Today: high in upper 80s, low in low-70s. Details here.
Today’s fire danger is low. Flagler County’s Drought Index is at 105.
Today’s tides: at the beaches, at the Intracoastal Waterway.
Today’s document from the National Archives.
The OED’s Word of the Day: oblectation, n..
The Live Community Calendar
Today’s jail bookings.
Today’s Briefing: Quick Links
- In Flagler and Palm Coast
- Local News Recap
- In State Government
- In Coming Days in Flagler and Palm Coast
- Police, Fire and Emergency Notes
- PR Releases
- In the Press, In the News
- Palm Coast Construction and Development Progress Reports
- Local Road and Interstate Construction
- Comment of the Day (From the Comment Section)
- Cultural Coda
Note: all government meetings noticed below are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. Many can be heard or seen live through each agency’s website.
It is Banned Books Week. Honor the book, screw the censors and pick up a little Nabokov, Voltaire, Rushdie, even Harper Lee.
Flagler County Youth Center celebrates 10 years at 10 a.m. on the campus of Flagler Palm Coast High School.
Microplastics seminar: Learn what microplastics are, how they get into the environment and why they are causing concern among ocean researchers. Find out how you can reduce your contribution to this growing problem. Do you know what ingredient to look for to see if your deodorant, body wash, toothpaste or facial scrub contain plastics? You’ll find out! You will also learn about a citizen science opportunity through the Florida Microplastic Awareness Project. The seminar will be held twice–once at 10 am and again at 6:30 pm. (UF/IFAS Extension Flagler County (150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell).
See Also:
10 Years of the Humidor Cigar Bar & Lounge: Yes, it’s been 10 years. Some say it is especially hard in Palm Coast for a business to last for 10 years, but here we are, in the same European Village location. Join the owners to celebrate. The party starts at 6 p.m. and goes on to 10 p.m. with live music, special sales, light eats, and you’ll have tons of folks meet and chat with.
Christian Recovery House for Addicts Wins Legal Battle, Costing Bunnell $500,000: Open Door Re-Entry and Recovery Ministry is a Christian non-profit run by Jim McBrayer, who runs a recovery home for addicts called Friends of Sinners in Kentucky, and Pastor Charles Silano, the local minister. The recovery house is intended to house a dozen recovering addicts who’d be referred to the organization through the court system. The organization bought a building on East Booe that had been a mosque and a church previously, and has been empty for years.
Sheriff Shows Off New HQ to Public, But Commissioners Who Bought It Are No-Shows: Among Bunnell’s elected officials, only Mayor Catherine Robinson showed up. And there was another notable absence Wednesday evening. Four of the five Flagler County commissioners—all four who’d voted for the acquisition of the old memorial hospital, back when it was gauzed in controversy—were absent. So was Craig Coffey, the county administrator under whose supervision the contractors have been working. The exception was Charlie Ericksen, who toured the building more than once. He’d voted against the acquisition.
Grand Reserve Golf Course Sale Closes: “Another of Flagler County’s golf courses is on more solid ground as Capstone Golf, the long-time operator of the Grand Reserve Gold Course, has purchased the course from the debtor in possession, CRM Florida Properties LLC. The purchase price was $1,300,000. The transaction closed on September 4th and was recorded September 10,” GoToby reports. “Grand Reserve is one of four public play courses in the Palm Coast area. The others are Cypress and Pine Lakes, both privately owned, and Palm Harbor, owned by the City of Palm Coast and operated by Kemper Sports.”
Flagler Fire Rescue Join Florida National Guard at Camp Blanding Search and Rescue Training:
Note: Most proceedings below can be followed live on the Florida Channel.
The Keep Florida Learning Committee will finish two days of meetings. Education Commissioner Pam Stewart is expected to take part, with discussions focused on issues such as deregulation possibilities for the school system. (9 a.m., Florida Department of Education, Turlington Building, 325 West Gaines St., Tallahassee.)
The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its weekly opinions at 11 a.m.
Bear hunting season: Leon County Circuit Judge George Reynolds III will hear arguments in a legal challenge to the state’s upcoming bear season. The Seminole County-based group Speak Up Wekiva, in part, has requested a temporary injunction against the bear-hunting season, which is scheduled to start Oct. 24. (1:30 p.m., Leon County Courthouse, 301 South Monroe St., Tallahassee.)
–Compiled by the News Service of Florida and FlaglerLive
In Coming Days in Palm Coast and Flagler:
Click on the links for more details:
- Oct. 3:The International Festival takes place in Palm Coast’s Town Center from noon to 9 p.m.
Oct. 3: The Bulow Parks Historic Alliance will have an extra Trail Maintenance Day to prepare for the October 30 Candlelight Trail Walk. Workers are asked to meet at the Trail head at 9 a.m. wearing gloves, hats, appropriate clothing and carrying bug spray. Water will be provided.For information call 386-437-5338. - Oct. 5: Pink Army 5k Run/Walk for Breast Cancer, 7:45 am at Florida Hospital Flagler. Gather your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors and run or walk in honor of those who have battled and continue their battle against breast cancer. Proceeds from the Pink Army Run/Walk go to the Florida Hospital Flagler Foundation to educate and support women of Flagler County.
- Oct. 6: The Flagler County School Board holds a town hall meeting at the Government Services Building.
- Oct. 6: Palm Coast Wood Carvers plan ‘Open House and Art Show,’ an Open House to showcase their work from 5-7 p.m. in Room 109 of the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE.
- USA Today’s Alan Gomez to discuss immigration and its role in 2016 presidential election at Flagler College Forum: USA Today immigration reporter Alan Gomez will discuss recent attempts to change the nation’s immigration laws, why they failed and how immigration has become a central issue in the 2016 presidential debate at the Flagler College Forum on Oct. 6. His presentation, titled “Immigration in the 2016 Elections and Beyond,” takes place at 7 p.m. in the Lewis Auditorium and is part of the Forum on Government and Public Policy’s “Road to the White House” theme leading up to next year’s presidential election.
- Oct. 10: The Women’s Missionary Society of First Church has scheduled the monthly food giveaway for Oct. 10, 1-3 p.m., at 91 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast. For more information, call Jeroline D. McCarthy, 386-446-5759.
- Oct. 10: Saturday Evening with the Artists at the Flagler County Art League: This is the League’s signature event, an open-themed art show where Flagler artists show off their best work, their newest work, their most recent forays into other mediums or their latest artistic exuberances. The exhibit’s popularity has a traditionally high rate of artist participation and creativity. Judge for the show is artist/sculptor Harry Messersmith. City Marketplace, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite 207C, Palm Coast. 386-986-4668.
- Oct. 14: The Bulow Park Historic Alliance meets at 6 p.m. in the Recreation Hall of the Tomoka State Park. Plans for the October 30 Candlelight Trail Walk and other events will be discussed. For information call 386-437-5338.
- Oct. 17: The Bulow Parks Historic Alliance’s monthly Trail Maintenance Day, to prepare for the October 30 Candlelight Trail Walk. Workers are asked to meet at the Trail head at 9 a.m. wearing gloves, hats, appropriate clothing and carrying bug spray. Water will be provided.For information call 386-437-5338.
Police, Fire and Emergency Notes:
The latest on Hurricane Joaquin, from NOAA: At 8 a.m. Thursday, the center of Hurricane Joaquin was located near latitude 23.2 North, longitude 73.7 West. Joaquin is moving toward the west-southwest near 5 mph (7 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue today. A turn toward the west- northwest is forecast tonight, followed by a turn toward the north and an increase in forward speed on Friday. On the forecast track, the center of Joaquin will move near or over portions of the central Bahamas today and tonight and pass near or over portions of the northwestern Bahamas on Friday. Maximum sustained winds are near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts. Joaquin is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some strengthening is forecast in the next day or so, with some fluctuations in intensity possible on Friday. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the
center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km). The minimum central pressure just extrapolated by an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is 942 mb (27.82 inches).
Daytona North town hall is deemed a success: Residents filled the Hidden Trails Community Center in Daytona North last Thursday for a town hall meeting hosted by Commissioner Nate McLaughlin and were served up a taste of the area’s newest, and only, restaurant, in addition to news about Flagler County. Pastor Charles Silano, who operates the Grace Community Food Pantry, typically serves up a barbecue dinner but instead brought in dozens of pizzas from the newly opened Pit Stop Pizza, owned by Flagler School Board member Travis Tucker. It was a good showing for Flagler Schools, as several staff members from student services were on hand in addition to board member Andy Dance to answer questions for those in attendance. “I’ve ridden two (school) buses this week and will ride a third on Monday,” Dance said. “I’m trying to be a little proactive. It’s always a hot topic, and if there are any concerns, I wanted to get them addressed right away – at the beginning of the school year.” Parents were also able to sign up for parent access website login numbers, which opens the doors for better communication with the school district and information about their children. Dance reported that enrollment is up this year and there has been reorganization “at the top,” with the goal of providing better leadership development from students up through administration and providing for improved community engagement. Kevin Guthrie, Flagler County Public Safety Emergency Manager, and Road and Bridge Supervisor Billy Dawson, also addressed residents. Guthrie handed out Disaster Preparedness Guides while Heather Wilson, Flagler County Mitigation Planner, provided information about grant money available through the Residential Construction Mitigation Program to improve the wind resistance of homes. “There is criterion that has to be met, but it is free money,” Wilson said. “It can be used for roofs and shutters and because it’s grant money, it’s free of charge. There is no match, no cost to you.” Few questions were asked of Dawson, but he did say that the areas along County Road 302 will be re-sodded once the road work is complete. The project is expected to be finished by the end of October. “These meetings are very helpful,” McLaughlin said. “If you don’t tell me about the things that are concerning you, I don’t know and I can’t help you.”
Palm Coast Wood Carvers plan ‘Open House and Art Show’ on Oct. 6: The Palm Coast Wood Carvers invite the public to an Open House and Art Show to showcase their work from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6. The event will take place in Room 109 of the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE. The art work produced by the talented Wood Carvers will be displayed, and the public will have an opportunity to meet the artists. Light refreshments will be served, and the event is free. The art of woodcarving has a history that spans centuries. At its core, woodcarving transforms a piece of wood into a masterfully crafted work of art. The Palm Coast Wood Carvers meet every Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Community Center. All are invited to join this group of gifted carvers as they share their skill and know-how in an informal teaching atmosphere. The woodcarving group is a mixed group of men and women at all levels and abilities. There is no charge to participate. For more information, call Palm Coast Parks & Recreation at 386-986-2323.
Jeb Bush: Crying Out Loud: “In an interview this week with Sirius XM’s POTUS channel, the presidential candidate and former Florida governor Jeb Bush said that Washington Redskins was not an offensive team name. As Bush put it, “It’s a sport, for crying out loud. It’s a football team.” He continued, “I’m missing something here, I guess.” Ah, Mr. Bush, you always seem to be missing something. […] But there is something else that I also follow when it comes to Bush: his penchant for saying “for crying out loud,” particularly when his back is a bit against the wall and he realizes that what he’s saying will be found controversial by some. It seems to be his way of dampening backlash before it happens. […] The list of Bush’s nervous usage of the idiom goes on and on. I could have filled every one of these column inches with examples. But Mr. Bush, I must say that I appreciate your little quirk. Most of the time your speeches ooze over me like cold gruel. At least now, when I hear your say “for crying out loud,” I know to perk up and pay attention.”
Charles Blow in The Times.
Walt Disney World is 44 years old today: “gic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Resort all opened 44 years ago today, becoming the first pieces of Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom Park opened with 23 attractions split into six themed lands. Today, it is the most visited theme park in the world, bringing in over 19 million visitors in 2014. Many of the original attractions are still around today, including Jungle Cruise, Country Bear Jamboree and The Hall of Presidents.” Orlando Sentinel.
Palm Coast Construction and Development Progress Reports
The following is an update of ongoing construction and development projects in Palm Coast, through Sept. 23:
Palm Coast Parkway Six-Laning is 93 percent done: No change from last week: Contractor has placed the new 6″ reuse main into service and has prepared the old line to grout filled. Work in median continues and landscape along project continues.
Holland Park, 32 percent done: Began dewatering and removal of wetland muck in roadway area through former wetland. Excavation for lighting and fiber conduits began. Excavation continues for sidewalks in the ball field areas.
Palm Coast City Hall at Town Center, 94 percent done: Contractor has placed concrete around valve collars and identifying tabs. Wire testing has been completed. Carpet and Tile in (Phase 1) of the project is 95% complete. Furniture installation in Phase 1 first floor 80% complete.
Colechester Drive Bridge, 43 percent done: Seawall Caps being formed, work has begun on the bridge deck, South traffic barrier poured, North traffic barrier being formed, demolition of slope pavement continues.
County’s I-95 Interchange Matanzas Woods Reclaim Water, 25 percent done: Contractor has installed approximately 1,000 ft. of reclaim water main total installed 5,000 ft. to date.
Palm Harbor Parkway Roadway Extension, 25 percent done: Clearing and fill work thru low areas continues.
North Old Kings Road Extension to Matanzas Woods Parkway, 12 percent done: Site clearing continues at 85 percent.
Island Walk Shopping Center Phase 1, 93 percent done: Final Utility Inspection was issued 9/21/15 for the first state on the west end of project.
Old Kings Road Force Main – Master Pump Station, 22 percent done: Jack and Bore casing has been placed under Old Kings Road at south entrance to spray field. The 16″ Force main piping installation has started.
Grand Haven Sales Center on Colbert Lane, 35 percent done: Water and Sewer services have been installed on site.
Road and Interstate Construction:
Palm Coast:
Flagler County Road 302 is Closed to all but local traffic as repaving began on June 7 and the roadway will be closed to all but local traffic. Others will be required to detour around County Road 302 using State Road 100. The roadway will be closed for 90 days, or until early September.
Palm Coast’s Colechester Lane bridge to be closed July 7 through Sept. 4: A detour will be established taking travelers over the Colorado Drive bridge instead. Signs will be posted directing motorists to the Colorado Drive bridge. The City of Palm Coast strives for safe construction zones. The City asks for the cooperation and patience of residents as this important bridge improvement project is completed. For more information, contact Palm Coast Customer Service at 386-986-2360.
Volusia: I-4 Widening from SR 44 to east of I-95, Monday and Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Eastbound/Westbound shoulder closing. Sunday through Thursday, Eastbound and Westbound lane closures as needed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday, 9:00 p.m. – 5:30 a.m. EB road closure between Canal St./SR 44 and I-95 with detour at US 92 exit ramp.Motorists should be aware of traffic shifts near Canal St./SR 44.
- Palm Coast Parkway Project Website
- Florida Department of Transportation Road Project List
- County Road 304 Project Map and Description
Comment of the Day (From the Comment Section):
Crusty Old Salt, in “Fearing Costs of Long and Losing Battle, Flagler Beach Surrenders to Sea Ray“: “Before jumping to any conclusions about Sea Ray relocating, there are a few factors to consider. 1. Sea Ray will not leave because they are mad at someone. They answer to their stockholders and the primary reason would be one of a financial consideration. That is why they have closed a number of plants and moved to Flagler County. 2. Few, if any municipalities would welcome Sea Ray with open arms without some sort of mitigation for their Hazardous Air Emissions. Remember, this is a major source of Air Pollution. 3. Sea Ray would need to find over 60 acres of deep water access zoned Heavy Industrial to replace their current operation in Flagler County. If they were able to, and that is a big if, this replacement property would be much more costly than their existing property in Flagler County. Cost prohibitive from a capital investment standpoint, particularly as it relates to being upset with a neighboring municipality. Try and explain that one to stockholders. 4. Would cost a vast amount of money to hire and retrain the workforce the size of Sea Ray’s needs. In addition, the employees here are the best of the bunch. Openly acknowledged by their safety record. 5. Sea Ray is a big fish in a small pond here in Flagler County. All one has to do is spread the rumor Sea Ray will leave if they don’t get their way. How many times have you heard that sound byte? This is all the needs to be said and this County will do whatever Sea Ray wants. This was recently demonstrated. In another County that may have the property to accommodate their needs, they may very well be a small fish in a very large pond. This scare tactic will fall on deaf ears. 6. Sea Ray would lose their grandfather status in reference to their Hazardous emissions by relocating elsewhere. It would cost millions, if not tens of millions, to build a new state of the art industrial facility with the proper emission controls as it relates to their Hazardous Air Pollutants that another municipality may require. I wish to commend Commissioner Carney, Commissioner Mealy and Commissioner Settle for moving the challenge forward initially to see if Sea Ray would upgrade their emission stack with state of the art technology that is available today. Flagler County had this opportunity and failed to exercise it. However, that is big business and politics.
It is unfortunate the City was put in the position they were in the first place. In closing, the real loser is the quality of air we all breathe.” Reply to Crusty Old Salt here.
Human: Busoni’s Piano Concerto in C Major Op. 39
OutsiderOutsider says
We can’t even get a bunch of jack asses to stop throwing their Nast cigarette butts out their car windows. Good luck getting them to stop using deodorant.