Tuesday Briefing: Hurricane Irma After-Action, Nathan Shimmel Pre-Trial, A.O. Wilson on Limits of Atheism, Connect Bus

FlaglerLive | November 28, 2017

A Bob Pickering photo of a Florida East Coast train passing through Bunnell, on Rail Street, where Pickering noted in his original posting of the image that ‘ The home in the background is over 100 years old.’ We’ve featured that house here before. The train, Pickering wrote, was ‘hard at work bringing ‘stuff’ to Miami’ the day before Thanksgiving. For more of Pickering’s rail pictures, go here, and for MaryAnn’s, his wife’s, collection, go here. Click on the image for larger view. (© Bob Pickering)

Today: Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers. Highs in the mid 70s. East winds 10 to 15 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy. Patchy fog. Lows around 60. Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Details here.
Today’s document from the National Archives and the Astronomy Picture of the Day.
Today’s tides: at the beaches, at the Intracoastal Waterway.
Drought Index12
The OED’s Word of the Day: freak flag, 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
Editor’s Tweets
Fact-Checking the Knaves
Palm Coast Construction and Development
Local Road and Interstate Construction
Cultural Coda

“In fact, I’m not an atheist—I’m a scientist. Atheism is the belief that there is no god, and you declare there is no god: ‘Come, my fellow atheists, let us march together and conquer those idiots who think there is a god—all these other tribes. We’re going to prevail.’ I would even say I’m agnostic because I’m a scientist. Being an agnostic means saying, dogmatically, that we will never be able to know, so give it up. The important thing is that it appears that humans, as a species, share a religious impulse. You can call it theological, you can call it spiritual, but humans everywhere have a strong tendency to wonder about whether they’re being looked over by a god or not. Practically every person ponders whether they’re going to have another life. These are the things that unite humanity.”

–E.O. Wilson, in a February 2015 interview with Slate.

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.

In Court: Nathaniel Shimmel, the 22-year-old Palm Coast man who faces a first-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of his mother, Michele Shimmel, 60, in August, has a pre-trial before Circuit Court Judge Dennis Craig at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 401 at the Flagler County courthouse. Shimmel is represented by Ray Warren. Also on the docket is a pre-trial for Bruce Haughton, who faces a negligent homicide charge in the suicidal death of his girlfriend, Katherine Goddard, in Palm Coast’s R Section in August.

The Palm Coast City Council meets in workshop at 9 a.m. at City Hall in Town Center. The council was originally scheduled to discuss the charter-review process, which included four public meetings over the past two months. The discussion has been postponed to early January. Council members are scheduled to discuss the Hurricane Irma after-action report, and discuss park impact fees.

The Flagler Education Foundation’s Connect Bus is at Ameris Bank at 10:30 a.m. at 181 Cypress Point Pkwy, Palm Coast.

Blood Donations: The Big Red Bus will be at the following locations this week:

Tuesday: Moe’s Southwest Grill, 250 Palm Coast Parkway NE, noon to 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Palm Coast Post Office, 2 Pine Cone Drive, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Friday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway Palm Coast, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Announcements:

Online version of National Citizen Survey now open to Palm Coast residents: The City of Palm Coast invites all residents to take the City’s comprehensive citizen survey between now and Dec. 9. The online survey went live on Nov. 24. You can access the survey here. The online option is in addition to the regular mail-in survey conducted for the City by National Citizen Survey every other year. Earlier this fall, 1,500 surveys from the National Citizen Survey were mailed to randomly selected residents, with representation from each of the City’s four districts. Both survey processes are anonymous. The City of Palm Coast has been participating in the NCS since 2002. Currently, the City conducts the NCS every other year, with the City conducting separate surveying on its own in the off years. The City uses all survey results to improve city services. With the National Citizen Survey, Palm Coast’s results are compared to more than 500 other local governments across the United States. The feedback received from residents is presented to the Palm Coast City Council and is used for strategic planning and to help City leaders set priorities for the next fiscal year. To review past years’ National Citizen Survey results, visit www.PalmCoastGov.com/about/citizen-survey.

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.

ELECTIONS COMMISSION MEETS: The Florida Elections Commission is scheduled to meet. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETS: The State Board of Education will take up a series of issues, including “turnaround option plans” for schools in Bradford, Duval and Escambia counties. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Lake-Sumter State College, Everett A. Kelly Convocation Center, 9501 U.S. 441, Leesburg.)

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AT ISSUE: The Executive Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will take up a proposal (P68) that would revamp the duties of the state chief financial officer. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

JUDICIAL TERMS CONSIDERED: The Judicial Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will take up proposals that would increase the mandatory retirement age for judges to 75, up from the current 70. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

E-VERIFY ON TABLE: The General Provisions Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will consider a series of proposals, including a measure (P29) that would require Florida businesses to use the federal E-verify system to prevent the hiring of undocumented immigrants. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

UNF TRUSTEES TAKE UP BARGAINING AGREEMENT: The University of North Florida Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting to discuss a collective-bargaining agreement with the Police Benevolent Association. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., University of North Florida, J.J. Daniel Hall, Jacksonville.)

—-Compiled by the News Service of Florida and FlaglerLive

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

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

♦ May 28: The Flagler County Opioid Task Force meets at 6 p.m. at the Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway. (note the venue change: it had previously been scheduled at the Government Services Building). The task force will meet the fourth Tuesday of every month at the library through November.
♦ May 29: The Blue Power 2020 forum, hosted by Mike Cocchiola, who heads the Flagler County Democratic Party, meets at 12:30 p.m. at the Democrats' office, 2 Office Park Drive, Suite D, all welcome. The weekly forum is intended to discuss local, state and national issues and to develop action plans to influence policy.
♦ May 30: Flagler Palm Coast High School and Matanzas High School hold graduation ceremonies at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center. Matanzas High School’s ceremony begins at 4 p.m. and Flagler Palm Coast High School’s starts at 7. Doors to the Ocean Center open one hour before the start of each ceremony. The student procession begins approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Tickets for the ceremonies are free. However, both schools have a 10-ticket limit per student. There may be opportunities for additional tickets. Students will be notified and information is located on each school’s website. Parking passes are also available for pre-purchase. Parking is $5. security measures instituted last year will be in place this year. Please take note and be prepared before you head to the Ocean Center. There will be security checks before ticket holders are allowed entry into the ceremony. Watch livestreams of the ceremonies: Matanzas here, and FPC here.
♦ May 31-June 1, 2 and 8: American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Class – May 31-June 2 and June 8, Friday 5-6:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sunday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Palm Coast Aquatics Center, 339 Parkview Drive. The American Red Cross Lifeguarding course provides entry-level knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. For ages 15 and up. Cost is $200 (includes CPR mask and certification fee). Registration required at www.parksandrec.fun/aquatics. More info: 386-986-4741.
♦ June 1: The Palm Coast Arts Foundation hosts its First Saturday Creative Bazaar, an arts and crafts flea market. at 1500 Central Avenue in Town center. Arts foundation members and other vendors will have booths of goods for sale. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
♦ June 1: 2nd Annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors Golf Benefit for Homeless Animals: Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a local group of business professionals coming together to raise money for the Halifax Humane Society. Join us for 18-holes of premiere golf at the legendary LPGA International Golf Club. Shot gun start at 8 a.m. Registration at 7. 1000 Champions Drive Daytona Beach. To download entry form, visit https://www.halifaxhumanesociety.org/events/index and then scroll down to the golf outing listing. Hole Sponsorship $100. Single Player $125. Lunch Provided. For more information contact Gus Schutt (386) 233-5302.
♦ June 4: Daytona Tortugas Youth Baseball Clinic, 8:30 a.m-12 p.m. at Indian Trails Sports Complex, 5455 Belle Terre Pkwy., Palm Coast. The Daytona Tortugas will be teaching kids, ages 7-13, skills to improve their ball game in this coed baseball clinic. Grab your glove and bat and learn from the pros! Participants will receive a free ticket to a Daytona Tortugas game. $37/person. Registration required at www.parksandrec.fun/camps. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ June 4: The Hammock Community Association meets at 7:30 p.m. at the Hammock Community Center on MalaCompra Road, with County Attorney Al Hadeed as speaker, who will present a History of the Hammock Part II.
♦ June 5:

The Blue Power 2020 Action Forum, 12:30 p.m. at the Democrats' office, 2 Office Park Drive, Suite D. Come and join other progressive Democrats to discuss local, state and national issues, and propose actions to influence elected leaders. The Forum is open and informal and all opinions and ideas are welcomed. This is your opportunity to meet and lend your voice and knowledge to people who share your values. For more information, contact Mike Cocchiola, palmcoastdemocraticclub@gmail.com. The Blue Power forum meets every Wednesday.
♦ June 7: Coffee Series: 9-10 a.m. at Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE. This month’s topic: “The History and Development of Palm Coast” with Elaine Studnicki of the Palm Coast Historical Society. The event is free, but registration is required (while space available) by 9 a.m. June 5: www.parksandrec.fun/adults. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ June 7: Daytona State College holds another session in its strategic planning process for 2020-2023 and wants your ideas and insights about initiatives the college might pursue during that timeframe. The session is from 9 to 10 a.m. at DSC's Hosseini Center, in the ballroom, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach. Interactive focus groups are scheduled on each campus, starting at the end of April and ending the second week of June. Faculty, staff, students and the public are invited to attend and participate. Plan to attend and share your vision for DSC’s future. To participate, bring your mobile device (cell phone, tablet, etc.). For more information, contact Dr. Karla Moore, (386) 506-3650, Karla.Moore@DaytonaState.edu; or John Brady, (386) 506-3837, John.Brady@DaytonaState.edu.
♦ June 8: The 2019 Flagler County Republican Club's annual barbecue is scheduled from 4 to 9 p.m. at Caldwell Dairy Barn at the Florida Agricultural Museum, 7900 Old Kings Road, $20 per ticket, $35 for couples, with a live auction. Be sure to get your cookbook out and slip on your apron if you're taking part in the 3rd Annual Blue Ribbon Cake & Pie Contest. One of the most anticipated competitions of the year, bakers tempt celebrity judges with their skill and guests get to enjoy sampling the entries! Enjoy tours of the museum's grounds and historic buildings from 4-6 pm, followed by food, music and live auctions in the evening.
♦ June 10-14: Tennis Summer Camp (Session 1) – Monday-Friday, 9 a.m-4pm. at Belle Terre Park, 339 Parkview Drive, Palm Coast. Tennis and so much more! Please come with athletic clothes and shoes, swimsuit (for the pool), water bottle, sunscreen, lunch, snacks and drinks. For ages 6-13 years. $175/week. Registration required at www.parksandrec.fun/camps. More info: 386-986-2550.
♦ June 10: Daytona State College holds another session in its strategic planning process for 2020-2023 and wants your ideas and insights about initiatives the college might pursue during that timeframe. The session, the only one in Flagler, is from 9 to 11 a.m. at DSC's Student Center Building on the Palm Coast campus, Room 106. Interactive focus groups are scheduled on each campus, starting at the end of April and ending the second week of June. Faculty, staff, students and the public are invited to attend and participate. Plan to attend and share your vision for DSC’s future. To participate, bring your mobile device (cell phone, tablet, etc.). For more information, contact Dr. Karla Moore, (386) 506-3650, Karla.Moore@DaytonaState.edu; or John Brady, (386) 506-3837, John.Brady@DaytonaState.edu.

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:

Trump refers to “Pocahontas” during a ceremony to honor Navajo code talkers of World War II https://t.co/RyrHKSAb32

— Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 28, 2017

Hidden camera's video gives the lie to Philippine police account of three more drug suspects executed, as Pres Duterte urges. https://t.co/kUXFzzTokw

— Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) November 28, 2017

Why a baker's defense of his refusal to sell a wedding cake to a same-sex couple doesn't hold up legally: https://t.co/6IejEG1N1S

— American Prospect (@theprospect) November 28, 2017

Ethanol burns cleaner than gas because it holds only two-thirds the energy, but the production, which includes harvesting and boiling corn, requires more carbon emissions than it saves. https://t.co/vMULgW6yOr pic.twitter.com/BGU2X1JQct

— Cato Institute (@CatoInstitute) November 28, 2017

The blessing and the curse of being Bill Nye. https://t.co/P1RPMDxtwp

— Smithsonian Magazine (@SmithsonianMag) November 28, 2017

Editor’s Tweets

Editor’s Tweets by @PierreTristam

A Twitter List by PierreTristam

Palm Coast Construction and Development Progress Reports

Updates of ongoing permitting, construction and development projects in Palm Coast usually run here, along with a link to the city’s Week in Review. But the Week in Review, under the guise of being modernized, has become flashier and power-point like while becoming less substantive and dumbed down. We may or may not link to it in future. Here’s a summary of the latest developments as of Oct. 6

Road and Interstate Construction: