South Bunnell’s Carver Gym, no longer on the endangered list, will be run like the Youth Center on FPC’s campus: with money from the county–and other sources–and staffing from the school district, along with new controls and programming.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 16
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 16: Expectation; A White Lie; Floating Currency; Running by Cairo; Swimming Ashore; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
Throngs Voice Opposition as School Board Endorses Cuts With Sweeping Consequences
The board voted 4-1 to approve recommended cuts that would reduce middle and high school days by one period, among other cuts totaling $3.5 million. The proposal must be approved by employee unions before it goes into effect.
Theatrical Premieres and a Unique View of the White House: Culture Worth the Miles
A new comedy about five would-be actors at the Mad Cow Theater, “Greater Tuna,” the critically acclaimed comedy, at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, “Charm” at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, and more.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 15
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 15: Huck Loses the Raft; In the Fog; Huck Finds the Raft; Trash; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
Disaster Ready? 5 Nuclear Reactors in Florida, 3 Of Them Within 180 Miles of Palm Coast
Progress Energy’s Crystal River Plant in west Florida is exactly the same distance–140 miles–separating Tokyo from the exploding Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. Two reactors in Jensen Beach are 180 miles south.
Two Alumni of Flagler Beach Follies Make City Manager Shortlist in Diminutive Polk City
Caryn Miller, the former Flagler Beach Community Redevelopment Agency director, and Scott Janke, whose wife’s porn-star flicks cost him a job and subsequent candidacies, are candidates for Polk City’s $60,000-a-year job.
Citing Cost and Turnout, Palm Coast Approves Voting and Election-Cycle Changes
Early voting will last two weeks and be held at the public library in Palm Coast rather than in Bunnell, but voting locations are reduced to six. Voters will be asked to approve a referendum moving elections to even years.
Florida Abortion Public Funding Ban Would Extend to Reform’s Health Insurance Exchange
Measures that would bar public money from subsidizing abortion coverage in Florida in nearly all cases passed a Senate panel on Monday. The ban would extend to the health-insurance exchange that will be set up by 2014 as part of health care reform.
King Scott’s Nepotism, Tsunami Creeps, Kerouac Dreams, A Flash Mob in Beirut: The Live Wire
Why Bob Graham fears Rick Scott, the new pessimism in American culture, Bahrain imports repression, Eli Whitney’s cotton gin, dental floss imports, and more.
Sex-Ed in Flagler: School District Prepares to Move Away from Abstinence Only
Flagler’s sex-ed curriculum is abstinence only. But it’s barely taught and it appears not to address rising STD rates, though Flagler’s teen-pregnancy rate is lower than that of Florida or the United States. School board members are exploring a change.
Flagler County at the Heart of a Mortgage Fraud Investigation That Nets 11 Arrests, $9m Losses
Eighteen of the 23 homes at the heart of the fraud scheme were in Flagler County as fraudsters focused their attention here because it was out of the way. The scheme totaled some $9 million in losses, mostly to banks.
“In the Mood” Tonight at the Auditorium: 1940s’ Swing, Romance and a Simpler Age
String of Pearls brings its swing, jazz and other big band sounds and dance of the 1940s to the Flagler Auditorium for one performance March 14, recalling what Woody Allen called “a more charming time and a better time.”
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 14
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 14: A General Good Time; The Harem; French; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
Palm Coast Voter to City Council: “Reducing Voting Locations Is Insane”
In a letter to the Palm Coast City Council, Steven Jones, a Palm Coast resident and voter since 1984, opposes reducing polling locations from 21 to six, and offshoring early voting to Bunnell.
Palm Coast City Election: Reducing Polling Locations, Changing to Even Years
Polling locations would be reduced from 21 to six, early voting might be reduced to a week, and voters will be asked to approve a charter amendment that would switch elections to even years, to save money and take advantage of turn-out.
Flagler Beach Police Officer Brett Smith Jailed on DUI Charge (Updated With Arrest Report)
Brett Smith, 30, was found passed out in a vehicle in the Daytona North (Mondex) area of the county Saturday evening. He was not on duty.
Sunshine Sunday: Beyond Transparency, Government Records Must Be Accessible
Government transparency and access to government records are not the same, says First Amendment Foundation President Barbara Peterson, though access to any record not exempt by law is every citizen’s right.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 13
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 13: Escaping from the Wreck; The Watchman; Sinking; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
Humane Safari: Alms for the Paw Opening At the Flagler County Art League
The Flagler County Art League’s “Alms for the Paw” show, featuring 40 artists and 60 works, is part fund-raiser for the Flagler County Humane Society, part showcase for animal art: it’s not as easy as you may think.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 42-43
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 42-43, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: Tom Sawyer Wounded.—The Doctor’s Story.—Tom Confesses.—Aunt Polly Arrives.—Hand Out Them Letters– Out of Bondage.—Paying the Captive.—Yours Truly, Huck Finn.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 41
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 41, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: The Doctor.—Uncle Silas.—Sister Hotchkiss.—Aunt Sally in Trouble.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 40
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 40, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: Fishing.—The Vigilance Committee.—A Lively Run.—Jim Advises a Doctor.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 39
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 39, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: Rats.—Lively Bed—fellows.—The Straw Dummy.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 38
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 38, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: The Coat of Arms.—A Skilled Superintendent.—Unpleasant Glory.—A Tearful Subject.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 37
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 37, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: The Last Shirt.—Mooning Around.—Sailing Orders.—The Witch Pie.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 36
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 36, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: The Lightning Rod.—His Level Best.—A Bequest to Posterity.—A High Figure.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 35
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 35, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: Escaping Properly.—Dark Schemes.—Discrimination in Stealing.—A Deep Hole.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 34
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 34, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: The Hut by the Ash Hopper.—Outrageous.—Climbing the Lightning Rod.—Troubled with Witches.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 33
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 33, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: A Nigger Stealer.—Southern Hospitality.—A Pretty Long Blessing.—Tar and Feathers.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 32
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 32, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: Still and Sunday-like.—Mistaken Identity.—Up a Stump.—In a Dilemma.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 12
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 12: Slow Navigation; Borrowing Things; Boarding the Wreck; The Plotters; Hunting for the Boat; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
Inspired By Chagall: The Art of Whimsy Reinvented, at Hollingsworth Gallery
Every square inch an inspiration, Marc Chagall is the point of departure for a couple of dozen artists at the Hollingsworth Gallery’s latest show, an adventure in rediscovery and reinterpretation of one of the 20th century’s greatest artists.
New Flagler Beach Commission Is Seated–and Pier Restaurant Deal Almost Unravels
Unexpected discussion about breaking the bait and tackle shop at the pier out of the restaurant lease, and inviting others to bid for running it, almost demolished months of negotiations over the restaurant lease.
John Rogers Certified as Bunnell City Commissioner after Provisional Ballot Count
John Rogers will be sworn in with Jenny Crain Brady on March 14. For Bill Baxley, who lost by just three votes, the election is a learning experience. He says he will run again at the next election.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 11
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 11: Huck and the Woman; The Search; Prevarication; Going to Goshen; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
From 5% to 2%: Retreat from Extra Pension Contributions; All Salaries Below $40K Exempt
A Senate committee backed off considerably from a proposal to require state workers to make 5% contributions to their pension fund, exempting most state workers, and cutting back the amount others would have to chip in.
State of Education Forum in Flagler: Anxiety and Advocacy as District Braces for Shock
If the state of education in Flagler County is strong, it won’t stay that way if state policy continues on its budget-slashing course, advocates and school officials told a large crowd at an education forum Thursday evening.
More Questions Than Answers As Palm Coast Desalination Project Scouts Locations
The public got its first chance to weigh in on Palm Coast’s $200 million seawater desalination project. Opinions were not friendly, and concerns over environmental issues specific.
Missing Cleveland Girl, 15, Found at Palm Coast Best Western This Morning; Father Jailed
Ashley Cantrell, of Cleveland, went missing last week and was believed to be traveling with her biological father, Terrance Cantrell, who is now at the Flagler County jail.
Flagler and US Diverge as Unemployment Here Climbs Again to 16%
Flagler County’s January unemployment rate in January rose again to 16% percent, remaining in the same high range it’s been stuck in for a year and a half and bucking the national trend. Florida’s rate is 11.9%.
Despite 4 Million Uninsured, Florida Senate Approves Opt-Out Amendment on Health Law
Senators voted 29-10 to approve the proposed constitutional amendment, which would allow people to opt out of the “individual mandate” requirement that they buy health insurance or face financial penalties.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 10
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 10: The Find; Old Hank Bunker; In Disguise; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
Popping Pops and and Freud’s Last Mad Cow Session: Culture Worth the Miles
A free pops concert by the Orlando Philharmonic at Winter Park’s Central Park, the Boston Pops’s tribute to Cole Porter in Longwood, art in Maitland, Freud’s last session at the Mad Cow Theatre, and more.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 9
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 9: The Cave; The Floating House; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
“Waiting in the Wings” at the Flagler Playhouse: Old Age in Wit and Drink
Set in a retirement home for aging actresses, Noel Coward’s play is an often funny, at times heartbreaking comedy-drama pulled off beautifully by an ensemble cast at the Flagler Playhouse: every weekend through the end of March.
Ex-Neo-Nazi White Supremacist Recruiter Lectures on “Turning Away from Hate” At Stetson March 21
TJ Leyden is the author of Skinhead Confessions and an adviser and trainer to state and federal panels, the military and law enforcement. Jason Alexander, the Seinfeld star, wrote the Foreword to Leyden’s memoir.
How Palm Coast Lost Out on 400 Potential Jobs (Caution: Don’t Jump to Conclusions)
Australian company Rapid Nutrition is looking for a home for its US headquarters. It chose Fort Myers over Palm Coast. Fort Myers was willing to write the company a blank check at taxpayers’ expense. Palm Coast was not.
All Business All the Time as Gov. Scott
Tells Lawmakers: “Don’t Blink”
Scott mentioned the word “job” or “jobs” 31 times in the 27-minute State of the State speech, lauded privatization, vouchers for private and parochial schools and the needs and virtues of business.
Rally Draws Out Teachers, Supporters and Honks. Lawmakers May Not Be Listening.
Some 150 teachers and other school employees and supporters lined Belle Terre Parkway in Palm Coast, one of dozens such rallies across the state, hours before Gov. Rick Scott rebuffed them by telling lawmakers: “Don’t blink.”
