Today: Partly cloudy in the morning then clearing. Highs in the lower 50s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Tonight: Clear. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Lowest wind chill readings 22 to 27.See the latest National Weather Service-Jacksonville Briefing here.
Today’s document from the National Archives and the Astronomy Picture of the Day.
Today’s National Commemorations.
Today’s tides: at the beaches, at the Intracoastal Waterway.
Drought Index: 163
Global Warming: The daily carbon count.
A.Word.A.Day from Wordsmith.org. Today’s word: ad-litem.
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
- In State Government
- Statista’s Chart of the Day
- Announcements
- In Coming Days in Flagler, Palm Coast and Beyond
- Fact-Checking the Knaves
- Palm Coast Construction and Development
“In the interest of full disclosure, I attended a fundraiser last year for the Biden campaign, but this issue goes beyond politics. Regardless of how you feel about Joe Biden, or his chances of becoming the Democratic nominee for president; whether you are a Republican, a Democrat, or none of the above; whether you stuttered as a child or laughed at one who did; whether as a parent you try to protect your own stuttering child from taunts such as those made by the president’s daughter-in-law; these words come without hesitation: Stop. Grow up. Show some decency. People who can’t have no place in public life.”
–Chesley B. Sullenberger III, from a column, “Like Joe Biden, I Once Stuttered, Too. I Dare You to Mock Me,” The New York Times, Jan. 18, 2020.
Previously:
French rudeness | Deplorables | The human race | Courage | Modern compliment | In a border prison | Facts | Hashish | Patriotism as chauvinism | Smell of Christmas | The novel | Defeating Trump | Jefferson’s ideals | Another world | Mark Twain | What we care about | Free speech | The United States of Amnesia | Might is wrong | Quacks | The unwealthy | Time | Memory | If there is a Hell | Life unchanging | Mad presidents | Cancellation of Colin Kaepernick | Lincoln | Speak like Socrates | Equal rights | Sumner’s sex | Sojourner Truth’s truth | Invisible woman | Norilsk
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.
Take the 2019 Palm Coast Community Survey.
The Palm Coast City Council meets at 9 a.m. at City Hall in Town Center. The council is expected to approve measures setting in motion its $20 million expansion of Wastewater Treatment Plant #2 at the northwest of the city. See “Palm Coast Prepares for $20 Million Sewer Plant Expansion in Anticipation of Growth.”
The Flagler County School Board meets in workshop at 1 p.m. Training Room 3, 3rd floor, Government Services Building, 1769 E Moody Blvd., Bunnell. The board will discuss matters of heatstrokes and student athletes. It will discuss revisions to the student sexual harassment policy, and the similar policy applying to employees. The meeting is an information workshop only. The school board’s full agenda is accessible here.
The Flagler County School Board meets at 6 p.m. in board chambers at the Government Services Building, 1769 E Moody Blvd., Bunnell. The board will discuss and advertise its new suicide prevention policy. The school board’s full agenda is accessible here.
The Bunnell Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board meets at 6 p.m. in City Commission Chambers, Building 3, 201 West Moody Boulevard, Bunnell. See agendas here and listen to the meetings here.
The Bronx Wanderers, 7:30 p.m. Flagler Auditorium, 5500 East Hwy 100, Palm Coast, call 386-437-7547. With superlative vocals and musicianship, dynamic enthusiasm and a genuine love of the music they perform, The Bronx Wanderers recreate the magic of an era. They build an energetic bond with their audience, guaranteeing an evening of toe–tapping, hand–clapping and dancing in the aisles. Return to a time when the songs made your dreams soar and the beat of the music matched the rhythm of your heart. The Bronx Wanderers will take you on the Rock N’ Roll journey you once knew and will NEVER forget. The Great American songbook spanning the pop/rock classics of six decades comes alive every night. The show covers all musical bases and hits an out–of–the–park home run with audiences of all ages every night.” It’s the BEST evening of Rock N’ Roll you will ever experience. Tickets $34-$44.
Learn the Basics of Your Computer, 10 a.m.-noon at Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE. Want to learn more about your computer? These classes teach you basic care of your computer, different programs you might have to use, and internet security. Free but registration required at www.parksandrec.fun/seniors. More info: 386-986-2323.
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.
Vacation Rentals: The House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee will consider a bill (HB 1011), filed by Rep. Jason Fischer, R-Jacksonville, that would take away power from cities and counties to regulate vacation rental properties. The bill would “preempt” regulation of vacation rentals to the state. Supporters of such preemption point, at least in part, to the property rights of people who decide to use platforms such as Airbnb to rent out homes or parts of homes. But critics contend that such rentals, in many cases, have turned into commercial operations in residential areas. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
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):
- Tuesday: Daytona State College, Palm Coast campus, Building 2, 3000 Palm Coast Parkway, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Tuesday: Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, Palm Coast, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tuesday: Aldi, 5095 State Road 100, Palm Coast, 2 to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: Palm Coast Data Building 3, 2 Commerce Boulevard, Palm Coast, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday: Palm Coast Data Building 1, 11 Commerce Boulevard, Palm Coast, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday: Flagler Department of Health, 301 Dr. Carter Boulevard, Bunnell, 2 to 4:30 p.m.
- Thursday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Thursday: Trades of Hope, 4601 East Moody Boulevard, K6, Bunnell, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Friday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday: Flagler Home and Lifestyle Show, FPC, 5500 East Highway 100, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday: Flagler Home and Lifestyle Show, FPC, 5500 East Highway 100, 10 a.m. to 4 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 |
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 TAKES AIM AT SUNSCREEN BANS: The House Local, Federal and Veterans Affairs Committee will consider a proposal (HB 113), filed by Rep. Spencer Roach, R-North Fort Myers, that would block local governments from regulating over-the-counter drugs and cosmetics. The issue centers on a decision by Key West to ban certain types of sunscreen because of concerns that they could damage coral reefs. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
ANIMAL CREMATION AT ISSUE: The Senate Agriculture Committee will take up a bill (SB 1282), filed by Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, that would place regulations on animal-cremation services. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
HUNTING AND FISHING TAX ‘HOLIDAY’ PROPOSED: The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee will consider a proposal (SB 1310), filed by Sen. Debbie Mayfield, R-Rockledge, that would allow shoppers to avoid paying sales taxes on hunting and fishing gear on Sept. 5. Shoppers would not have to pay sales taxes on purchases of rifles, shotguns, spearguns, crossbows, bows, ammunition, camping tents, fishing rods, reels, bait and tackle. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
ANIMAL CRUELTY TARGETED: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee will take up a bill (SB 1044), filed by Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-North Miami Beach, that would place requirements on veterinarians about reporting cases of suspected animal cruelty to law-enforcement or animal-control officials. The bill would apply to cases involving cruelty to cats and dogs. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
‘TOBACCO 21’ MEASURE CONSIDERED: The Senate Health Policy Committee will consider a proposal (SB 810), filed by Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, that is known as the “Tobacco 21” bill. It would revamp regulations for tobacco and electronic-cigarette products, including increasing the minimum age to purchase products from 18 to 21. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
INDECENT EXPOSURE AT ISSUE: The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee will take up a bill (HB 675), filed by Rep. Amy Mercado, D-Orlando, that would increase criminal penalties for indecent exposure. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
BROADBAND EXPANSION BACKED: The House Energy & Utilities Subcommittee will consider a proposal (HB 969), filed by Rep. Brad Drake, R-Eucheeanna, that would create the Florida Office of Broadband to help with the expansion of broadband service in the state. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
ATTORNEY FEES ON TABLE: The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee will take up a bill (SB 914), filed by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, that would prevent judges from using what is known as a “contingency risk multiplier” to increase attorney fees in property-insurance lawsuits. (Tuesday, noon, 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
DCF CHANGES PROPOSED: The Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee will consider a proposal (SB 1326), filed by Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, that would make a series of changes at the Department of Children and Families. Those changes would address issues such as child protective investigations and creation of an Office of Quality Assurance and Improvement. (Tuesday, noon, 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY LIMITS EYED: The Senate Judiciary Committee will take up a bill (SB 1302), filed by Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, that would increase the potential liability of government agencies in lawsuits. The state’s sovereign immunity laws limit the amounts government agencies can be forced to pay, and the bill would increase the limits. (Tuesday, noon, 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
RESLIENCY, SEA LEVEL RISE DISCUSSED: The House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee will consider a proposal (HB 1073), filed by Rep. Cyndi Stevenson, R-Saint Johns, that would create a Statewide Office of Resiliency in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office as part of efforts to address the impacts of climate change. The proposal also calls for creating a Statewide Sea-Level Rise Task Force that would “recommend consensus projections of the anticipated sea-level rise and flooding impacts along this state’s coastline.” The task force would face a January 2021, deadline to submit the projections to the state Environmental Regulation Commission for consideration. (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
PRIVATE SCHOOL STANDARDS AT ISSUE: Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, and Rep. Joy Goff-Marcil, D-Maitland, will hold a news conference to discuss legislation (SB 632 and HB 859) about standards for private schools. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., fourth floor, the Capitol.)
SCHOOL SAFETY ON AGENDA: The Senate Education Committee will take up a bill (SPB 7040) that would address concerns of a grand jury that found “systemic” school-safety failures in Florida. The bill would make several changes to training requirements in the controversial school “guardian” program, increase oversight for districts’ school security plans and make changes to the state’s emergency drill policies. For example, it would require sheriff’s offices to “review and approve” psychological evaluations, drug-test results and background checks of school employees before they can be trained to carry guns in schools as part of the guardian program. In a December report, the grand jury found some school employees completed the state-funded guardian training only to later be told they could not participate in the program “due to defects in their background, psychological evaluations, or due to the failure in some other aspect of the vetting” process. (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
SCHOOL BOARD TERM LIMITS PROPOSED: The House PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee will take up a proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 157), filed by Rep. Anthony Sabatini, R-Howey-in-the-Hills, and Rep. Matt Willhite, D-Wellington, that seeks eight-year term limits for members of county school boards. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION LAW EYED: The Senate Community Affairs Committee will consider a proposal (SB 514), filed by Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, that would revamp laws dealing with people who seek homestead tax exemptions while also owning property in other states. (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
BOTTLED WATER FEES SOUGHT: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee will take up a bill (SB 1098), filed by Sen. Janet Cruz, D-Tampa, that would require bottled water companies to pay fees on water drawn from Florida sources. (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
PUBLIC CAMPAIGN FINANCING OPPOSED: The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee will consider a proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 1110), filed by Chairman Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, that seeks to repeal the public campaign-financing system available to statewide political candidates. (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
TEACHER EDUCATION AGREEMENT ANNOUNCED: Tallahassee Community College and Flagler College-Tallahassee will announce a partnership that will create a path for students to receive bachelor’s degrees in elementary education. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Tallahassee Community College, Fine and Performing Arts Center, 444 Appleyard Dr., Tallahassee.)
–Compiled by the News Service of Florida and FlaglerLive
Muslim Ban Slashes Immigration From Countries Affected “The U.S. travel ban including five Muslim majority countries has majorly reduced new U.S. residents from the places affected. New residents from Yemen were a lot fewer – their numbers were reduced by 87 percent in two years. While in FY 2016, almost 13,000 Yemenis took up residence in the United States, that number was slashed to 1,600 in FY 2018. The number of new residents from Iran was reduced by 44 percent in the same time frame.”
Through April 4, Palm Coast Mayor’s 90/90 Challenge: Get outdoors and get active – join us for the Mayor’s 90/90 Challenge! The challenge is to move at least a mile a day for the 90 days from Jan. 6 to April 4. You can choose your own form of exercise. Log in to Palm Coast Connect and record your progress throughout the month. Everyone who completes the Challenge will receive a prize. Share your progress along the way on social media using #Mayors9090 and #ConnectToFitness. More info: www.palmcoastconnect.com and 386-986-2323.
St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier New Hours: The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier is temporarily adjusting business hours due to the ongoing pier reconstruction project. Beginning Monday, January 13, the gift shop will be opened 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. For more information regarding the pier gift shop, please contact 904.209.0326.
The Live Calendar is Flagler County’s and Palm Coast’s most complete, detailed and searchable community calendar of events, including culture, the performing arts, theater, government, the courts and justice system and a lot more. If you’re not listed here, you’re not getting the visibility you deserve. To include your event, please fill out this form. Any other issues, email the editor.
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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 Dec. 16 2019:
See the full Week in Review here.
