D’Shawn Hosang, who was on probation for burglaries in July, was accused of raping a 14-year-old girl Monday morning after both students had secured hall passes while the rest of the school was in second period.
Man Found Dead at 16 Covington Lane Was Murdered; Sheriff Seeking Leads
The Medical Examiner determined that the middle-aged white man found in a shallow marsh behind 16 Covington Lane in Palm Coast was murdered, but the body is so decomposed that identifying it has been impossible so far.
Citing “Sorry State of Affairs,” Sullen Flagler Library Board Asking for a New Tax to Survive
The Flagler County Library Board of Trustees chairman’s report to the county commission this evening is sullen and frustrated in tone, and at times directly critical of the commission for too stingily supporting the library over the past few years. It will also ask for the creation of a new taxing district to support the library.
State Health Agency Corrects Inflated Costs of Obamacare Scott Had Used to Oppose Reform
Florida’s costs could be as low as $3 billion over 10 years — a huge drop from the nearly $26 billion figure that AHCA produced in a report last month. Even with the changes, it appears that the Scott administration believes that the state’s final tab over 10 years would be higher.
Obama’s Inauguration Sells Out
President Barack Obama, reversing his own honorable precedent for his first inaugural, has chosen this time to have corporations pay for his second round of big shindigs. This multimillion-dollar infusion of corporate cash is a crass intrusion by favor-seeking private interests into what ought to be a purely public occasion.
Richard Resnicoff, 68, of Grand Haven, Is Killed in a Puzzling Incident With His Wife
Richard Resnicoff, 68, was killed two houses down from his own in Grand Haven when he apparently jumped on the trunk of the car driven by his wife, Lucille Horton, and fell to the pavement, dying of severe injuries shortly after, on Saturday afternoon.
Rick Scott’s Lies: How Governor Intentionally Kept Using Wrong Medicaid Estimates
The state’s chief economist has warned the staff of Gov. Rick Scott that his Medicaid cost estimates are wrong, but Scott keeps using them anyway, skewing Florida’s costs under the Affordable Health Act.
Bunnell’s Leroy Gadson Sentenced to Life in Prison On Murder and Robbery Conviction
Leroy Rashad Gadson is–was–a resident of 106 East Short Street in Bunnell. He will be a ward of the Florida prison system for the rest of his life following his conviction Friday on a second-degree murder charge and an armed robbery charge, and his sentencing to life in prison, plus 30 years.
Proposing a Constitutional Amendment To Limit Proposed Constitutional Amendments
In the wake of an election in which voters had to wade through 11 constitutional amendment proposals put forth by legislators and complained of long voting lines, a Democratic state senator wants to limit how many ballot questions lawmakers can pose to three.
Family Life Center Golf Tournament Fund Raiser on Monday
The Family Life Center, a private, non-profit Flagler County organization dedicated to providing free services to families and victims of domestic violence, is hosting a golf tournament fund-raiser for men and women at Palm Coast’s Palm Harbor Golf Club on Monday. Jan. 14.
Body Found in Marsh in Back of House Where Man Was Reported Missing in December
The body was discovered in the marsh behind 16 Covington Lane in Palm Coast Friday afternoon, when neighbors noticed vultures and had cited a smell emanating from where the body lay.
For Onan’s Sake Gentlemen, Please Keep Your Penises Holstered at Graham Swamp
For the third time in four months, men were arrested at Graham Swamp for acts involving the public display, and public handling, of a penis, this time involving 70-year-old Leslie Colombo and 68-year-old Charles Bitzer, who had separate encounters with men who turned out to be undercover cops.
Great American Songbook Tunes Into Palm Coast’s Older Ears at the Auditorium
The Great American Songbook, taking the Flagler Auditorium stage tonight, is the sort of period show ideally tuned to local demographics: older ears waxing nostalgic for the days when Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Judy Garland—as opposed to Rihana, Taylor Swift and Flo Rida—ruled the charts.
John Thrasher, Travis Hutson, Plus One: Airing Out Flagler’s Legislative Delegation
The inaugural guests on Milissa Holland Live Friday on WNZF will be Holland’s ex-opponent Rep. Travis Hutson, and Sen. John Thrasher, as Holland hosts an informall follow-up to December’s at-times contentious legislative delegation meeting on short-term rentals and other issues of local concern.
Bill to Repeal “Stand Your Ground” Is Filed In Florida, But May Be Dead on Arrival
Rep. Alan Williams, D-Tallahassee, filed the measure on Wednesday, but it would have to get past Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, who co-sponsored the self-defense law in 2005, though Baxley has often said that the law was never intended to protect those who pursue their victims.
Accused Chilean Murderer Pedro Pablo Barrientos Buys a Home in Deltona
Barrientos was recently accused by an investigating judge in Chile of the murder in September of 1973 of the internationally popular theater director, teacher and folk/protest singer Victor Jara, then 40 years old.
Hit-and-Run Fischer Case Set for March 25 Trial in Flagler, With Upwards of 60 Witnesses
The more than 60 witnesses on the trial list suggest the defense will undermine claims of a first-degree felony hit-and-run charge against Jamesine Fischer by focusing on her character and inconsistencies in witness statements, contrasted with the statements of expert witnesses.
Spying on Grandma: Health Companies Sell Surveillance as a Benefit and a Saving
Health care is joining a national trend toward greater surveillance of everyday life. Whether this costly technology will ultimately prove clinically or economically effective remains uncertain. So, too, is whether a benign health care purpose can help overcome the unsettling “Big Brother” overtones.
The Funky Pelican Finally, Quietly Opens In Place of the Pier Restaurant in Flagler Beach
The Funky Pelican in Flagler Beach, a sister-restaurant of the River Grille in Ormond Beach, replaced–after protracted negotiations with the Flagler Beach City Commission–what had for years been the Pier Restaurant, which had long been in decline.
Florida’s Election System Disgrace: Too Few Precincts or Too Long Ballots?
The ballot was long in part because the Legislature exempted itself from a 75-word limit on ballot summaries that applies to interest groups that put forth proposed amendments. And in some cases, the entire text of the amendment was listed.
Cinderella With a Russian Twist and a Manly Stepmother Before Midnight at Auditorium
There are thousands of variants of Cinderella around the world. The State Theater of Russia brings its own to the Flagler Auditorium Thursday evening at 7:30, with color and surprises to spare.
Quoting—and Misquoting—Jefferson, Sheriff Vows Agency Will Breathe Air of Integrity
Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre’s swearing-in featured a large-tent invitation and sharp contrasts of style and intentions with the eight years of Don Fleming, but also a reminder from Manfre that imperfection is universal.
In Latest Obstacle to Jobless Benefits, Florida Moves to Computer-Only System
Between Aug. 1 and Oct. 31, nearly 140,000 Floridians were denied benefits, more than double the rate of the same period a year earlier as eligibility requirements have been tightened and obstacles to get unemployment have multiplied.
New Sheriff In Town: Jim Manfre Wastes No Time Firing, Demoting and Reorganizing
Even before he was to be sworn in at noon Tuesday, Sheriff Jim Manfre had radically reorganized the sheriff’s office in a manner bound to stir a mixture of resentment and approval, signaling an aggressively ambitious agenda.
Flagler Beach Fire Chief and 3 Others On Leave as Drinking Allegations Trigger Investigation
Fire Chief Martin Roberts, Assistant fire Chief Shane Wood, firefighter Jacob Bissonette and Fire Police Captain Steve Wood have been placed on leave following now-acting fire chief Robert Pace’s allegations that they had drank at the station or answered a fire call under the influence.
BB Gun Spree Shatters Windows on 7 Vehicles; Palm Coast Pawn Shop Robbed
The BB gun spree shattered windows on vehicles in several different sections of Palm Coast overnight on Jan. 3. Palm Coast Pawn and Jewelry on Palm Coast Parkway was robbed after a break-in on Saturday. The sheriff’s office is seeking leads.
Old Kings Elementary School Bus Involved in Minor 4:30 p.m. Wreck on Colechester
A Flagler County school bus carrying less than two dozen students from Old Kings Elementary School was involved in a minor wreck at 4:30 this afternoon at Colechester Lane and Colleen Court. No one was hurt.
One-Fifth of Florida’s Nursing Homes Are On the State’s Watch List for Violations
Twelve of the homes have been on the the state Agency for Health Care Administration’s watch list for more than 100 days. The best way to pick a home for a loved one is to simply visit it, or to check a nursing home inspection database (link included).
Tony Hugueley, 64, Dies of Injuries After Driving Antique Chevy Into the Woods on A1A
Tony Hugueley, 64, of Palm Coast and Poolesville, Md., was driving alone in his 1956 Chevy Bel-Air on A1A in the Hammock when, for unknown reasons, he suddenly veered into the woods. He suffered severe head injuries.
After Fatal Plane Crash, Federal Investigators and One House Survivor Begin Picking Up Some Pieces
A plane traveling from Fort Pierce, Fla., to Knoxville, Tenn., with three people on board crashed into a house at 22 Utica Path off Seminole Woods Blvd. in Palm Coast shortly after 2 p.m. Friday afternoon.
Put God Back in Public Schools?
If we’re going to put God back in schools, which God are we talking about? Adam Hamilton, founding pastor of a United Methodist Church, calmly argues against the notion that God has ever left the public schools, and need not be forced back in.
Bill Filed in Florida to Repeal Red-Light Cameras as State Report Points to Fewer Crashes
A South Florida lawmaker filed legislation Friday to repeal the law allowing the use of red light cameras, following a report earlier this week that says intersections where they’re used have seen drops in crashes in most places.
Obama Rule Gives 1 Million Undocumented Immigrants Clearer Path to Legal Status
Many of Florida’s 700,000 undocumented immigrants would be eligible for the new path to the permanent residency status that is also a step toward citizenship as the Obama administration recalibrates the immigration issue.
Economy Unimpressively Adds 155,000 Jobs in Holiday Month as Unemployment Rises to 7.8%
The American economy cannot shake its anemia, adding 155,000 jobs in December–not quite good enough to keep up with normal growth in the labor force, as unemployment edged back up to 7.8 percent.
Questions and Costs Abound as Flagler Moves to Acquire Troubled Plantation Bay Utility
Flagler County commissioners had more questions than answers even as they approved going ahead with a $5 million acquisition of the deteriorated Plantation Bay water and sewer plant, and throwing the county, in a hazy partnership with Bunnell, in the utility business for the first time.
Mondex’s Kenneth Morrow Is Shot and Killed in a Suicidal Confrontation With Volusia Cops
Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies attempting to negotiate with a suicidal man armed with a handgun opened fire and killed 52-year-old Kenneth Morrow of Daytona North Wednesday evening in Ormond Beach after Morrow “advanced” on deputies while brandishing a gun, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
On the Road 47 Years, Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension Land at Flagler Auditorium
The Flagler Auditorium Friday evening kicks off 2013 with Florence LaRue and the 5th Dimension, one of the most popular groups of the late 1960s and early 70s, though only LaRue remains from the original group.
Quality Concerns as Florida Medicaid Moves Millions of Poor and Elderly to Managed Care
Senior said much of the state’s negotiations with federal officials have focused on safeguards to make sure that Medicaid’s new Florida version would be based on providing services in people’s homes and communities and would not be a “nursing home light” system..
From Poughkeepsie to WNZF: The Evolution Of a Campaigner for Flagler County
In her debut column for FlaglerLive, Milissa Holland traces the journey that brought her from New York to Palm Coast and her father’s influence, in life and death, on a career still defined–as it will be in writings and on her radio talk show–by her passion for Flagler County.
In Prenup Haggling, County and Bunnell Agree to Split Old Courthouse, With Sheriff in Annex
In an at-times tense joint meeting between the Flagler County Commission and Bunnell’s commission, the two sides agreed to cede the old courthouse to Bunnell for a city hall, but the courthouse annex would remain in county ownership, and be turned over to the sheriff as a new headquarters.
Arrest Follows Violent Encounter on I-95 as Victim Attempts to Jump Out of Speeding Car
Henry Charles Holmes Jr. was booked into the Flagler County jail on New Year’s eve on eight charges of illegal drug possession, aggravated battery and domestic violence following an incident involving his girlfriend on I-95, where his girlfriend allegedly attempted to evade him by jumping out of his car even as it was speeding north.
Fiscal Deal Delays Big Cuts in Food Stamps For Florida’s Poor, and Farm Reform
The nine-month extension would ignore comprehensive packages by the agriculture committees of both chambers, including provisions for dairy industry reform, disaster relief and cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.
A Hop and a Cliff, Killing the Death Penalty, Betraying Veterans: Five Reads Wednesday
Demolishing evidence of death penalty’s effectiveness, a tax increase for 77 percent of households, Stephen Colbert on the greatness we never weren’t, genocide in Syria, how Cosmo ruins sex, Flagler jail bookings.
Less Than 5 Months In, Charter School Closes, Upending Parents, District and County
Global Outreach Charter Academy opened hurriedly at the Flagler County Airport in August, with generous lease terms from county government and accommodations from the school board, only to tell its 122 students and staff on New Year’s Day that the school was out of business.
Codie Barlow, 20, Killed in Bike Wreck on Palm Coast’s Pacific Dr. in Earliest Hours of 2013
Cody Ray Barlow, a 20-year-old resident of Pebble Beach Drive in Palm Coast, was killed barely three hours into the new year, as he missed a curve and drove his motorcycle into a mailbox just 1.2 miles from his house. The wreck took place at 3:30 Tuesday morning.
Wreck Closes Old Kings Road North of Town Center Boulevard
Old Kings Road north of Town Center Boulevard closed shortly before 2 this afternoon, and was likely to remain closed for about an hour, following a wreck that required the response of firefighters to ensure that the woodline would not catch fire.
110 Pot Plants Removed from Grow House on Fleming Ct., 4th Palm Coast Bust in 10 Months
Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Shaune Lawrence of 5 Fleming Court in Palm Coast earlier today on marijuana cultivation charges, after he reported his house was being robbed.
Losing “Protection”
In Florida’s Environmental Agency
Some of the state’s strongest protectors of our natural resources were recently expelled from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Fifty-eight of the most knowledgeable and long-serving employees were let go in order to fulfill the governor’s promise/threat of less regulation.
Florida’s Minimum Wage Rising by 12 Cents, to $7.79/hr, on Jan. 1
Florida’s minimum wage on Jan. 1 will increase 12 cents to $7.79 an hour for the estimated 210,000 minimum wage workers across the state, in line with a 2004 constitutional amendment requiring the annual adjustment.
City Thuggery: Florida Supreme Court Should Ban Red-Light Spy-and-Snap Traffic Cameras
Florida’s new law legalizing red-light cameras ensures that state coffers are on the take. But it does not address the fundamental problems with spy-and-snap cameras. There are innumerable reasons to ban them. There’s only one reason to keep them, and it’s a slimy one: money.