When it comes to national politics, Americans are fiercely divided across a range of issues, including gun control, election security and vaccines. It’s not new for Republicans and Democrats to be at odds over issues, but things have reached a point where even the idea of compromising appears to be anathema, making it more difficult to solve thorny problems. But things are much less heated at the local level. A survey of more than 1,400 local officials by the Carnegie Corporation and CivicPulse found that local governments are “largely insulated from the harshest effects of polarization.”
Archives for March 17, 2026
Palm Coast Scores Clean Financial Audit in Independent Review Of 2025 Records
The City of Palm Coast received an unmodified audit opinion for the 2025 fiscal year. Independent auditors found no material weaknesses regarding internal controls or state and federal funding usage. The city continues its decades-long streak of receiving national awards for financial reporting excellence. Residents can access detailed budget data through the online Finance Transparency Dashboard.
Palm Coast Council Candidate Jeanie Duarte Again Ejected After Challenging Mayor To Remove Her
Palm Coast City Council candidate Jeanie Duarte was ejected from the council chambers following a six-hour meeting today after challenging Mayor Mike Norris and ignoring advice from City Attorney Marcus Duffy. Duarte attempted to direct Duffy and alleged deceptive practices by the council before a sheriff’s commander removed her for the second time in 10 weeks.
Palm Coast Council Rejects Rezoning For Concrete Plant on Hargrove Grade, Opposing Heavy Industry Precedent
The Palm Coast City Council voted 4-1 to deny a rezoning request from Hard Rock Materials today, preventing a concrete batch plant from opening in the Hargrove Grade industrial park on a 10-acre parcel Hard Rock paid $2.1 million for last year. Local business owners argued that heavy industrial operations would degrade the light industrial area. The council prioritized maintaining zoning consistency and protecting existing property interests over what would have been 20 jobs and modest tax revenue.
Palm Coast Council Stops Short of Lowering Residential Speed Limits to 25, Deterred By Cost
The Palm Coast City Council declined to lower residential speed limits from 30 to 25 miles per hour due to prohibitive costs. Replacing 2,400 signs would cost between $550,000 and $1.3 million. Officials decided to pursue state and federal grants to fund the safety initiative. Mayor Mike Norris suggested stricter enforcement by deputies as a more cost-effective way to manage local driver behavior.
Florida Sheriffs Led by Polk’s Grady Judd Sharply Criticize Federal Mass Deportation Efforts
Florida law enforcement leaders on the State Immigration Enforcement Council now advocate for a path to legal status for undocumented residents without criminal records. Council chair Grady Judd expressed concerns that federal agents are sweeping up productive individuals who contribute to the economy. The group suggests a 5-year process involving civil fines and English proficiency. This shift contrasts with previous support for aggressive deportation.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
The Palm Coast City Council meets at 9 a.m., County Commissioner Leann Pennington hosts a Town Hall, 6 to 8 p., at Haw Creek Community Center, The Flagler Beach Library Writers’ Club meets, Hannah Arendt’s prediction for maga.