Tuesday Briefing: Nathaniel Shimmel Pre-Trial, O’Brien Town Hall, Vacation Rentals, Mary Kelly Performs

FlaglerLive | February 13, 2018

Looking into Flagler’s future: Flagler County Commissioner Don O’Brien hosts a town hall meeting this evening at 6 at the Flagler County Public Library. See details below. (© FlaglerLive)

Today: Patchy fog in the morning. Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Highs in the mid 70s inland…in the lower 70s coast. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Tonight: Cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers. Lows in the upper 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 Index59
The OED’s Word of the Day: key-cold, adj. and 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 Last 24 Hours of Incident 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

“We don’t want a president who bends over backward to give the benefit of the doubt to neo-Nazis, wife beaters, pedophiles and sexual predators — or who is a sexual predator himself. We don’t want a president who thinks #me is more important than #metoo.”

–Maureen Dowd, from her New York Times column on Feb. 11.

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: Paul Dykes, who earlier this month was sentenced to two life in prison terms for child rape and related crimes, appears again in court this morning for the prosecution and the defense to discuss the possibility of a plea deal on charges still pending, and on which Dykes had previously been scheduled to go to trial. At 8:45 a.m. before Circuit Judge Dennis Craig in Courtroom 401 at the Flagler County courthouse.

Nathan Shimmel.

In Court: A pre-trial is scheduled in the case of Nathaniel Shimmel, the 22-year-old Palm Coast man facing a first-degree murder charge and the death penalty if convicted in the stabbing-death of his mother in August 2017. The hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. before Circuit Judge Dennis Craig in Courtroom 401 at the Flagler County courthouse. He is defended by Ray Warren.

The Flagler County Affordable Housing Committee meets at 8:30 a.m. in the Financial Services Conference Room, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 2, Third Floor, Bunnell.

The Palm Coast City Council meets at 9 a.m. in workshop at City Hall at Town Center. The council will hear a presentation on the latest survey the city conducts with citizens to gauge resident satisfaction or dissatisfaction with city services. The council will discuss approval of the contract to begin construction of the next phase of renovation at Holland Park, which would include among other things a splash park, pickleball courts, three racquetball courts, an exercise fitness area, picnic pavilions and a maintenance building. The current discussion is for approval of $131,000 in two contracts for design work. The full agenda and background here.

Vacation rentals: The House Government Accountability Committee will consider a proposal (HB 773), filed by Rep. Mike La Rosa, R-St. Cloud, that would limit the ability of local governments, including Flagler County, to regulate vacation rental properties. A deregulation bill in the Senate has already cleared two committee.
This is the first hearing for the House bill, which also faces three committee stops. At 3 p.m. Watch here.

The Flagler County Planning and Development Board meets at 6 p.m. in Board Chambers at the Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 2, first floor, Bunnell. The board will hear a request for a special exception for a medical and dental office building at 5182 N. Oceanshore Boulevard in the Hammock.

Flagler County Commissioner Don O’Brien holds a town meeting at 6 p.m. at the Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, Palm Coast.

Library Black History Month Live Performance by Mary Kelly at 2 p.m. in the Dough Cisney Room. Kelly offers a live performance of “Midnight Train: Harriet Tubman on the Underground Railroad.” Everyone is welcome to attend this special event sponsored by the Florida Specific Cultural Project Touring Grant. The library is at 2500 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, Palm Coast.

A series of gun bills introduced at the Florida Legislature would expand gun owners' rights under the law to more broadly and openly carry guns. (christopher sebela)

(christopher sebela)

A presentation on Gun Law Basics: Join Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood as he presents an overview of Florida’s gun laws, including what you can do to protect yourself. He also will provide an update on the Sheriff’s Office and its impact on our communities. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Daytona State College’s Advanced Technology College’s multi-purpose room, 1770 Technology Blvd., Daytona Beach (located ½-mile north of LPGA Blvd. off Williamson Blvd.) The free event is part of Daytona State College Foundation’s Wisdom in Senior Education (WISE) program.

School advisory council meetings: The Belle Terre Elementary Advisory Council meets at 4 p.m. in the principal’s conference room at the school, The Matanzas High council meets at 6 p.m. in the school’s Learning Commons.

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 bombing: Navy training schedules indicate that live and inert bombing will take place at the Pinecastle Range Complex located in the Ocala National Forest, which may rattle windows in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The schedule is as follows:

Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Live/Inert
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Inert
Wednesday: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Inert
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Inert
Friday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Live/Inert
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Live/Inert
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Live/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, Fla.

Note: today is the Flagler Class 25 Application Deadline at the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce. $385 for members, $535 for non-members. Call the Chamber at 386-437-0106.

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

Tuesday: Daytona State College’s Palm Coast Campus, 3000 Palm Coast Parkway Southeast, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday: Hammock Beach Resort, 200 Ocean Crest Drive, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday: Metro Diner, Island Walk, 250 Palm Coast Parkway, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: Publix at 800 Belle Terre Parkway, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: Publix at 4950 Belle Terre Parkway, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: Publix at Palm Harbor, 250 Palm Coast Parkway, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jail Bookings and Last 24 Hours' Incidents in Flagler, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell


Jail Bookings, August 13-14 Sheriff's night shift incident reports, August 13 Sheriff's day shift incident reports, August 13 Flagler Beach's night shift incident reports, August 13 Flagler Beach's day shift incident reports, August 13 Bunnell police's night shift incident reports, August 13 Bunnell police's day shift incident reports, August 13
Previous and archived reports

Sources: Flagler County Sheriff's Office, Flagler Beach Police Department, Bunnell Police Department. This is Flagler County's only comprehensive, one-stop compilation of all local law enforcement's daily day and night shift commanders' reports.

Announcements:

A Message From Flagler Beach Government on Dune Walkovers: Effective now, the following Beach Access Stairways or Dune Crossover locations are open for public usage in Flagler Beach:

Please utilize the above Beach Access/Dune Crossovers only. Do not walk on or across the Sea Dunes to prevent further erosion of the Dune system. City Ordinance 6-9 prohibits the destruction, harm, molestation, cutting, harvesting, removal or eradication or cause of destruction of any plant life on the Dune areas within the City, east of Highway A1A. Please do not attempt to utilize closed Beach Access/Dune Crossover locations. Closed locations have clearly visible yellow “Caution” tape and wooden boards blocking access. These locations have been deemed unstable and have hereby been closed for public safety. Please utilize caution when accessing the Beach at the above locations, as there may be a varied distance between the last step of the Beach Access Points and the sand. The City will be working to re-open as many Dunes Access Points, both North and South of SR100, before March 1, 2018.

The Florida Agriculture Museum’s Latest Newsletter is out. Download it here or see below:

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.

JEWISH HERITAGE HONORED: Rep. Emily Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, and Sen. Daphne Campbell, D-Miami, are scheduled to host a Jewish heritage breakfast as part of Jewish American Heritage Week. Honorees during the breakfast are expected to include Rep. Rick Stark, D-Weston. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., 116 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

PAYDAY LOANS CONSIDERED: The House Government Operations & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee will consider a proposal (HB 857), filed by Rep. James Grant, R-Tampa, and Minority Leader Janet Cruz, D-Tampa, that would revamp regulations for payday lenders. The proposal would allow a new type of “installment” loan that could be up to $1,000 and be repaid over 60 to 90 days. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

RECORDS EXEMPTION SOUGHT: The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee will consider a proposal (SB 532), filed by Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa, that would prevent the release of information about 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds who preregister to vote. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

GENETIC INFORMATION TARGETED: The Senate Health Policy Committee will take up a bill (SB 1106), filed by Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, that would bar life insurers and long-term care insurers from using people’s genetic information in deciding whether to cancel, limit or deny policies. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AT ISSUE: The House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a bill (HB 1249), filed by Rep. James Grant, R-Tampa, that would make a series of changes related to access to electronic communications. Among other things, it would effectively criminalize reading text messages or emails on another person’s cell phone without getting permission. (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

ANIMAL CRUELTY ADDRESSED: The Senate Judiciary Committee will take up a bill (SB 952), filed by Chairman Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, that would allow judges to prevent people who have been convicted of animal cruelty from owning or possessing animals. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

FIREWORKS BAN COULD BE DEFUSED: The House Commerce Committee will take up a bill (HB 6037), filed by Rep. James Grant, R-Tampa, and Rep. Lawrence McClure, R-Dover, that would end a decades-old prohibition on fireworks sales. Many people have gotten around the ban by using loopholes that allow the purchase of fireworks for such things as frightening birds for agriculture-related purposes. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

SPECIAL ELECTION IN HD 72: A special election will be held in Sarasota County’s House District 72. Republican James Buchanan, Democrat Margaret Good and Libertarian Alison Foxall are running to replace former Rep. Alex Miller, a Sarasota Republican who resigned last year.

NEW CRIME APPROACH SOUGHT: The group Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice will hold a procession to the Capitol, followed by a healing vigil and prayer circle, as it calls for a new approach to public safety. (Tuesday, procession starts at 10:30 a.m., Trinity United Methodist Church, 120 West Park Ave., Tallahassee. Healing vigil and prayer circle, noon, fourth floor, the Capitol.)

‘STEM DAY’ MARKED: A news conference will be held as part of the “2018 STEM Day at the Florida Capitol.” Representatives of the Orlando Science Center, the Tallahassee Museum and Motorola Solutions Foundation are expected to take part in the news conference. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Capitol courtyard.)

GILLUM, CORCORAN DEBATE: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum and House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, will take part in a televised debate about “sanctuary” cities. (Tuesday, 8 p.m., Florida Internet and Television studio, 246 East Sixth Ave., 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: The Kiwanis Club of Flagler County marks its 10th Anniversary with a celebration at 4 p.m. at Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 S Old Kings Rd., Flagler Beach. It's a free event.
♦ Aug. 16: Farm Swap and Music Jam at the Florida Agricultural Museum, 7900 Old Kings Rd. North, Palm Coast, FL 32137, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Farm Fresh Fruits and Veggies, Arts and Crafts, Ready to eat things, Flea Market, Local Musicians and More. Contact Gail Carson, Gail@floridaagmuseum.org
♦ Aug. 16:

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. 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. The New Europa at 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).
♦ Aug. 16: Open House and Meet the Teachers at Indian Trails Middle School, 6 p.m.
♦ Aug. 16: Matanzas High's kick-off football game, Ed White v. Matanzas, 6 p.m. at Matanzas.
♦ Aug. 17: The Flagler County School District serves an appreciation breakfast for its bus drivers, among the district's lowest-paid employees, at 8:30 a.m. at Buddy Taylor Middle School's cafeteria. The district is looking for new bus drivers.
♦ Aug. 17: Football: Flagler Palm Coast High School v. Atlantic High, at FPC's stadium, 7 p.m.
♦ Aug. 17: Sen. John Cronyn, the Texas Republican, is the featured speaker at Flagler County Republicans' Lincoln Day Dinner at 5:30 p.m. at Hammock Beach Resort. Tickets are $100 until July 11, then $175 per person.
♦ Aug. 17: Lunch N’ Lecture Series, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE. This month: “Senior Crime” with Sgt. Michael Lutz of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. The lecture and lunch are free, but pre-registration is required (while space available) by 11 a.m. Aug. 15: www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ Aug. 18:

Enrollment Day at Daytona State College, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the college’s Daytona Beach Campus. The day gives students an opportunity to join the Falcon community and complete everything from admission to registration. Students start by completing a Daytona State application, then meet with an Admissions Advisor and Financial Aid Counselor, take an assessment test (if applicable), meet with an Academic Advisor, and then lock in their schedule. The Daytona State Financial Aid Office will be open to assist with college education financing and will provide assistance to complete the federal financial aid application (FAFSA). Academic Advisors will also be available to talk about unique academic programs such as Quanta-Honors College which offers an alternative to regular college classes for highly motivated students. For more information about the Enrollment Saturday event, e-mail Admissions@DaytonaState.edu or call (386) 506-4471.
♦ Aug. 18: Matanzas High's Cross Country Pancake Classic, 7 a.m. at the Matanzas track.
♦ Aug. 18: Yoga on the Beach at Jungle Hut Park: Unroll your mat on the beach with Melissa Byram of Meditation Mama Yoga for an hour of yoga bliss! Join us for a fun and relaxing experience on the beach culminating in an extended savasana with delicious lemongrass essential oil cold cloths! All experience levels welcome! $10 drop in fee, bring your mat, towel, and water, we'll bring the rest. 10 a.m. at Jungle Hut Park, 125 Jungle Hut Rd, Palm Coast.
♦ Aug. 18-25: Primary election early voting in Flagler County at three locations: Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway N.W., Palm Coast; Palm Coast Community Center at the corner of Clubhouse Drive and Palm Coast Parkway, 305 Palm Coast Parkway; and Supervisor of Elections Office in the Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Suite 101, Bunnell.
♦ Aug. 19:

Rabbi Merrill Shapiro, Immediate Past President of the National Board of Trustees of Americans United for Separation of Church and State and chairman of the FlaglerLive board of directors, leads a discussion about “Preventing or Permitting Clergy and Houses of Worship Endorsements of Partisan Political Candidates” as part of an Adult Education event at Congregation B’nai Torah, 403 North Nova Road, Ormond Beach, at 2:30 p.m. This event is open to the public, all are welcome. There is no charge and no advance arrangements need be made. For further information call 386-672-1174.
♦ Aug. 20: Fall semester classes begin at Bethune-Cookman College. The freshman class of 2022 is anticipated to number 1,000 students, hailing from every state and some 30 countries.
♦ Aug. 21: 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, and enjoy free entertainment. This month’s beneficiary is Walk to End Alzheimer’s. More info: www.palmcoast.gov.com/foodtruck or call 386-986-2323.
♦ Aug. 21: Couch to 5K Challenge sponsored by Florida Hospital Flagler, every Tuesday and Thursday through Oct. 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Palm Coast Community Center Trail Head, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. This group training and exercise program does not require any running experience. It is designed to encourage, motivate and challenge the individual to compete with his/her peers. The final goal is to run the Pink Army 5K on Oct. 14. Stop being a couch potato and sign up today! Please wear running shoes and dress to be outside. Registration includes race registration into the Pink Army 5K. $50/person that includes Pink Army 5K registration. Pre-registration required at www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ Aug. 22: The Flagler County Canvassing Board meets at 10 a.m. at the Supervisor of Elections Office, Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Suite 101. The agenda: Canvass of Vote-By-Mail Ballots.
♦ Aug. 22: What is a Smart Community? The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce hosts an educational event aimed at showcasing components that make up a smart community. Learn about the technology movement that is shaping our community for the future. From transporation and utility systems to innovations in our business community, hear what our local civic, business and community leaders are implementing to make Flagler County a Smart Community. The event will begins with a keynote presentation by Jeff Sheffield, Executive Director for the North Florida Transporation Planning Organization about Smart City technologies and will include a panel discussion featuring representatives from Flagler's cities, all starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. Individual seats: Member rate: $40, non-member rate, $50. Table of ten: $375 for members, $500 for non-members. Contact the Chamber's Heather Edwards, 386-437-0106.
♦ Aug. 22: A meeting of the 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. The Compassionate Friends, 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 The Compassionate Friends, visit their national website at www.compassionatefriends.org.
♦ Aug. 22: The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Chamber’s Economic Alliance Council host a “What is a Smart Community?” Luncheon from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center. It's $40 for Chamber members or a table of ten for $375. The program will include a keynote presentation from Jeff Sheffield, Executive Director for the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization about integrating smart technologies to optimize efficiencies of city operations, transportation systems, water systems, hospitals, schools and other community services. Helga van Eckert, executive director for the Flagler County Department of Economic Opportunity will moderate a panel discussion that will include the cities of Bunnell, Flagler Beach and Palm Coast as well as Flagler County government on how these municipalities are implementing smart technologies.
♦ Aug. 23: Couch to 5K Challenge sponsored by Florida Hospital Flagler, every Tuesday and Thursday through Oct. 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Palm Coast Community Center Trail Head, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. This group training and exercise program does not require any running experience. It is designed to encourage, motivate and challenge the individual to compete with his/her peers. The final goal is to run the Pink Army 5K on Oct. 14. Stop being a couch potato and sign up today! Please wear running shoes and dress to be outside. Registration includes race registration into the Pink Army 5K. $50/person that includes Pink Army 5K registration. Pre-registration required at www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ Aug. 23: Farm Swap and Music Jam at the Florida Agricultural Museum, 7900 Old Kings Rd. North, Palm Coast, FL 32137, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Farm Fresh Fruits and Veggies, Arts and Crafts, Ready to eat things, Flea Market, Local Musicians and More. Contact Gail Carson, Gail@floridaagmuseum.org
♦ Aug. 24: Ocean Art Gallery, late of Flagler Beach, re-opens in Ormond Beach in a 3,000 square-foot space with a grand opening at 5 p.m. at 197 East Granada Boulevard in Granada Plaza. It's an evening of art, friends, live music, refreshments and plenty of free parking right in front.
♦ Aug. 25: Fantasy Football League, 11 a.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE. Participate in Palm Coast Parks & Recreation’s first-ever Fantasy Football League, which will run through December! Must be present for the draft at 11 a.m. Aug. 25. Ages 16 and up. $15/person. Sign up at www.palmcoastgov.com/register.
♦ Aug. 25: "Black & White," a new show, opens at Blue Fine Art Gallery with a free reception, 6 p.m. at Marvin's Garden, 4601 E Moody Blvd, unit B8, Bunnell.
♦ Aug. 26: Moonrise at the Beach: Join us for a moonrise at the beach at 7:45 p.m. p.m. You will learn fun and interesting facts about the moon and our coastal ecosystem. Enjoy the spectacular view! Bring binoculars and a camera for beautiful photo opportunities. All ages are welcome, minors must be accompanied by an adult. This event is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions. We will be meeting at the beachside pavilion on the east side of the park. Event is free with $5-per-carload park admission. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area 3100 S Oceanshore Blvd, Flagler Beach.Any questions, please contact the Ranger Station at (386) 517-2086.
♦ Aug. 27: Fall semester classes begin at Daytona State College.
♦ Aug. 27: 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 http://www.stampandcoinclub.com.
♦ Aug. 28: Primary election day. Polling locations in Flagler open at 7 a.m., close at 7 p.m.
♦ Aug. 28: The Flagler County Canvassing Board meets at noon and again at 6 p.m. at the Supervisor of Elections Office, Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Suite 101. The agenda: Canvass of Vote-By-Mail Ballots. The board meets again at 7 p.m. to reveal unofficial election results.
♦ Aug. 28: Couch to 5K Challenge sponsored by Florida Hospital Flagler, every Tuesday and Thursday through Oct. 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Palm Coast Community Center Trail Head, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. This group training and exercise program does not require any running experience. It is designed to encourage, motivate and challenge the individual to compete with his/her peers. The final goal is to run the Pink Army 5K on Oct. 14. Stop being a couch potato and sign up today! Please wear running shoes and dress to be outside. Registration includes race registration into the Pink Army 5K. $50/person that includes Pink Army 5K registration. Pre-registration required at www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ Aug. 29: A pre-trial is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. in the case of Eric Cooley, the Flagler Beach Commissioner who faces a misdemeanor battery charge, before County Judge Melissa Moore-Stens in Courtroom 404 at the Flagler County courthouse. Cooley pleaded not guilty. (Case 2018MM867).
♦ Aug. 30: The Flagler County Canvassing Board meets at 5:15 p.m. at the Supervisor of Elections Office, Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Suite 101. The agenda: Canvass of Provisional Ballots, Official Results, Certification.
♦ Aug. 30: Couch to 5K Challenge sponsored by Florida Hospital Flagler, every Tuesday and Thursday through Oct. 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Palm Coast Community Center Trail Head, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. This group training and exercise program does not require any running experience. It is designed to encourage, motivate and challenge the individual to compete with his/her peers. The final goal is to run the Pink Army 5K on Oct. 14. Stop being a couch potato and sign up today! Please wear running shoes and dress to be outside. Registration includes race registration into the Pink Army 5K. $50/person that includes Pink Army 5K registration. Pre-registration required at www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ Aug. 30: Farm Swap and Music Jam at the Florida Agricultural Museum, 7900 Old Kings Rd. North, Palm Coast, FL 32137, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Farm Fresh Fruits and Veggies, Arts and Crafts, Ready to eat things, Flea Market, Local Musicians and More. Contact Gail Carson, Gail@floridaagmuseum.org
♦ Aug. 31: The Flagler County Drug Court Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 401 at the Flagler County courthouse.
♦ Aug. 31: Healthcare Provider course: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Palm Coast Fire Station 25, 1250 Belle Terre Pkwy., Palm Coast. This basic life support program for healthcare providers course provides the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, administer CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, effective and timely manner. Examples of those who may need this certification are: EMS personnel, physician assistants, dentists, nurses, respiratory therapists and others. All must have a credential (card) documenting successful completion of a CPR course. $65/person with pre-registration required by 9 a.m., Aug. 28. Sign up at www.palmcoastgov.com/cpr. More info: cprcertification@palmcoastgov.com or 386-986-2300.
♦ Sept. 4:

Chess on the Porch (and backgammon): The Humidor at European Village hosts an open chess evening starting at 6 p.m. Anyone and everyone welcome. Bring your chessboard if you have one. Great beer and wine, plus cigars. 101 Palm Harbor Pkwy, Palm Coast. Call 386.445.2221.
♦ Sept. 4: The Community Chorus of Palm Coast begins rehearsals for the winter concert. Weekly Tuesday night rehearsals start at 6:30 p.m. and are held at Trinity Presbyterian Church located at 156 Florida Park Drive. Contact President Jeff McKay at 386-451-6145 or visit our website for more information www.communitychorusofpalmcoast.org.

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, Fox News et al told the world two border agents were brutally beaten, one fatally, by illegal immigrants. The FBI investigated and found no such thing. As Jonathan Swift wrote: falsehood flies, and the truth limps behind. https://t.co/svlRHg2maH

— Dana Milbank (@Milbank) February 10, 2018

For decades, Israel acted as if it owned the Middle East skies. That ended Saturday | Gideon Levy https://t.co/v6FEGtH5Ad

— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) February 12, 2018

The latest episode of Israel and its supporters either erasing – or appropriating as “Israeli” – Palestinian cuisine and culture https://t.co/oI5nNzEvXc

— Electronic Intifada (@intifada) February 11, 2018

The time is right for the Journalist Protection Act. But we need a federal shield law https://t.co/c6XWEWKjrV pic.twitter.com/AoFAxFztY5

— CJR (@CJR) February 12, 2018