Barrier islands protect about 10 percent of coastlines worldwide. When hurricanes and storms make landfall, these strands absorb much of their force, reducing wave energy and protecting inland areas. They also provide a sheltered environment that enables estuaries and marshes to form behind them.
Palm Coast City Council Proclaims Oct. 14 Chief Jerry Forte Appreciation Day
The Palm Coast City Council recognized retiring Fire Chief Jerry Forte at the October 4 City Council Meeting with a proclamation. Mayor David Alfin has proclaimed October 14, 2022, as “Chief Jerry Forte Appreciation Day”.
In Flagler Beach, ‘We Got Hit the Hardest’ in the County, Manager Says at Emergency Meeting, Calling for Patience
The Flagler Beach City Commission took stock of Hurricane Ian’s impact on the city at a hastily arranged emergency meeting at noon today, balancing the fact that the hurricane largely spared Flagler County of severe impacts but still left Flagler Beach with the most damage locally.
Flagler’s ‘Victory Lap’ as Circuit’s 1st Black Women Judges Are Celebrated, With Pointed Sidebars
Alicia Washington and Joan Anthony were among nine judges of the Seventh Judicial Circuit marking the historic occasions of the two Black judges’ election, along with the accessions of Supreme Court Justice Jackson and Florida Supreme Court Justice Francis, in a “Night of Celebration” at the Flagler County courthouse Monday evening.
Gas Prices Drop to Near $3 a Gallon, But Don’t Be Fooled By the Political Ploy
Regular unleaded gas prices fell to near $3 a gallon in places even in the wake of Hurricane Ian, reaching the lowest levels since January. But the drop is the result of a one-month suspension of the 25.3-cent state gas tax, timed by the Republican-dominated Legislature to coincide with the final month ahead of the 2022 mid-term election.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, October 4, 2022
The Nobel Prize in Physics is announced at 5: 45 a.m., the school board and the Palm Coast City Council will look back on Ian, Neanderthal Man, Robert Graves.
How Clarence and Virginia Thomas Are Changing America
With the opening of the U.S. Supreme Court’s new session on Oct. 3, 2022, Clarence Thomas is arguably the most powerful justice on the nation’s highest court. He’s the longest-serving sitting justice and on track to have the lengthiest court tenure ever.
Emergency Management’s Kevin Guthrie Outlines Longer Sheltering Plan for Ian Refugees
State emergency responders are beginning the daunting task of finding temporary housing for people displaced by Hurricane Ian, Florida Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said Monday.
Rep. Paul Renner Headlines Flagler Humane Society’s 40th Anniversary as Hanneke Frederick’s Name Looms
There was a constellation of stars at Sunday afternoon’s 40th anniversary celebration of the Flagler Humane Society at the Florida Agricultural Museum in Palm Coast, not least among the Paul Renner, the soon-to-be Speaker of the Florida House and Palm Coast resident.
Only One Arrest for Curfew Violation Throughout Flagler During Ian Emergency
Law enforcement authorities in Flagler County and its cities made all of one arrest for a curfew violation, and even then, only because the woman was also in violation of drug laws. A companion she was with was only issued a warning.
Flagler’s Ian Tally: 132 Homes With at Least 20% Damage, FEMA Aid Coming, So Are More Floodwaters
A tally of Hurricane Ian’s impacts on Flagler County reveals damage to 132 homes, with only seven experiencing severe damage or flooding from rainfalls totaling 15 inches in places. Flagler County is qualifying for three levels of aid from the Federal Emergency Management Administration, including aid to individuals. But there may yet be more flooding as the St. Johns River’s surge continues flowing north through Flagler.
Catastrophic Loss: Dunes All But Gone Along Flagler’s 18-Mile Shore, Leaving A1A and Properties Dangerously Exposed
While Flagler County was spared the brunt of Hurricane Ian’s fury, its shoreline was ravaged, and what remained of its already battered dunes and rock revetments sacrificed themselves to protect A1A and properties. There is no more protection should another storm strike. The disappearance of the dunes is stunning in Flagler Beach north of the pier, and in many other places along the 18 miles of beach.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, October 3, 2022
Flagler schools and courts reopen, the Flagler County Commission recognizes Ryan Belhumeur, the Beverly Beach Town Commission meets, the two Paul Renners: Policy Paul and Ideological Paul.
Liz Truss: Are Britain’s Conservatives Facing a Meltdown?
Conservative Party members who chose Liz Truss as prime minister are wondering whether their choice (and the abrupt change of direction in economic policy it enabled) will cost them the next election. And they are right to be worried.
Hurricane Ian’s Death Toll in Florida Is Up to 67 as Lee County Grapples With Delayed Evacuation
Gov. Ron DeSantis defended officials in Lee County, who delayed evacuation orders until Tuesday, while several other counties had issued evacuation orders and the National Hurricane Center was warning of a storm surge regardless.
Spradley’s Beachside Blog: Closing the Book on Ian
Scott Spradley, a long-time resident of Flagler Beach, a photographer and an attorney who remained on the the barrier island throughout the storm, continues documenting the effects of Hurricane Ian.
Flagler Recovery Roundup: Curfew Lifted, Latest Power Update, Storm Numbers, Schools’ Reopening Plans
Here’s a roundup of the latest conditions in Flagler County and its cities, status of closures and openings, where to seek help for repairs, when to expect schools and colleges to reopen, and what the latest power cut numbers are.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, October 2, 2022
“Oliver!” the musical, at Flagler Playhouse and “Assassins” at City Rep. It’s Gandhi’s birthday and it’s World Communion Sunday, which lends itself to a few reflections about the eucharist.
Iranian Women’s Enduring Resistance to ‘Islamic Revolution’
Shouts of “death to the dictator” and “woman, life, freedom” are reverberating throughout the streets of Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, while in custody of the “morality police” in Tehran.
85% of Flagler Customers Get Their Power Back as FPL Stages at Airport
Marineland has had 100% of its power restored, while Beverly Beach has only had 25% of its power restored. Flagler Beach and unincorporated Flagler County are each 86% restored. Bunnell is 91% restored. Palm Coast, which has the most customers, is 80% restored.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, October 1, 2022
It’s back to life for life’s sake: “Assassins” at City Rep Theatre, “Oliver!”” at the Flagler Playhouse, Americans spending like drunken sailors despite inflation, Happy Birthday Jimmy Carter.
The Supreme Court Is Back in Session. Cue the Controversial Cases that May Change Your Life.
The Supreme Court’s new supermajority overturned abortion rights and expanded gun rights in 2022. Upcoming cases focus on the future of affirmative action, equal treatment of LGBTQ people, and the control of election laws.
Palm Coast’s Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rates Go Up by Combined $8 a Month Starting Oct. 1
The Palm Coast City Council in 2018 approved gradually doubling the stormwater fee and increasing water and sewer rates 21 percent over four years. Combined, those rate increases will now equate to an $8-a-month hike, or nearly $100 a year.
Spradley’s Beachside Blog: Does Anybody Know What Time It Is? (Redirected)
Scott Spradley, a long-time resident of Flagler Beach, a photographer and an attorney who remained on the the barrier island throughout the storm, continues documenting the effects of Hurricane Ian.
In Palm Coast’s Woodlands, Water Is Still Rising and Sandbags Are Being Distributed
In Palm Coast’s Woodlands, the Hurricane Ian emergency is not over, and may not be over for another 48 hours: waters are still, literally, rising in parts of the neighborhood as Graham Swamp overflows. City officials are worried that the water may not stop rising in time to keep it from intruding into some homes.
Biden to Battered Florida: ‘We’re Going to Do Everything We Can for You’
Biden did not take questions from the press or say if he would visit Florida, but stressed the importance of the country coming together to help those affected by the hurricane. He mentioned he was in continuous contact with Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, as well as other coastal governors.
Spradley’s Beachside Blog: The Day After Ian, South Flagler Beach Is Waterlogged
Scott Spradley, a long-time resident of Flagler Beach, a photographer and an attorney who remained on the the barrier island throughout the storm, continues documenting the effects of Hurricane Ian.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, September 30, 2022
Post-Ian recovery in earnest as schools and courts remain closed, but a breezy, cool fall day ahead. The vaporization of Lake Mead behind Hoover Dam, Nina Totenberg’s name-droppings.
Understanding Storm Surge and Why It Can Be So Catastrophic
Of all the hazards that hurricanes bring, storm surge is the greatest threat to life and property along the coast. It can sweep homes off their foundations, flood riverside communities miles inland, and break up dunes and levees that normally protect coastal areas against storms.
Pier’s End Collapses, More Flagler Areas Evacuated, 70% of County Without Power, Dunes Damaged
The severity of tropical Storm Ian continues this afternoon, demolishing parts of the Flagler Beach pier, inundating larger areas of Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, and downing trees and power lines as 57 percent of residents are without power.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, September 29, 2022
Your windiest, rainiest, floodiest day of the year, Louis C.K. before his issues, H.L. Mencken on art.
When Electricity Goes Out, Could Solar and Batteries Power Your Home?
Even a modest system of solar plus one battery can power critical loads in a home for days at a time, practically anywhere in the country. But providing backup for cooling and heat can be a challenge, though not an insurmountable one.
Toddler’s Father Faces Kidnapping Charge After Fleeing with Child; He Is Tased and Bitten in Arrest
Brandon Leohner, 27, of Palm Coast, was arrested on charges of kidnapping after taking the toddler he has in common with his girlfriend and driving off against his girlfriend’s wish. He drove recklessly through Palm Coast and was arrested after a violent encounter with deputies and a police dog at McDonald’s.
Cat 4 Hurricane Ian Slams Florida, Local Night Curfew Declared, Flagler Rains Up to 20 Inches Possible
Hurricane Ian crashed into Charlotte County with catastrophic force as a nearly Category 5 hurricane and was crossing the state slowly on its way to the Volusia-Flagler area. Gov. Ron DeSantis outlined a massive rescue and recovery effort involving 7,000 National Guards personnel and 41,000 linemen, among thousands of others.
If You’re Sheltering In Place in Hurricane Ian’s Path, Fill Out This Survey For Your Safety
If you’re sheltering in place and your home is in the path of Hurricane Ian or Tropical Storm Ian, the state wants you to fill out a survey that may help in rescuing you should you need it in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
Don’t Expect Flagler To Be At Top of FPL’s List for Power Restoration After Ian
Flagler County has an unhappy history of finding itself near the bottom of the list of counties to have their power restored in previous hurricanes. That may yet again be the case in the wake of Hurricane Ian’s devastation as more populous counties get attention first.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Schools, courts, government offices and many businesses are closed or closing today in anticipation of the increasing intensity of Hurricane Ian’s local impacts. Stormy antidote: the Berlin Philharmonic in Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony, the Pastorale, NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test video.
Stetson University Cancels Classes Through Friday and Issues Advisory to Students
Stetson University announced that undergraduate classes are canceled Wednesday-Friday, and issued an advisory to students, faculty and staff.
What Happens When Hurricane Hunters Plunge Into the Eyewall of a Storm
The leader of NOAA’s hurricane field program and a University of Miami meteorologist describes the experience aboard a P-3 Orion as it plunges through the eyewall of a hurricane and the technology the team uses to gauge hurricane behavior in real time.
‘Extremely Dangerous’ Hurricane Ian Landfall, Then Path Through Flagler; Local Evacuations Readied
Hurricane Ian forecasts continue to worsen for both sides of Florida, with a Category 3 or more landfall in Tampa Bay and a path bringing a tropical storm to Flagler by Friday. Evacuation orders for parts of Flagler are imminent, schools are closed starting Wednesday.
Rymfire Elementary Will Open as Special-Needs Shelter, Bunnell Elementary as General Population and Pets Shelter
The special-needs shelter at Rymfire Elementary will open at 1 p.m. Wednesday in anticipation of deteriorating weather from Hurricane Ian. The timing of the first shelter for general population and pets, to open at Bunnell Elementary, has not yet been determined. That time will be announced Wednesday morning.
Sheriff Preparing to Mobilize Over 200 Deputies and Air Boat, Courts Ramping Down Ahead of Ian
Courts are ramping down, law enforcement is ramping up in Flagler County in preparation for Hurricane Ian’s impact, now projected to be more serious than projected even as late as Monday evening. Curfews could become a possibility in the days ahead.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Eight people, including Brennan Hill (attempted second degree murder) are scheduled for trial starting today but Hurricane Ian may have different ideas for them. A startling view into our limited water resources, Mo Amer at the airport.
Hurricane Ian’s 2-Day Stall Off Tampa Could Bring Flooding Rains and Wind to Flagler
Hurricane Ian is expected to nearly stall as a major hurricane off the coast of Tampa Bay, lashing the northeast of Florida with torrential rain and raising the potential for floods in addition to some tropical storm-force winds. Flagler governments are beginning to shut down regular operations and declare states of emergency.
Canopy Walk Resident Faces 4 Felony Charges After Confrontation with 3 Boys He Claims Were Trespassing
58-year-old Gerald McCarthy faces two second-degree felony charges and other charges after a physical confrontation with three boys–13, 13 and 12–at Canopy Walk, where he claims they were trespassing. The boys claim they’d been given the code to get in.
3 Reasons Hurricane Ian Poses a Major Flooding Hazard for Florida
While Ian travels up the Florida coast, these outer bands will stretch over much of the peninsula and produce heavy rain for many locations, beginning as early as Monday night for South Florida and late Wednesday for northern parts of the state.
Flagler Tiger Bay Elections Forum Re-Scheduled to Oct. 6
The Flagler Tiger Bay Club has rescheduled the non-partisan Flagler Tiger Bay Club Election Forums featuring candidates for the general election, to the new date of Thursday, October 6, 2022, due to the approach of Hurricane Ian. The forum was originally scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 28.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, September 26, 2022
The Bunnell City Commission considers its Charter Review Committee’s recommendations, Richard Dawkins tells us why we’re lucky to die, Yeol Eum Son reminds us that when all is gloom, there’s always a Mozart piano concerto.
Fiona Strikes Canada? Blame Global Warming.
The huge storm had a very low atmospheric pressure (931.6 mb) — which is the lowest ever recorded for a tropical storm that made landfall in Canada. Low pressure weather systems are associated with strong winds and heavy rains.
Anti-Poverty Measures Work. Census Data Proves It.
The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that poverty dropped notably in 2021. Amid a pandemic and widespread economic pain, this is a significant accomplishment. After Social Security, refundable tax credits like the expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) and stimulus payments were the biggest contributors to reducing poverty.