Florida’s Legislature is actively rolling back diversity initiatives, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ protections. New educational mandates target perceived Marxist influences in universities and grade schools. State leaders are prohibiting local climate policies to protect industrial interests, all of it intentionally retreating toward the restrictive cultural and environmental standards of 1956.
Archives for March 2026
Small Private Schools Cleared to Open in Malls and Other Commercial Zones
Legislators added a provision eliminating zoning requirements for small private schools into a Democratic-led bill in the waning hours of the 2026 legislative session. Both GOP-led chambers of the Florida Legislature passed SB 182, allowing private schools with 150 or fewer students to operate in commercially zoned buildings.
FPL Scores Highest Profit Margin of Almost All Investor-Owned Utilities in the Country in 2025
Florida Power and Light, which serves around 6 million customers in Florida and serves all of Flagler County, far exceeded the 13 to 15 percent average in profit margin for American investor-owned utilities, ranking atop the list in profit margin for 2025, and second on the list between 2021 and 2024. FPL’s profit margin in 2025 was 27.44 percent, followed by MidAmerivan Energy with 27.16 percent.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Daytona Solisti Concert, Strengthening Your Bond with Your Pets, a community lecture at Trinity Presbyterian, The Seeking Insights for Solutions (SIS) book club hosts a virtual guest and discussion, Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage” at Limelight Theatre.
Saturday in Byblos:
Wendell Berry’s Celebration of Old Jack’s Crusty Life
Wendell Berry’s 1974 novel explores the final day of Jack Beechum. The narrative drifts through decades of Kentucky history as Jack finds sanctuary in the land but remains alienated from the people on it or in his life. The prose reaches heights of elegiac beauty, occasionally descending into mawkish parody and didactic sneers as Berry maintains a tension between agrarian ideals and harsh judgment of urban progress and human failure. The novel is part of the Port William series.
This Sunshine Week, Florida Reflects Alarming National Trend of Blocking Public Access To Essential Information
Government transparency in the United States has reached a historical low point during the second Trump administration. Florida, once a leader in open government, now exemplifies a national trend of “secrecy creep” through exorbitant fees and withheld records. Federal actions, including the firing of FOIA oversight officials and the deletion of databases, have created a culture of obfuscation that threatens the foundations of democracy.
Severe Drought Expands Across Flagler, Northern and Western Counties After 4 Months of Dry Weather
The St. Johns River Water Management District reports significant hydrologic declines following four months of minimal rainfall. All eighteen counties recorded below-average precipitation during February. These dry conditions caused groundwater levels in the Upper Floridan aquifer to drop into the eleventh percentile. Most of the state currently faces moderate to extreme drought. Residents should follow Phase I water shortage restrictions to preserve dwindling regional water supplies during this period.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Second Saturday Plant Sale at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, three de-commissioned amigos, American Association of University Women (AAUW) Monthly Meeting, “Steel Magnolias” at Athens Theatre in DeLand, Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage” at Limelight Theatre in St. Augustine.
Florida Lawmakers Pass Bill To Arm University Professors
The Florida House passed a legislative package authorizing professors and university appointees to carry firearms on campus. This measure extends the School Guardian Program to public colleges. Lawmakers resolved a dispute regarding private religious school security by focusing exclusively on higher education. The bill mandates university threat-management teams and faculty training for behavioral warning signs.
25 Years of American Stupidity in the Middle East
Western and particularly American meddling in the Middle East represents a persistent cult of failure rooted in historical hubris. Leashed to Israel, Donald Trump is continuing the tradition by targeting Iran, a civilization far older and more resilient than the United States. The escalating stupidity is accelerating the American empire’s moral and financial bankruptcy while leaving behind a legacy of mass graves.
Flagler Beach City Commission Tables A1A Vacation Rental Project Over Alleyway Access and Design Concerns
The Flagler Beach City Commission unanimously tabled a proposal for a three-story, eight-unit vacation rental at State Road A1A and South 17th Street. Commissioners generally favor the project. But they’re concerned about parking and the use of a dirt alleyway for primary access. Developer Ted Barnhill must now revise plans with the planning board to address traffic flow and neighborhood impact.
Fire Damages House on A1A in Flagler Beach and Injures a Firefighter
An electrical fire heavily damaged a two-story home at 1909 North Oceanshore Boulevard in Flagler Beach on Tuesday evening. One firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The blaze, which started in the attic, displaced homeowners Annette and Manuel Levine. The American Red Cross is assisting the family while the structure undergoes mitigation and renovation.
Florida Legislature Approves Bill Banning Student IDs and Requiring Proof of US Citizenship for All Future Voters
The Florida Legislature approved HB 991, requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. The bill removes student and retirement IDs as acceptable forms of identification. Although there’s no indication or proof of voter fraud beyond isolated cases, Republicans argue the measure ensures integrity. The measure will disenfranchise eligible voters lacking specific documents. The law takes effect in 2027, requiring citizenship verification through motor vehicle department records.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, March 13, 2026
Leann Pennington and R.J. Santore on Free for All Friday on WNZF, Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage” at Limelight Theatre in St. Augustine, “Steel Magnolias” at Athens Theatre in DeLand, the next oil shock.
Data Center Secrecy Clears Florida Legislature
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.
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.
Fox News Contributor Joey Jones Drops In at Sheriff’s Annual Employee Meeting
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office welcomed Johnny “Joey” Jones this week as a guest speaker during the agency’s annual employee meetings, continuing FCSO’s focus on employee wellness and resiliency.
Iraq War’s Aftermath Was a Disaster for the US. Iran Is No Different.
The United States risks repeating its Iraq War failures by prioritizing military destruction over political governance in Iran. While tactical objectives might be met, the resulting power vacuum typically favors well-organized domestic forces like the Revolutionary Guard rather than Western-backed exiles. Without a coherent plan for 92 million citizens, Washington’s strategy of regime change creates regional instability and fails to resolve nuclear proliferation.
Florida Legislature Clears Latest Measure Aimed at Union-Busting
The Florida House approved SB 1296, a bill significantly increasing requirements for public sector union recertification. Unions must now secure votes from 50% of all eligible employees, rather than a simple majority of participants. Public safety unions remain exempt. The measure faces intense criticism from Democrats and labor leaders. They argue it is designed to dismantle organizations representing teachers and other government workers.
Palm Coast Resident Jyquis Toole, 25, Held On $450,000 Bond for 20 Child Abuse Material Charges
Jyquis Q. Toole, 25, remains in Flagler County jail on a $450,000 bond facing 20 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material. Authorities arrested the Palm Coast resident following a Snapchat tip. Investigators are reviewing dozens of additional images found on his devices. Formal charges from the State Attorney’s Office are pending forensic analysis of the seized electronics.
Flagler School Board Tensions Flare Again as Members Reject Lauren Ramirez’s Call For Procedural Retreat
Flagler County School Board members rejected a request from Lauren Ramirez for a retreat to discuss board procedures and parliamentary conduct. The discussion highlighted ongoing friction between members and exacerbated by a vacant fifth seat Governor Ron DeSantis has failed to fill though he’s known it would require an appointment for a year. Members argued a retreat should wait until a full board is seated following the upcoming August primary or November election.
Flagler Airport Director Roy Sieger Cleared Again As Ethics Commission Tosses Resident’s Retribution Claims
The Florida Ethics Commission dismissed a second complaint against Flagler County Airport Director Roy Sieger within three months, citing legal insufficiency. The latest complaint, filed by resident Anna Jones, alleged Sieger favored flight schools and retaliated against critics. The commission found no evidence of personal benefit or corruption, noting that many allegations fell outside its jurisdiction or lacked documented evidence of actual wrongdoing.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Bicycle/Pedestrian committee meets, Separation Chat, with the Atlantic Chapter of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, Albert Camus’ Mediterranean and his Algeria.
Palm Coast Council Considers Ending Decades Old Ban on Electronic And Digital Business Signs
The Palm Coast City Council is considering lifting a 26-year-old ban on digital signs to boost economic development, particularly in Town Center. The administration is proposing allowing electronic displays on major roads with strict brightness and transition rules. Some council members worry about safety, sightliness and light pollution in residential areas.
Rob Deininger, Head of AdventHealth’s East Florida Division, Addresses Flagler Tiger Bay March 24
Rob Deininger, president and chief executive officer of AdventHealth’s East Florida Division will headline the March 24 Flagler Tiger Bay Club luncheon at Hammock Dunes Club, focusing on the future of healthcare and the trends shaping the next decade.
The Persian Gulf’s Vulnerable Desalination Plants
The escalating conflict between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. puts the Persian Gulf’s vital desalination infrastructure at extreme risk. With 100 million people dependent on these facilities, any significant damage could render the region uninhabitable. Historical precedents from the 1991 Gulf War and recent Houthi strikes highlight this vulnerability. Targeting these essential water sources would devastate regional economies and constitute a major human-rights violation.
Florida House Passes Contentious Legislation To Ban Local Government Funding For Diversity And Equity Initiatives
The Florida House approved SB 1134, a bill banning local governments from funding or promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Passing 77-37, the measure allows citizens to sue officials and empowers the governor to remove those in violation. GOP legislators claim DEI wastes taxpayer funds. Critics warn the vague language threatens cultural celebrations and marginalized communities. The bill now awaits Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature.
Dennis Bayer Out as Marineland Attorney After Nearly 30 Years, Replaced by Firm that Represents Palm Coast
Marineland Town Attorney Dennis Bayer resigned after nearly 30 years following friction with the town commission over marina contracts and other issues The commission appointed Douglas Law Firm as his replacement. The town faces financial pressure after losing property tax revenue from Marineland Dolphin Adventure’s transition to a nonprofit. Commissioners now seek to renegotiate a 10-year marina contract, despite Bayer’s warnings regarding the lack of legal grounds.
Sheriff’s Deputy Shoots Charging Dog On Farraday Lane as Children Witness It; Second Deputy Is Bitten
A Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy shot a Labrador-pit bull mix named Bear after the dog charged him during a welfare check in Palm Coast. Several children witnessed the shooting. Later, a supervising deputy was bitten while transporting the animal to emergency care. The nonprofit organization SMART is now seeking community donations to cover $7,000 in veterinary surgery costs for the recovering dog.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
The Flagler County Commission meets at 9 a.m. for a business meeting and again at 1 p.m. for a workshop, the Beverly Beach Town Commission meets, storytime with Thomas Mann’s “Little Lizzy,” a study in humiliation.
Decrypting Hegseth’s B-Movie Boasts and Gloating
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s rhetoric during the 2026 Iran war marks a departure from traditional military communication. By utilizing action-movie tropes and hypermasculine “kill talk,” he replaces strategic justification with a focus on dominance. This shift reflects a broader administration trend where media personalities prioritize “owning” opponents over democratic accountability. Such language gamifies violence, obscuring the human cost of war in favor of showmanship.
Disagreements Over Education, Affordable Housing and Florida Forever Money Force Extended Legislative Session
Florida legislative leaders are at a stalemate over the state budget, requiring an extended or special session. House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton remain divided on total spending, with a $1.4 billion gap between their proposals. Key disputes involve K-12 education funding, state worker pay raises, environmental conservation programs like Florida Forever, and millions in funding for affordable housing initiatives.
Stricter E-Bike Rules Set for DeSantis Signature
Florida lawmakers unanimously passed SB 382, a measure tightening regulations on electric bicycles. The bill, now heading to Governor Ron DeSantis, requires e-bike operators to slow to 10 mph within 50 feet of pedestrians on shared paths. It also mandates audible warnings before passing and establishes a safety task force. Additionally, law enforcement must compile detailed crash data, including operator age and licensing status.
Flagler County Commission Votes To Drop Legal Challenge Against Veranda Bay Annexation In Flagler Beach
The Flagler County Commission voted against challenging the City of Flagler Beach’s annexation of Veranda Bay. Two commissioners cited concerns regarding the legality of homeowner signatures in property covenants, but not a single Veranda Bay resident turned up to challenge the annexation, while the developer and a real estate broker spoke of the risks of losing deals. Developer Ken Belshe reaffirmed his commitment to existing infrastructure and conservation agreements.
Heidi Petito Scolds Flagler Commissioners For Unprofessional Handling Of Her Pending Summer Resignation
The Flagler County Commission decided to keep Administrator Heidi Petito through July 14 after she criticized the board for a “sloppy” and unprofessional transition process. Despite internal friction and calls for an immediate replacement, the commission opted against hiring an interim or borrowing staff from the Sheriff’s Office. Instead, the board will utilize the Florida Association of County Managers to conduct a permanent search.
Mozart And Mendelssohn Masterpieces Featured In Daytona Solisti Winter Music Festival Finale Concert
The Daytona Solisti Classical Players conclude their 2026 Winter Music Festival with “Classical and Romantic Realms” on March 15 at Port Orange Presbyterian Church. Artist in residence Michael Rickman will perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 12. The program also features Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No. 2, along with works by Vaughan Williams, Saint-Saëns and Bruch. Admission is by a requested donation of $15.
Online Chess with Kids: Focus, Patience and Smart Play
Discover how Chess Online helps kids turn screen time into focused learning, building patience, memory and confidence through safe, playful online chess games.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, March 9, 2026
The Bunnell City Commission meets, the Library Board of Trustees meets, Al Hadeed’s birthday and a few words from Raja Shehadeh and Ramallah.
The End of Congress’ War Powers
While the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the exclusive power to declare war, modern presidents have increasingly used Article 2 to bypass legislative approval. Historical precedents like the 1973 War Powers Resolution show a once-defiant Congress, but contemporary lawmakers appear less willing to challenge executive authority. As conflicts in Iran and Venezuela escalate, the legislative branch faces a critical choice: reassert its authority or remain compliant.
Severe Water Shortage Advisory Issued for Flagler and Other Counties
The St. Johns River Water Management District has declared a Severe Water Shortage advisory for Flagler County and other northeast and central Florida counties. Due to extreme drought and declining groundwater levels, landscape irrigation is now limited to 1 day per week. All water users must eliminate wasteful practices and prepare for further restrictions if dry conditions continue.
Florida Bill Banning Masking Identity of Law Enforcement and Immigration Agents Fails
Florida’s “Visible Act,” designed to ban masked law enforcement during immigration raids, has failed in the state legislature. Following fatal shootings by masked ICE agents in Minnesota, advocates like Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith argue for transparency. While Florida has historic anti-mask laws dating back to 1951 to combat the Ku Klux Klan, experts remain divided on whether these statutes can legally apply to federal officers.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, March 8, 2026
Palm Coast Farmers’ Market at European Village, Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage” at Limelight Theatre, Christo Komarnitski on Netanyahu, waking up to Hezbollah’s horrors.
Lessons From The 1953 CIA Coup In Iran Reveal Trump’s Current Lack Of Strategy
The bombing of Iran highlights a lack of clear strategy from the Trump administration regarding regime change. By examining the 1953 CIA-led coup that ousted Mohammad Mossadegh, it becomes evident that successful political intervention requires coordinated influence operations rather than just military force. To truly support the Iranian opposition, the U.S. and its allies must move beyond airstrikes and implement a sophisticated strategy.
Palm Coast’s Development Derangement Syndrome
Palm Coast often luxuriates in development derangement syndrome as residents of established communities and neighborhoods move to block new housing projects. This hypocrisy ignores that existing homes also replaced native wilds. Developers are not faultless. But Florida’s property tax system forces local governments to chase growth because homestead exemptions prevent existing residents from paying their fair share. Consequently, infrastructure decays while impact fees rise to subsidize the sprawl.
Big Beautiful Bill Cuts $665 Billion in State Medicaid Funds Over Next Decade
A new RAND Health analysis reveals that state Medicaid budgets will decrease by $665 billion over 10 years due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While the federal government saves $714 billion, states face varying impacts. California and New York see the largest cuts, while others may see general fund savings from reduced enrollment. Enrollment is expected to drop by 7.6 million by 2034.
Florida House Kills Bill to Expand Vaccine Exemptions
The Florida Senate is advancing a controversial bill to expand vaccine exemptions and allow over-the-counter ivermectin sales, despite House Speaker Daniel Perez stating the measure will not be heard. The bill excludes a total repeal of school mandates, but creates a new conscience-based opt-out category. The debate intensifies as Florida faces 124 measles cases in 2026, primarily linked to a university outbreak.