Today: Partly cloudy in the morning then clearing. Highs in the lower 80s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy. 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 Index209
The OED’s Word of the Day: eyrie | aerie, 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
“I’m reading, I think on a good night, maybe 20 to 30 pages. I’m exercising quite hard these days, and I get up very early. And so the book has become somewhat of a sedative. I mean, maybe there are some other old guys like me who get into bed, open the book, 20 pages later you’re out cold. But I read a lot on the weekends. I’m traveling — when I travel a lot I get a chance to read. I’m downing quite a few books.”
–From George W. Bush’s C-Span interview with Brain Lamb, Jan. 28, 2005.
Previously:
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.
Collective Bargaining Contract Negotiations between Flagler County Professional Firefighters Association and Flagler County government are scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Government Services Complex 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Bldg, 2 in the Financial Services Conference room. The session is open to the public.
Flagler Beach Area Council State of Flagler Beach: Join fellow Flagler County Chamber members on March 29 at 8 a.m. at Beach Front Grille with guest speaker Flagler Beach City Manager Larry Newsom for a State of Flagler Beach update, 2444 S Oceanshore Blvd Flagler Beach. Since this is not Palm Coast, coffee and a continental breakfast will be provided free of charge, but RSVPs are required so the Flagler Beach Area Council, which is sponsoring the event, can prepare.
Members of the Volusia County legislative delegation will discuss the 2018 session during a West Volusia Regional Chamber of Commerce breakfast. 7:30 a.m., DeBary Golf & Country Club, 300 Plantation Club Dr., DeBary.
The City of Palm Coast’s Utility Standards Committee meets at 1:30 p.m. at the Utility Office, 2 Utility Drive, Palm Coast. The public is invited to attend.
The Florida Agricultural Museum’s Farm Swap and Music Jam, from 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., with farm fresh fruits and veggie arts, crafts, ready to eat stuff and local musicians.
Adult Open Gym Basketball, two sessions offered: you have a choice of Tuesdays or Thursdays, through May 3, 7-9:30 p.m., at Indian Trails Middle School, 5505 N. Belle Terre Pkwy., Palm Coast. This is an adult, co-ed, non-competitive recreation program offered by Palm Coast Parks & Recreation. $22 for either session. Register at www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.
Lords of 52nd Street at the Flagler Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. The Lords of 52nd Street is a rock band that primarily comprises members of the “famed” line-up which backed singer-songwriter Billy Joel from 1976 to 1981, the period during which Joel initiated a run of albums that reached the top ten on the Billboard charts. Tickets are $51.95 for adults, $41.95 for students. Call the box office at 386.437.7547.
Birthdays: Flagler County School Board member Janet McDonald, born in 1950, is 68.
- Wednesday: Noon to 2 p.m. – Live, 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. – Inert
- Thursday: 12:15 p.m. to 4:45 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
Blood Donations: The Big Red Bus will be at the following locations this week:
- Tuesday: Moe’s Southwest Grill, 250 Palm Coast Parkway (Island Walk), noon to 6 p.m.
- Saturday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jail Bookings and Last 24 Hours' Incidents in Flagler, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell
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| Jail Bookings, June 19-22 Sheriff's night shift incident reports, June 21 Sheriff's day shift incident reports, June 21 Flagler Beach's night shift incident reports, June 21 Flagler Beach's day shift incident reports, June 21 Bunnell police's night shift incident reports, June 21 Bunnell police's day shift incident reports, June 21 |
Sheriff Staly Makes “Arrests” To Benefit Cancer Research: As he did last year, Sheriff Rick Staly went around the community Friday, “arresting” prominent individuals and (willingly ) forcing them to be bailed out, with the money getting donated to cancer research. Numerous warrants were read for charges including Jorge Gutierrez’s for showing too much enthusiasm and passion on Monday mornings. The Chamber of Commerce’s Jimmy Millhollin was charged with celebrating Chamber Chair Emeritus too much. Buddy Taylor Middle School Principal John Fanelli was charged with chasing down students in the hallway to see if they have good grades. Becky Pourchot was charged with spreading glitter without a permit and assaulting people with hugs. And Suzanne Johnston, the tax collector, was charged with being overly competitive and bringing gifts to neighbors without a permit. Once the warrant was read, Staly would make the “arrest” and then bring the “arrestee” before a “judge” (aka Palm Coast Councilman Bob Cuff, an overly generous attorney who has yet to read his city manager the riot act) where “bail” was set. Then, the arrestee would have the opportunity to secure “bail” in the form of pledges to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event to be held on April 20 at Palm Coast’s Central Park at Town Center. “This is a great event to raise money for a disease that has touched every family in one way or another,” Sheriff Staly said. “Thanks to everyone who participated and made this event a success.” The donations raised from the Jail’n Bail will help the ACS provide support for people affected with cancer, as well as fund research to help protect future generations. For more information on how you can help in the fight against cancer visit www.cancer.org. A video of the Jail ‘n Bail event is 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.
BEAN GIVES SESSION UPDATE: Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, will discuss the 2018 legislative session during a meeting of the Rotary Club of East Arlington. (Thursday, 7:30 a.m., Blue Sky Golf Club, 1700 Monument Road, Jacksonville.)
UNIVERSITY SYSTEM BOARD MEETS: The state university system’s Board of Governors will meet after holding committee meetings. The full board will take up numerous issues, including confirmation of Dale Whittaker as the new president of the University of Central Florida and confirmation of David Szymanski as the new president of the University of North Florida. (Committees start at 8:30 a.m., with full board expected to start about 9:15 a.m., University of North Florida, Student Union, 1 UNF Dr., Jacksonville.)
SUPREME COURT RELEASES OPINIONS: The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its weekly opinions. (Thursday, 11 a.m.)
—-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. Mar 1 Mon Mar 1 @ 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
For Palm Coast Alateen Sereniteen and Al-Anon meetings, go here. For help with alcoholism or if you think you have a problem with alcohol you can contact the Flagler County Helpline at 386-445-help (386-445-4357). SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration) National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The referral service is free of charge. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, SAMHSA will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. SAMHSA can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.  Mar 1 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm The Nar-Anon Family Group for those affected by someone else’s addiction meets at 6 p.m. at St Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church, 303 Palm Coast Pkwy. There are no dues or fees. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of addiction in a relative or friend. We’re never affiliated with any other organization or outside entity. Do you need Nar-Anon? Ask yourself these questions. Addiction is a family disease. It affects the relationships of those close to the addict: parents, spouses, siblings, children, longtime friends, and employers. If someone’s addiction is affecting you, first you must help yourself. Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join. Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are going through similar problems, talk about how they cope and find recovery. Watch the video: Palm Coast Alateen Sereniteen and Al-Anon meetings: Alateen, part of Al-Anon Family Groups, is for teens bothered by someone else’s drinking. The group meets at 8 p.m. every Monday at Advent Health, 60 Memorial Medical Parkway, Palm Coast, at the south entrance, in meeting room D. Al-Anon meets at the same time. For more information about Alateen or Al-Anon, call toll free 1-888-4AL-ANON, or visit www.al-anon.org. Note: All Alateen meetings are only open to teenagers who have been affected by another person’s drinking. For AA and NA meetings in Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Bunnell, go here. Mar 2 Tue Mar 2 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Mar 2 @ 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm The Flagler County School Board meets for an agenda workshop at 3 p.m. Training Room 3, 3rd floor, Government Services Building, 1769 E Moody Blvd., Bunnell. The meeting is an information workshop only. The agenda workshop focuses on items the board will take action on at its next regular meeting. The school board’s full agenda is accessible here. See previous board meeting videos here. The School Board members and their email addresses: Mar 2 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Flagler Beach’s Planning and Architectural Review (PAR) Board meets at City Hall at 5:30 p.m., 105 S 2nd St Flagler Beach. The Planning and Architectural Review Board consists of seven residents: Paul Chestnut, Term Length: May 10, 2017 – May 9, 2020 Mar 2 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Mar 2 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Mar 2 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm The Hammock Community Association holds its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the Hammock Community Center, 79 MalaCompra Road, Palm Coast. To join the association as a member, click here. Becoming a member of The Hammock Community Association ensures that you are kept informed on what is going on in the community such as:
Mar 3 Wed Mar 3 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Mar 3 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Mar 3 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Paws to Read at the Flagler County Public Library 2500 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, Palm Coast, in the Children’s Department. The Flagler County Public Library in partnership with the Flagler Humane Society offer the opportunity for kids ages 4-8 to read to a real dog. Every Wednesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. First Come – First Serve. Contact: Alyssa Gilbert or Theresa Ten Eyck at 386-446-6763 or email: [email protected] Mar 4 Thu Mar 4 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am The Widow, Widower’s Support Group meets at 10 a.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE. Have you suffered the loss of your significant other? This is a chance to meet others who have had a similar loss in their life. Free but please register at www.parksandrec.fun/seniors. More info: 386-986-2323.
Mar 4 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Mar 5 Fri
Mar 5 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Mar 6 Sat Mar 6 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Creative Bazaar: Arts and Crafts Flea Market at the Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s venue at 1500 Central Avenue, open to shoppers from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., open to anyone who wants to sell, for $25 for a 10×10 space if you’re a PCAF member, $35 for non-members. Ask about canopy and table rental. Call 225-4394. Creative Bazaar is held every first Saturday of the month. Mar 7 Sun Mar 7 @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Mar 7 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Community Mental Health Crisis Roundtable: Join us for our monthly community roundtable discussions regarding our current mental health crisis. We will discuss needs, barriers and both short/long term solutions. You have a voice and the community deserves action! Help us bring change that our county desperately needs. All welcome. No exclusions. First Sunday of every month, 3 to 4 p.m. at Peace by Pieces Healing & Wellness, 300 Palm Coast parkway SW unit 9, Palm Coast. Mar 8 Mon Mar 8 @ 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
For Palm Coast Alateen Sereniteen and Al-Anon meetings, go here. For help with alcoholism or if you think you have a problem with alcohol you can contact the Flagler County Helpline at 386-445-help (386-445-4357). SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration) National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The referral service is free of charge. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, SAMHSA will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. SAMHSA can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities. Mar 8 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm The Flagler County Land Acquisition Committee meeting is cancelled. The committee was to meet at 3:30 p.m. at the Government Services Building, First Floor Conference Room, 1769 E Moody Blvd., Bldg 2, Bunnell. The committee is an advisory board to the county commission on the acquisition and management of environmentally sensitive lands, recreation, and water recharge areas. The committee is scheduled to meet once a month, but seldom does. Committee members: Anne Wilson – 05/06/1996 to 05/17/2019 Mar 8 @ 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm
The board members and their terms are as follows: Mar 8 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm The Nar-Anon Family Group for those affected by someone else’s addiction meets at 6 p.m. at St Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church, 303 Palm Coast Pkwy. There are no dues or fees. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of addiction in a relative or friend. We’re never affiliated with any other organization or outside entity. Do you need Nar-Anon? Ask yourself these questions. Addiction is a family disease. It affects the relationships of those close to the addict: parents, spouses, siblings, children, longtime friends, and employers. If someone’s addiction is affecting you, first you must help yourself. Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join. Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are going through similar problems, talk about how they cope and find recovery. Watch the video:
 Palm Coast Alateen Sereniteen and Al-Anon meetings: Alateen, part of Al-Anon Family Groups, is for teens bothered by someone else’s drinking. The group meets at 8 p.m. every Monday at Advent Health, 60 Memorial Medical Parkway, Palm Coast, at the south entrance, in meeting room D. Al-Anon meets at the same time. For more information about Alateen or Al-Anon, call toll free 1-888-4AL-ANON, or visit www.al-anon.org. Note: All Alateen meetings are only open to teenagers who have been affected by another person’s drinking. For AA and NA meetings in Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Bunnell, go here. Mar 9 Tue Mar 9 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am Mar 9 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Mar 9 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Mar 10 Wed Mar 10 @ 8:45 am – 10:00 am
Mar 10 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Mar 10 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Mar 10 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Paws to Read at the Flagler County Public Library 2500 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, Palm Coast, in the Children’s Department. The Flagler County Public Library in partnership with the Flagler Humane Society offer the opportunity for kids ages 4-8 to read to a real dog. Every Wednesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. First Come – First Serve. Contact: Alyssa Gilbert or Theresa Ten Eyck at 386-446-6763 or email: [email protected] Mar 10 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Code Enforcement Board members are Joy Allen, Delories Hall, Kenneth Gordon, Julie Auiar and Stephen Woodin Sr. Mar 11 Thu Mar 11 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am The Widow, Widower’s Support Group meets at 10 a.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE. Have you suffered the loss of your significant other? This is a chance to meet others who have had a similar loss in their life. Free but please register at www.parksandrec.fun/seniors. More info: 386-986-2323.
Mar 11 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Mayor, City Commissioners and City Manager emails: Mar 12 Fri
Mar 12 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am Palm Coast Book Club 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE. Do you love to read? Once a book is selected, participants will need to purchase and read it on their own. Each month we will meet to discuss the chosen book and share our impressions, reactions, and feelings about it. Free but registration required. Book title and registration at www.parksandrec.fun/adults. More info: 386-986-2323. Mar 13 Sat Mar 13 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am Mar 13 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Second Saturday Plant Sale at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, join the Friends of Washington Oaks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greenhouse area. With Master Gardeners on hand, you are sure to get the personal attention and advice you are looking for. Specializing in Florida friendly and natives, with some unique and hard to find plants for your home and yard. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd. Mar 13 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Mar 14 Sun Mar 14 @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Mar 15 Mon Mar 15 @ 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
For Palm Coast Alateen Sereniteen and Al-Anon meetings, go here. For help with alcoholism or if you think you have a problem with alcohol you can contact the Flagler County Helpline at 386-445-help (386-445-4357). SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration) National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The referral service is free of charge. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, SAMHSA will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. SAMHSA can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities. Subscribe |
Americans love trains. So should conservatives: https://t.co/snpuxhiTk1
— The American Conservative (@amconmag) March 28, 2018
Autism Awareness Week: share your experiences of the condition https://t.co/bqn0XJudSO
— The Guardian (@guardian) March 28, 2018
How political corruption in America became institutionalized: https://t.co/JIBOmw4Q0u pic.twitter.com/8mYyegOzR6
— The New Republic (@newrepublic) March 28, 2018
Guillaume Rey was fired from a Canadian restaurant after being too “direct” https://t.co/pGl5ZVTsXj
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) March 28, 2018
Almost half of the total mass of the great Pacific garbage patch comes from discarded fishing nets. https://t.co/7mJbV8zY2N
— Science News (@ScienceNews) March 28, 2018
Keep Up with Donald Trump’s attacks on the press through the ACLU’s running tab here.
Keep Up with mass shootings in a running database here.
Palm Coast Construction and Development Progress Reports
Here’s a summary of the latest city developments as of March 23, 2018, with a link to the full week in review here.
Road and Interstate Construction:
Motorists are advised of nighttime ramp closures with detours next week at two locations along Interstate 4 (I-4) and Interstate 95 (I-95) in Volusia County. The entrance ramp from State Road (S.R.) 472 westbound to I-4 eastbound, in the Orange City area, will close for two nights early next week. Drivers will be directed to travel I-4 westbound to Saxon Boulevard toward Deltona to access I-4 eastbound. Also, a nighttime single outside lane closure will occur during two nights, toward the end of the week, along westbound I-4 west of Dirksen Drive. Entrance and exit ramps at I-95 and LPGA Boulevard will close one-at-a-time, on multiple nights, during the upcoming week. Drivers will be directed as follows:
I-95 northbound on ramp from eastbound LPGA Boulevard: Continue east on LPGA Boulevard to Technology Drive to Cornerstone Boulevard to Williamson Boulevard to LPGA Boulevard back to I-95.
I-95 southbound on ramp from westbound LPGA Boulevard: Continue west on LPGA Boulevard to Tomoka Farms Road to Bellevue Avenue to Williamson Boulevard, to S.R. 400/Beville Road and back to I-95 south.
I-95 southbound off ramp to LPGA Boulevard: Continue south on I-95 to U.S. 92 to Tomoka Farms Road back to LPGA Boulevard.
The closures are necessary to construct lighting foundations as part of two Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) projects to install new lighting along I-4 and I-95.
Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, the Herreweghe Interpretation
As March is Johann Sebastian Bach Month, or ought to be (he was born the first day of spring in 1685), we’re celebrating the great German composer all months with videos about him, his music and his life.
Previous Codas:
- Bach’s Magnificat: The Monteverdi Choir
- András Schiff explains Bach
- Glenn Gould talks about J S Bach
- Bach revisited – John Eliot Gardiner in Saxony and Thuringia
- Ton Koopman in the footsteps of J.S. Bach in Leipzig
- A Buxtehude Fugue
- Andras Schiff Plays Bach’s Complete Well Tempered Clavier, Book One
- Andras Schiff Plays Bach’s Complete English Suites
- Keith Jarrett, Late Solo
- Jacqueline du Pré Perform’s Dvořák Cello Concerto With the LSO and Daniel Barenboim
- Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, with Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman and Daniel Barenboim
- Albert Camus’ “The Human Crisis”
- Swinging Bach
- Keith Jarrett Standards Trio
- Anoushka Shankar Ensemble
- Jacques Loussier Play Bach Trio: a 2007 Concert
- Abdel Rahman el Bacha Plays Two Nocturnes by Chopin
- Edith Mathis’s Creations
- Sheku Kanneh-Mason: No Woman No Cry, Cello Version
- Viotti’s Violin Concerto No 23 in G Major, Performed by Jennifer Jeon
- Bruckner’s Symphony Nr. 7 at the Lucerne Frestival
- Beethoven’s 5th Symphony in the style of Chopin: Syd R Duke
- Nikolai Kapustin performing Prelude, op. 53, no. 11
- Ray Chen, Sarabande from Bach’s Partita No. 2 in D minor
- It’s A Small World: Ken Kubota and Friends
- Maria Callas: The Mike Wallace Interview
- Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach – Oboe Concerto in B flat major, Wq 164
- The Cranberries: Linger
- Martha Argerich Performs Liszt’s Piano Concerto No 1 in E flat major
- Vivaldi’s Winter in a Wintry Performance By Milan Řehák
- Bach: Musical Offering BWV 1079, Concert des Nations Jordi Savall
- Bach: Sonata for Gamba and Harpsichord in G minor, BWV 1029
- Claude Debussy, La fille aux cheveux de lin, from Préludes
- Bach’s Complete Christmas Oratorio BWV 248, Gardiner, Monteverdi Choir & Bach Soloists
- Angels in Heaven: Chris Rodrigues and the Spoon Lady
- Hindemith: Der Schwanendreher
- Brendel Performs Schubert’s A Major Sonata No. 22, D. 959
- The New York Philharmonic in a 2016 Performance of Dvorak’s New World Symphony
- Alexander Gavrylyuk Plays Bach İtalian Concerto
palmcoaster says
A Palm Coast sponsored $40 a plate city of Palm Coast report information to benefit media newspaper a for profit Observer?
Looks pathetically a conflict of interest held in our over 8 million taxpayers paid public building and also using public funds to pay for the food, etc. for attendees. Since when our government uses public funds to benefit a private for profit organization? What about the other so many non for profit in so much need of funds that benefit the community or our animals..?