Private companies are supplying “intelligence as a service” to government entities and others – and as the Amazon-owned Ring doorbell camera company found out when it advertised a new feature, the change is not without controversy. This broader surveillance economy that has emerged is driven by private companies, not governments.
Archives for February 20, 2026
Randy Fine’s Bigotry and the Silent Complicity of Florida Republicans
Congressman Randy Fine’s long history of deploying bigoted, dehumanizing language against Palestinians and Muslims reflects a broader political decay. Condemnations have been rare except by his rivals, and what outrage there’s been frequently feels performative. Otherwise, silence. This widespread complicity from elected officials actively normalizes hateful rhetoric, rewarding fascist behavior and degrading the fundamental standards of our national civil discourse.
Florida Senate Unanimously Passes Public Registry for Animal Abusers
The Florida Senate unanimously passed a bill to create a public registry for individuals convicted of animal abuse, maintained by the Department of Law Enforcement. The legislation also aims to crack down on puppy mills by introducing consumer protections, eliminating limits on recoverable veterinary costs, and establishing a voluntary best-practices program for dog breeders. A companion bill is currently advancing through the Florida State House.
Cold-Weather Shelter for Homeless and Others Open Feb. 22-24
The Sheltering Tree will open the Flagler County cold-weather shelter Sunday through Tuesday night, Feb. 22-24, as a cold brings nighttime temperatures below 40.
Scott Spradley, Flagler Beach City Commission Candidate: The Live Interview
Scott Spradley is one of three candidates running for two seats in the March 3 Flagler Beach election for the City Commission. FlaglerLive submitted six identical questions to the three candidates, with no length restrictions. Answers are presented here in full and cross-referenced for ease of comparison.
R.J. Santore, Flagler Beach City Commission Candidate: The Live Interview
R.J. Santore is one of three candidates running for two seats in the March 3 Flagler Beach election for the City Commission. FlaglerLive submitted six identical questions to the three candidates, with no length restrictions. Answers are presented here in full and cross-referenced for ease of comparison.
Rick Belhumeur, Flagler Beach City Commission Candidate: The Live Interview
Rick Belhumeur is one of three candidates running for two seats in the March 3 Flagler Beach election for the City Commission. FlaglerLive submitted six identical questions to the three candidates, with no length restrictions. Answers are presented here in full and cross-referenced for ease of comparison.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, February 20, 2026
“The Colored Museum,” at City Repertory Theatre, the Flagler County Cultural Council meets, free tax preparation services, a magazine with an “intelligent, well-educated, discriminating, well-informed” readership celebrates itself, Social Security,’ At the Daytona Playhouse.