Conversations in Democracy at Pine Lakes Golf Club, Jonathan Brown on the cognitive test Trump failed, on being part of something bigger than oneself, David Foster Wallace on Charlie Rose.
Archives for May 2026
The Nightmare Holocaust Survivors Came Home To
Holocaust survivors returning to Paris after the Nazi occupation discovered their homes were looted and occupied by strangers. Restitution laws meant to help victims often created bureaucratic hurdles that favored non-Jewish tenants instead. Many families spent decades fighting for financial compensation for stolen furniture and personal belongings. The exclusion of foreign-born Jews highlights the lasting economic and emotional scars left by the Holocaust.
Palm Coast Council Almost Finalizes Three Charter Amendments for November Ballot
The Palm Coast City Council today all but finalized language for three charter amendments that would appear on the November ballot. One proposal clarifies procedures for removing council members, another establishes an 18-month rule for holding special elections to fill vacancies, and a third increases the city debt limit to $30 million without requiring a referendum. The changes aim to resolve previous appointment controversies and modernize municipal financial governance.
Flagler Beach City Manager Says Firing of Fire Chief Was Not Disciplinary Or Result of Any Violations
Former Flagler Beach Fire Chief Stephen Cox did not break any laws, did not violate any city or Fire Department policies, and in City Manager Dale Martin’s evaluation was found to exceed expectations in a September evaluation. But a “loss in confidence” among staff led to his firing, Martin said in a press conference from the main hangar of the Fire Department this afternoon. Jennifer Fiveash and Morgan Rainey have returned in interim leadership positions, but appear uninterested in staying for the long term.
Jury Finds Gary Durso Not Guilty as Defense Attorney James Smith Dismantles Case Over a Single CSAM Image
A Flagler County jury acquitted 63-year-old Gary Durso of Palm Coast’s E Section of possessing a single image of child sexual abuse material after 45 minutes of deliberation. Defense attorney James Smith successfully argued that the prosecution failed to prove Durso knew the subject of a 2016 photograph he’d kept for nine years and disseminated on Flickr was a minor. The jury, unaware of Durso’s status as a sex offender who’d previously solicited a minor, found reasonable doubt regarding his intent and knowledge of image.
Florida Immigration Enforcement Costs Shifted from Storm Fund Climb to $460 Million For the Year
The fund was created in 2022 to handle hurricane preparation and response and other natural disasters, allowing Gov. Ron DeSantis to quickly dispense money during states of emergency. Since 2022, the lawmakers have deposited $4.77 billion into the fund. As of a few weeks ago, the fund balance was $199 million.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Day two of Gary Durso’s trial, the Palm Coast City Council meets in workshop, the Community Traffic Safety Team meet as does the school board, for a workshop, catching up with Robert Caro at 90, as he continues his biography of LBJ.
Atlantic Red Snapper Season Expanded to 39 Days, from 2 Last Year
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday revealed there will be a 39-day red snapper fishing season in the Atlantic coast this year, an expansion from the two days allowed last year. The longer fishing season was due to a switch from federal management of the waters off Florida’s east coast for red snapper to state management.
AI Integrated License Plate Readers Are Quietly Transforming American Cities Into Massive Surveillance Networks
Automatic license plate readers occupy thousands of American intersections, integrating with advanced artificial intelligence and creating searchable databases facilitating mass surveillance of marginalized communities. Private companies provide the equipment frequently bypassing local oversight laws. Significant costs exist. Little evidence supports claims regarding violent crime reduction. Activists are now organizing to resist this rapidly expanding government data dragnet nationwide across the United States today.
Victim’s Family Alleges in Lawsuit that FSU Shooter Was ‘Co-Conspiring’ with ChatGPT
The family of one of the victims of last year’s mass shooting at Florida State University have filed a lawsuit against the artificial intelligence chatbot the alleged shooter consulted before the attack. Lawyers representing 45-year-old Tiru Chabba’s estate announced the lawsuit filed Monday in Tallahassee federal court.
Flagler Beach Fire Chief Stephen Cox Fired Following Staff Resignations and No-Confidence Letter
Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin fired Fire Chief Stephen Cox this morning following the resignation of five firefighters and a no-confidence letter signed by seven staff members, including two who’d resigned. The document cited a hostile work environment and a lack of transparent communication. Martin concluded Cox could no longer lead effectively.
DUI Probationer Sent Back to Jail for Refusing to Profess Faith in God in Christian Treatment Program
A Flagler County judge returned 29-year-old Joshua King to jail for a probation violation after the 29-year-old Wiccan refused to profess Christian faith in God at Faith Farm Ministries as part of his court-ordered rehab therapy. He claimed the facility mandated religious conversion for program completion. The judge ruled that King failed to comply with the terms of the specific program he himself selected. He is to be resasigned to a different facility not of his choice.
Flagler Schools Earns Guy Harvey Conservation District Designation For The 2025-2026 Academic Year
Flagler Schools has been named a Guy Harvey Conservation District for the 2025-2026 school year, underscoring the district’s commitment to environmental education through teacher professional development, experiential learning and environmental leadership. A presentation honoring the recognition will take place at this month’s Flagler Schools Board Meeting at the Government Services Building in Bunnell on May 19.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, May 11, 2026
The Bunnell City Commission meets, Flagler County’s Land Acquisition Committee, Francis Fukuyama on the future of democracy, a few words from the Philippines.
Netanyahu’s Baseless Pledge to ‘Finish” Hezbollah
When it comes to Hezbollah, Israel’s military simply cannot completely defeat a resistance movement that is so embedded in the social, political and cultural fabric of Lebanon. This would require not just a military victory, but the subjugation of its supporters and the delegitimisation of its ideology.
Florida Democrats Are Getting Giddy. They Should Beware.
Florida Democrats are experiencing rare optimism following competitive polling and recent special election victories as Republican incumbents Byron Donalds and James Uthmeier face scrutiny over controversial statements and legal issues. But the GOP maintains a supermajority and control over the judiciary, and Democrats have a history of failing in critical statewide elections.
Time to ‘Move On’ From Alligator Alcatraz, Ashley Moody Says
Sen. Ashley Moody says that the migrant concentration camp in the Everglades known as “Alligator Alcatraz” has done its job and that its mission has been fulfilled, after it was opened to handle detainees the federal government couldn’t handle.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, May 10, 2026
‘The Curious Savage” at Daytona Playhouse, the maimed run in Gaza, Shell’s obscene war profiteering, Palm Coast Farmers’ Market at European Village, when corporations were survivalists.
Why Do Some People Treat the Magic Kingdom and Disney Adults Like Cultural Abominations?
Critics frequently dismiss Disney World as a manufactured environment lacking true substance. This “authenticity objection” suggests the parks provide only mindless distraction. Philosophical analysis reveals Disney never purports to be anything other than a themed amusement park. Devoted fans also maintain their own unique identities outside this fantasy. The Magic Kingdom offers valuable spaces for diverse families to create lasting and collective memories together.
Paul Renner’s 2% Delusion
Paul Renner is at 2% in one from Fabrizio, Lee & Associates, which puts him 52 points behind U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds. He is also at 2% in a poll posted by The Floridian, the content of which appears to align with an internal survey referred to recently by Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. Yet he sees a path for victory in August’s Primary for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
Call Israel’s War Crimes and Genocide By Name
Israel’s massacres, systematic destruction of villages and towns and historical fabrications to annex Palestinian and Lebanese lands amount to war crimes and genocide according to the definition of the Geneva Conventions, and are enabled by American military support and media complicity.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Palm Coast Spring Arts Festival in Central Park, the Saturday Flagler Beach Farmers Market, AAUW Monthly Meeting, Second Saturday Plant Sale at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, William Maxwell’s “A Final Report.”
How Ted Turner Changed the Way We See Our World
Ted Turner will be remembered mostly for the creation and development of the Cable News Network – CNN – which launched in 1980 and made our knowledge of distant events instantaneous and our world more comprehensible. In this sense, Turner’s legacy extends beyond television. He changed our conception not only of journalism but also of our world.
Southern Poverty Law Center Pleads Not Guilty To Federal Fraud Charges and Questions Motives
The Southern Poverty Law Center pleaded not guilty to federal charges of fraud and money laundering. The Department of Justice alleges that a discontinued informant program defrauded donors by enriching extremist groups. Defense attorneys labeled the prosecution a political attack.
Palm Coast City Manager McGlothlin Postpones Raydient Development Review as It Needs ‘More Work’
Two weeks before the proposed Raydient order to develop 22,000 homes west of U.S. 1 was to go before the city’s Planning Board, Palm Coast City Manager Mike McGlothlin said today that the whole process is being postponed to allow for better vetting. He did not provide a new timeline though one may be issued next week. The development’s new proposal includes industrial set-asides for animal feed lots and livestock operations, the deep well injection of waste products, dog, hog and poultry farms, and incinerator plants.
At Palm Coast Manager Mike McGlothlin’s Coffee Talk with Residents, It’s About Growth, Traffic and Westward Ho
Palm Coast City Manager Mike McGlothlin hosted his third monthly coffee chat at St. Joe’s Plaza this morning as residents raised pointed concerns regarding the expansion westward, traffic congestion, speedsters on Woodbury Drive, and infrastructure issues. McGlothlin maintains a congenial rapport with the public in a session free of acrimony even as it was rich in pointed questions and comments.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, May 8, 2026
Coffee and Conversation with Palm Coast City Manager Michael McGlothlin at the Jacked-up Bean, ‘The Curious Savage” at Daytona Playhouse, more sappy reflections on “As Time Goes By.”
Intermittent Fasting Limits and Benefits
Intermittent fasting has become a buzzword in nutrition circles, with many people looking to it as a way to lose weight or improve their health. But new research from the Cochrane Collaboration shows intermittent fasting is no more effective for weight loss than receiving traditional dietary advice or even doing nothing at all.
‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ Too Expensive to Run, May Close
The New York Times reported Thursday morning that “Florida is in talks with the Trump administration” to shut down the facility dubbed by DeSantis’ administration as “Alligator Alcatraz,” adding that the talks are “preliminary but that “officials at the Department of Homeland Security have concluded that it is too expensive to keep operating the center.”
Palm Coast’s 21st Arbor Day Draws Thousands
The City of Palm Coast is celebrating another successful Arbor Day following its 21st annual event held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Central Park in Town Center. This year’s celebration drew nearly 2,000 attendees who took part in eco‑friendly activities, educational opportunities, and family fun.
Flagler Beach Planning Board Member Had Explicitly Asked Pastor if He Had Shopping Center’s Permission for Church
When the church was seeking a special zoning exception from the city, a brief exchange between a Flagler Beach Planning Board member and Roderick Palmer, the pastor of Coastal Family Church, all but anticipated the lawsuit Palmer has been battling since January. The board member had asked Palmer explicitly, twice, if he had permission from the shopping center’s property association to run a church at Flagler Square. The answer was non-committal.
City Council Backs Mayor’s Effort to Identify Hidden History Across Land Slated For Raydient’s 22,000 Homes
Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris secured council support to negotiate unfettered land access for historical societies within a 22,000-acre development site west of U.S. 1, known as the western expansion. Raydient plans to build 22,000 homes over three decades but preservationists want to survey roughly 25 historic sites, among them the iconic Old Brick Road.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Disingenuously bemoaning the days when Liszt and Brahms were celebrities, Philippe Lancon on Bach, Model Yacht Club races at the Pond in Palm Coast’s Central Park, Story Time with Miss Kim at Flagler Beach Public Library.
Texas Kills James Broadnax as Legal Experts Question Using Rap Lyrics as Criminal Evidence
Texas killed James G. Broadnax on April 30, 2026, for a 2008 double murder after prosecutors used 40 pages of Broadnax’s rap lyrics during the sentencing phase to argue a criminal mentality. Legal scholars identify a pattern of treating fictional lyrics as literal confessions, a practice that reflects historical racial stereotypes. Using art to justify executions extends the discriminatory legacy of Jim Crow laws into today’s courtrooms.
The Increasingly Mythical American Dream
At its best, the U.S. is seen as allowing individuals the freedom to live the life they want. Liberty and rugged individualism have been hallmarks of America since its beginnings, so it should come as no surprise that they are also central to the American Dream. Given this, has the American Dream become more or less difficult to achieve over time? Unfortunately, for a growing number of Americans, it appears to be more difficult.
With Democrat David Jolly’s Exception, Most Gubernatorial Candidates Oppose Legalizing Recreational Pot
The GOP’s Paul Renner, Byron Donalds and James Fishback all oppose legalizing recreational marijuana. Democrat David Jolly is one exception. He says the fact that a majority of Floridians voted to legalize cannabis in 2024 is why he supports making it legal.
The Force Is Strong In Flagler As Jedi Clerk Tom Bexley Hosts Star Wars-Themed Mass Wedding
The Kim C. Hammond Justice Center–Tatooine for short–transformed into a celebration from a galaxy not so far away on May 4 as Flagler County Clerk of Court Tom Bexley hosted the office’s first-ever Star Wars–themed wedding ceremony in honor of May the Fourth.
New Baseball League Coming to Palm Coast, But Council Delays Signing Off Over Sports Complex Concerns
The Palm Coast City Council tabled a contract for the newly formed Orange State League to use the Indian Trails Sports Complex this summer as concerns emerged about field availability and potential conflicts with the Palm Coast Little League regarding concession rights and maintenance responsibilities. The administration will clarify legal language and ensure local youth organizations support the new collegiate-level Big Buoys baseball team.
20 Residents are 59th Graduating Class of Palm Coast Citizens Academy
Graduates of this session include Anjanette Stuart, Ashley Katz, Cat Neis, Cathy Moon, Chris Hansen, Christine Carter, Diana Tsai, Dylana Galery, Esther Rita Page, Frank Pfeiffer, George Carofine, Greg Zarobsky, Jadzia Waloch, Jeannette Mendoza, Julia Walthall, Kathryn Summerlot, Lisa Frye Hansen, Milotka Vogt, Mimose Allen, Ron Kovac, Sheldon Keller, Stephanie Giumenta, and Victoria Pfeiffer.
7 Years in Prison for Levi ‘Feezy’ Ayers, 23, for String of Burglaries, Car and Gun Thefts in Palm Coast
Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols on Tuesday sentenced Levi “Feezy” D’Antonio Ayers to seven years in prison as a result of a series of nine car burglaries, a car and a gun theft in the C, P, L and E sections of Palm Coast four years ago, when Ayers was 19. He had two accomplices, both of whom were sentenced several years ago, served their prison time and are now on probation.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
The Flagler Beach Library Book Club and the Flagler County Republican Club meet, but quite separately, Bingo Night at Palm Coast Elks Lodge, a church declares the end of hell, and a few thoughts about eternity.
Florida Redistricting Draws Second Lawsuit
The new congressional map signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday has attracted its second legal challenge in as many days. Equal Ground Education Fund, a voting rights group, and 18 Florida voters filed suit against the new map within hours of it becoming law.
Fish Migrations Are Collapsing, a Problem for Millions
A global assessment led by Zeb Hogan reveals a devastating collapse in migratory freshwater fish populations. Nearly 100 percent of species listed under international treaties face extinction risks. Dams and overfishing break vital river connections across 250 international borders. Restoration requires keeping rivers free-flowing and protecting floodplains. These disappearing migrations threaten the essential food security and the diverse cultural traditions of millions of people worldwide.
Parents and Florida’s Teachers Union Sue State Over Universal Vouchers, Calling them Unconstitutional
Parents and the Florida Education Association argue in a 39-page filing in state trial court in Leon County that state dollars funding private school vouchers don’t conform to the Florida’s Constitution’s charge requiring “uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools.”
Palm Coast Council ‘Retreat’ Vows Six Months of Action to Defy Lame-Duck Label
With three of its members down to their last six months on the board, the Palm Coast City Council met Monday to establish goals before the November elections and run through a few exercises setting out values and a so-called SWOT analysis–strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The half-day session was held at the Southern Recreation Center.
Flagler County Administrator Job Posting Draws 30 Applicants in 1st Week; Shortlist Due by Mid-July
Flagler County’s search for a new administrator drew 30 applications in its first week. A three-member committee of Florida managers will rank qualified candidates and tun over a shortlist to the commission by mid-July.
Catherine Pepper Wickline Wilson, 1930-2026
Author and Flagler Beach Historical Museum Founder Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Catherine Pepper Wickline Wilson, a dedicated community leader, historian, and musician, passed away peacefully at the age of 95 at her home surrounded by family. A longtime resident of Flagler Beach, she leaves behind a legacy of civic service and cultural contributions.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
The Palm Coast City Council meets, Flagler Beach’s Planning Board meets to celebrate Chair Suzie Johnston’s 45th birthday, The Flagler Beach Library Writers’ Group meets at the Flagler Beach library, another Jim Thompson excerpt.
Gas Prices Spike 40 Cents in a Week in Florida, to $4.34/Gallon Average
Gas prices in Florida spiked an average of 40 cents over the past week, the second-largest one-week jump since the start of the conflict in Iran. In Flagler County on Monday, gas was selling for $4.37 a gallon at many stations along State Road 100 and $4.39 along Palm Coast Parkway.
Tax on Contraceptives Will Not Encourage Fertility
In an attempt to double the country’s rate of 1.0 children per woman, Beijing is reaching for a new tool: taxes on condoms, birth control pills and other contraceptives. As of Jan. 1, such items were subject to a 13% value-added tax. Meanwhile, services such as child care and matchmaking remain duty-free. These new moves will not have much, if any, effect on reversing the fertility rate decline to one of the world’s lowest and far below the 2.1 “replacement rate” needed to maintain a stable population.