Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia is touring the state to accuse local governments of reckless overspending, but his claims rely on a simplistic formula ignoring critical economic factors like property value increases and essential service needs. Flagler County faced his unsubstantiated attacks last week. Actual budget data reveals that Ingoglia’s claims collapse under the weight of even feathery scrutiny.
Archives for April 3, 2026
What ICE Could Learn from Prohibition’s Failures
The recent massive expansion of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement distinctly parallels the hasty creation of the Prohibition-era federal police force in the 1920s. Both enforcement bodies faced intense public scrutiny for lowering training standards, hiring poorly vetted agents, and utilizing reckless violence to achieve difficult objectives. Historical records of Prohibition’s disastrous enforcement offer a stark warning about the dangers of rapidly scaling federal policing.
Tag Team: Dad Chris Calio Retires from Flagler Fire Rescue as Son Nick Begins Career
Flagler County Fire Rescue Firefighter Paramedic Chris Calio retired on April 1, no joke, and had the privilege of spending the day with his son, Nick Calio – brand new to the department at Fire Station 16 on the Volusia County border. Also on shift were Chris Calio’s best friends: Noah Hunt and Jake Gonzalez.
Uthmeier Claims Ban on State Funding of Religious Education Violates First Amendment
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier won’t enforce part of the state Constitution banning government funding for churches and other religious groups on the theory it violates the First Amendment, he claimed this week.
Palm Coast Restores Full Online Access To Detailed City Council Agenda Packets For Local Residents
Palm Coast restored full online access to City Council agenda packets including all supporting background materials. The city since 2019 limited web access due to ADA compliance concerns and litigation threats. A significant technological upgrade ensures all 2026 digital standards are met. Residents can now review the same staff reports, contracts, and financial data used by council members to make decisions. Whether that will reduce the incidence of belligerently misinformed public comments is unlikely.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, April 3, 2026
Commissioner Andy Dance Free For All Friday, First Friday Garden Walks at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, First Friday in Flagler Beach, Artemis goes Old Lace.