Wednesday Briefing: Whiteview Parkway Narrowing, Skywarn Class, False Fat Facts

FlaglerLive | January 31, 2018

Matanzas High School students and Mrs. Keen got to spend time with former Superintendent and current Vice Chancellor Jacob Oliva, at the Future Educators of America conference in Orlando last week. (MHS)

Today: Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 60s. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s. East winds 5 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 Index3
The OED’s Word of the Day: desh, n..
The Live Community Calendar
Today’s jail bookings.

Today’s Briefing: Quick Links

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Cultural Coda

“In the pathetic inertness of their sprawling bodies, they somehow, perhaps because of their surroundings, looked more like inanimate objects than bodies that once were living men, and in the growing darkness their faces began to resemble those of mummies. If war robs death of its majesty, nature compensates by covering up some of the gruesomeness, enabling active men to keep sane.”

–Otto D. Tolischus in a New York Time story, Sept. 29, 1939, from “Reporting World War II, Part One” (2001)

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.

The Rymfire Elementary School Advisory Council meets at 8 a.m. in the school’s media center.

Whiteview Parkway Narrowing: The Palm Coast government administration holds a public meeting to share details about proposed alterations to Whiteview Parkway, which would be reduced from four lanes to two, from U.S. 1 to Pritchard Drive. City staff recently conducted an analysis of the entire Whiteview Parkway corridor and identified potential projects to improve safety and efficiency on the City’s roadway system. These objective of these projects is to benefit motorists and bicyclists and pedestrians. The meeting is at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the African-American Cultural Center, 4422 N. U.S. 1, Bunnell. The public is invited to attend, and residents and property owners are encouraged to attend.

Skywarn: Flagler County Emergency Services and the National Weather Service hosts a free Skywarn Storm Spotter class at the Emergency Operations Center at 6 p.m. Angie Enyedi, assistant warning and coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service, will teach the class. It will cover everything from cloud formations to thunderstorm development to visual predictions. Participants are eligible to become volunteer storm spotters and assist Emergency Services and the National Weather Service by reporting potentially hazardous weather events. Registration is required, and can be done by calling Bob Pickering at 386-313-4250, or by email at pickering@flaglercounty.org.

An F/A-18C Super Hornet like the ones used in bombing runs on a range in the Ocala National Forest. (Shawn J. Stewart/US Navy)

An F/A-18C Super Hornet like the ones used in bombing runs on a range in the Ocala National Forest. Click on the image for larger view. (Shawn J. Stewart/US Navy)

Live and inert Navy bombing training this week: Navy training schedules indicate that live and inert bombing will take place at the Pinecastle Range Complex located in the Ocala National Forest. When the winds blow this way, windows may rattle. Bombing is scheduled as follows:

Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Live
Wednesday: 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – Inert
Thursday: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.- Inert

During bombing periods wildlife may be temporarily displaced. Use extra caution when driving through the Ocala National forest and surrounding areas. Secure any items around your residence that could attract wildlife. Always be mindful of larger animals including black bears and practice bearwise measures.
The telephone number for noise complaints is 1-800-874-5059, Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility, Jacksonville.

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

Wednesday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday: Fantastic Sams, Target Shopping Center, 5200 State Road 100 Suite 103B, Palm Coast, 110 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday: CVS Pharmacy 1 Old Kings Road South, Palm Coast, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: Palm Coast Farmer’s Market at European Village, 101 Palm Harbor Parkway, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Announcements:

Leadership Flagler Class 25: Application Deadline is Wednesday at 5 p.m.: Leadership Flagler, a program of the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce, develops leaders to maximize their ability and desire to become involved and help Flagler County thrive. The three-month program focuses on several aspects of the community including: business, government, health & human services, art & culture, agriculture and growth management. Through education and networking, Leadership Flagler provides tools and experiences necessary to the development of well-rounded community leaders. $385 for members, $535 for non-members. Contact the Chamber’s Heather Edwards by email here. See the application here.

Prescribed Burn in Putnam County: The Florida Highway Patrol continues to monitor a controlled burn in the area of SR 19 near CR 310 in Putnam County. Motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling in these areas. Visibility may deteriorate quickly due to smoke/fog type conditions, especially during the night time and early morning hours. Motorists are reminded to reduce their speed as necessary to avoid a collision and utilize their low beam headlights in order to adapt to changing weather conditions.

Bunnell Street Paving: Bunnell will be resurfacing a few streets during the hours of 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM beginning Monday, February 5, 2018 through Saturday, February 10, 2018 (weather permitting). The following streets will be impacted by paving crews:

N. Chapel St (from E. Woodland St. to E. Howe St.)
N. Orange St (from E. Howe St to E. Moody Blvd.)
N. Lemon St. (from Howe St. to E. Moody Blvd.)
N. Fig St. (from Howe St. to E. Moody Blvd.)
N. Peach St. (from E. Lambert St. to E. Moody Blvd.)
E. Woodland St. from US 1 to SR 100 W

Access to the roads being worked on will be limited during the vendor’s regular working hours of 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Residents along scheduled streets are asked; to ensure no vehicles, boats, trailers, etc. are left in the roadway during these hours. Prior to the resurfacing, please refrain from placing debris in the roadway for City pickup. Also make sure your sprinklers are turned off from 2:00 am to 7:00 pm. The day after the road is surfaced, these items can return to normal. Questions about this project or the schedule should be directed to the City of Bunnell Public Works Department at 386-437-7515.

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.

HOUSE BUDGET CONSIDERED: The House Appropriations Committee is expected to consider a proposed budget and related bills for the fiscal year that starts July 1. After the budget is approved by the Appropriations Committee, it will go to the full House. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

SENATE HOLDS FLOOR SESSION: The Senate could pass a bill that would set aside $100 million a year for the Florida Forever program and a proposal that would place a statue of civil-rights leader and educator Mary McLeod Bethune in the U.S. Capitol. Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, is sponsoring the Florida Forever bill (SB 370), which would use money that voters approved in 2014 for land and water conservation. The Bethune-related bill (SB 472), sponsored by Sen. Perry Thurston, D-Fort Lauderdale, stems from a 2016 decision by the Legislature to replace a likeness of Confederate Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith as a representative of Florida in the National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol. Bethune, who founded what became known as Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, would become one of two Florida representatives in the hall, along with John Gorrie, widely considered the father of air conditioning. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

FRACKING BAN SOUGHT: Rep. Kathleen Peters, R-Treasure Island, and Rep. Ben Diamond, D-St. Petersburg, are expected to be among the speakers during a rally calling for a ban on the oil- and gas-drilling technique known as fracking. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Waller Park, the Capitol.)

SENATORS RETURN FOR REUNION: The Senate will hold an annual reunion event for current and former senators. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

SENATE BUDGET ADDRESSED: The Senate Appropriations Committee will take up a proposed budget (SPB 2500) and related bills for the fiscal year that starts July 1. After approval by the Appropriations Committee, the budget will go to the full Senate for consideration. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

HOUSE HOLDS FLOOR SESSION: The House could take up more than 30 bills during a floor session, including a proposal (HB 619), filed by Rep. Jeanette Nunez, R-Miami, and Rep. Holly Raschein, R-Key Largo, that would rename Florida Keys Community College and North Florida Community College. Among the other measures is a bill (HB 317), filed by Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, that would require local sales-tax referendums to be held at the time of general elections and a bill (HB 7045), filed by Nunez, that calls for starting the 2020 session in January instead of the more-customary March. (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

ANNUAL ‘RED MASS’ HELD: An annual “Red Mass,” including state leaders and the Catholic bishops of Florida will be held. Among the speakers will be Rep. Colleen Burton, R-Lakeland. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More, 900 West Tennessee St., Tallahassee.)

PAROLE CASES HEARD: The Florida Commission on Offender Review will take up numerous parole cases. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, 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.

♦ Aug. 16: GTM's 20th Anniversary Celebration, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Princess Place Preserve, 2500 Princess Place Rd., Palm Coast, and GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach. The celebration will begin with a boat tour from Usina boat ramp in Ponte Vedra Beach ending at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, highlighting several GTM projects along the Guana and Tolomato rivers. After lunch at Princess Place, education and the coastal training program staff will give an overview of plankton samples collected from Pellicer Creek and a visit through the estuary with virtual reality headsets. Afterwards, the research staff will guide you through sediment elevations (SET) sites located in Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve. Next, practice using SET techniques in a culinary treat. The event will conclude with a reception and other activities at GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center in Ponte Vedra Beach. To confirm attendance, email Patrician Price at patrician.d.price@FloridaDEP.gov or call 904-823-4506.
♦ Aug. 16: The Flagler school district's Earl Johnson, a senior administrator, throws the first pitch at a Daytona Tortugas baseball game at 7 p.m.
♦ Aug. 17: Bimonthly cleanup of Belle Terre Parkway, from the public library to Banton Lane. If you want to help, please meet in the library parking lot by 7 a.m. -- the side of the parking lot facing Belle Terre. All supplies provided. Wear appropriate clothing (flip flops and open sandals are not a good idea) sun screen, bug spray, a hat -- other clothes are a good idea too. Bagels and coffee afterward at host's house.
♦ Aug. 17: Flagler Pier Fishing Tournament, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. For any questions, please contact the Pier bait shop at 386-517-2436.
♦ Aug. 17:

The first ever evening of Improv fun and games at the Flagler Playhouse, 7:30 p.m. The host for the evening will be Teresa Harris. You may know her as a Playhouse newcomer (The Glass Menagerie, It's a Wonderful Life), but you may not know that Teresa (along with husband Milt) are the founders of The Attention Deficient Players, an almost famous improv troupe from Atlanta. (OK, it was outside the perimeter (OTP), but it was a big deal.) The style of improv for this initial foray will be totally made up by the audience. Guests can choose to participate (by putting their name in a hat) or just sit back and enjoy. Teams will be brought up at random and given suggestions from the audience. Sketches will include favorites from TV such as; Scenes from a Hat, Worlds Worst, Questions Only, Sound Effects, plus a few that Teresa makes up - remember it's IMPROV! The show is in the New Lounge.
Since this show may contain adult comedy, guests must be at least 16 years old. Admission is $5. Cash only or credit cards online. For more info, contact Milt Harris,vicepresident@flaglerplayhouse.com
♦ Aug. 19: The East Flagler Mosquito Control District board meets at 10 a.m. at the district’s offices, 10 Airport Executive Drive (off Belle Terre Boulevard), Palm Coast.
♦ Aug. 20:

Palm Coast government hosts a "stakeholder" meeting at the Palm Coast Community Center from 4 to 7 p.m. "to receive input from these stakeholders regarding their business dealings with the City of Palm Coast’s Community Development Department," according to the Homebuilders Association's website. The city is calling it an "open forum." A city spokesperson said the homebuilders are "not co-hosting anything and they shouldn’t have used our logo on their materials without our permission" (see the homebuilders' notice to the right, and the city's informational card here). "They are very much invited as part of the general public," the spokesman said, describing the invitation to the public as an effort to get "feedback from the community regarding our approach to building and development related permitting, process, and customer service. The guidance you provide will help chart a path forward and lead to new innovative approaches to move these divisions forward as a partner and resource for the community. Our primary objective is to listen to you, not for you to hear us." The city will host a related "development forum" on Sept. 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. Those unable to attend may contribute their comments by email to planningdivision@palmcoastgov.com or by calling 386-986-3736. (An initial notice in this space, updated on August 10, incorrectly noted that the city had not posted the event on its website. It had done so by Aug. 8.)
♦ Aug. 20: Palm Coast government hosts the second of two informational meetings on its enhanced stormwater management program from 5 to 7 p.m. at City Hall in Town Center. City staff will share details about the Master Plan now under way, explain the new approach being taken, and discuss immediate priorities for improving the drainage system. Fire Chief Jerry Forte will also briefly highlight hurricane preparedness efforts by the City and share some helpful take-away tips. Refreshments will be provided. The enhanced, comprehensive stormwater management plan to improve the drainage system city-wide launched this past spring, and projects will be ongoing for several years. The plan will address drainage issues resulting from an aging infrastructure and years of growth. The Master Plan takes a big-picture look at the swales, ditches, canals, water control structures, pipes, and drainage basins and how they work together to protect homes and businesses from flooding. New solutions will focus more on the ditches and freshwater canals and will have a greater long-term impact on improving the drainage system across Palm Coast. Attendees may enjoy Food Truck Tuesday in Town Center. Stormwater experts who will be on hand for questions, Customer Service technicians will be available to assist in providing updates to previously made swale requests and educate the public on Palm Coast Connect, the City’s new citizen engagement tool. You can report concerns or access the growing Information Center - or you can register and track the progress of how your concern is handled. Palm Coast Connect is online at www.palmcoastconnect.com - and the free app is now available in both the Apple and Google Play App Stores.
♦ Aug. 20: Food Truck Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Ave, Palm Coast. Purchase and enjoy delicious cuisine available from food trucks situated along Park Street next to Central Park. Free entertainment is also provided. Proceeds from each Food Truck Tuesday benefit a local organization whose work supports children and families. This month’s beneficiary: Palm Coast Arts Foundation. More info: www.palmcoast.gov.com/foodtruck or call 386-986-2323.
♦ Aug. 21: The Blue Power 2020 Action Forum, 12:30 p.m. at the at the African American Cultural Society, 4422 N. US HWY 1, Palm Coast (just north of Whiteview Parkway). 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.

♦ Aug. 22: The Flagler Tiger Bay Club invites the community to a wine tasting event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center. The annual event, open to the public, is an opportunity for club members and guests to mingle while sampling private label Flagler Tiger Bay Club wines, enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Hammock Wine & Cheese and entertainment provided by the Flagler Youth Orchestra. The evening will include a meet and greet with the newly elected board of directors for current and prospective club members, while unveiling the club’s future speakers, and the launch of the Flagler Tiger Bay Club Young Tiger Program in conjunction with Flagler Schools, according to Greg Davis, president of the Flagler Tiger Bay Club. “Flagler Tiger Bay Club has earned a reputation for bringing in top speakers, the likes seldom seen in Flagler County, while presenting and discussing engaging subjects that impact our lives nationally, statewide and locally,” Davis said. “People come together of different political persuasions and engage in civil, thoughtful discussions during our meetings." Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway. Tickets: General Admission, $20. Registration closes August 19. Flagler Tiger Bay Club Private Label Wine Pre-Orders and Tickets at www.flaglertigerbayclub.com
♦ Aug. 22:

The execution of Gary Ray Bowles is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Florida State Prison in Starke. Bowles murdered six people in 1994. He is serving life sentences in the murders of John Roberts in Daytona Beach and Albert Morris in Nassau County, and is being killed for the murder of Walter Hinton in Jacksonville. See the background story here.
♦ Aug. 23: Friends of Music Celebration: Stetson University's 2019-2020 Season Premiere Concert, Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand.
♦ Aug. 23:

"Rick Shaefer: The Refugee Trilogy" Exhibit, with an opening, free reception from 6-8 p.m. at Stetson University's Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center, 139 E Michigan Ave, DeLand. In 2018, the number of people who had been forcibly coerced to leave their home and country as a result of persecution, violence or human rights violations worldwide reached 70.8 million, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The number of people displaced increased by 2.3 million people from the previous year, a record high. Artist Rick Shaefer's reaction to the international refugee crisis is featured in his large-scale, charcoal triptych drawings that portray people of ancient times fleeing by land or water and experiencing the conflicts at borders in three thematic, panel scenes. Stetson University's Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center will display 20 of Shaefer's charcoal-and-pencil drawings in "Rick Shaefer: The Refugee Trilogy" exhibit, Aug. 16-Oct. 14, with an opening-night reception on Aug. 23.Exhibits at the Hand Art Center are free and open to the public.
♦ Aug. 26:

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.
♦ Aug. 27: 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.
♦ Aug. 28:

The Blue Power 2020 Action Forum, 12:30 p.m. at the at the African American Cultural Society, 4422 N. US HWY 1, Palm Coast (just north of Whiteview Parkway). 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.
♦ Aug. 28: 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.
♦ Aug. 28: Faculty Recital: Kathy Thomas, French horn with Sovereign Brass Union. This 12-piece brass ensemble will be a treat to your ears: Gabrieli, Strauss, Bach and more. 7:30 p.m. Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. Free.
♦ Aug. 29: Economic development: the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce hosts a Common Ground breakfast focusing on the county's economic development efforts, with three speakers: County Administrator Jerry Cameron, Tourism Executive Director Amy Lukasik, and Economic Development Executive Director Helga van Eckert. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., breakfast at 8, the event lasts through about 9:15 a.m. Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast, 55 Town Center Blvd. Palm CoastMembers can preregister for $25, non-members for $35. Contact Melinda Rivera, 386-206-0952 or by Email, melinda@flaglerchamber.org
♦ Aug. 30: Florida Health Care Plans Brunch Club, 9-10:30 a.m. at Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE. Florida Health Care Plans presents their Blues Brunch Club as well as helpful information on topics that might affect you. Bring your favorite board game or play one provided by FHCP while enjoying brunch! Free, but registration required at www.parksandrec.fun/seniors. More info: 386-986-2323.

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:

In 2016, $28.6 billion in remittances flowed to Mexico (up 9.3% from the previous year) – a total that accounted for over a third of remittances to all of Latin America and the Caribbean. https://t.co/DTVMil26mY pic.twitter.com/CUN5hgljAe

— Pew Research Global (@pewglobal) January 24, 2018

It seems almost everything we have been told about fat is probably wrong https://t.co/JiUVFzmRSm

— The Economist (@TheEconomist) January 24, 2018

These ideas are not only in Saudi Textbooks, they are part of the core beliefs of many people who see themselves are true Muslims. At least now more and more people are taking a critical look at them:
https://t.co/1Ws9SZ9EKG

— Mustapha Hamoui (@Beirutspring) January 24, 2018