramon Marrero is one of four candidates for the Palm Coast City Council, District 4, an open seat. He faces Dylana Galry, John Kvederis and Darlene Shelley. This is a non-partisan race. All registered voters in Palm Coast may cast a ballot in the Aug. 18 primary.
Taxpayer-Funded Private School Students in Flagler Near 2,500, Diverting $17.3 Million from District
Flagler County school officials advanced a tentative budget reflecting yet another surge in state-mandated, taxpayer-supported subsidies for private and homeschool students. The total amount of students receiving public funds for private education spiked 28 percent. The state is diverting $17 million in public funds to those students, money that could otherwise be invested in the district. State lawmakers continue to lower school tax rates despite declining property values locally.
John Kvederis, Palm Coast City Council Candidate: The Live Interview
John Kvederis is one of four candidates for the Palm Coast City Council, District 4, an open seat. He faces Dylana Galery, Ramon Marrero and Darlene Shelley. This is a non-partisan race. All registered voters in Palm Coast may cast a ballot in the Aug. 18 primary. If none of the candidates get a majority of more than 50 percent, the top two vote-getters will go on to the runoff in the Nov. 3 general election, when again all registered voters in Palm Coast are eligible to vote.
Ethics Panel Dismisses Complaint Filed Against Flagler Commissioner Andy Dance by Candidate Jones
The Florida Ethics Commission found no probable cause that Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance misused his position regarding his wife’s employment under former Administrator Heidi Petito. County Commission Candidate Anna Jones filed the complaint in late December. The brief investigation concluded Dance followed proper procedures, maintained no obligation to notify commissioners on contract renewals, and exerted no influence over his wife’s job.
The Live Calendar: Today in Flagler
August 2026
Aug 04 2026
Weekly Chess Club for Teens, Ages 10-18, at the Flagler County Public Library
Flagler County Public Library
Aug 04 2026
Flagler County Library Board of Trustees
Flagler County Public Library
Aug 04 2026
Flagler Beach Library Writers’ Club
315 South 7th Street, Flagler Beach
Aug 04 2026
Flagler Beach Planning and Architectural Review Board
Flagler Beach City Hall
Aug 04 2026
Palm Coast City Council Meeting
Palm Coast City Hall
Aug 04 2026
Bunnell Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board
Government Services Building
Aug 04 2026
Hammock Community Association Meeting
Hammock Community Center
Aug 04 2026
Random Acts of Insanity Standup Comedy
Cinematique of Daytona Beach
Aug 05 2026
Palm Coast Code Enforcement Board Meeting
Palm Coast City Hall
Aug 05 2026
Conversations in Democracy
Pine Lakes Golf Club
Aug 05 2026
Flagler Beach Library Book Club
315 South 7th Street, Flagler Beach
Aug 05 2026
Bingo Night at Palm Coast Elks Lodge 2709
Palm Coast Elks Lodge #2709
No event found!
The Conversation
A Hamas ‘Breakthrough’ or Another Trump-Conjured Mirage?
Trump said Hamas’ disarmament would allow for a Palestinian committee to take over governing in Gaza and Israel’s military withdrawal. Hamas cautioned that its disarmament was dependent on Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza. So, is this a major step forward, or are there still too many questions left unresolved?
Florida and Beyond
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, August 3, 2026
The Flagler County Commission holds a pair of meetings, including a workshop where it will discuss a shortlist of county administrator candidates, Andy Dance’s birthday, Sen. William Fulbright on Barry Goldwater’s blinkered view of liberalism and coexistence.
Why Odysseus Couldn’t Just Say: I’m Home
When Odysseus returns to Ithaca, he avoids revealing his identity, choosing deception and alternate personas instead of immediate homecoming. Homer’s epic illustrates severe psychological avoidance born from wartime trauma and moral injury. Rather than facing simple fear, Odysseus carries overwhelming guilt for lost comrades and wartime actions, making his true story impossibly painful to speak directly to those who love him.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, August 2, 2026
A slightly cooler day, relatively speaking, Peter Kuper on Lockheed Martin’s profiteering, Palm Coast Farmers’ Market at European Village, the art and greatness of Louise Farrenc.
More Florida and Beyond
Flawed Studies Long Restricted Menopause Hormone Therapy Options for Vulnerable Breast Cancer Survivors
Flawed early research created widespread fear of prescribing menopausal hormone therapy, causing providers to avoid offering symptom relief to breast cancer survivors. Recent FDA updates removing black box warnings encourage clinicians to move past historic biases, adopting personalized risk assessment strategies so patients can safely access tailored treatment for severe menopausal symptoms.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Heat index values up to 103, The Saturday Flagler Beach Farmers Market, the American Civil Liberties Union and the United States of Antinomy.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, July 31, 2026
Heat index as high as 105 today, Clay Jones on Dr. Fauci versus the trolls, the Friday Blue Forum, Edith Wharton’s “The Moving Finger” and the deceptive possession of memory.
Florida’s Property Tax Amendment: Trade-Offs and Higher Costs for Some
Florida voters in November will decide on Amendment 3 to significantly increase homestead property tax exemptions. Reducing local revenue by nearly $12 billion annually forces trade-offs across the state. Local governments may raise sales taxes, commercial rates, and utility fees or cut essential services like fire, police, and public parks to bridge massive budget gaps.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Beats and Eats: Live Concert and Food Trucks at the Stage in Town Center, Model Yacht Club Races at the Pond, the lowering of flags in mourning, Bach’s cello, a poem of grief from the Thousand and One Nights.
Europe Is Also Spending Billions to Deport Migrants. It’s Not Working.
The European Union has spent billions of euros on external partnerships and enforcement infrastructure to deport irregular migrants. This strategy fails because return rates remain below ten percent across most of Africa. Financial leverage creates transactional, short-term bargaining rather than long-term cooperation. European policymakers must measure the quality of reintegration, prioritize targeted migration diplomacy, and expand funding for legal labor pathways.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
The City of Palm Coast hosts “SBDC Day” at City Hall connecting local entrepreneurs, startups, and established business owners with free expert guidance, conversations in democracy, Eugene O’Neill.
South Dakota’s Abortion Pill Advertising Ban Is Unconstitutional
A federal court injunction blocked South Dakota’s ban on advertising abortion pills after a nonprofit legal challenge. The ruling established that restricting truthful medical information violates First Amendment protections regarding free speech and viewpoint neutrality. This legal dispute highlights a growing national conflict as states attempt to restrict telehealth services and out-of-state prescription access despite federal approval of medication abortion procedures.
Florida Department Of Health Warns Against Prescribing Psychotropic Medications To Children And Teens
Florida health officials issued new guidelines discouraging doctors from prescribing psychotropic medications to children aged five to 17 for conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Aligning with federal Make America Healthy Again priorities, the state recommends therapy and behavioral intervention as primary treatments. Medical organizations like the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry are opposed.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
The Palm Coast City Council talks budget, the School Board has a trio of meetings, including the setting of its tentative property ax rate over which it has no control, Ric Diez, Michiko Kakutani on postmodernism.
Resurgence of Measles Signals Dangerous Decline in Public Health
Falling vaccination rates have triggered a dangerous measles resurgence across the United States. The trend threatens the nation’s 25-year elimination status and imposes massive economic burdens on the healthcare system. Measles serves as a critical proxy for overall public health capacity. Declining trust in government agencies and eroding herd immunity signal a systemic vulnerability. These cracks in our public health defense complicate efforts to manage future infectious disease threats effectively.
Trump Species Act Rollback Threatens More than 100 Florida Animals, Including Panthers and Manatees
More than 100 Florida species, including panthers, manatees and sea turtles, could inch closer to extinction under a set of changes to the Endangered Species Act the Trump administration rolled out this month that would force regulators to disregard damage to critical habitats. Millions of acres of Florida land would also become easier to develop if the federal rule changes survive court challenges.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, July 27, 2026
The Bunnell City Commission meets, Mme de Sévigné on the relative length of lives, Mozart’s variations, the president finds himself a new rallying cry, Kamel Daoud on dying at 100.
Commentary
Why Democrats Are Clueless About Losing the Working Class
It is an open question whether reformist Democrats are really interested in understanding working-class voters on their own terms. Because working-class voters, as they tell us themselves, are not simply waiting to be activated by the right program, the right messenger, the right phrase. “Fight the oligarchy” probably isn’t going to do it.
A Rare Florida Victory for ‘The Right To Tell People What They Don’t Want to Hear’
Judge Britt C. Grant described the DeSantis “Stop Woke Act” a breathtaking assertion of power aimed at banning unpopular ideas. Academic freedom requires open debate rather than state-mandated silence while suppressing critical discussions regarding race, gender, and history undermines the core educational mission of public universities across the state.
America’s Promise of Religious Freedom Has Long Clashed with Prejudice
American history demonstrates a persistent tension between constitutional guarantees of religious liberty and acts of exclusion. Early state laws often restricted civic participation to Protestants. Over time, shifting attitudes and legal changes fostered a more inclusive “Judeo-Christian” and eventually multicultural identity. Modern incidents of arson and political rhetoric suggest that the founding promise of universal religious protection remains a contested ideal.