Thursday Briefing: Peers on the Pier, God Gab, Inspired Mic at Europa, JJ Graham’s Phoenix, Balzac’s Speculators

FlaglerLive | July 20, 2017

‘The Phoenix and the Dove,’ a magnificent new work, still in progress, by JJ Graham, who is working on it in his studio at Salvo Arthouse in Bunnell. Click on the image for larger view. (© FlaglerLive)

Today: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 90s inland. In the upper 80s coast. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent. Tonight: Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then mostly clear after midnight. Lows in the mid 70s. Southwest winds 5 mph. Details here.
Drought Index is at 94.
Today’s tides: at the beaches, at the Intracoastal Waterway.
Today’s document from the National Archives.
The OED’s Word of the Day: ruskie, n..
The Live Community Calendar
Today’s jail bookings.

Today’s Briefing: Quick Links

First Light
In Flagler and Palm Coast
Flagler Jail Bookings and Sheriff’s Crime Reports
Announcements
In State Government
In Coming Days in Flagler, Palm Coast and Beyond
The Day’s Best Reads
Fact-Checking the Knaves
Palm Coast Construction and Development
Local Road and Interstate Construction
Cultural Coda

Colleen Conklin. (© FlaglerLive)

“It’s going to be a long night. I’m going to talk extra long just for Andy and Trevor.”

–Flagler School Board member Colleen Conklin, before Tuesday evening’s board meeting. She was referring to Chairman Trevor Tucker and fellow-member Andy Dance, whose hair has whitened distinctly on Conklin’s watch.

Previously:

In Flagler and Palm Coast:

Note: all government meetings noticed below are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. Many can be heard or seen live through each agency’s website.

The Sheriff’s daily incident reports and jail bookings are posted here.

Peers on the Pier: For the fourth consecutive year, the Flagler County Chamber and its Flagler Beach Area Council hosts its annual “Peers on the Pier” event, attracting 300 guests for food, fun, drinks, music and networking. This wildly successful event has become a summer tradition for businesses, residents and visitors alike. “Peers on the Pier,” a Flagler Beach Block Party and Business After Hours like none other, is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Participating chamber members will “set up shop” on the pier that evening to showcase their goods and services, while offering giveaways and specials for guests. Your $10 entry fee will get you get you two drink tickets and appetizers while supplies last, plus a great crowd, raffles, 50/50 and the Pot o’ Gold drawing at 6:45 p.m. Contact: Gretchen Smith, Marketing Director, Gsmith@flaglerchamber.org, (386) 206-0953.

The Inspired Mic, Palm Coast’s most daring and unpredictable open mic event, is scheduled for its monthly edition at The New Europa, European Village. 101 Palm Harbor Parkway, Unit 101, Palm Coast. Doors open at 6 p.m. and presenters begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.50 advance, available at theinspiredmicus.com, or $15 at the door. Tickets include one drink (beer, wine, soda, tea, water). The Inspired Mic is a production of Jim Farrell.

St. Augustine’s Summer Concert Series, in the Plaza de la Constitución, 7 p.m., Park downtown, and come on down rain or shine – the only way you know if it’s cancelled, is to be at the Plaza (or wait for the post on social media). This evening’s concert: The Raisin Cake Orchestra’s Jazz from the teens, twenties, thirties.

Daytona God Gab: “Byzantine and Oriental Christianity,” 6 to 7:30 p.m., at New Church Family, 3520 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach (US 92, just west of I-4). Light refreshments will be served. Paul Edson leads a discussion of the ancient Eastern Christian Churches that have been so strongly affected by political events of the past hundred years. Dr. Edson, recently retired from Embry-Riddle University’s humanities division, has been exploring the life of Eastern Christian Churches for almost sixty years. This free educational event, open to the public, is part of an ongoing series exploring various faith traditions found in the Volusia-Flagler area. The intent is not to convert anyone to a particular belief, but to inform each other about our diversity. New Church Family is an independent Christian church that has been conducting a special outreach to the GLBT communities for more than 35 years. Our members come from many different Catholic, Protestant and Jewish faith traditions. Our website can be found at www.newchurchfamily.org. For more information call the church office at 386-527-5952 or facilitator Tom Brown at 386-576-6671.

Announcements:

None.

In Florida and in State Government:

Note: Some proceedings below can be followed live on the Florida Channel. Most legislative proceedings can be followed through the Senate or House websites.

State Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, is expected to speak about the 2017 legislative session to the East Arlington Rotary Club and the River City Republican Club. (East Arlington club, 7:30 a.m., Blue Sky Golf Club, 1700 Monument Road, Jacksonville. Also, River City club, 6 p.m., The Salem Centre, 7235 Bonneval Road, Jacksonville.)

The University of Central Florida Board of Trustees will meet after holding committee meetings. (Committees start at 8 a.m., with full board at 1 p.m., University of Central Florida, Live Oak Center, Orlando.)

Sen. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, will attend the Brevard Veterans Resource Network Quarterly Forum and visit a Boys and Girls Club. (Forum at 9:30 a.m., Warbird Museum, 6600 Tico Road, Titusville. Also, 1:30 p.m., Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida, Cocoa, 814 Dixon Blvd., Cocoa.)

In Coming Days in Palm Coast, Flagler and the Occasional Beyond:

To include your event in this section, please fill out this form.

♦ July 19: Urban Surf 4 Kids Surf Camp, 9 to 1 p.m. at South 6th Street on the Beach in Flagler Beach.
♦ July 19: The Flagler Beach Charter Review Commission meets at 9 a.m. at City Hall, 105 S 2nd St.
♦ July 19: Dive-in Movies, 8 p.m. at Palm Coast Aquatics Center, 339 Parkview Drive. Just bring your swimsuit and enjoy the show! Dive-in movie nights at the Palm Coast Aquatics Center provides a unique outdoor movie viewing experience for the entire family. Be sure to grab your favorite snack, sit back and enjoy the show! Food and snacks will be available for purchase. This month features “Incredibles 2” (PG). More info: 386-986-4741 and www.palmcoastgov.com/movies.
♦ July 20: Flagler Pier Fishing Tournament, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Flagler Beach Fishing Pier. For any questions, please contact the Pier bait shop at 386-517-2436.
♦ July 20: Youth Fishing Derby, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Waterfront Park, 150 Waterfront Park Road, Palm Coast. Come out to Waterfront Park for a day of family fun, food, and catch-and-release fishing. Youth will be eligible for various prizes based on different categories such as longest fish, heaviest fish, most fish, smallest fish and others. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Any adult actively assisting a youth must have a fishing license. For ages 15 and under. Free and registration is encouraged but not required at www.parksandrec.fun/events. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ July 20: Meet with your local Fire Rescue personnel, while you tour your community’s Fire Station and equipment, at Flagler County Fire Station 92 at the county airport, 130 Airport Rd., Palm Coast, from 9 a.m. to noon. Additionally, personnel from Florida Forest Service and Flagler County Emergency Management will be available to explain and assist residents in signing up for the ALERTFlagler emergency notifications, and Special Needs Sheltering programs. For more information please contact Chief Fire Marshall (386) 313-4258
♦ July 20-21: Jr. Lifeguard Camp, 8 a.m-12p.m. at Palm Coast Aquatics Center, 339 Parkview Drive. The Junior Lifeguard Camp offers step-by-step lifeguarding skill development. Learn water safety, lifeguard rescues, and First Aid CPR/AED in a weekend camp. Class attendees will receive a CPR mask, Red Cross whistle and T-shirt. For ages 11-15 years. $70/session. Registration required at www.parksandrec.fun/camps. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ July 20-21: "Sleeping Beauty," at the Daytona Playhouse, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., Adults $13, Seniors 55 and up, $18, Youths 18 and under $7. Address: 100 Jessamine Blvd., Daytona Beach, or see directions here. Buy tickets online here. Box office: 386-255-2431.
♦ July 22:

The Flagler County Stamp and Coin Club meets at 4:30 p.m. at the VFW Post 8696 47 N. Old Kings Road. From 4:30 - 6 p.m. the time is used for buying, selling and trading stamps and coins. The club meeting starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 7:30. There is a live auction of stamps and coins at the end of the meeting. The club is open for members, the general public, and all who are interested in stamp and coin collecting and investing. Free stamps and coin evaluations at all our meetings. The club is the only non-profit Stamp and Coin Club in Flagler County. For more information please visit the club's web site.
♦ July 22: Nar-Anon offers hope and help for families and friends of addicts. Every Monday, 6 p.m., St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church, 303 Palm Coast Pkwy NE, Palm Coast, Fellowship Hall Entrance. See the website, www.nar-anon.org, or call (800) 477-6291.
♦ July 23: Flagler County is hosting a ceremonial signing of its beach renourishment agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers at 2 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Government Services Building. Commission Chair Donald O’Brien and Jacksonville District Commander Colonel Andrew Kelly will make a few opening comments about the 2.6 mile 10-foot dune and beach profile extension in Flagler Beach. They, along with County Attorney Al Hadeed, will sign four copies of the final agreement. The 50-year, $100 million project is largely unfunded but will depend on Flagler County to secure half the money. The federal government would assume the other half. It applies to only 2.6 miles of beach in Flagler Beach. See: "Flagler About To Sign 50-Year, $100 Million Deal to Rebuild 2.6 Miles of Dunes in Flagler Beach. It Has Only a Fraction of the Money."
♦ July 23: The Flagler County Opioid Task Force meets at 6 p.m. at the Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway. The task force will meet the fourth Tuesday of every month at the library through November.
♦ July 24: A meeting of Facing Grief Together, formerly known as Compassionate Friends, is scheduled at the Vitas Office at 4 North Old Kings Road (across from Kentucky Fried Chicken) in Palm Coast. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Facing Grief Together, a nonprofit self-help bereavement support organization for families that have experienced the death of a child. The meeting is open to all parents, grandparents, and siblings over age 18 who has suffered the loss of a child of any age. For more information, call John Brady at 610-428-3139. To learn more about Facing Grief Together, visit their national website at www.compassionatefriends.org.
♦ July 25:

Carolyn Gosselin, Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, is the featured speaker at the Flagler Chamber's Common Ground breakfast, 8 a.m. at the Palm Coast Hilton Garden Inn, 50 Town Court. Registration is required by July 19. Members can preregister for $25, Guests and future members can attend for $35. No walk-ups.
♦ July 27: Tour de Palm Coast: Ride along the scenic route of St. Joe Walkway on this free tour. The tour will begin leaving promptly at 8 a.m. from the Palm Coast Community Center. Riders are encouraged to bring water, and all riders must wear a helmet.
♦ July 27: First Aid and CPR/AED, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Fire Station 25, 1250 Belle Terre Pkwy., Palm Coast. This class is a seven-hour course (one hour for lunch) designed to meet OSHA regulations and teach administering CPR to children and adults, using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), using a mask or barrier device, assisting with bleeding, broken bones. $50/person with registration required by 9 a.m. June 27. Register at www.parksandrec.fun/adults. More info: 386-986-2300 and cprcertification@palmcoastgov.com.
♦ July 27: The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce and the Palm Coast Area Council invites you to a small business development workshop. With Thaddeus Hammond, Economic Development Director of the SBA North Florida District, a leading expert in developing small businesses as guest speaker. 5 to 7 p.m., The Windsor of Palm Coast, 50 Town Ct, Palm Coast. Chamber Member: $15 per person, Guest and Future Chamber Member: $25 per person. Contact Melinda Rivera at 386-437-0106 or send her an email at melinda@flaglerchamber.org.
♦ July 29-Aug. 2: Monday-Friday, July 29-Aug. 2, 8 a.m-5 p.m. at Palm Coast Aquatics Center, 339 Parkview Drive. Love art? Come enjoy a week where you can let your creative side take flight. Campers will spend their days creating, drawing, sketching, painting and more! Of course, we’ll go to the pool and play some games, too. Lunch is provided at no extra charge by the Flagler County School District. For grades 6-8 (grade just completed). $80/entire week. Registration required at www.parksandrec.fun/camps. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ July 29: Nar-Anon offers hope and help for families and friends of addicts. Every Monday, 6 p.m., St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church, 303 Palm Coast Pkwy NE, Palm Coast, Fellowship Hall Entrance. See the website, www.nar-anon.org, or call (800) 477-6291.
♦ July 31:

An evidentiary hearing twice postponed is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in the case of James McDevitt, who is serving a 40-year prison sentence in the 2015 rape of a woman in Flagler Beach, has been postponed to July 31. McDevitt pleaded guilty to the rape charge, but is now claiming ineffective counsel by two successive lawyers and is seeking to have the conviction and sentence vacated. The hearing is before Circuit Judge Terence Perkins in Courtroom 401 at the Flagler County courthouse. Perkins has reserved one hour for the hearing. The hearing had originally been scheduled for early April. McDevitt's lawyer asked for it to be rescheduled because of an emergency family issue (regarding the lawyer's family). It was again postponed to May 17. McDevitt has been at the Flagler County jail since April 4, awaiting the proceeding. He is normally incarcerated at Taylor prison in Perry, in Florida's Big Bend area. See details here.

For events beyond this date, see the fuller Coming Days here.

To include your event in this section, please email the details, including date, time, a brief description of the event, contact information, and, if you wish, an image, please use this form.

The Day’s Best Reads:

Sorry Trump, the Pottery Barn Rule applies to you too: https://t.co/YYaSQXDemd

— AmericanConservative (@amconmag) July 19, 2017

Partisan gerrymandering is set to be reviewed by the Supreme Court this fall. What you should know: https://t.co/TPlbe2V4K0 pic.twitter.com/pqpegueqyD

— Brookings (@BrookingsInst) July 19, 2017

When white cops kill black people, protests erupt but nothing changes. What happens when racial roles are reversed? https://t.co/YScb4oiOud

— Salon (@Salon) July 19, 2017

Artistic fashion comes and goes. What remains is the experience of culture https://t.co/1uOyJ6Fw5O

— Arts & Letters Daily (@aldaily) July 18, 2017

The sad drowning of Steve the robot, and the future of robotic rights https://t.co/8by0PQZYJ1 pic.twitter.com/ECaNhVASkx

— Forbes (@Forbes) July 19, 2017

A Twitter List by PierreTristam

Palm Coast Construction and Development Progress Reports

The following is an update of ongoing permitting, construction and development projects in Palm Coast, through July 14 (the city administration’s full week in review is here):

Road and Interstate Construction: