Thursday Briefing: Mosquito Control Audit, DSC Board, Cool Days, Schools’ Winter Concerts, Nutcracker

Dance Alive performs the Nutcracker at the Flagler Auditorium tonight. See details below. (Sara Cooper)

Today: Cooler. Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of rain. Highs in the mid 60s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Tonight: Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of rain. Lows in the mid 50s. North winds 10 to 15 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 Index83
The OED’s Word of the Day: biggen, v..
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

“When statistics were collected a few years later, only 400,000 homesteading families had managed to persevere on the plains, of more than a million who tried. The Homestead Acts had been a relative success in the East. West of the hundredth meridian, however, they were for the most part a failure, even a catastrophic failure. Much of the blame rested on flaws in the acts themselves, and on the imperfections of human nature, but a lot of it was the fault of the weather. How could you settle a region where you nearly froze to death one year and expired from heat and the lack of water during the next eight or nine?”

–Marc Reisner, from “Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water” (1986) [Click on the image or the link to buy the book.]

Previously:

Cakes and discrimination | Civil liberties | Nuance in America | Careless supremacy | Orange sentence | Ephemeral present | E.O. Wilson on atheism | Ponce de Leon | Bill Kristol’s liberalism | Life’s evening | Male friendships | Solzhenitsyn’s power | Voltaire on tolerance | McMurtry on Hemingway | Under arrest | LBJ’s white trash | Lewd plant names | Nabokov’s trains | Mass shootings | Schubert | Carbon atoms | Moynihan on liberals | Ruzickova on Bach | Mexican Fiestas | Epitaphs | Einstein’s Bach | Updike’s Lebanese | Age of Religion | States’ Rights | Bette Davis | Cleaning toilets | Mistakes and leadership | Kind leadership | Tough Hadeed | Two-Minute Hate | Joseph Smith | Get Shorty | No prodigy | Truthiness | Xenophobia | Conan on Vegas | Einstein’s Socialism | Trump’s Puerto Rico | Substitute |

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: Drug Court is held at 9 a.m. before Circuit Judge Dennis Craig in Courtroom 401 at the Flagler County courthouse.

East Flagler Mosquito Control: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee will take up a series of issues, including a request from Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, and Rep. Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, for an audit of the East Flagler Mosquito Control District, which found itself facing a $1.2 million deficit over an undetected accounting error earlier this year. (3:45 p.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

The Daytona State College Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m., Daytona State College, Building 100, 1200 West International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach.

The Flagler Beach City Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, with a report from the Economic Development Task Force by its chairman, Joseph Pozzuoli, and discussions on matters including the possible purchase of a waterfront parcel near Pal Parker Preserve Park, approval of an agreement with the Supervisor of Elections to run the 2017 municipal election, and a discussion on feral cats. The commission will also be holding a special meeting, sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency board, at 4:45 p.m. to discuss legislative issues related to CRAs.

The Belle Terre Elementary School PTO meets in the school’s media center at 7:30 a.m.

Indian Trails Middle School’s Advisory Council meeting is at 5:30 p.m. in the school’s media center.

Winter Concerts: Bunnell Elementary’s Winter Concert is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the school’s New Cafe, Rymfire’s Winter Concert is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria, and Wadsworth Elementary’s Holiday Concert is at the same time in that school’s cafeteria.

The Nutcracker is performed at the Flagler Auditorium at 7 p.m. A sparkling production with beautiful costumes and sets, this is truly an all-time family favorite. Dance Alive will be joined by local dance students making this a very special holiday performance. Adult $29.95, Youth $19.95.

Critic’s Choice Dinner Club, 5:30 p.m. This monthly club visits a new restaurant, chosen by the group, to spend time with friends enjoying a casual dinner while rating food and service. New members welcome. This month’s location is Bayne’s Barbeque, 301 Moody Blvd, Flagler Beach. Food and transportation are the participant’s responsibility. Pre-register by 5 p.m. Sept. 5: www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.

Thursday to Sunday: The Jacksonville Symphony’s Holiday Pops Concert featuring the talents of the Symphony, Symphony Chorus, guest singers, dancers, and the area’s only guaranteed snow fall. At Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall 300 Water St Jacksonville. Tickets and concert times here.

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

• Friday: Lowe’s, 315 Cypress Edge Drive, Palm Coast, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday: Epic Theaters, 1185 Central Avenue, Palm Coast, from noon to 6 p.m.

Ongoing: the 12th Annual Fantasy Lights Festival at Central Park in Palm Coast’s Town Center, hosted by the Rotary Club of Flagler County: 6:30-9 p.m. each night. Fantasy Lights is a free, self-guided walking tour around Central Park with 40 large animated light displays, festive live and broadcast holiday music, holiday snacks and beverages. A favorite for the kids is Santa’s Village with a collection of elf houses festively painted and nestled among the lights, warm fire to roast marshmallows or create s’mores, and encircling the village is Santa’s Merry Train Ride.

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.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE BUDGET CONSIDERED: The Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee will receive a presentation about Gov. Rick Scott’s proposed 2018-2019 budget. (Thursday, 9 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

SPRINGS, ST. JOHNS PROJECTS EYED: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a bill (SB 204), filed by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, that would lead to the state spending at least $75 million a year on springs projects and $50 million annually on projects related to the restoration of the St. Johns River and its tributaries or the Keystone Heights lake region. (Thursday, 9 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

EDUCATION BUDGET ON TABLE: The Senate Pre-K-12 Education Appropriations Subcommittee will receive a presentation about Gov. Rick Scott’s proposed 2018-2019 budget. (Thursday, 9 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

SENATORS LOOK AT FANTASY SPORTS: The Senate Regulated Industries Committee will take up a bill (SB 374), filed by Sen. Dana Young, R-Tampa, that would make clear that fantasy sports contests are not subject to Florida gambling laws. (Thursday, 12:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

GAMBLING, MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISCUSSED: The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee will receive presentations about a gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida and implementation of a 2016 constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana. (Thursday, 3:45 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

SUPREME COURT RELEASES OPINIONS: The Florida Supreme Court is expected to release its weekly opinions. (Thursday, 11 a.m.)

CITIZENS INSURANCE CLAIMS AT ISSUE: The Claims Committee of the Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Board of Directors will hold a conference call and will receive an update about Hurricane Irma. (Thursday, 1 p.m. Call-in number: 1-888-361-7525. Code: 5219676193#)

JUDGE HEARS ARGUMENTS ON SPECIAL ELECTIONS: Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson will hold a hearing on a request by Florida Democratic Party leaders for a temporary injunction to speed up special elections in two legislative districts. Democratic Party attorneys filed a motion for a temporary injunction as part of a lawsuit filed Nov. 6. The injunction request says special elections in Senate District 31 and House District 114 should be held in time for newly elected members to serve during all or part the 2018 legislative session, which starts Jan. 9. Lake Worth Democrat Jeff Clemens resigned from the Senate District 31 seat in late October after disclosures about an extramarital affair with a lobbyist, while Coral Gables Democrat Daisy Baez resigned from the House District 114 seat in early November after agreeing to plead guilty to a perjury charge in an investigation about her residency. In the Palm Beach County Senate district, Gov. Rick Scott has scheduled a special primary election Jan. 30 and a special general election April 10. In the Miami-Dade County House district, he has scheduled a special primary election Feb. 20 and a special general election May 1. (Thursday, 4 p.m., Leon County Courthouse, 301 South Monroe St., Tallahassee.)

WEST SPEAKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY: Former Republican Congressman Allen West is slated to speak to the Judeo-Christian Republican Club. (Thursday, 6 p.m., South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach.)

—-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. ♦ Dec. 17: A week-long trial is scheduled before Circuit Judge Terence Perkins in the case of Michael Bowling, the 47-year-old Palm Coast man facing charges of molestation of 15-year-old girl during a sleep-over at her Bowling's daughter's house. Bowling also faces rape charges involving a girl in his charge, starting when she was 8 and going on for several years. That trial would take place next year. Jury selection begins Monday at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 401 at the Flagler County courthouse. See the background story here. ♦ Dec. 20: The Inspired Mic, Palm Coast’s most daring and unpredictable open mic event, is scheduled for its monthly edition at its new venue at the Hidden Treasures Restaurant, 820 Moody Ln, Flagler Beach. Each month some of the most creative, innovative performances a person could ever hope to experience take place at The Inspired Mic. 14 presenters each month pull out slices of talent and genius to entertain the audience. Each presenter gets 7 minutes to present on a very eclectic blend of their genius. Hidden Treasures Restaurant, 820 Moody Ln, Flagler Beach (under the bridge). Doors open at 6 p.m. and presenters begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12.50 advance, available at theinspiredmicus.com, or $15 at the door. The ticket includes one drink and entry into a drawing with a prize of $25 cash or a $50 gift certificate to The Hidden Treasures. ♦ Dec. 20: A celebration of the life of the late artist Richard Schreiner, who died in 2012, and his wife Arlene, who died this year, is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. at Salvo Art Project, 802 E Moody Blvd, Bunnell, with paintings never-before seen, Schriner's sketchbooks, his dissertation and other artifacts, food, music and stories. All invited. ♦ Dec. 22: Free Cup of Tea and Social Saturday: Stop by A Scent to Remember to enjoy a free cup of loose leaf tea by Flagler Tea Company, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A different tea is featured each week. If you want to try something different, you can ask for a cup to brew the tea of your liking. 208B. S. Central Ave., Flagler Beach. 386-631-3692, oils@ascenttoremember.net For events beyond this date, see the fuller Coming Days here.

The Day’s Best Reads:

Editor’s Tweets

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:

• Florida Department of Transportation Road Project List

Cultural Coda

Evgeni Koroliov Performs Claude Debussy Préludes

Previous Codas:

• Turkey’s Fazil Say Plays Mozart’s Alla Turca, Then His Own
• Guitarist John Williams at the BBC: The 2016 Documentary
• Sviatoslav Richter Plays Schubert’s Great Piano Sonata No 13 in A major, D 664
• Philip Glass’s Violin Concerto Performed on Sax by Amy Dixon
• Maria João Pires Performs Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K 453
• When Mickey Mouse Jammed Out Carmen and Other Favorites
• Heinrich von Herzogenberg’s Trio for Piano, Oboe and Horn, Op. 61
• The Sublime Valses Poéticos by Enrique Granados, Performed By Albert Flotats
• Complete Performance of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique: Leonard Bernstein, Orchestre National de France
• Yeol Eum Son Performs Charles Valentin Alkan
• A Crazy Encore by Yuja Wang at Carnegie Hall
• Phillip Sear Performs a Waltz By Neapolitan Composer Franco Alfano
• “Stranger Things” Cello Medley – Nicholas Yee
• Discover the Great Daniil Trifonov
• Afro-Venezuelan Shostakovich
• Bill Murray’s Mark Twain Prize: The Full Monty
• Norwegian Ice Festival
• Beethoven Flash
• Worlds Collide: Jan Vogler and Bill Murray
• Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 22 in E flat major: Robert Levin and the Transylvania Philharmonic
• Mozart: Piano Quartet No. 1, KV 478
• Eleanor Rigby, performed by Sirius Quartet
• Mozart: Tamiri’s aria from Il re pastore: Elina Shimkus & Sinfonietta Riga
• Mariko M on the Cello, Mariko Terashita, violin, Perform Limerock
• Bohuslav Martinu: First Sonata for Flute and Piano
• Andras Schiff Performs All Six of Bach’s French Suites
• Paul Lewis plays Schubert’s Piano Sonata No. 20 in A Major, Andantino
• 14-Year-Old María Dueñas Fernández Performs Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 1 at 2017 Competition
• Andras Schiff Performs the whole of Bach’s Overture in the French Style in B minor, BWV 831
• Alexander Dunn plays Studies by Fernando Sor
• Fandango, by Antonio Soler
• Frescobaldi: Toccata in G, Magdalena Baczewska, harpsichord
• Willie Nelson: Full Concert, Woodstock, 1999
• How playing an instrument benefits your brain
• Mozart’s Requiem: Camerata Salzburg, Arsys Bourgogne, Cond.
• Repairing Willie Nelson’s guitar