Thursday Briefing: Thomas Binkley Trial, Palm Coast Survey, FYO at Kiwanis, Free Tennis

FlaglerLive | January 24, 2019

jonathan fisk cheryl tristam flagler youth orchestra kiwanis

Mike McElroy, president of the Flagler-Palm Coast Kiwanis Club, spoke with Cheryl Tristam, executive director of the Flagler Youth Orchestra, and Jonathan Fisk, the orchestra’s top cellist, after a lunch where both were featured Wednesday at the Elks Lodge in palm Coast. Tristam spoke to the club about the orchestra’s growth through the years, its reach in the community and its support from the Flagler County school district and community donors, and Fisk performed the Allemande from a Bach cello suite. Several members of the Kiwanis pledged sponsorships of music to be performed at upcoming concerts of the Flagler Youth Orchestra at the Flagler Auditorium. (© FlaglerLive)

Today:: Cloudy with showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning, then mostly sunny in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 70s. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent. Tonight: Much colder. Clear. Lows around 40. Northwest 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 Index: 84
The OED’s Word of the day: hastile, adj.
The Live Community Calendar
Today’s jail bookings.

Today’s Briefing: Quick Links

First Light
In Flagler and Palm Coast
Flagler Jail Bookings and Last 24 Hours of Incident Reports
Flagler Beach A1A Construction Updates
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

“”This mass journey, which had begun at the time of World War One, marked the beginning of the end of a kind of domestic American colonialism. The other great industrial powers, like Britain and France and Holland, had established their exploitive economic system in distant places inhabited by people of color. America prided itself that it was not a colonial power, but, in fact, our colonialism was unofficial, practiced upon powerless black people who lived within our borders. When Britain and France ended their colonial rules in the middle of this century, they merely cut all ties to the regions they had exploited. In America, the exploited were American citizens living on American soil, mostly in the South. Thus a great migration began from the rural South—the colonial region—to the great metropolitan centers of the North, which they saw as a new homeland. But they came north with terrible disadvantages; most particularly, they had been denied the education that would allow them to make an easy transition to a more prosperous life.”

–From David Halberstam’s “The Fifties” (1993).

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: Thomas Binkley, 62, of Bunnell, goes on trial before Circuit Judge Terence Perkins in courtroom 401 at the Flagler County Courthouse, starting at 9 a.m. with jury selection. Binkley is alleged to have molested two girls who were 6 and 8. See the story here.

The Flagler Beach City Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall on 2nd Street.

The Palm Coast Beautification and Environmental Advisory Committee meets at 5 p.m. at City Hall in Town Center. The committee will hear an update on the planned Town Center park sculpture garden.

The Doo Wop Project performs at the Flagler Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

Palm Coast Residents’ Survey: Palm Coast residents have until Feb. 2 to take the 2018-2019 Palm Coast Citizen Survey, which may be taken online here. The city is conducting the survey as part of its annual goal-setting process. The survey covers a variety of topics related to quality of life; city services such as stormwater drainage, street maintenance, garbage, recycling and streetlights; recreational programs and events; amenities such as parks, trails; economic growth and development; traffic flow; and crime prevention and public safety. It also allows residents to provide comments on any subject they’d like to share with the city. For more background, go here.

Tennis tournament: See the rising stars of men’s tennis from around the world all week through Sunday, Jan. 27, at the Palm Coast Men’s 25K: A USTA M25 Event at the Palm Coast Tennis Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway. The pro tournament has a new name this year. This is the City of Palm Coast’s 10th year hosting the tournament, and USTA will be presenting Palm Coast an award for that achievement. This year the Tennis Center has qualified to host a higher-level tournament with a $25,000 purse (as opposed to a $15,000 purse) – bringing in a greater caliber of players and offering an even more competitive event. Up to 50 touring professionals will compete. Spectator admission is free Jan. 21-24. Also free is Net Generation Kid’s Day at 9 a.m. Jan. 26, where children 16 years and under will have fun and games on-court with the head pro of the Palm Coast Tennis Center as well as USTA pros! Advance registration for Net Generation Kid’s Day is recommended at www.parksandrec.fun/events. Events Jan. 25-27 require tickets at $5 non-member adult, $3 Tennis Center pass holder, $3 children ages 10-17, and free for kids under 10. Tickets are valid for the whole day. Tickets are available for purchase daily at the front desk or in advance at www.parksandrec.fun/events. Tickets to participate in the Pro-Am Event on Jan. 22 are $35; advance registration is required and can be done so at www.parksandrec.fun/events or at the Palm Coast Tennis Center. Play right alongside touring professionals. The schedule is as follows, with more details on times here: www.palmcoastgov.com/tennisfutures.:

Through Friday: Singles and Doubles Main Draw
Saturday: Net Generation Kid’s Day, 9 a.m., Doubles finals
Sunday: Singles Finals.

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):

Friday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: Flagler Palm Coast High School, at the Flagler Home and Lifestyle Show, 5500 State Road 100, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday: Flagler Palm Coast High School, at the Flagler Home and Lifestyle Show, 5500 State Road 100, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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


Jail Bookings, August 2-5 Sheriff's night shift incident reports, August 4 Sheriff's day shift incident reports, August 4 Flagler Beach's night shift incident reports, August 4 Flagler Beach's day shift incident reports, August 4 Bunnell police's night shift incident reports, August 4 Bunnell police's day shift incident reports, August 4
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.

Flagler Beach Is Open For Business: A1A Construction Update:

FlaglerLive is providing weekly updates to year-long construction on and near State Road A1A in Flagler Beach as the Florida Department of Transportation rebuilds a 1.5-mile segment from South 9th Street to South 22nd Street, and builds a sea wall at the north end of town. These updates are provided through DOT or local officials. If you have any relevant information or images, you’re welcome to email them to the editor here.

January 24 update: The project team had anticipated beginning construction this week on S.R. A1A. However, the work is pending some utility relocations, which have not yet been completed. The project is now delayed to February. According to a city official, “
February 4th is the new start date when the 300 day clock starts. Road work(no detours) will start sooner at the north end beginning approximately the second week of February with detours on the southern stretch starting in late February/early March.”

The contractor has 300 days to complete the work.

See Also:

Announcements:

Intracoastal Bank today announced financial results for the year ended December 31, 2018:

Bruce Page. (© FlaglerLive)

Total assets at December 31, 2018, were $326.3 million up $11.6 million, or 4%, from $314.8 million at December 31, 2017. Total deposits at December 31, 2018 were $294.3 million, up 9 million, or 3% from $285 million, at December 31, 2017. Total loans at December 31, 2018 were $219.6 million, up 21 million, or 11% from $198.5 million, at December 31, 2017. Net income for the full year 2018 increased by 14% from the full year 2017.

Intracoastal Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce E. Page reported the Tier 1 capital ratio was 9.29% at December 31, 2018, above what is required to be considered well capitalized. The Bank continues to prove its safe and sound with excellent credit quality with no delinquent loans, no foreclosed properties and no charge offs for 2018. Mr. Page said, “Intracoastal‘s 2018 results far exceeded expectations and the Bank continues to perform significantly better than industry norms in overall performance. Intracoastal’s proven track record of producing strong financial results has positioned the Bank to continue grow and make loans for the betterment of the local community and economy.” Intracoastal Bank is a locally owned and operated financial institution. Intracoastal Bank’s Flagler County banking center is located at 1290 Palm Coast Parkway, NW, Palm Coast, Florida 32137. The Bank’s Volusia County Banking Center is located at 2140 LPGA Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32117.

Leadership Academy Graduate: Commander Philip Reynolds of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office graduated from the 43rd Class of the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institutes’ Florida Leadership Academy on January 11, 2019. “I’m very proud of Commander Reynolds and his determination to continue to learn and develop as a leader,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “On behalf of our agency, we all wish to congratulate him on this achievement.” The Florida Leadership Academy is a four-week course held in Tallahassee, Florida, designed to prepare first line supervisors in criminal justice organizations to exemplify the character and integrity expected of criminal justice professionals. Graduates understand leaders as role models, and the importance of leaders as coaches, teachers, and mentors to other members of the organization. Participants in the Florida Leadership Academy learn the skills necessary to support the technical and administrative needs of their agency. These skills include proactive problem solving, effective communication, and related leadership skills. The Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute, which is part of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and is affiliated with the State University System, was established in 1990 by the Florida Legislature to address the need for an innovative and multi-faceted approach to the education and training of criminal justice professionals (www.fdle.state.fl.us).

Innovative Financial Solutions announces new office location in Palm Coast: Innovative Financial Solutions, a leading financial services firm, announces its new location in Palm Coast at Creekside at Grand Haven office/retail complex on the corner of Colbert Lane and Waterfront Park Drive at the entrance to Palm Coast’s Waterfront Park on the Intracoastal Waterway. For Innovative Financial Solutions, the new office space offers the latest in design while incorporating the beauty of the development. A full solar electric with battery back up and geothermal heating/cooling are but a few of the amenities in the new building. The complex is also one of the first commercial developments in Palm Coast to offer electric vehicle charging stations under the SemaConnect network. The new office will allow for additional growth in meeting the increasing demand for independent financial advisors in Palm Coast. The new address is: 4 Concorde Lane, Suite 1, Palm Coast, FL 32137. The firm’s phone number will remain as 386-597-2856.

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.

ACCESS TO COURTS DISCUSSED: The House Civil Justice Subcommittee will receive a presentation from the Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice, which was created by Supreme Court Justice Jorge Labarga to increase access to civil courts. (Thursday, 9 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

ELECTION LAWSUITS AT ISSUE: The House Oversight, Transparency & Public Management Subcommittee will receive a presentation by Secretary of State Mike Ertel about election litigation in 2018. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA CONSIDERED: The House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee will receive a presentation about the Florida Education Finance Program, which is the main funding formula for public schools. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

BRIGHT FUTURES MONEY EYED: The Joint Legislative Budget Commission, which is made up of House and Senate leaders and can make mid-year budget changes, will consider pumping an additional $25.3 million into the Bright Futures scholarship program amid higher-than-expected student participation this year. Lawmakers provided nearly $520 million for the Bright Futures program in the state budget. But the latest estimate from state analysts showed an increase in qualifying students could push the cost to about $545 million. The Department of Education is requesting that lawmakers approve an additional $25.3 million for the program, which is funded through what is known as the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. That trust fund receives money from the Florida Lottery. With backing from key lawmakers such as former Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, the Legislature has dramatically increased higher-education financial aid programs in recent years. Lawmakers, for example, expanded top-level Bright Futures awards to cover full tuition and fees, as well as to pay for some textbooks. (Thursday, 11:30 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

MARIJUANA RULES ON AGENDA: The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee will consider rules about the state’s medical-marijuana system. (Thursday, 1:30 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

SUPREME COURT RELEASES OPINIONS: The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its weekly opinions. (Thursday, 11 a.m.)

MORRIS SPEAKS TO GOP CLUB: Political consultant and commentator Dick Morris will speak at a meeting of the Republican Federated Women of South Florida. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Boca Country Club, 17751 Boca Club Blvd., Boca Raton.)

—-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.

A Twitter List by PierreTristam

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 Jan. 18, 2019, with a link to the full week in review here.

Road and Interstate Construction: