Florida proposals to eliminate property taxes threaten to dismantle decades of local home rule as state control of funding would strip decision-making authority from counties and cities, making both dependent on Tallahassee. This fiscal structural change shifts tens of billions of dollars onto a state facing its own future deficits. Ultimately, the cost burden moves to consumers and renters through alternative fees.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, June 11, 2026
The Flagler Beach City Commission meets, Evenings at Whitney Lecture Series, the Palm Coast Democratic Club meets, “The Green Book” and the history surrounding the segregation-era travel guide for Blacks.
Soccer or Football? Don’t Let Snobbery Be the Answer.
This disparagement of the word “soccer” is not only petty and tiresome – it is also incorrect. It ignores the roots of the sport and the development of the language of the game. Rather than making the word taboo, the football ecosystem should embrace it. “Soccer” was freely and proudly used in the British press and in public for nearly a century, until the 1980s. The British press continues to use “soccer” and “football” interchangeably to avoid repetitive writing.
David Jolly Announces Gwen Graham as Gubernatorial Running Mate
David Jolly, the Democratic frontrunner in the Florida gubernatorial race, named former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham as his running mate during a Tallahassee press conference Wednesday, feet from the Old Capitol. He emphasized their bipartisan relationship during their time in Congress, highlighting joint work on preventing offshore oil drilling, gun reform, and veterans’ rights. Jolly served in Congress from 2014 to 2017 as a Republican, became an independent for six years, and then switched to the Democratic Party in April 2025.
AI in Automation Testing: The Tech Skill Florida Job Seekers Should Know in 2026
AI in automation testing is opening doors for career changers and aspiring tech professionals in Florida. Learn how this in-demand skill helps job seekers enter tech without a programming background.
Forecast of Named Storms in Hurricane Season Reduced from 13 to 11
Colorado State University researchers on Wednesday downgraded their projections for the hurricane season. The school’s forecast now predicts 11 named storms, down from 13 in the April projections. Five storms are forecast to reach hurricane strength, with winds at or above 74 mph, instead of the six predicted earlier.
Palm Coast Mayor’s Radical ‘Austerity’ Plan: Hiring Freeze, 4-Day Workweek, Cut Departments, Cut Street Light Hours
Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris is proposing an AI-drafted austerity resolution introducing hiring freezes, department mergers, and reduced public services to counter impending state homestead exemption tax cuts. The draft conflates self-supported enterprise funds with the city general fund, drawing skepticism from city council members and reserve from the city manager. City Attorney Marcus Duffy will format the shell proposal into an official resolution for formal council consideration later this month.
Federal Felon and Identity Thief Charged with Accosting 15-Year-Old Boy in Showers at Planet Fitness
A Daytona Beach man who pleaded guilty in a federal fraud case is accused of exposing himself to a 15-year-old boy inside a Planet Fitness locker room and attempting an unwanted interaction during a shower. The teenager later identified Craig Stevens, 34, in a photo lineup with complete confidence. Detectives charged Stevens with lewd or lascivious exhibition, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Ethics Commission Dismisses Yet One More ‘Legally Insufficient’ Complaint, This Time Against the Council’s Pontieri
In the last two years the Florida Ethics Commission has tossed out complaints against Flagler County Airport Director Roy Sieger, former Palm Coast City Manager Lauren Johnston, Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris, former Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin, former Council member Ed Danko, Bunnell Planning Board member Lynn Lafferty, and Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin. It added one more name today: City Council member Theresa Pontieri.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Free Car Seat Safety Check at Palm Coast Fire Station 25, Community Preparedness Workshop at the Emergency Operations Center, Conversations in Democracy, Scott Pelley on his firing, democracy and dictatorship.
Why Children’s Reading Scores Aren’t Rising
There is a crowded marketplace of reading textbooks and software for schools to purchase, and it is often difficult to determine which one is better than the others. As a result, schools may end up purchasing new, expensive materials that do little to improve reading skills.
Flagler County Education Foundation Raises Record-Breaking $125,000
The Flagler County Education Foundation raised a record-breaking $125,000 through its premier Annual Dinner. The funds raised during this single evening will directly power the Foundation’s critical “Make It Happen” initiative and a robust portfolio of educational programs spanning all Flagler Schools.
Palm Coast Council Seeks to Protect Old Matanzas Golf Course Viewshed in Perpetuity. Developer Has Other Ideas.
The Palm Coast City Council moved to tighten its Land Development Code to protect golf course viewsheds from development, specifically targeting areas around the old Matanzas Woods Golf Course for protection. There was intense resident opposition against a developer’s plan to build 39 homes on a protected tract at the old gold course when presented at a neighborhood meeting in April. The proposed code changes aim to make view protections permanent, setting up a potential legal battle over property rights.
Palm Coast Mayor Norris Calls for ‘Austerity Budget’ as Council Grapples with Downturn and Homestead Upheaval Ahead
Palm Coast City Council members will consider an austerity budget resolution to prepare for sharp revenue losses from a proposed Florida homestead exemption amendment and this year’s slight downturn in property values. Existing city property values dropped over one percent, prompting discussions of a potential hiring freeze. Residential properties generate 90 percent of local tax revenue. Construction growth is generating enough revenue to keep the budget growing slightly.
July 3 and 4 Celebration of 250th Anniversary from Flagler Beach Parade to Palm Coast Fireworks at County Airport
Flagler County Government and the Cities of Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and Bunnell invite all Flagler County residents and visitors to the 2026 United Flagler Community Celebration on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, this time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration and American independence. It’ll start with First Friday in Flagler Beach and culminate with a 15-16 minute firework show featuring thousands of shells at the county airport. All events are free.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
The Palm Coast City Council meets in workshop to discuss taxes and the land development code, the Flagler County School Board meets as does the county planning board, a B’TSelem report on Israeli ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Jerusalem.
5 Ways Data Centers Endanger Community and Country
The rapid expansion of data centers driven by artificial intelligence creates significant physical consequences for local communities as facilities strain electrical grids, deplete water resources and impose on neighbors persistent noise pollution and diminished air quality from backup generators. Rising demand also threatens to increase residential energy bills significantly. Sustainable planning and renewable energy adoption remain essential for mitigating these widespread public health risks.
Former Sen. Annette Taddeo and Miami Democrat Will Challenge Blaise Ingoglia for CFO
Former state Sen. Annette Taddeo, a Miami Democrat, is getting in the race for Chief Financial Officer she formally announced Monday. She’ll take on incumbent Republican Blaise Ingoglia, who was appointed to the role last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis, replacing Jimmy Patronis, who left the seat for a successful U.S. House seat race.
County Commissioners Berate Some Constitutionals More Than Others Over Their Budgets as Austerity Era Begins
Flagler County constitutional officers such as the clerk of court, the sheriff and the property appraiser face a grueling budget cycle amid stalled revenues and a looming November ballot amendment to eliminate homesteaded property taxes. In an afternoon workshop today, county commissioners aggressively challenged proposed budget increases from the clerk of court and property appraiser. In response to future shortfalls, Commission Chair Leann Pennington directed the acting administrator to model sweeping 10 percent across-the-board budget cuts.
27-Year-Old Palm Coast Man Stabs a Child in His Care and Faces Aggravated Child Abuse Charge
Devroy Miller, a 27-year-old resident of Rocket Lane in Palm Coast, is at the Flagler County jail on a charge of aggravated child abuse and no bond following his alleged stabbing of a juvenile in his care. Miller is married to the juvenile’s guardian. Aggravated child abuse is a first-degree felony charge punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Marineland Officials Stunned by an Unauthorized Attempt to Sell Private Boat Slips in the Town’s Marina for $195,000
A boater shocked Marineland town commissioners by reporting an unauthorized salesman offering to sell her a marina boat slip for $195,000. JDI Development owns six of the public marina’s boat slips, which may legally be sold. The surprise solicitation emerged just as commissioners prepared to clarify JDI Marineland’s 2009 lease.
This School District Has Received Death Threats for Standing Up for Immigrants. It’s Not Backing Down.
The Winooski School District in Vermont passed a pioneering sanctuary policy to protect its highly diverse immigrant student population from federal immigration enforcement. Led by Superintendent Wilmer Chavarria, the small district maintains its stance despite facing intense backlash, federal funding threats, and community trauma from local detentions. This controversial local policy successfully inspired a new state law mandating immigration enforcement protocols for all Vermont schools.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, June 8, 2026
The Flagler County Commission talks constitutional officer budgets, including that of the sheriff, a quick trial before Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols, Nietzsche on art, Werner Herzog talks to Anderson Cooper.
Inflation and ICE Fears Threaten Miami’s Economic Benefits from World Cup
Miami, one of the venues for the World Cup, may be hit hard as recent tourism reports indicate there will be fewer hotel reservations than anticipated due to reduced international travel confidence and a growing uncertainty related to U.S. immigration policies, geopolitical instability, tariffs and inflation.
Byron Donalds Insists Iran War Matches Donald Trump’s Anti-War Platform
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds says President Donald Trump is “right” when he argues that ongoing actions against Iran do not mean Trump is contradicting a campaign message that he would avoid starting foreign wars.
Florida’s Budget Fails Citizens But Delivers Overdue Justice For Groveland Four
Florida lawmakers approved a $115 billion budget packed with corporate handouts, political propaganda, costly special sessions and fiscal waste on private legal fights and environmental liabilities, but at least the Legislature agreed to allocate $4 million to compensate families of the Groveland Boys. The gesture provides financial restitution to the descendants of four Black men subjected to a notorious 1949 racial injustice.
Texas County Rescinds Its Data Center Moratorium After $100 Million Lawsuit from Developer
A rural North Texas county that appears to be the first in the state to pass a data center moratorium has rescinded the measure after being sued by a developer for $100 million in damages. It had approved the moratorium of up to a year just two weeks earlier. Flagler and Nassau counties and Palm Coast are considering enacting moratoriums on data center development pending updates of each government’s land-use code.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Watermelon Festival at European Village, a suggestion to commenters everywhere from the Myth of Sisyphus, The Battle of Shallowford, a play at Limelight Theatre, a few lines from Mary Gaitskill’s “This Is Pleasure.”
Marjane Satrapi’s Masterpiece, “Persepolis,” Transformed Our Understanding of Iran
The death of Iranian-French graphic novelist Marjane Satrapi highlights her enduring contribution to international literature through her masterpiece Persepolis. Her beautifully illustrated graphic memoir humanized the complex realities of the Iranian Revolution. Satrapi offered a universally accessible language for political displacement, successfully challenging Western stereotypes. Her work balanced structural critiques of authoritarian regimes with a sharp rejection of Western cultural hypocrisy.
Jerry Demings Ends Campaign for Governor After Cancer Diagnosis
Orange County Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerry Demings announced Friday he is suspending his 2026 campaign after being diagnosed with a treatable form of prostate cancer. In a prepared release, Demings said that “continuing to run for governor would have likely led to injurious effects on my prognosis. I am a fighter through and through, and now is the time to fight cancer and be there for my loved ones.”
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, June 6, 2026
The Flagler Beach All Stars hold their monthly beach clean-up starting at 9 a.m., The Battle of Shallowford, a play at Limelight Theatre, the Normandy landing and what New Yorkers were reading about that morning.
How The 1994 World Cup Rescued Soccer
The defensive, cynical play of Italia ’90 pushed FIFA to implement major rule changes ahead of the 1994 World Cup. The introduction of the backpass rule and the three-point system incentivized attacking play. These historic adjustments permanently elevated the ethical and aesthetic standards of the sport. Fans should expect high-quality, entertaining matches when the tournament returns to North America.
Sen. Rick Scott Wants Kanye West’s Tampa Concerts Cancelled
A public stadium shouldn’t host rapper and producer Kanye West, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott said. In a letter to the Tampa Sports Authority, the government organization that operates Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Scott urged the authority board to “carefully review this decision” of hosting the rapper, for shows June 26 and 28.
As County Throws More Cold Water on 22,000-Home ‘Western Expansion,’ Developer Defends Retreat from Previous Commitments
Raydient’s plan to develop 22,000 housing units on 22,000 acres wet of U.S. 1 in Palm Coast continues to draw criticism as it did last Monday at the County Commission, and previously from members of the Palm Coast City Council. On WNZF’s Free For All Friday this morning, Mike Hahaj, the director of commercial development and operations for Raydient, addressed some of the issues in contention.
Florida Cabinet Prepares to Award Another $90 Million For Illegal Immigration Enforcement
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet next week will consider approximately $90 million in grants for local law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The money will go toward a fire suppression system for a server room in Escambia County, handguns for Santa Rosa County, drones for Alachua County and “official police” patches for uniformed officers with the Auburndale Police Department.
Bunnell Police Chief Brannon Completes Elite FBI National Command Leadership Course
Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Command Course for small-agency executives. The week-long program gathered 52 law enforcement leaders to address budget constraints, staffing limitations, and public trust. Participants studied historical leadership at Mount Vernon and the Holocaust Memorial Museum.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, June 5, 2026
Free For All Fridays with Host David Ayres features the developer of the Palm Coast westward expansion and Byron Donalds, First Friday in Flagler Beach, The Battle of Shallowford, a play at Limelight Theatre, the shoot-down of Iran Air Flight 655 on the eve of Independence Day 1988.
Yet Another Botched Execution
Tennessee set out to execute Tony Carruthers on May 21, 2026, but he lived to tell about it. What happened to Carruthers is a reminder that things frequently go wrong in executions, even if in almost all cases the problem is resolved and the execution is completed. Indeed, in the past 80 years, only eight other men have had experiences like Carruthers’ and survived execution attempts.
West Volusia NAACP Awards David H. Staples Scholarship To Teriauna Carruthers
The West Volusia Branch of the NAACP named Teriauna Carruthers the 2026 recipient of the David H. Staples Scholarship. Carruthers graduated from T. DeWitt Taylor High School with a 3.78 grade-point average. She earned a 3.8 grade-point average at Daytona State College through dual enrollment. The multi-sport athlete and student leader will major in psychology at the University of North Florida this fall.
No Protests, No DEI, No Woke, Solo University Of Florida Presidential Finalist Stuart Bell Pledges in Campus Forums
University of Florida presidential finalist–the only finalist–Stuart Bell defended his record during campus forums on Wednesday, aligning himself with state conservative leaders by explicitly rejecting diversity, equity, inclusion, protests and wokism, promising swift action against campus protest encampments. Trustees vote on his appointment next week. He needs final confirmation from the Board of Governors to secure the permanent position.
Flagler County Man Dies After Car Rolls Into I-95 Retention Pond at Palm Coast Parkway Exit
A Flagler County man lost his life this morning when his car rolled over from the I-95 exit ramp to Palm Coast Parkway and ended up submerged and upside down in a retention pond. The man had been driving north when he took the Exit 289 ramp, apparently at high speed. The car veered off the ramp and struck a tree before ending up in the pond some 40 feet from the embankment.
NE Florida Regional Council Declares Data Centers Regional Issue on Andy Dance’s Motion, Empowering Local Governments
The Northeast Florida Regional Council unanimously voted to designate data center growth as an official regional issue on Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance’s motion at a meeting in Jacksonville this morning. The move unlocks planning, legal, and economic resources for seven member counties and two dozen cities that are members of the council, including palm Coast and Flagler County, which are working toward a data center moratorium. Governments face challenges balancing heavy utility demands and environmental impacts against regional economic development.
Commissioner Kim Carney Accuses CFO Ingoglia of Using Flagler as ‘Campaign Crutch’ as He Peddles Unproven Claims of Waste
The Flagler County Commission directed its administration to draft an official rebuttal countering claims by CFO Blaise Ingoglia, of $59 million in local government waste. The accusations rely on a misleading formula deployed statewide as a campaign tactic as Ingoglia uses counties like Flagler as a “crutch” in his campaign, Commissioner Kim Carney said. Flagler commissioners defended budget growth, citing necessary investments, including the restoration of required emergency cash reserves.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, June 4, 2026
The Battle of Shallowford, a play at Limelight Theatre, Model Yacht Club Races at the Pond, getting the measure of the universe without falling into an abyss of absurd.
The World Cup Is About Cultural Exchange. But in Trump’s America?
The most culturally diverse men’s football World Cup in history is taking place in the United States at a time when foreign nationals feel less and less welcome in the country. In 2026, the US has created an unwelcome situation for potential travellers. ICE raids on suspected migrant populations have dominated the news for months. This has an impact on numbers.
A Man Dies in RV Fire on Lake Drive in Bunnell
Bunnell Police Department officers and detectives today investigated an early morning fire involving a recreational vehicle that killed one occupant on Lake Drive in Bunnell, the neighborhood just north of Gospel Gardens and Old Moody Boulevard.
Day of Disparities: 3 Men Charged with Statutory Rape Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison, 4 Years in Prison, Probation
Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols handed down three vastly different sentences for similar statutory rape cases today. The defendants received terms ranging from probation to seven years in prison even as they faced similar charges in cases that did not involve force and presented similar circumstances. Variations in prosecution tactics and victim family input contributed significantly to the unequal judicial outcomes.
Palm Coast Joins Flagler County in Considering 1-Year Moratorium on New Data Centers to Rewrite Rules
Driven by concerns over data centers’ electricity and water consumption and their impacts on the environment and quality of life, the Palm Coast City Council on Tuesday joined the County Commission in a planned year-long moratorium on new data centers to update land-use codes. Existing regulations lack protections against high-impact facilities. A temporary moratorium provides breathing room to study infrastructure limits.
Comments From Deputy County Attorney Trigger Defamation Lawsuit From Ex-Employee Commission Just Settled With
Former Flagler County human resources manager Samantha Whitfield filed a new lawsuit on June 2, charging civil rights violations and defamation. The action followed remarks by Deputy County Attorney Sean Moylan, who called her initial whistleblower lawsuit frivolous before commissioners approved a $20,000 settlement on Monday. The new lawsuit was filed the next day, as Whitfield’s attorney indicated set aside the settlement.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Jermaine Williams is in court for a docket sounding, Conversations in Democracy, Bingo Night at Palm Coast Elks Lodge 2709, electric vehicle sales worldwide, how immigrants pay more in taxes than the native-born.