Monday Briefing: Maria Howell Trial, Lakeside By the Sea Development, Literacy Week

FlaglerLive | January 22, 2018

A rather cool image tweeted by the Flagler Beach Police Department illustrating last week’s cold blast through the county.

Today: Partly cloudy. Patchy fog in the morning. Highs in the mid 70s inland…in the lower 70s coast. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy in the evening, then mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. South 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 Index16
The OED’s Word of the Day: discumbent, n. and adj..
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

“Dawn in Los Angeles, on the hills of Hollywood. One feels distinctly that the sun only skimmed over Europe to really rise here, on this plain geometry where its rays are still, so new, emerged from desert confines.”

–Jean Baudrillard, from “America” (1986)

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: A trial is scheduled in the case of Maria Rose Howell, 19, who is accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl she’d taken to Epic Theater and, later, to Port St. Lucie. Circuit Judge Dennis Craig twice refused to accept a plea agreement, deeming it too lenient. Jury selection begins at 9 a.m. in Craig’s Courtroom 401 at the Flagler County courthouse.

See:

George Wood in court today. (c FlaglerLive)

George Wood. (c FlaglerLive)

In Court: Several additional trials are scheduled this week, absent last-minute settlements, including in the case of George Wood, who is accused of escape, criminal mischief and other charges, Darrell Smith, who is accused of battery on a person 65 or older, and Joseph Hawk, accused of aggravated battery and battery by strangulation, all before Circuit Judge Dennis Craig.

Collective Bargaining Contract Negotiations between Flagler County Professional Firefighters Assoc., Inc and Flagler County Commission management representatives are scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Government Services Building, Bunnell, in the administrative conference room.

The Flagler County Purchasing Department Evaluation Committee meets to review proposals submitted in response to RFP# 18-028P, for Custodial Services for County Facilities, at the Government Services Building’s Financial Services Conference Room, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg 2, Bunnell, at 2 p.m.

The Flagler County Library Board of Trustees holds a special meeting at 3:30 p.m. at the Flagler County Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast, to discuss its website.

The Flagler County Commission meets at 5 p.m. at the Government Services Building, Bunnell, in board chambers. A public hearing on a proposed housing development on either side of the Lakeside By the Sea development on State Road A1A, originally scheduled for November, is scheduled for this evening. A Jacksonville developer is proposing to build developments called Los Lagos (The Lakes) and Las Casitas (The Little Houses), one consisting of 88 single-family homes the other of 97 homes on a combined 48 acres. The Flagler County Planning Board unanimously approved a series of land-use applications related to the two developments at a contentious meeting in October–contentious, because the near-totality of residents in Lakeside oppose the development for fear that it would lead to flooding in their neighborhoods, among other concerns. In other business, commissioners are expected to approve a $225,000 expenditure to connect the county’s 911 dispatch center to fiberoptic cables. See the full background materials here.

The Bunnell City Commission meets in workshop at 6 p.m. to hear a presentation on community development, and at 7 p.m., when it is expected to approve, on second reading, a ban on medical marijuana dispensaries. At City Hall, 201 West Moody Boulevard, Bunnell.

Rymfire Elementary marks the kick-off of Literacy Week with an 8:30 a.m. breakfast with Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland, at the Rymfire Media Center. Fill out an invitation form here.

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

Wednesday: The Windsor of Palm Coast, 50 Town Court, from 1 to 6 p.m.
Friday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday: Epic Theatre in Palm Coast’s Town Center, from 2 to 7 p.m.
Saturday: Epic Theatre in Palm Coast’s Town Center, from 2 to 7 p.m.

Announcements:

Flagler County Citizens Academy now taking applications for February 27 start: Flagler County government is accepting applications for its Spring 2018 Citizens Academy program, a free ten-week course introducing participants to the day-to-day operations of Flagler County government. Registration is free, but class size is limited to 30 and applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis. The spring classes will be held on consecutive Tuesday mornings, 9 a.m. to noon beginning February 27. Each week participants learn about responsibilities and operations of County departments, such as Land Management, Economic Development, and Fire Rescue. Locations include the 911 center at Emergency Operations, the control tower at the Executive Airport, and the Lodge at Princess Place Preserve. Citizens Academy is also an opportunity for attendees to interact with staff and ask questions on topics that range from code enforcement to senior day-care to the property assessment process. The final session – which includes a Q&A roundtable with the county commissioners – will be May 1, 2018. A graduation ceremony on Monday, May 7 at 5 p.m. will recognize the 14th Citizens Academy class, during a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. Interested residents can find an application online at http://www.flaglercounty.org/citizens_academy or by contacting Rose Keirnan, PR & Marketing Specialist, at 386-313-4026 or rkeirnan@flaglercounty.org. Offered twice yearly, the next opportunity to participate in Citizens Academy will be a series of evening classes in Fall 2018.

The Florida Agricultural Museum’s inaugural newsletter issue has been published and can be viewed or downloaded here.

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.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING TARGETED: Sen. Perry Thurston, D-Fort Lauderdale, Rep. Barrington Russell, D-Lauderdale Lakes, and Rep. Robert Asencio, D-Miami, will hold a news conference to address legislation aimed at combatting human trafficking. (Monday, 10 a.m., fourth floor, the Capitol.)

HATE CRIMES ADDRESSED: Sen. Kevin Rader, D-Delray Beach, Rep. Joe Geller, D-Aventura, and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., will hold a news conference about proposals that they say would strengthen state laws against hate crimes. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Broward County Sheriff’s Office headquarters, 2601 West Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.)

LAWMAKERS TAKE AIM AT OPIOID EPIDEMIC: The House Appropriations Committee will consider a bill (HB 21), filed by Rep. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, that would seek to curb the state’s opoid epidemic. In part, the bill would place three- or seven-day limits on prescriptions for painkillers and would require doctors to consult a statewide database known as the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. (Monday, 3 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

TAX CUTS EYED: The House Ways and Means Committee will discuss tax-reduction “concepts.” (Monday, 3 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

WORKFORCE TRAINING BACKED: The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee will take up a proposal (SB 1122), filed by Minority Leader Oscar Braynon, D-Miami Gardens, that would create the “Florida Business and Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund” to help steer money to workforce training. (Monday, 3:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

DIVERSION PROGRAMS PITCHED: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee will consider a bill (SB 1392), filed by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, that seeks to boost prearrest diversion programs in local communities. (Monday, 3:30 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

‘HOPE SCHOLARSHIP’ PROGRAM WEIGHED: The Senate Education Committee will take up a proposal (SB 1172), filed by Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, that would make voucher-like scholarships available to students who have been bullied or suffered other types of attacks or intimidation in public schools. (Monday, 3:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

RALLY MARKS ROE V. WADE ANNIVERSARY: The Florida National Organization for Women will hold a rally outside the Old Capitol to mark the 45th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade abortion ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. (Monday, 5:30 p.m., Old Capitol, Tallahassee.)

—-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.

♦ June 25: The Palm Coast City Commission meets in workshop at 9 a.m. at City Hall. The workshop is focused on the city's 2019-20 budget, with a discussion on taxes.
♦ June 25: Flagler County's housing division presents a Renter's Rights Workshop at 5:30 p.m. at the Government Services Building 2, Room 3 (3rd Floor), 1769 East Moody Blvd, Bunnell. Learn about Landlord-Tenant and Fair Housing laws. Attorneys from Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida will present Rights and Responsibilities as a Renter at this free, educational event. The workshop will not include individual legal consultations. For additional information contact Flagler County SHIP Housing Administrator Ralston Reodica: rreodica@flaglercounty.org, (386) 313-4037 extension 5. The workshop is open to all at no charge.
♦ June 25: 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.
♦ June 26: Flagler County Commissioner Joe Mullins hosts a "business town hall" meeting for Flagler Beach businesses to, in his words, "unify businesses to have a strong voice" and "combine marketing efforts." The meeting is at 3 p.m. at Key West Eats, 1112 South Oceanshore Boulevard, Flagler Beach.
♦ June 26: 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.
♦ June 27: The Palm Coast Beautification and Environmental Advisory Committee meets at 5 p.m. at City Hall in Town Center. The committee will discuss climat change and sea level rise.
♦ June 27: The Flagler Beach City Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 105 South Second Street. The commission will get the annual update from the Flagler County Health Department's Gretchen Smith, and will consider a resolution providing for a temporary limited exception to the prohibition against signs being placed within public rights of way within designated areas of the city uniquely impacted by the SR A1A project. The commission will also discuss amendments to its murals ordinance, and an ordinance increasing Municipal Business Tax rates by not more than five percent.
♦ June 27:

Another unveiling of the latest turtle sculpture to be added to the Turtle Trail: "PABLO" has been a work in progress this school year by the Flagler Palm Coast High School art club in collaboration with students from Old Kings Elementary School, the Marine Sciences flagship school for Flagler County. It will be unveiled at 1 p.m. at Old Kings Elementary School, 301 Old Kings Road South. Pablo's sponsor is Palm Coast Arts Foundation Trustee G. Lindsey Florence.
♦ June 28: The Scenic A1A PRIDE Committee meets at 9 a.m. at the Hammock Community Center, 79 Mala Compra Rd. off A1A. See the full agenda here.
♦ June 28: The Flagler County School Board meets in a special session to financially close out the year at 9 a.m. at the Government Services Building, Bunnell.
♦ June 28: Urban Surf 4 Kids Surf Camp, starting at 9 a.m., South 6th Street on the Beach.
♦ June 28: "Opry Reunion" debuts. This family style variety show features cast members of Daytona Opry, Downtown Opry and a few new entertainers. Linda Cole, Firecrackers, Michael Leone (Elvis), Eddie Davis, Kaitlyn Kent and Michele Marie will return. Each show will also feature a special guest or two. Bring your family to this high energy variety show, similar to the shows in Branson and Myrtle Beach. This show features classic standards from Gospel, Country, R&B, Motown & much more. Opry Reunion is at Oceanside Inn 1909 South Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach Shores. Showtime is 8 PM and doors open at 7:30 PM. Reserved tickets are $20. A VIP table (comfortably seats 8) is $150. Call (386) 307-0922 for ticket information.
♦ June 29: 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.
♦ June 29-20: 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.
♦ June 29:

"Transitions: The Art of Trish Vevera, Past and Present," opens at Berkshire Hathaway with a free reception at 6 p.m. The show is curated by Paul Beaulieu and Thomas Anastasio. At 101 Palm Coast Parkway, European Village. Vevera is the reigning Flagler County Artist of the Year.
♦ July 1: 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 2: The Flagler Beach Planning and Architecture (or PAR) Board meets at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 105 S 2nd St. The board will consider a new ordinance relating to the protection of gopher tortoises, with new regulations applicable during development activities.
♦ July 3: Fireworks in the Park: Kick off your Independence Day celebration one day early July 3. Pack your picnic basket and bring your blanket and chairs to watch the free colorful display at Central Park at Town Center, 975 Central Ave, beginning at 9 p.m. Entertainment and food vendors will begin at 6 p.m. A patriotic ceremony starts at 7 p.m.
♦ July 5: First Friday Garden and Butterfly Walk at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd., 10 a.m. Join a ranger at 10am for a walk through our historical gardens. Learn about the history of our park while exploring the beauty of the formal gardens, with an emphasis on butterflies. The walk is approximately 1 hour. Please bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Meet in the garden parking lot. Garden walk included with park entry. No registration required.
♦ July 5-7:

"A Midsummer Night's Madness," a summer workshop production at Palm Coast's City Repertory Theatre. Tickets are $15, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. Book here.
♦ July 6: 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.
♦ July 6: World Cup Finals Watch Party: The women's soccer World Cup is here again. Join fellow residents at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy NE, as they watch the finals match to see which country is crowned the best in the world July 7. There will be snacks, giveaways and activities for kids. The event costs $1 per person. The final's kickoff is 11 a.m.
♦ July 8: 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.

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:

On Trump’s First Anniversary, a Government Shutdown https://t.co/qEevbVDufZ

— John Tepper Marlin (@CityEconomist) January 20, 2018

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— Adrienne LaFrance (@AdrienneLaF) January 20, 2018

Chuck Schumer has led his party into a possibly risky government shutdown, because the Democratic base demands it https://t.co/AjdnRMu0MK

— NYT Opinion (@nytopinion) January 20, 2018

The accomplishments of the last year have been reasonably impressive. https://t.co/yuVBF03G9G

— The Weekly Standard (@weeklystandard) January 20, 2018