Monday Briefing: Look Out for Manatees, Look Out at the County Commission, Cottage Fever

FlaglerLive | November 19, 2018

Look out for manatees: November is Manatee Awareness Month. Florida has more than 6,600 manatees swimming in rivers, bays and coastal waters. These large aquatic mammals can weigh over 1,000 pounds. As the weather cools, manatees are on the move, searching for warmer waters to survive the winter. Remember: Disturbing manatees at warm-water sites may cause them to leave those areas at a time when it is critical for them to remain there. Seasonal manatee protection zones also go into effect in the fall, depending on the county. The zones are marked by waterway signs, and maps of local manatee protection zones are available online at MyFWC.com/Manatee by clicking on “Data and Maps.” Wear polarized sunglasses to spot them moving, grazing and resting in the water. Keep a lookout for the circular “footprints” or ripples they leave on the surface of the water. Follow posted manatee zones. Observe manatees from a distance to limit disturbance. Disturbing manatees at their warm-water sites may cause them to leave these areas during the winter. Report injured, entangled, orphaned or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on your cellphone or text Tip@MyFWC.com. (FWC)

Today: Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s. Northeast winds 5 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy in the evening then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s. North 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 Index: 228
The OED’s Word of the day: zeitgeber, 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
Fact-Checking the Knaves
Palm Coast Construction and Development
Local Road and Interstate Construction
Cultural Coda

“At state dinners during the Obama administration, she was the one guest other than the president whom people wanted to sit next to. Ben & Jerry’s has been petitioned to come out with “Ruth Bader Ginger.” (There have been no requests for Plain Vanilla Alito.)”

–From David Kaplan’s “The Most Dangerous Branch: Inside the Supreme Court’s Assault on the Constitution” (2018).

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.

It’s Thanksgiving week: no school in Flagler.

The Flagler County Commission hosts a ribbon-cutting for its new tourist cottages at the Princess Place Preserve, 2500 Princess Place Road, at 10 a.m. The commission holds a reception for outgoing Commissioner Nate McLaughlin at 3 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Bldg. 3 (behind the Government Services Building), Bunnell.

The Flagler County Commission has a scheduled workshop at 1 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Bldg. 3 (behind the Government Services Building), Bunnell. Commissioners will discuss legislative priorities in the legislative session next year.

The Flagler County Commission meets at 5 p.m. at the Government Services Building to consider the last agenda before Commissioner Nate McLaughlin is replaced. To that end, the county administrator has loaded the agenda with items designed to gain McLaughlin’s vote before his replacement by Joe Mullins, an avowed opponent of County Administrator Craig Coffey and many of his policies. Among the controversial agenda items: a proposed lease that would allow Captain’s BBQ, a private restaurant at Bing’s Landing to build a new, larger structure near its existing restaurant, as the current structure is decaying, and to extend the lease to mid-century. Commissioners are also expected to consider buying space for the tax collector’s office and selling a parcel of land at Matanzas Woods Parkway to Florida Hospital Flagler, as well as approve a large contract for a document-management system.

Blood Donations: The Big Red Bus will be at the following locations this week (schedule your donation by going to the website and entering a Palm Coast zip code, then locating one of the venues below):

Monday: Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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


Jail Bookings, July 8-9 Sheriff's night shift incident reports, July 8 Sheriff's day shift incident reports, July 8 Flagler Beach's night shift incident reports, July 8 Flagler Beach's day shift incident reports, July 8 Bunnell police's night shift incident reports, July 8 Bunnell police's day shift incident reports, July 8
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:

Flagler Beach Thanksgiving: Mayor Linda Provencher is currently collecting cash donations to help feed Flagler Beach residents this Thanksgiving. There is a donation box located in the front of the finance department at City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd St, or you can contact Linda Provencher directly at 386-439-8815. There will not be a sit down Thanksgiving dinner this year, but any residents who would like a turkey to prepare, or if would like an individual meal delivered, please contact Linda Provencher at 386-439-8815.

The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach invites the community to participate in the Holiday at the Beach Parade to be held Saturday, December 1st at 1:00 PM. There is no cost to participate and those interested are asked to complete a parade application by visiting http://www.flaglerbeachrotary.org/. The entry deadline is November 26th, 2018. The parade line up is between 11:00AM and 1:00PM, with the parade beginning promptly at 1:00PM. Participants will receive an entry number and map to their line up location on November 29th via email. The parade route is east on N. 6th Street, south on A1A, then west on S. 6th Street. For safety reasons, the City of Flagler Beach bans the throwing of anything from moving vehicles. Candy can be handed out by accompanying walkers. Trophies will be awarded to: Best of Parade, Judges Choice, Best Marching Unit, Performances, Best Holiday Theme. There is one trophy for Best of Parade and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd categories for all other awards. Parade participants are asked to go to Veterans Park immediately following the parade for the awards ceremony. Further details are attached and available via this link.

Be Local Buy Local’ on Small Business Saturday this Nov. 24: The City of Palm Coast is a ‘Be Local Buy Local’ kind of community! To support local retailers and restaurants as the holiday shopping season kicks off, the City is participating in the national celebration of Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24. The Palm Coast City Council is planning to proclaim Nov. 24 – the Saturday after Thanksgiving – as Small Business Saturday in Palm Coast. “When our community shops locally, businesses thrive, jobs are created and it boosts our local economy,” said Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland. It also has the added benefit of generating money for amenities and projects for the community, because a portion of the sales tax collected returns back to Palm Coast to fund projects such as the new Palm Coast Community Center and Holland Park renovations, road repaving and street lights. “I want to encourage all of our residents to get out with their family and friends on Small Business Saturday this November 24th and enjoy the local shops and restaurants you love,” Mayor Holland said. “If every resident of Palm Coast were to spend $25 at a local business on Small Business Saturday it would infuse $1.462 million into our local economy!” Let Small Business Saturday encourage everyone to shop small all year long. For more information, visit the Palm Coast Business Assistance Center website at www.PalmCoastBAC.com.

The City of Flagler Beach needs volunteers to serve on the following government advisory boards:

Investment Committee 1 Vacancy for an Attorney
This Committee meets quarterly, is required by Statutes, and provides recommendations to the City Commission regrading the investment policies and strategies.

Personnel Advisory Review Board 1 Vacancy
This Committee rarely meets but is required by our Code of Ordinance in the event an employee has a grievance and wishes to appeal disciplinary action.

Economic Development Task Force 1 Vacancy
This Committee meets monthly and provides recommendations to the Commission related to goals and assignments established by the City Commission.

If you’re interested, contact City Clerk Penny Overstreet, (386)-517-2000 EXT 233.

Audition Call: Flagler Playhouse’s “A… My Name is Alice”: Audition dates/time: Monday, December 3 and Tuesday, December 4 @ 6:30 pm at Flagler Playhouse. Looking for 5 talented females to play multiple roles in the musical, “A… My Name is Alice”. Voice types needed: 2 sopranos, 3 altos. Ages: 18 and up. Please prepare a song in the Pop genre for the audition. You will also be asked to read prepared selections as part of the audition process. If you are unable to make the scheduled audition dates, please email Michele at moneil50@gmail.com for an alternate date. Performance dates : January 25 through February 10, 2019. Please park in the rear lot and enter through the cast door.

The Rotary Club of Flagler County is looking for bands and musical groups to perform seasonal music at the Fantasy Lights in Central Park, Palm Coast. The free event featuring lighted displays around the lake, Santa’s Village, Train rides for the kids also has a nightly live performance of seasonal music at 7 p.m. each night for the month of December. The music is carried throughout the park and Rotary provides some sound equipment and lights. If your band is interested in performing please contact Carl Laundrie at claundrie@yahoo.com or call 386-283-8386.

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 REPUBLICANS GATHER: The House Republican caucus will meet in advance of an organization session Tuesday in which Rep. Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, will formally become House speaker. Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, will lead the House during the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions. (Monday, 4 p.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

GIBSON TO LEAD SENATE DEMOCRATS: The Senate Democratic caucus will meet and elect Sen. Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, as the Democratic leader for the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions. Gibson was elected to the Senate in 2011 and served from 2002 to 2010 in the House. (Monday, 5:30 p.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

CASTOR LOOKS TO FIGHT HUNGER: U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., will hold a media availability after meeting with Feeding Tampa Bay to discuss efforts to fight hunger in the region. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., 4702 Transport Dr., Building 6, Tampa.)

FEDERAL MEDICAID MONEY AT ISSUE: The Social Services Estimating Conference will discuss the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage, or FMAP, which helps determine how much federal money Florida will receive in the Medicaid program. (Monday, 1:30 p.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

MEDICAID CASELOADS ANALYZED: The Social Services Estimating Conference will consider caseloads in the Medicaid program and the KidCare subsidized health-insurance program. (Monday, 2 p.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

—-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.

♦ July 17: The Flagler County Technical Review Committee meets at 9 a.m. in the First Floor Conference Room of the Government Services Building, Bunnell. The committee hears a land use amendment for The Gardens, the planned development straddling John Anderson Highway that would bring 3,966 homes and apartment units to the area over a generation. The proposal is generating controversy. See the developer's perspective here, and the account of a town meeting on the development here.
♦ July 17: The Tourist Development Council meets at 10 a.m. in board chambers at Government Services Building, Bunnell.
♦ July 17: The Palm Coast Planning and Land Development Board meets at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in Town Center.
♦ July 17: The Flagler Beach Economic Development Task Force meets at 4 p.m. at City Hall, 105 S 2nd St.
♦ July 18: 2019 Beach Bash on the Pier, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Flagler Beach Fishing Pier. Join the Flagler County Chamber and the Flagler Beach Area Council for the 6th Annual Beach Bash on the Pier (formerly known as Peers on the Pier)! This awesome summertime event will offer food, fun, door prize drawings, an amazing view, beach vibe music provided by Surf 97.3FM and great company on the historic Flagler Beach pier. Guests will be given passports to visit all vendors on the pier and are encouraged to learn more about the local businesses that set up shop to showcase the services they offer. Guests turn in their completed passports for prize drawings that will occur.
♦ July 18:

The Inspired Mic, Palm Coast’s most daring and unpredictable open mic event, is scheduled for its monthly edition at its new venue at the Hidden Treasures Restaurant, 820 Moody Ln, Flagler Beach. Each month some of the most creative, innovative performances a person could ever hope to experience take place at The Inspired Mic. 14 presenters each month pull out slices of talent and genius to entertain the audience. Each presenter gets 7 minutes to present on a very eclectic blend of their genius. Hidden Treasures Restaurant, 820 Moody Ln, Flagler Beach (under the bridge). Doors open at 6 p.m. and presenters begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12.50 advance, available at theinspiredmicus.com, or $15 at the door. The ticket includes one drink and entry into a drawing with a prize of $25 cash or a $50 gift certificate to The Hidden Treasures.
♦ July 19: Urban Surf 4 Kids Surf Camp, 9 to 1 p.m. at South 6th Street on the Beach in Flagler Beach.
♦ July 19: The Flagler Beach Charter Review Commission meets at 9 a.m. at City Hall, 105 S 2nd St.
♦ July 19: Dive-in Movies, 8 p.m. at Palm Coast Aquatics Center, 339 Parkview Drive. Just bring your swimsuit and enjoy the show! Dive-in movie nights at the Palm Coast Aquatics Center provides a unique outdoor movie viewing experience for the entire family. Be sure to grab your favorite snack, sit back and enjoy the show! Food and snacks will be available for purchase. This month features “Incredibles 2” (PG). More info: 386-986-4741 and www.palmcoastgov.com/movies.
♦ July 20: Flagler Pier Fishing Tournament, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Flagler Beach Fishing Pier. For any questions, please contact the Pier bait shop at 386-517-2436.
♦ July 20: Youth Fishing Derby, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Waterfront Park, 150 Waterfront Park Road, Palm Coast. Come out to Waterfront Park for a day of family fun, food, and catch-and-release fishing. Youth will be eligible for various prizes based on different categories such as longest fish, heaviest fish, most fish, smallest fish and others. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Any adult actively assisting a youth must have a fishing license. For ages 15 and under. Free and registration is encouraged but not required at www.parksandrec.fun/events. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ July 20: Meet with your local Fire Rescue personnel, while you tour your community’s Fire Station and equipment, at Flagler County Fire Station 92 at the county airport, 130 Airport Rd., Palm Coast, from 9 a.m. to noon. Additionally, personnel from Florida Forest Service and Flagler County Emergency Management will be available to explain and assist residents in signing up for the ALERTFlagler emergency notifications, and Special Needs Sheltering programs. For more information please contact Chief Fire Marshall (386) 313-4258
♦ July 20-21: 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.
♦ July 20-21: "Sleeping Beauty," at the Daytona Playhouse, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., Adults $13, Seniors 55 and up, $18, Youths 18 and under $7. Address: 100 Jessamine Blvd., Daytona Beach, or see directions here. Buy tickets online here. Box office: 386-255-2431.
♦ July 22:

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.
♦ July 22: 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 23: Flagler County is hosting a ceremonial signing of its beach renourishment agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers at 2 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Government Services Building. Commission Chair Donald O’Brien and Jacksonville District Commander Colonel Andrew Kelly will make a few opening comments about the 2.6 mile 10-foot dune and beach profile extension in Flagler Beach. They, along with County Attorney Al Hadeed, will sign four copies of the final agreement. The 50-year, $100 million project is largely unfunded but will depend on Flagler County to secure half the money. The federal government would assume the other half. It applies to only 2.6 miles of beach in Flagler Beach. See: "Flagler About To Sign 50-Year, $100 Million Deal to Rebuild 2.6 Miles of Dunes in Flagler Beach. It Has Only a Fraction of the Money."
♦ July 23: 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.
♦ July 24: 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.
♦ July 25:

Carolyn Gosselin, Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, is the featured speaker at the Flagler Chamber's Common Ground breakfast, 8 a.m. at the Palm Coast Hilton Garden Inn, 50 Town Court. Registration is required by July 19. Members can preregister for $25, Guests and future members can attend for $35. No walk-ups.
♦ July 27: Tour de Palm Coast: Ride along the scenic route of St. Joe Walkway on this free tour. The tour will begin leaving promptly at 8 a.m. from the Palm Coast Community Center. Riders are encouraged to bring water, and all riders must wear a helmet.
♦ July 27: 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.
♦ July 27: The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce and the Palm Coast Area Council invites you to a small business development workshop. With Thaddeus Hammond, Economic Development Director of the SBA North Florida District, a leading expert in developing small businesses as guest speaker. 5 to 7 p.m., The Windsor of Palm Coast, 50 Town Ct, Palm Coast. Chamber Member: $15 per person, Guest and Future Chamber Member: $25 per person. Contact Melinda Rivera at 386-437-0106 or send her an email at melinda@flaglerchamber.org.
♦ July 29-Aug. 2: Monday-Friday, July 29-Aug. 2, 8 a.m-5 p.m. at Palm Coast Aquatics Center, 339 Parkview Drive. Love art? Come enjoy a week where you can let your creative side take flight. Campers will spend their days creating, drawing, sketching, painting and more! Of course, we’ll go to the pool and play some games, too. Lunch is provided at no extra charge by the Flagler County School District. For grades 6-8 (grade just completed). $80/entire week. Registration required at www.parksandrec.fun/camps. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ July 29: 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 31:

An evidentiary hearing twice postponed is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in the case of James McDevitt, who is serving a 40-year prison sentence in the 2015 rape of a woman in Flagler Beach, has been postponed to July 31. McDevitt pleaded guilty to the rape charge, but is now claiming ineffective counsel by two successive lawyers and is seeking to have the conviction and sentence vacated. The hearing is before Circuit Judge Terence Perkins in Courtroom 401 at the Flagler County courthouse. Perkins has reserved one hour for the hearing. The hearing had originally been scheduled for early April. McDevitt's lawyer asked for it to be rescheduled because of an emergency family issue (regarding the lawyer's family). It was again postponed to May 17. McDevitt has been at the Flagler County jail since April 4, awaiting the proceeding. He is normally incarcerated at Taylor prison in Perry, in Florida's Big Bend area. See details here.

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.

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Palm Coast Construction and Development Progress Reports

Here’s a summary of the latest city developments as of Nov. 11, 2018, with a link to the full week in review here.

Road and Interstate Construction: