Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is investigating ChatGPT for its alleged role in last year’s mass shooting at Florida State University.
Israel’s Decades-Old Playbook to Annex South Lebanon
Israeli politicians are increasingly calling for the permanent occupation and annexation of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River. These demands mirror early Zionist territorial goals from the early 20th century. As current Israeli forces face significant fatigue from multiple conflicts, these expansionist policies risk igniting further sectarian violence and domestic opposition within Israel.
Paul Renner Appropriates ‘Affordability’ as His Laggard Campaign Tours Florida
Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner took his “Affordability Now” tour to Tampa Bay Thursday, where the conversation focused on property insurance rates, property taxes, and growing discontent with condominium and homeowners’ associations.
Forecast Is for ‘Somewhat Below Normal’ Hurricane Season, But Flagler EM Chief Urges Caution
Colorado State University researchers today predicted a “somewhat below-normal” Atlantic hurricane season: 13 named storms, instead of 14 to 15 in an average year, six hurricanes instead of seven, and two reaching major storm strength instead of three. Flagler County Emergency Management Direcxtor Jonathan Lord cautioned against putting too. much stock on forecasts.
Accused Rapist Henriqson Fumbles to Monday Trial and Risk of Life in Prison as He Persists with Self-Representation
After trying various ways to again delay a trial that’s been postponed since last fall, former Palm Coast resident Kristopher Henriqson, 48, faces trial Monday for numerous capital and life felony charges involving the alleged rapes of his stepdaughter over three years, when she was between 9 and 12. Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols denied his request for another continuance and cautioned him in two hearings this week against continuing to represent himself in two hearings this week. Henriqson has made numerous missteps in the case.
In Muddled Manifesto, Mayor Norris Wants to Sell ‘Bougie’ Southern Rec Center and Cut $10 Million in Spending
In an often sharply contradictory screed at the end of Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris proposed cutting $10 million from property tax revenue and suggested selling the Southern Recreation Center, labeling it a “bougie” drain on city resources. He was drawing his conclusions by relying on a dubious government spending formula from Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia even as he declared himself “happy” with last year’s budget and with the city’s fiscally conservative record.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, April 9, 2026
The Flagler Beach City Commission meets, Evenings at Whitney Lecture Series, “Godspell,” Limelight Theatre, when Trump demolished the Bonwit-Teller tower to build his own.
GOP Rep. Ryan Chamberlin Launches Citizen Initiative To Eliminate Florida Property Taxes By 2028
Florida Republicans have struggled to pass property tax relief despite promises of a constitutional amendment for the November ballot. GOP Representative Ryan Chamberlin is now spearheading a 2028 citizen-led initiative to eliminate property taxes entirely as local officials express concern over lost revenue for essential services. Other states like Georgia and Ohio are similarly debating radical tax shifts.
When a President Is Unfit for Office: Constitutional Choices
Bipartisan calls for President Donald Trump’s removal from office increased on April 7, 2026, after he issued threats to destroy “a whole civilization” if Iran refuses to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Concerns over Trump’s fitness for office have grown in recent weeks as his commentary has become more erratic. The Constitution’s 25th Amendment provides a way for high-level officials to remove a president from office.
Palm Coast Hosting High School District Tennis Tournament at Southern Recreation Center April 14-15
Palm Coast’s Southern Recreation Center will host the High School District Tennis Tournament on April 14 and 15, featuring seven regional schools competing for spots in the state series.
Barnes & Noble Coming to Palm Coast’s Target Shopping Center
Palm Coast residents will soon see the end of a long bookstore drought as site plans submitted to the city reveal a Barnes & Noble will be part of a 50,000-square-foot expansion at the Target shopping center. The expansion includes a Five Below and a home goods store.
Nightmare Intersections at Royal Palms, Town Center Blvd. and Old Kings Will Switch to All-Way Stop Signs
The Palm Coast City Council approved installing all-way stop signs at two major intersections at Town Center Boulevard and Royal Palms Parkway, and Town Center and Old Kings Road, within three months to reduce five-minute wait times. These $15,000 improvements address immediate safety concerns. The council also approved design costs for the longer-term widening of Town Center Boulevard to four lanes.
Flagler County Sets Salary Up To $235,000 For New Administrator; Public Sector Focus and BA, not MA, Minimum
Flagler County commissioners crafted the job description and a $235,000 salary ceiling for their next administrator in place of Heidi Petito, among other details in the coming job posting. The Florida Association of County Managers, not the commission, will initially vet candidates, focusing on those with 10 years of leadership experience in the public sector and a focus on budgeting, economic development, and intergovernmental relations.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Kristopher Henriqson and Gary Durso in court, the Public Safety Coordinating Council has its quarterly meeting, Conversations in Democracy, juxtaposing Rubio and Trump on military spending, Hannah Arendt on the gullibility of the masses.
Pete Hegseth’s Christian Crusade Revival
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth belongs to the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, a network rooted in Christian Reconstructionism, which advocates for biblical law and patriarchal theocracy and draws heavily on crusader mythology and Christian nationalism. Hegseth often employs militant religious rhetoric to justify current military conflicts.
Gas Prices Cruise Past $4 a Gallon Amid Hormuz Impasse
Gas prices in Florida were up an average of 24 cents in the past week, cruising past the $4 mark as the conflict in Iran continued to rattle global oil markets. In Palm Coast on Tuesday, gas was is selling at no less than 4.17–at Wawa on Palm Coast Parkway, for instance–and more often at above $4.20.
Ex-AdventHealth Nurse Avoids Prison Time in Plea to 5 Years’ Probation for Fraud and Unlicensed Practice
Autumn Marie Bardisa received five years of probation for practicing nursing without a license at AdventHealth Palm Coast. The 29-year-old treated over 4,000 patients using a stolen identity. Judge Dawn Nichols withheld adjudication and endorsed the plea deal, saying Bardisa had the the necessary medical training, excelled at her job, but showed incredible poor judgment. Bardisa eventually earned her license, but is surrendering it as part of the plea deal.
Flagler Commissioners Increasingly Nervous Over Long-Delayed Phoenix Crossings Affordable Housing Project
Flagler County commissioners are expressing significant concern regarding the delayed Phoenix Crossings apartment complex in Bunnell. The project aims to house young people exiting foster care and other low-income families. Repeated delays have dogged the project. Commissioners must now decide whether to restructure local grants to prevent the loss of federal and state funding.
The Grocery Price Shock Ahead
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a global energy crisis and severe fertilizer shortages as one-third of internationally traded fertilizer passes through this vital waterway. Farmers face reduced productivity because essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphate are becoming scarce and expensive. Supply chain disruptions will inevitably lead to higher grocery prices for consumers and a burgeoning food emergency for vulnerable nations.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
The Palm Coast City Council meets this evening for the first time in three weeks, Flagler Beach’s and Bunnell’s planning boards meet, the Hammock Community Association Meeting with Jen Lomberk, Executive Director of Matanzas Riverkeeper, the Iran war in three covers.
Grand Jury Indicts Anne Mae Demegillo on First Degree Murder Charges in Infant’s Death
A Flagler County grand jury indicted 20-year-old Anne Mae Demegillo on a first-degree murder charge this afternoon. Investigators discovered digital evidence on her phone including searches for Casey Anthony and infant mortality. Demegillo previously faced manslaughter charges after her newborn daughter died in a toilet in early March. She turned herself in this evening.
Democrats Warn Of Overreach as DeSantis Signs Bill Conflating Terrorism with Muslims
DeSantis signed legislation Monday empowering executive officials to designate domestic terrorist organizations, prohibiting state funding for certain Muslim schools and forbidding state courts from recognizing Sharia law. Critics argue the framework lacks judicial oversight and fear the executive branch could weaponize these labels against political or advocacy organizations.
Wanted: Palm Coast Deputy City Manager
Palm Coast launched a national search for a deputy city manager to replace Lauren Johnston, a position that offers a salary between $175,000 and $210,000 dollars.
Future Hammock Restaurant Wins Parking Reduction Despite Strong Opposition From Residents and 2 Commissioners
The Flagler County Commission approved a parking reduction for the future Modern Mexx restaurant in the Hammock despite concerns over parking congestion at other restaurants. Owners reduced the size of the seating area to mitigate concerns.
School Report Leads To Arrest Of Girl’s Father Accused Of Beating her with Tongs
Flagler County deputies arrested 30-year-old Christopher Kleiner on a felony child abuse charge following a school report to state authorities that he allegedly struck his daughter with metal tongs after a dispute involving a Nintendo Switch. Investigators observed bruising and welts inconsistent with the father’s claims of accidental injury.
Greg Hansen Calls Ending Heidi Petito’s Tenure ‘Criminal’ as Adam Mengel Is Appointed Interim at County
Flagler County commissioners unanimously appointed Adam Mengel as interim administrator as Heidi Petito concludes a five-year tenure marked by significant financial accomplishments, including improving reserves from $9 to $46 million. Commissioner Greg Hansen praised her performance as the best in his experience. Mengel begins his new role on April 11 with an annualized salary of $194,602.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, April 6, 2026
The Flagler County Commission holds a pair of meetings, including an afternoon workshop to discuss its search for a new administrator, the Beverly Beach Commission meets, a few words about the garish Trump library in Miami, and its kinship with Mao.
Why University Presidents Traded Moral Authority for Self-Censorship
Throughout the 20th century, university presidents often spoke out on significant political and social issues with moral authority. Today, facing immense financial and political pressures, many higher education leaders have adopted strict institutional neutrality. This shift replaces direct, principled leadership with vague, lawyer-approved statements and risk management strategies. Critics argue this cautious approach undermines the essential role universities play in fostering community and open discourse.
Florida Attorney General Threatens NFL Over Rule Giving Minorities a Chance
Attorney General James Uthmeier is warning that he won’t stop pushing the NFL to suspend the “Rooney Rule,” which requires teams to interview minorities before they make a hiring decision. He claims it’s a violation of Florida law.
Airport Renaming Aside, Florida Lawmakers Spent Two Months Perfecting Art of the Dither
The Florida Legislature concluded its 2026 session without passing a state budget. Lawmakers prioritized symbolic resolutions and voter suppression over insurance costs, housing affordability, or the climate crisis. Wasted money in the school voucher program and environmental protection were ignored as partisan infighting and petty distractions defined the two-month period.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, April 5, 2026
To include your event in the Briefing and Live Calendar, please fill out this form. Weather: Partly cloudy. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. Lows in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 20 percent. Daily weather briefing from the National Weather Service in Jacksonville here. Drought conditions here. (What […]
How The Apocrypha Influenced Christian History Despite Being Left Out Of The Official Biblical Canon
The apocrypha consists of ancient Jewish and Christian texts excluded from the official biblical canon but highly influential throughout history. Although famous books like the Acts of Peter and the Gospel of Thomas are not found in standard Bibles, they offer valuable insights into early religious practices and theological debates. Exploring these hidden stories reveals how they shaped centuries of religious art, tradition, and belief.
Field of Deals: Daytona Tortugas Offering Discount Tickets to Palm Coast Residents on July 17
As part of the Tortugas’ regional City Nights series, which celebrates local communities, Palm Coast and Flagler County residents can attend the game at a discounted rate. By entering code FLG at checkout, residents can purchase general admission tickets for $9, creating an affordable opportunity for families, friends, and baseball fans to enjoy a night together.
IPads in Kindergarten, YouTube at Snack Time: Parents Are Pushing Back
Many parents are shocked to discover that elementary schools now provide iPads to kindergartners for passive entertainment. This practice often involves children watching YouTube videos and commercials during school hours. Research suggests excessive screen use harms social development and attention spans. Consequently, parent advocacy groups are successfully pushing districts to limit devices. Some schools have started returning to paper-based learning and hands-on activities to prioritize student engagement.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, April 4, 2026
The Second Annual Italian Festival at the county fairgrounds, Celebrating Celine! with Jenene Caramielo at the Fitz, “Godspell” at the Limelight Theatre, ruining the World Cup.
CFO Blaise Ingoglia’s Disinformation Campaign at Local Governments’ Expense
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.
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.
Taming the Moral Menace at Capitalism’s Core
Digital disruption and the climate crisis are often framed as economic or social challenges. But they force crucial moral questions. Who will be held accountable for the human cost? What will it take to transform business culture so that those costs are not treated as inevitable and acceptable? The answers will shape not only technology’s impact on humanity and the planet but the moral foundations of democracy itself.
R.J. Larizza Hosts Former Rivals as Unveiling of 4 State Attorneys’ Portraits Stirs Old Battles and Triumphs
State Attorney R.J. Larizza Friday unveiled a portrait gallery at an event honoring four storied Seventh Judicial Circuit former State Attorneys: Dan Warren, Stephen Boyles, John Tanner and Steve Alexander. Warren’s son Raymond, a former prosecutor and public defender, recalled his father’s role in the summer of 1964, seminal in the state’s civil rights history, and Tanner used the occasion to discuss his 1963 manslaughter indictment by Warren, and subsequent enmity with the state attorney.
Trump Fires Pam Bondi, Ending Combative Tenure as Attorney General
Attorney General Pam Bondi is leaving the Department of Justice and will be replaced for now by President Donald Trump’s former personal defense lawyer, the president announced Thursday.
Appeals Court Will Decide if Flagler Beach Shopping Center Can Legally Ban Coastal Family Church Services
Coastal Family Church is appealing a court injunction prohibiting services at its Flagler Beach shopping center location. The property management company cites private covenants banning public assembly to justify the restriction. The church argues the ban violates First Amendment rights and constitutes selective enforcement. The high-stakes legal battle pits foundational private property rights against constitutional religious protections.
Voting Rights Groups File Suit as DeSantis Signs Proof-of-Citizenship Law
While Congress remains deadlocked on the SAVE America Act that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, that requirement will soon become the law of the land in Florida now that Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the latest “voting integrity ” legislation. The governor signed the bill (HB 991) into law Wednesday in The Villages following its approval by the Florida Legislature last month. The law requires people who are registering to vote to produce evidence of citizenship, such as a valid passport or birth certificate. It will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, April 2, 2026
“Godspell,” at the Limelight Theatre in St. Augustine, “My Fair Lady,” at Daytona Playhouse, Story Time with Miss Kim at Flagler Beach Public Library, Model Yacht Club Races at the Pond in Palm Coast’s Central Park and Doug Stanhope on nationalism.
Alma Rock-Yanochko Is First Palm Coast Employee To Earn National Recreation Certification
Alma Rock-Yanochko, the recreation supervisor at the Palm Coast Aquatic Center, has earned the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) designation. She is the first city employee to obtain the credential during a tenure with Palm Coast.
US, Israel and Iran All Think God Is On Their Side
Political leaders in the United States, Israel, and Iran are increasingly employing religious rhetoric to justify ongoing military actions. From biblical metaphors used by American and Israeli officials to messianic narratives within the Iranian leadership, faith serves as a tool for authoritarian nationalism, but the instrumentalization of scripture sets a dangerous precedent for international relations, complicating efforts toward peace and violating historical secular norms during war.
Supreme Court Appears Likely to Side Against Trump on Birthright Citizenship
Every federal court that has considered a challenge to Donald Trump’s executive order that would end birthright citizenship has struck it down. After just over two hours of oral arguments on Wednesday, before an audience that included (at least for part of the morning) Trump himself, a majority of the Supreme Court seemed likely to do the same.