Ocean Palm Golf Club’s difficulties are in the past, with vastly improved the grounds, new equipment, and a restaurant that just got a full liquor license as well. Ocean Palm has been running tournaments and leagues, and it’ll be adding new events every week.
A Palm Coast Man’s 5-Year Prison Sentence for Armed Robbery Exposes Intersection of Opioids, Suicide and Crime
Gary Wayne Hodges, 35, faced life in prison before his sentence for the armed robbery of a Dollar General in Bunnell last year. The judge was lenient, however, because of his history.
License Plate Readers and ID Technology Lead to Palm Coast Arrest of Long-Time Fugitive
Changa Bush is a 40-year-old transient and fugitive wanted in New York on a parole violation since 2016. License plate readers in St. Johns and Flagler led to his arrest in Bunnell this morning.
‘Tick Tick Boom’ Musical Brings ‘Rent’ Creator’s Artistic Anxiety to City Repertory Theatre
“Tick Tick Boom” is fueled by that tension between the food-on-the-table demands of everyday life versus one’s artistic ambitions, and all those struggles to make it work.
Weekend Briefing: ‘Tick Tick Boom,’ Microplastics, Bing’s Landing, Safety Expo, FCAL Poetry, Picnics and Pops
An incredibly busy weekend with plenty of live theater, art and poetry openings, the annual Picnics and Pops concert with the Jacksonville Symphony in Town Center, a sheriff’s safety expo, and plenty more.
Palm Coast Utility Replacing Devices That Exceed Permissible Lead Limit It Installed at 1,500 Homes
At issue is the amount of lead content in the brass components of the devices. The 1,500 devices installed exceeded the limit, which may not exceed 0.25 percent.
Nanny Senate: Students Would Have to Get Parental Consent Before Seeking Mental Health or Birth Control
The so-called “Parents Bill of Rights” would allow parents to access and review all of their children’s school records and change the way students can seek mental-health and reproductive-health services, including counseling and birth control prescriptions.
10 Acres In, Wetlands Restoration Project Near Flagler Beach Is Still Kicking Up Turbid Opposition
Construction on the controversial $516,000 Flagler County Coastal Wetlands Restoration Project began on Feb. 13 on 100 acres of decades-old dragline ditches in the area of the Intracoastal Waterway, parallel to Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area and parts of Flagler Beach.
Seawalls and the Tyranny of Small Decisions
The seawall-construction project in Flagler Beach is problematic. Building living shorelines rather than concrete walls, is going to give us the best chance at ensuring a healthy beach for generations to come.
Congress Is About to Ban the Government From Offering Free Online Tax Filing. Thank TurboTax.
A bill supported by Democrats and Republicans would make permanent a program that bars the IRS from ever developing its own online tax filing service.
Thursday Briefing: Volunteer Awards, Rock Walk, Degas, Flagler Beach Golf, African American Student Association
The Flagler Beach City Commission considers another amendment to its Ocean Palms Golf Club lease, sheriff’s volunteers are honored in an award ceremony, Degas at the Lightner Museum, the Florida African American Student Association at BCU.
Between Batterers’ Classes and Ankle Monitors, A Few Strides Against Domestic Violence in Flagler
The latest update of the sheriff’s domestic violence task force pointed to a few gains but mostly through a more robust investigative and monitoring system, and the addition of anger management classes in Flagler.
Bill Allowing Cheaper Drug Imports From Canada Advancing Against Big Pharma Fit
Gov. DeSantis has championed the legislation as a way to curb prescription drug costs. But his effort continues to draw opposition from representatives of the pharmaceutical industry who say importing drugs could increase the amount of unsafe and counterfeit drugs.
AAA-Plus: Road Rangers Patrols Begin on I-95 in Flagler, Assisting Break-Downs, Free
Road Rangers assist motorists whose vehicles have become disabled, and provide assistance during traffic incidents with their flashing lights and other visual-lighted signage that urges drivers to give first responders safe space.
Deputies Seeking Public Help in 2nd Day Of Chasing Man Wanted On Multiple Charges
The suspect is Justin Tyler Blake, 24, described as having dark colored shaggy hair down to his shoulders, a full, dark-colored beard, and wearing wearing a black t-shirt and black pants. He’s wanted on felony eluding and assault charges, and on a domestic violence charge, among others.
In a First, FPC’s Bulldog Patrol Presents Safety Plan to Marjorie Stoneman Commission, Drawing Raves and Calls to Scale Statewide
A six-student team of problem solvers presented their student-centered safety plan to the state commission established after the Parkland school massacre, and were asked by several commission members to spread their plan statewide, including at the Broward school.
Wednesday Briefing: Domestic Violence Update, Vacation Rentals, Carver Gym Online Auction, Horseshoe Pitching
The annual Carver Gym online auction kicks off, the sheriff’s domestic violence task force meets, a horseshoe pitching tournament in Flagler, a senate panel takes up vacation rentals.
Time for $15 an Hour and a Union
After years of idling lawmakers, the idea now has more traction in Congress thanks to the recently introduced Raise the Wage Act, which would set a national minimum pay of $15 an hour by 2024.
Renner’s Panel Goes Jekyll and Hyde on Felons, Easing Punishments But Not Voting Rights
The House Judiciary Committee Palm Coast’s Paul Renner chairs on Tuesday passed a crime bill that eases some punishments and makes it easier for felons to reintegrate society but also passed a restrictive interpretation of Amendment 4 and felons’ right to vote.
At Manager Matt Morton’s 1st Workshop, Palm Coast Hears Results of a Year’s
Market Investments
Palm Coast government earned $224,000 from its investments in the fourth quarter up from $146,000 at the end of the third quarter in 2017, with rising income at every quarter since, according to the city’s latest investment report.
Classrooms as Career Incubators: Flagler School District Showcases Students’ Paths to Local Jobs
The Flagler County school district showcased its 21 flagship programs at 10 schools, each designed to give students means to experience careers first-hand while completing academic requirements.
Tuesday Briefing: Bill Baxley at 80, Palm Coast Investments, Plastic Straws, Amendment 4, Red-Light Cameras
Palm Coast City Manager Matt Morton sits for his first workshop, Bunnell’s Bill Baxley turns 80, controversial bills on felons’ right to vote, plastic straws and red-light cameras are debated in Tallahassee.
Senate Panel Advances Bill That Would Require Felons to Pay Fines and Restitution Before Voting
The 3-2 party-line vote followed a hurried 27-minute hearing on the bill, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Brandes, the Pinellas County Republican. Opponents of the bill are pleading to make financial burdens a roadblock to voting.
Senate Panel Divides 5-4 in Advancing Measure Requiring Minors’ Parental Consent for Abortion
After rallying and testimony from numerous activists on both sides of the issue, a Senate panel Monday approved a proposal that would require minors to receive parental consent before having abortions.
52-Year-Old Palm Coast Man Charged In Sexual Abuse of a Woman Since She Was 12
Leon Norman Wiley Jr., 52, is charged with sexual battery–or rape–of a custodian over a victim between the age of 12, a first degree felony with a potential for life in prison.
Used on Lawns, A Popular Weed Killer’s Alleged Link To Cancer Spreads Concern
Glyphosate is by far the most widely used herbicide in the United States, and probably worldwide. It is used on nearly every acre of corn, cotton and soybeans grown in the U.S. You may have sprayed it on your lawn or garden.
James McDevitt Back in Flagler This Week To Contest 40-Year Sentence and Rape Conviction
James McDevitt, the former Palm Coast resident serving 40 years on a 2015 conviction for rape, is alleging ineffective counsel by two successive lawyers.
Monday Briefing: Veteran Court, Guns in Church, Bunnell Swearing-In, Amendment 4, Matt Morton’s 1st Day
Judge Bryan A. Feigenbaum discusses Veteran Court services at a DSC event, three commissioners are sworn-in in Bunnell, the Legislature takes up guns in church and Amendment 4, restoring felons’ right to vote.
Florida House Unanimously Approves Plan That Would Permanently Add a County Judge in Flagler
The Florida House on Thursday unanimously approved a plan to add two new county judges, one of them in Flagler, where County Judge Melissa Distler’s workload has long been among the heaviest in the state.
Felons’ Right To Vote and Paul Renner’s Cynical End Run Around Amendment 4
Paul Renner, Flagler’s GOP representative and future Speaker of the House, is being dishonest and disingenuous in his defense of a bill that would make felons’ right to vote dependent on paying back all financial obligations.
FPC Student Charged With Threatening School Shooting Was Twice Charged With Raping Young Children
James G. Cooke III, the 17-year-old Flagler Palm Coast High School student charged on Thursday night with a felony for allegedly making a video SnapChat threat of shooting up an unspecified school, was twice before charged with raping children, according to arrest records.
Mayor Holland Exults In City’s Innovation Centered Renaissance In State of the
City Address
Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland’s State of the City Address this afternoon at the Palm Coast Community Center was to focus on the city’s renewed energy, its innovative district in Town Center, and an unscripted introduction of new City Manager Matt Morton.
Mayor Milissa Holland’s 2019 State of the City Address: ‘We Are One Palm Coast’
The full text of Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland’s State of the City Address, presented at the Palm Coast Community Center Friday. The theme of the address is “One Palm Coast.”
Citing ‘Corruption’ Potential, Sheriff Turns Over Investigation of Tourism Director Matt Dunn to FDLE as Lukasik Takes Over Division
The Sheriff’s Office requested that the criminal investigation of Flagler Tourism Director Matt Dunn be conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Amy Lukasik, the tourism bureau’s marketing director, is taking over Dunn’s duties for now.
Snapchat Video Threatening a School Shooting Leads to 17-Year-Old FPC Student’s Arrest
A 17-year-old Flagler Palm Coast High School student was arrested just before midnight Thursday after a Snapchat video sent under the name “Jimmy Boy,” showing ammunition and a message–“I’m ready to shoot up the school”–was detected by a county resident and traced back to the student.
Weekend Briefing: Culture Club, State of the City, County Fair and Rockin Rib Fest, Turtlefest, Cheer at the Pier
The Flagler County Fair all weekend, Rockin Ribfest on Friday, Mayor Holland delivers Palm Coast’s State of the City, “Tick Tick Boom” at City Repertory Theatre, Turtlefest and Cheer at the Pier in Flagler Beach, and plenty more.
Flagler Tourism Director Matt Dunn Is Suspended; County Seeking Criminal Investigation
Matt Dunn, Flagler County government’s tourism director for the past five years, was placed on paid administrative leave this morning pending the outcome of a criminal or administrative investigation. Dunn’s future with the county appears tenuous.
12-Year-Old Girl Pulls Out Small Knife When Boy Refuses To Move From Her Seat
A knife incident involving a 12-year-old student at Buddy Taylor Middle School broke a nearly seven-week lull in school-safety incidents Wednesday morning. No one was hurt.
Thursday Briefing: Classroom to Careers Symposium, Social Media Marketing, Daytona Tortugas Opener
The Flagler County school district hosts the 5th annual Classroom to Careers symposium at Flagler Palm Coast High School, Indivisible Flagler has a protest scheduled on Palm Coast Parkway in case the Mueller report isn’t released, the Daytona Tortugas open their season.
Palm Coast Councilman Jack Howell To Homelessness Task Force: ‘It Needs To Be Done My Way.’
Palm Coast Council member Jack Howell attacked the homelessness task force in charge of drawing up goals to address the issue, but did not himself provide any goals. A gap of mis-perceptions between public and agencies addressing homeless issues is making concrete solutions more difficult.
Divided Council Approves $5.6 Million Park Additions, Including ‘Splash Pad’ At Holland and Pickleball Courts at Ralph Carter
Residents criticized the Palm Coast City Council’s decision to forego pickleball courts at Holland Park in favor of a “splash pad” and six pickleball courts at Ralph Carter Park. Two council members found the costs too extravagant.
Rebuilding Captain’s BBQ in Place Is ‘Off the Table,’ But Decision On New Lease and Location Is Delayed
Flagler County government is not willing to repair the existing Captain’s BBQ restaurant at its own expense. Rather, it is favoring building a new structure at Captain’s expense, but not necessarily on Captain’s more expansive terms.
House Prepared To Raise Threshold For Felony Shoplifting From $300 to $1,000
Efforts to raise the threshold amount for the first time since 1986 have stalled in the Legislature in the past. This year’s proposal (HB 589) has steadily moved forward in the House, as criminal-justice reform advocates say there is momentum to pass such measures.
Wednesday Briefing: Captain’s at Bing’s Landing, Flagler County Fair, Alonzo Bush Appeal
A much-anticipated workshop on a proposed expansion of Captain’s BBQ at Bing’s Landing is scheduled at 8 a.m., the Flagler County Fair kicks off, a St. Johns murderer appeals his case.
The Florida Compact on Immigration: Recognizing Immigrants’ Value Without Demonizing Them
The compact is a set of key principles outlining the need for smart immigration policies at the state and federal levels to drive Florida’s economy forward, including a path forward for undocumented immigrants.
At Drug Court Graduation, Captors Become Heroes, and a City Manager Tells Of the Shooting That Made Him an ‘Orphan’
Flagler County Drug Court graduated four participants after a grueling process, and Alvin Jackson, the Bunnell city manager, who was the keynote speaker, described how his mother shot his father in self-defense.
A Woman Is Injured In 2-Vehicle, Roll-Over Crash at U.S. 1 and Education Way
A two-vehicle crash at U.S. 1 near Royal Palms Parkway sent a woman to the hospital in a trauma alert and shut down U.S. 1 southbound from Whiteview Parkway shortly after noon today.
Palm Coast Issues 1st Building Permits for Apartments in Nearly 5 Years, For Palms at Town Center
The Palms at Town Center is one of two apartment complexes that will total more than 300 units in what Palm Coast is touting as its new “Innovation District.” The developments are getting tax breaks.
Tuesday Briefing: Equal Pay Day, Homelessness Task Force, Free STD/HIV Testing, Chess and Cigars, Red-Light Cameras
Today is Equal Pay Day, Flagler’s homelessness and housing task force meets, the Health Department is providing free HIV and STD testing, yet another attempt to ban red-light cameras is heard in legislative committee.
Past Prison Sentences Could Be Reduced as Criminal Justice Reform Advances at Legislature
A bill that would give the Legislature power to decide on a law-by-law basis whether to reduce past prison sentences cleared a Senate panel Monday following tearful testimony from criminal-justice reform advocates.