Thirteen executives, managers, and professionals graduated from the Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy during a special ceremony Thursday. This graduating class marks a historic milestone for the academy as the first class to include representatives from every major local government organization in Flagler County.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, June 14, 2026
Four World Cup matches today, Country Highway’s “2026 Fifa World Cup Events By State,” Palm Coast Farmers’ Market at European Village.
The Trouble with El Niño When Ocean Temperatures Are Already Near Record Highs
Global ocean temperatures are already near record highs, so El Niño-induced marine heat waves could push many sensitive fisheries to a breaking point. Warm water might not seem like a big deal, especially to surfers hoping to leave their wetsuits at home. But for many marine organisms that are highly adapted to specific water temperatures, marine heat waves can make living in the ocean feel like running a marathon.
Renner Bemoans Lack of Debates and State of Florida GOP
Former House Speaker Paul Renner says the Republican Party of Florida is cheating voters out of its opportunity to weigh the merits of candidate for Governor by refusing to stage a debate at the impending Sunshine Showdown event. He argues that the party is “tipping the scales” in favor of U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the Donald Trump-endorsed front-runner in the race, after its assertion that only Donalds would have met criteria to qualify for a debate. The criteria: 10% support in the RPOF’s own poll; more than $10 million raised; and more than 10,000 donors
The Solana Agent Kit and the Rise of Programmable On-Chain AI
A quiet but significant development in the AI and crypto intersection over the past year has been the rise of programmable agent frameworks that run natively against blockchain infrastructure. The Solana Agent Kit, released by Send AI in late 2024 and significantly expanded through 2025 and early 2026, has become one of the most widely used toolkits for building AI agents that interact with on-chain state.
Bunnell Police Say Man Broke Into Ex-Girlfriend’s Apartment Masked and Gloved and Raped Her At Knifepoint
After allegedly taking several steps that prosecutors would say underscore the extent of premeditation, including disabling the victim’s internet and wearing gloves and a mask, Antonio Figueroa-Acevedo, a 30-year-old resident of Anderson Street in Bunnell, is accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment, imprisoning her in her bedroom and strangling her after she screamed for help, then forcibly raping her while holding a knife to her neck, according to an arrest report filed by Bunnell Police Detective Joe Traylor.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Second Saturday Plant Sale at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Gamble Jam, Brazil v Morocco and Haiti v. Scotland, the idiotically parented third grader and the AR-15 hat, a little serenity from Bach.
A Statistical Look at Who Will Win at the World Cup
The result of each match in the World Cup can be simulated. We took into account the official tournament draw and all FIFA rules, including the possibility of overtime and penalty shootouts. We ran the simulation 100,000 times to determine the tournament’s most likely course. The results show that Spain is the favorite for the title with a winning probability of 14.5%, closely followed by England and France, each at 12.4%, and Germany at 11.2%.
Flagler County Inmates Welcome Homeless Puppies to Advance Mental Health and Addiction Recovery
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office expanded its SMART inmate recovery program by partnering with the Flagler Humane Society to house 11 puppies. Seven male inmates handle feeding, cleanup, and socialization duties at the detention facility. This initiative teaches participants responsibility and patience to aid their addiction recovery. The partnership simultaneously frees up shelter kennel space and prepares the animals for permanent adoption.
New Bull Creek Fish Camp Restaurant Prepares For Labor Day Opening Following Homegrown Resurrection Efforts
Flagler County is completing a $1.5 million rebuild of the Bull Creek Fish Camp following severe damage from Hurricane Nicole. Funded by a state emergency grant, the resilient new facility features an elevated foundation to avoid future floods and was built with in-house crews after County Commissioner Leann Pennington insisted on a replacement amenity for the county’s west side. A local team will operate the restaurant starting around Labor Day, offering breakfast and Southern food.
Ray Stevens Is Reelected to His Own Council Seat Without Opposition, and Suggests Sullivan Should Resign. Sullivan Says No.
Ray Stevens today was reelected to the Palm Coast City Council seat he resigned soon after his first election in November 2024, this time without opposition. Stevens suggested that Dave Sullivan, who was appointed to the seat when Stevens resigned it, should now himself resign and let Stevens pick up the responsibility. Sullivan said he will not do so.
Flagler District Halts Plans For New Schools as Enrollment Shrinks While Private and Homeschool Numbers Surge
Flagler County has abandoned plans to build a middle school and a high school by decade’s end due to shrinking district enrollment. Total school-age children grew by 2,359 since 2018, but these students enrolled in private schools or homeschooling programs instead. Fueled by universal vouchers and lower birth rates, this shift leaves traditional schools under capacity. The district projects a 14 percent enrollment decline by 2035. But it is still collecting development impact fees to finance new schools, which may bring objections by builders.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, June 12, 2026
Food Truck Friday at the Farm, Florida Agriculture Museum, United States v. Paraguay, The Battle of Shallowford, a play at Limelight Theatre, Paraguay’s similarities with the United States but for the great Augustin Barrios Mangore.
Should You Feel Bad About Rooting Against the US in the World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup promises to be the planet’s most-watched sporting event. It’s also poised to generate its fair share of controversy. The Trump administration is historically unpopular, and its critics are already concerned about sportswashing: when governments use the spectacle of athletic competition to burnish their image and distract the public. It’s natural for fans who are critical of their country’s behavior sometimes feel ambivalent about rooting for their national sports teams.
Two Former Florida Mayors File Lawsuit Challenging Misleading Ballot Language On Property Tax Amendment
Two former Florida mayors and a nonprofit organization filed a lawsuit challenging a November property tax amendment that would sharply reduce homesteaded property taxes. The plaintiffs allege the ballot summary illegally advocates for the measure rather than explaining its actual impact. A House staff analysis indicates the proposed homestead exemptions could reduce local government revenues by $8.4 billion annually.
Drought Conditions Persist in Flagler and Central Florida, Water Management District Cautions
Recent rainfall across northeast and central Florida provided modest relief from dry conditions in some areas, but drought conditions persist and the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) is reminding residents, businesses and large water users that water conservation remains critical. Flagler County is part of the district.
Thick Smoke Over Palm Coast Is a 470-Acre Prescribed Fire At Faver-Dykes State Park North Of Flagler County
The Florida Park Service is conducting a 470-acre controlled burn at Faver-Dykes State Park today, with heavy smoke visible in Palm Coast and Bunnell and north of the fire. Officials expect the fire to be dead out by 10:25 p.m. this evening. Favorable humidity and winds are keeping the smoke away from park attractions, which have not been affected. Prescribed fires prevents future uncontrolled wildfires.
Palm Coast Fast-Tracks Restrictions and Supermajority Requirements For Approving Future Data Centers
The Palm Coast City Council is fast-tracking strict amendments to its Land Development Code regarding data center approvals. Future facilities are prohibited by right, requiring industrial zoning, strict environmental criteria, and a council supermajority vote. The policy shift addresses growing concerns about data centers–concerns that developed before the secretive 2024 administrative approval of the DC Blox facility in Town Center.
Florida Property Tax Reform Is a State Power Grab at Your Local Government’s Expense
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.
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.