There are no transgender bathroom issues in Flagler schools, no issues with transgender athletes, no issues with a student of one birth sex supposedly using their transgender status to leer at students of the other. But to hear it from some, it’s a crisis warranting a reversal of policies and procedures. The School Board hears a presentation on the current state of the law and procedures Tuesday. A crowd is expected.
‘I Ain’t Going Peacefully,’ B-Section Felon Who’d Threatened Ex and Family Dares Cops in 3-Hour Standoff
Joseph Robert Bourke Jr., a 34-year-old resident of 130 Breeze Hill in Palm Coast and a felon several times over, had threatened to kill his girlfriend, put her family members in the hospital and intimated suicide by cop when contacted by a sheriff’s sergeant. A standoff ensued but ended peacefully with his arrest Saturday afternoon.
Tiny Number of People Will Be Hospitalized Despite Being Vaccinated. We Have to Learn Why.
Experts say we should investigate “breakthrough infections” to look out for variants and understand who’s vulnerable. In many cases, that’s not happening. Crucial pieces of the puzzle are being tossed in the trash.
School Districts and Families Are Divided: Should Masks Still Be in Place in the Upcoming Academic Year?
With an uncertain outlook of COVID-19 and political connotations surrounding masks, classrooms could become a checkerboard, with some students wearing masks but others showing their faces.
Are Mass Shootings an American Epidemic?
The most recent research on frequency of mass shootings indicates that, while still rare, they are becoming more common, though the exact number each year can vary widely, while the number of Americans who are victims of crimes involving a firearm approaches half a million a year.
I’ve Recovered From Covid. Why Do I Still Have to Mask Up?
As the federal government doubles down on their importance, some states have thrown caution — and face coverings — to the wind. Here are the science and motives behind the masking recommendation.
‘Don’t Be a Holdout’: Flagler Aims for 1st In State in Vaccinations, With 40.7% Inoculated So Far and Youth Shots Ahead
Flagler County’s vaccine supply is now exceeding demand as health officials step up their outreach to restaurants, local businesses, schools and children 16 and 17 to get vaccinated in hopes of vaulting the county’s vaccination rate to the top of the state’s chart. Flagler is 7th or 8th best in the state in vaccinations.
Flagler and Florida’s Unemployment Rates Flat As DeSantis Amplifies False Claims About Unemployment Benefits
Some local officials, members of the business community and, today, Gov. Ron DeSantis, are without evidence other than anecdotal, attributing a dearth of job-takers to the claim that workers are staying home to cash in on unemployment benefits. The claim is largely false.
Facing Death by Lethal Injection, Derrek Perkins Pleads Guilty to Murdering His Wife and Gets Life in Prison
Derrek Perkins pleaded guilty to five charges, including murder, charges before Circuit Judge Howard Maltz in St. Augustine. The judge then sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The plea essentially spared Perkins his life–and spared prosecutors, defense lawyers and taxpayers years of litigation and appeals.
McCarthyism In Our Time: City Rep Stages Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’
Palm Coast’s City Repertory Theater stages “The Crucible,” Arthur Miller’s play about witch-hunting in 17th-century Salem and –- allegorically — Joseph McCarthy’s Communist sniffing in mid-20th-century America, starting Friday at the Palm Coast Arts Foundation big tent in Town Center.
Flagler Beach Will Combine Prescription Drugs Take-Back Day With Golf Cart Registrations on April 24
Elected last month, Flagler Beach Mayor Suzie Johnston came up with the idea of combining a prescription drug take-back event with golf cart registrations. The city’s police chief will also go to the homes of those who prefer not to come out to drop off drugs.
Palm Coast’s Doug Bentley Appointed Director of Facilities at Seminole State College of Florida
Bentley, who joined Seminole State April 5, is a U.S. Army veteran and Palm Coast resident who served for more than 30 years before retiring.
Covid-19 Daily Data for Florida and Flagler: Cases, Testing, Locations, Hospitalizations and Deaths
Florida’s and Flagler’s complete daily reports by the Health Department of Covid-19 data including county-by-county infection numbers, testing, people monitored and deaths.
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Suspension: A Doctor Explains What This Means for You
It is a testament to the emphasis by the CDC and FDA on vaccine safety that J&J vaccinations have been paused while this is studied by independent scientists and medical experts, explains Dr. William Petri in a Q&A about the J&J vaccine’s pause.
Bill Criminalizing Or Increasing Penalties for Certain Protest Activities Heads to Gov. DeSantis
The sweeping proposal, titled “Combating Public Disorder,” would create a new crime of “mob intimidation,” enhance penalties for riot-related looting and violence and create an affirmative defense for individuals who injure or kill violent protesters.
Citing Aesthetics and Law, Palm Coast Will Not Loosen Signage Ban, Whether for Realtors or Anyone Else
A majority of the Palm Coast Council rebuffed an attempt by Councilman Ed Danko to loosen the ban on Realtors’ open house and other signs in rights of way, saying both the city’s focus on beauty and a Supreme Court ruling on such signs leave no room for a shift away from current rules.
In a ‘Big Shift,’ Palm Coast Will Survey Residents On Relaxing Commercial Vehicle-Ban in Driveways
Palm Coast has always banned commercial vans and trucks from parking in residential driveways unless on a job, causing difficulties for many working people. The city council, willing to revisit the restrictions, will survey residents in a potential move toward relaxing the rules, which also affect signs on vans and trucks.
Daytona Condo Inventory Hits New Low
Condo sales were notably strong across the Daytona Beach area during March. Not surprisingly, sales were significantly higher than last March when the world first heard the words Covid-19 and business activities around the state came to a screeching halt.
Queen of Jazz Linda Cole at Flagler Auditorium with FPC Alumni on April 23
Linda Cole, Flagler County’s resident Queen of Jazz, headlines a special performance celebrating the Flagler Auditorium’s unique mission of creating the ultimate classroom for the arts, along with the Abe Alam Trio, vocalist Jill Vanderoef and pianist Nicole Tilton Cross.
Hope Clark Selected as Daytona State Women’s Soccer Coach
Daytona State College has selected Hope Clark as its new head women’s soccer coach. Clark brings 20 years of coaching experience to Daytona State, including 12 as a head coach at the college level. She officially joins the Falcons on June 1.
Florida House Backs Allowing Tourism Tax Money to be Spent on Flooding and Sea Rise Projects
The Florida House on Wednesday passed a bill that would allow counties to spend so-called “bed” tax money on efforts to combat flooding, despite concerns from the tourism industry that the change would reduce marketing dollars.
Restaurant Owner Danny Catalan, Now a Felon, Sentenced to 6 Months in Jail and 4 Years’ Probation in 3 Cases
Arrested three times in six months, Daniel Catalan, 41, had threatened an employee he’d just fired, pointed a gun at a minor and battered a family member. He had faced up to 20 years in prison.
Anti-Trans Bill Clears Florida House, Barring Transgender Girls from High School and College Sports Teams
The Republican-dominated Florida House on Wednesday passed a bill that would ban transgender females from playing on girls’ and women’s high-school and college sports teams, with Democrats arguing the measure is purely political.
Palm Coast’s Sean Farrelly Sentenced to 30 Years In a Federal Case Misleadingly Termed ‘Sex Trafficking Of A Minor’
A federal judge sentenced Sean Patrick Farrelly, the former Palm Coast resident, to 30 years in prison for having enticed his girlfriend’s adopted daughter with money, alcohol, drugs and gifts a girl to have sex with him. Federal authorities classify the case as “sex trafficking.” Court proceedings shows otherwise–that Farrelly was a standard, brutal predator who cultivated a victim under his roof, fitting the profile of most sex crimes against children.
Paul Harrington, A Flagler Beach Commission Candidate in March, Dies at 66 After Weeks of Struggles
Paul Harrington, who died this morning at 66, had been in the thick of Flagler Beach City Commission issues going back five years. He attended almost every meeting and twice ran for a commission seat. He’d been hospitalized in late February for the removal of brain tumors just before the last election.
Key Victory for Venerated Whispering Meadows Ranch as County Board Recommends in Its Favor in Emotional Hearing
Whispering Meadows Ranch on John Anderson Highway survived a key vote this evening as the Flagler County Planning Board recommended approval of a special zoning use of the grounds, enabling the ranch to keep operating. That’s assuming the County Commission follows suit when it considers the matter in coming weeks. Absent the special exception, the ranch will face closure.
Mayor Holland and Councilman Branquinho Sharply School Barbosa on Conduct Unbecoming an Elected Official
Mayor Milissa Holland–diplomatically–and Councilman Eddie Branquinho–furiously–this afternoon ended an otherwise collegial four-hour workshop by schooling Barbosa on respect, rules of order, Facebook freelancing, council behavior and the meaning of the word “corruption,” with examples.
Palm Coast Man, 18, Arrested on Assault Charges of Running Over 17-Year-Old with BMW at Park Brawl
David Reis, 18, of Palm Coast’s R-Section, faces felony charges on accusations that he drove his BMW against a 17-year-old at the park. The arrest is the latest development in the park incident, disturbing for the breadth of the number of people involved and the seeming indifference of many of them to the violence unfolding in front of them, or their involvement in it.
Hauler Aside, Expect Few Changes in Palm Coast’s Next Trash Service Contract as Residents Signal Satisfaction
Palm Coast City Council members aren’t interested in changing twice-a-week trash pick-up frequency or scaling back curbside recycling, but nothing guarantees Waste Pro another contract extension as the city bids out the contract later this year.
Court Rejects Challenge by Cities and Counties of State Law Banning Stricter Local Gun Regulations
In a win for Republican lawmakers and the National Rifle Association, an appeals court upheld a 2011 state law that threatens tough penalties if city and county officials approve gun-related regulations.
Palm Coast City Manager Matt Morton Considering Defamation Action Against Councilman Victor Barbosa
Citing county government’s “playbook” against ex-lections Supervisor Kim Weeks, Palm Coast City Manager Matt Morton says he won’t sit idle while he’s being defamed, as he says he was by Council member Victor Barbosa, who last week called Morton “corrupt” and moved for his firing. Barbosa’s motion died.
UNF in Palm Coast Will Double Its Student Body to 50 and Make $1 Million Available in Scholarships
The University of North Florida’s Mednexus hub in Palm Coast’s Town Center will launch in August with 50 students and make $1 million available to them in scholarships. The university received a $1.5 million subsidy from Palm Coast government, one of its chief local partners. Others include Daytona State College and AdventHealth Palm Coast.
Cyclist Killed on U.S. 1 Near Seminole Woods; Biker Who Crashed on I-95 on April 1 Dies from Injuries
Christopher Baxley, 27, was struck and killed while riding his bike on U.S. 1 near Seminole Woods Boulevard Sunday night. Earlier that day, the Florida Highway Patrol issued an update to an April 1 crash, reporting the death from his injuries of motorcyclist Tom Feretti, 61, who had crashed on April 1 on I-95 in Palm Coast.
Bill Cracking Down on Protests Heads for Senate Floor Amid Outcries Over Free Speech and Discrimination
With critics warning that the bill would chill free speech and have a disparately negative impact on Black people, a key Senate committee Friday approved a controversial measure that Republicans argue is needed to crack down on violent protests.
Marcelino Reyes Sr.’s Son in Palm Coast Accepts a Congressional Gold Medal for His Father’s World War II Service
Marcelino (Marc) Reyes Jr., a 13-year resident of Palm Coast, in a virtual ceremony today represented his family of eight siblings to accept the bronze replica of the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of their departed father, Marcelino Reyes Sr., for his World War II service alongside U.S. troops.
The False Choice Between STEM and the Arts: If You Care About All Careers, Protect Arts Programs in Our Schools
The arts do more than just serve as entertainment for us or as diversions or resume-padding for students, let alone as luxuries for school districts. Like team sports, the arts develop key interpersonal and critical skills that are rarely, if ever, taught in traditional STEM classes.
14-Year-Old Girl Arrested in ‘Malicious’ Serial Brushfires at 5 Vacant Lots in Palm Coast’s B-Section
A 14-year-old resident of Palm Coast’s B Section and a student at Buddy Taylor Middle School was arrested Friday morning and charged with five felony counts over allegedly, maliciously starting fires at five locations that day, all of them in the B Section. The girl lives at a group home on Burgundy Place.
Despite Covid and Housing Crisis, Florida Lawmakers Approve Gutting Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Lawmakers have approved a permanent, massive reduction of money earmarked for the state’s affordable housing fund. Those dollars come from documentary stamp revenues. The legislation is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for his signature.
Florida House and Senate Move Closer on Vast Expansion of Tax Dollars for Private Schools
Senate and House proposals to revamp Florida’s school-voucher programs are closer to aligning after the House Appropriations Committee approved the House version with changes Thursday.
When Births Go Horribly Wrong, Florida Protects Doctors and Forces Families to Pay the Price
A Florida program designed to reduce doctors’ malpractice bills strips families of their right to sue, offering instead a one-time payment and promises to cover medical expenses. Some parents report a bureaucratic nightmare that’s anything but supportive.
Flagler Sheriff’s School Deputy Christopher Alecrim Is Law Enforcement Explorer Post Advisor of the Year
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is proud to announce that School Resource Deputy (SRD) Christopher Alecrim, was selected by the National Sheriff’s Association (NSA) as Law Enforcement Explorer of the Year.
Martin Luther King Jr’s Vision of Democratic Socialism Is Still America’s Best Guide to Realize the Dream
Martin Luther King Jr.’s democratic socialism in the authors’ view is the fusion of King’s prophetic social vision, fully including his radical critiques not only of racism but also of capitalism and militarism, with his revolutionary methods of social change.
Bill Ending Bright Futures’ Guaranteed Funding Clears Florida Senate, Upending Scholarship Program
The bill would change a system that now provides scholarships to students at either 75 percent or 100 percent of the cost of tuition and fees by making funding dependent on appropriations in the annual state budget, which eliminates guaranteed funding for students.
17-Year-Old Girl Arrested and Accused of Repeatedly Tasing Boy in Violent, Mob-Like Brawl at Ralph Carter Park
A 17-year-old student at Matanzas High School was arrested on felony charges after allegedly repeatedly attacking another 17 year old with a taser during a brawl at Ralph Carter Park Wednesday afternoon that drew upward of 30 people, many of them participants who plied the victim with violence.
Foregoing Search for Deputy City Manager, Palm Coast’s Matt Morton Appoints Two Chiefs of Staff Drawn Internally
After getting 150 applications for a deputy city manager and finding them wanting, Palm Coast City Manager Matt Morton had abandoned the search and changed track, instead drawing from within and appointing Denise Bevan and Lauren Johnston to newly created chiefs of staff positions, each overseeing a vast array of city departments.
Flagler Schools’ Food Service Director to Gov. DeSantis: Why a $1,000 Bonus to Faculty But Not Service Workers?
Angela Bush, Flagler County schools’ Food and Nutrition Services Director is asking Gov. Ron DeSantis in a video letter why once again service employees like bus drivers, custodians, maintenance staff, kitchen and other support staff are excluded from a proposed $1,000 bonus to teachers and principals who “answered the call” through the covid pandemic.
‘He Just Wacked Me With the Whip’: Mondex Man, 36, Faces Felony Child Abuse Charge
Brian Leonard Rock Jr., a 36-year-old resident of Spruce Street in Bunnell’s Mondex, is accused of using a whip to discipline his 14-year-old daughter, who also reported chronic abuse and a firearm brandished against her mother.
Florida House Set to Approve Online Sales Tax on Out-of-State Retailers That Would Raise $1 Billion
The money would initially be used to replenish the state’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund, which became depleted during the Covid pandemic. After the fund is replenished, the revenue would be used to make a major cut in a tax on commercial rent.
Stop Calling It a ‘Border Crisis’
Children are being jailed in deplorable conditions where they are susceptible to heightened and enduring trauma. Meanwhile our border remains largely shuttered to adult survivors fleeing rape and horrific gender-based persecution because the new administration has yet to repeal an illegal policy implemented under the last one.
Sexual Predator Andrew Wilson Was Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Rape. He Was Just Released After Serving 6.
Andrew S. Wilson was sentenced to 10 years for repeatedly raping his step-daughter when she was between 9 and 12. He was released after just five last week, returning to Bunnell, and on Monday was reclassified a sexual predator after the court erred in 2016 when it classified him a sexual offender.