The Senate on Friday voted 31-6 on a bill (SB 484) that imposes restrictions on proposed data centers, including reinforcing the ability of local governments to refuse them. But the House previously amended the measure to allow local governments to enter into non-disclosure agreements with tech companies for up to 12 months that would hide data center proposals from the public.
Archives for March 12, 2026
Meanwhile in Ukraine
The joint U.S.-Israeli assault on Iran provides significant indirect support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rising global oil prices, triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, bolster Russian federal revenues. Additionally, the diversion of American munitions and diplomatic attention leaves Ukraine vulnerable. However, Ukraine’s superior drone warfare capabilities offer a unique bargaining chip for maintaining critical U.S. support during this period.
Hammock Community Association Sues County and Developer Over 204-Boat Storage Plan
The Hammock Community Association and neighbor Kathy Viehe filed a lawsuit against Flagler County and developer Bob Million. The complaint seeks to quash a site plan for a 204-boat storage facility at Hammock Harbour on State Road A1A in the Hammock. It alleges the county violated land use regulations and lacked substantial evidence. This follows a $550,000 settlement between the county and the developer over another lawsuit last month.
Three Senior Flagler County Directors Lined Up As Potential Interim Leaders During Search For Heidi Petito Replacement
Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito appointed Growth Management Director Adam Mengel as her deputy. She identified Mengel, Jonathan Lord, and John Broward as potential interim successors. This move provides a framework for leadership before her July departure. The commission recently rejected an outside interim candidate. Petito suggested a tiered administrative structure to distribute responsibilities. These appointments aim to maintain operational stability during the search for a permanent county leader.
Judge Sets Bond At $250,000 For Palm Coast Student Accused Of Burying Newborn In Backyard
Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols set bond at $250,000 for 20-year-old Anne Mae Demegillo, a Palm Coast student accused of allowing her newborn to die and burying the infant. Demegillo must surrender her passport and remain in Flagler County under conditions resembling house arrest. The court noted her lack of criminal history and sloppy attempts at hiding her deed from her parents.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Swan Lake Ballet, Dance Alive Company at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, R.J. Santore is sworn in at the Flagler Beach City Commission, Evenings at Whitney Lecture Series, Israel’s bombing of a hotel filled with refugees in Beirut.