As debate rages over how to reopen schools in various cities and states across the country, the CDC issued guidance Friday that includes mitigation strategies, indicators of Covid-19 transmission and testing for coronavirus in schools.
Sheriff Challenges Residents to ‘Dare to Care’ in Celebration of National Random Act of Kindness Day
Sheriff Rick Staly and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) invite Flagler County residents to participate in the first ever FCSO Dare to Care Challenge to celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness day on Wednesday, February 17.
Rotary Club of Palm Coast’s Online Fundraising Generates Donations to Community Organizations
The Club’s December Online Holiday Auction, along with member contributions, enabled the organization to make donations this month to both Christmas Come True and Flagler Technical College’s Adult Education programs, specifically GED scholarships for participants in the Open Door Re-Entry & Recovery Ministry.
Sheriff’s Detective Mark Moy Is Arrested on a Domestic Battery Charge and Relieved of Duty
Mark A. Moy, a 14-year veteran of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and a well-regarded detective with roles in high-profile arrests and convictions of murderers and molesters, was arrested today on a domestic battery charge today, suspended without pay and relieved of duty pending further investigations.
Court Orders Prosecutor to Discipline Attorney Who Dressed as Grim Reaper in Alert Over Covid Dangers
Days after asking The Florida Bar to consider sanctioning an attorney who made national headlines by dressing as the Grim Reaper to criticize Gov. Ron DeSantis’ response to the coronavirus pandemic, an appeals court took the rare step of ordering a state prosecutor to pursue discipline against Santa Rosa Beach lawyer Daniel Uhlfelder.
Ask the Doctor: Returning Children to School Safely, All Those Post-Vaccine Reactions, HIV-Patient Eligibility
Dr. Stephen Bickel answers new questions about the anxieties of returning children to school in covid times, the effects (or non-effects) of the covid vaccine on various medical conditions, the eligibility of populations other than those 65-and-over for the vaccine, and more.
Life in Prison for Brian Wirth, Palm Coast Father of 3 Who Raped His Young Children for Years
Circuit Judge Terence Perkins today sentenced Brian Scott Wirth, 40, to life in prison on numerous counts of raping, abusing and humiliating his three children over many years, from the time they turned 5 or 6. Wirth had pleaded guilty and was hoping for a 35-year sentence.
In Flagler Beach, the Two Finalists for City Manager Are a Contrast of Experience and Personalities
William Whitson has managed four cities and was assistant manager of Port orange for eight years, Dru Driscoll has worked 22 years in Daytona Beach, the last few as deputy city manager and fire chief. They are seeking to replace the late Larry Newsom, who died in August.
Palm Coast Prepares for New Garbage Contract as Waste Pro starts ‘Inappropriate’ Courtship of Council Members
Waste Pro’s 5-year contract with Palm Coast ends in 2022. The city will bid out the contract this year and seek residents’ input through a survey on what they want from their next hauler, especially to keep costs down, such as automated hauling, larger garbage cans, reduced pick-up days, recycling changes and the like.
All Undocumented Americans Deserve a Pathway to Citizenship
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) known as the Dream Act survived years of attack from the Trump administration. It temporarily protects undocumented people, most of whom immigrated to the U.S. as young children, from deportation. families deserved this moment of relief.
Once Again, Florida Lawmakers Move to Scrap Local Governments’ Vacation Rental Regulations
A years-long effort to block local governments from regulating vacation rentals is on the move again, as House and Senate leaders revive a proposal to prevent cities and counties from inspecting and licensing properties offered on platforms such as Airbnb.
Flagler Health Department Issues First Rabies Alert in 11 Years, for Bunnell and Southern Part of the County
The Health Department issued the rabies alert for Bunnell and the Korona community in response to a raccoon that tested positive on Tuesday after attacking a dog. The center of the alert is near Old Cemetery Road in Korona, an unincorporated community north northeast of Favoretta on US 1 and south of Bunnell.
Walmart Starts Covid Vaccines Friday But Not in Flagler, Volusia or St. Johns; 9% in Flagler Have 1st Shot
Florida residents may get vaccinated at any Florida Walmart location of their choice, regardless of their home address. The Flagler County Health Department meanwhile continues to administer about 800 first shots per week.
Porch Piracy in Palm Coast: 2 Arrested on Felony Charges After Package Thefts in K-Section
With 1.7 million packages lost or stolen every day in the country, Palm Coast is no stranger to porch piracy, and on Tuesday two out-of-towners were arrested and charged with felony burglary for allegedly stealing packages from front porches in the K-Section.
Florida’s Black Lawmakers Call for Mandatory Body Cams, De-Escalation Training and Use-of-Force Database
Following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in May and the ensuing summer of nationwide protests, the Florida Legislative Black Caucus is pushing a slew of bills for the 2021 legislative session that members say “promote fair and just” police reforms.
The GOP’s Resentment Theater
President Biden recently became the first president to condemn white supremacy by name in an inaugural address. Then some Republicans got mad because, they say, it’s an attack on them. These complaints are disingenuous.
Holland Park Splash Pad Nears Opening as $5 Million Renovation Completes
Palm Coast government spent nearly $10 million in two phases entirely to remake Holland Park over the past half decade, with the splash-pad addition nearing completion.
Confrontation at City Hall Prompts Palm Coast to Add Armed Security and Consider Metal Detector
Employees’ confrontation with a man who refused to wear a mask before a recent Palm Coast Council meeting was the last straw for the manager, who opted to add armed security and soon add a metal detector outside the public meeting venue. He said the generally more tense atmosphere here and elsewhere is prompting moves for greater security.
In Wake of Attempted Poisoning of Florida City’s Water, Palm Coast Manager Says System Here Is Safe
Palm Coast City Manager Matt Morton sought to reassure council members this morning about the safety of the city’s water utility system in light of last week’s attempted poisoning of Oldsmar’s water, in Tampa Bay.
Judge Rejects Publix Attempt to Dismiss Lawsuit Over Deli Employee’s Covid Death
The lawsuit, filed in November, contends that Gutierrez was infected in late March by another employee who came to work with Covid-19. It makes a series of allegations, including that Publix at the time prevented employees from wearing masks that could have prevented the spread of the disease.
Proposal Would End Florida’s Confederate Holidays and Protections for Confederate Flag
A proposal is back in the Florida Senate that would end legal holidays marking the birthdays of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and Confederate President Jefferson Davis, along with Confederate Memorial Day.
Instead of 5 Years in Prison, Ex-Captain’s BBQ Manager Sentenced to 6 Months in Jail for Sex With a Minor
The sentence, negotiated with the victim’s family, was a significant reduction from the lowest-permissible sentence Deoliveira was facing, and the sort of sentence typically pronounced in such cases locally: at least five and a half years in prison, and a maximum of 15 years.
‘We Don’t Like Making These Arrests,’ Sheriff Says as 4th Student in 13 Days Faces Felony Charge Over Threats
In the latest case, the student was singing a rap song as he was walking into the school’s computer lab, and subsequently looked up guns and ammunition sites and pointed his iPad at a teacher and told her he was going to shoot her.
Why the U.S. Is Underestimating Covid Reinfection
Hundreds of Americans suspect they contracted covid early in the pandemic and recovered, only to get infected again months later. But because the U.S. does so little genetic sequencing of covid samples, we don’t know much about reinfection rates.
Flagler’s Covid Deaths Up to 73 as Obstacle Race To Vaccines and Herd Immunity Continues
Only a little over 6 percent of Flagler County’s population of 115,000 has been vaccinated, most in the 65-and-over group, as new infections continue to be recorded at almost triple the rate from the summer spike despite a slowdown.
Economy Adds Just 49,000 Jobs in Modest Rebound from December Losses as Covid’s Effects Persists
The national economy added just 49,000 jobs in January after losing a revised 227,000 jobs in December, the Labor Department reported today, underscoring the severe effects of the winter pandemic spike on Americans’ willingness to shop, eat in restaurants or travel large distances.
Struggling Elementary Students Could See Books Delivered to Their Homes
A priority of House Speaker Chris Sprowls that would lead to books being delivered to the homes of struggling elementary school readers got unanimous approval Thursday from a House panel.
After the Muslim Ban
Before we let the horrors of the Trump administration fade away like a fever dream, we have to ask ourselves how we got here. Otherwise, it’s going to become a recurring nightmare, argues Domenica Ghanem.
Federal Investigation Finds Staff Brutality and Sexual Abuse of Inmates at Florida Prison. State Demurs.
The federal investigation found “varied and disturbing reports” of sexual abuse, including rape, of female inmates by staff members at the state’s largest women’s correctional facility. State officials had documented and been aware of sexual abuse by sergeants, correctional officers and other staff at Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala since at least 2006.
Appeals Court Orders New Bova Murder Trial: Judge ‘Abused’ Discretion By Denying Him Right to Represent Himself
The Fifth District Court of Appeal today ordered Joseph Bova re-tried for murder, 17 months after a jury found Bova guilty and a judge sentenced him to life in prison. The court ruled that Judge Terence Perkins was wrong to deny Bova his right to fire his attorneys and represent himself, no matter how much of a mess Bova would have made for himself.
Go To the Theatre in Comfort of Your Home: “Two for the Seesaw” Benefits CRT and Arts Foundation
City Repertory Theatre and the Palm Coast Arts Foundation have teamed up for a co-production of “Two for the Seesaw,” filmed at St. Augustine’s Limelight Theatre and available over the next two weekends from home for $30, which benefits the arts organizations.
Hurling Racist Invectives, Hammock Man Pulls Knife on a Deputy Whose Help He Was Seeking
Clayton Callahan, 30, became enraged and violent when the deputy he was asking to chase after an SUV that had allegedly driven off with his belongings was asking questions instead of immediately setting chase.
Senate Panel Signs Off on Vast Expansion of Use of Tax Dollars for Private Schools
The measure (SB 48), filed by Republican Sen. Manny Diaz of Hialeah, would expand eligibility for school-voucher programs and allow parents to use taxpayer-backed education savings accounts for private schools and other costs.
Palm Coast Fire Department Resumes Home Inspections Through Community Outreach Programs Following Covid Response
The City of Palm Coast Fire Department is resuming home safety inspections through its community outreach programs after suspending them in 2020 due to Covid-19.
Water Management District Focuses on Wetlands and the Benefits they Provide
As part of our year-round work to protect water, the St. Johns River Water Management District is focused on wetlands and the benefits they provide to all our core missions. We joined others who care about water resources earlier this week in observing World Wetlands Day. Our work includes protecting, restoring and preserving natural systems, […]
Flagler Student Is Arrested on Felony Charge of Threatening School Shooting For 3rd Time in 8 Days
A 12-year-old student at Bunnell Elementary School on Wednesday told classmates not to show up for school today as he’d be shooting up campus. He was arrested and charged the way an 11-year-old and an 18-year-old were charged last week for similar, joking threats.
All But 4 Easements Secured, Flagler Beach Dunes Project Will Go Forward as Will Court Action Against Holdouts
A year-long effort between Flagler County government and a grass-roots group and its Go Fund Me campaign to secure easements from 13 hold-outs so 2.6 miles of shore can be rebuilt with ample dunes in Flagler Beach has paid off. Only three owners and holding four parcels remain. All others have signed.
Even With Remote Option, Enrollment in Flagler’s 9 Traditional Schools Is at Lowest Level Since 2005
With Flagler schools reflecting some decline, Florida legislators and local education officials are trying to pinpoint what happened to nearly 90,000 “missing” public school students across the state, as public school enrollment estimates have dropped amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Renner Warns of ‘Massive Shortfall’ in State Budget Even as He Projects a Stronger Economy in Flagler
While he warns of a nearly $3 billion state budget deficit, Paul Renner, the Palm Coast Republican and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said Flagler is running out of houses to sell and the arrival of two universities and Boston Whaler will significantly improve the local economy.
GOP Lawmaker Wants Teen and Felon Exception to Florida’s Voter-Approved $15 Minimum Wage
Senate Judiciary Chairman Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, said his proposal to amend the state Constitution to allow the Legislature to exempt convicted felons and people under 21 from the new minimum-wage requirements would help them get jobs in the future.
Palm Coast Man Arrested in Bogus Scheme to Frame Girlfriend’s Ex in Shootings
Ariel Diaz, a 35-year-old resident of Eastern Place in Palm Coast, was arrested Friday on charges of fabricating evidence, making up a story of being shot at, and making bogus calls to 911 in an alleged attempt to frame another man for supposedly shooting at him and his car. The other man previously dated the woman Diaz is now dating.
Repeatedly Rebuked for ‘Knee-Jerk’ Decisions, County Retreats From Boat-Ramp Giveaway in Hammock
County Commissioner Andy Dance repeatedly spoke against making hurried decisions without study or community input as commissioners voted 4-1 to reject the administration’s plan to give away a public boat ramp and right of way on the Intracoastal in the Hammock.
2 Buddy Taylor Middle Students Struck By a Car at Belle Terre and White View Parkway
Two eighth graders, students at Buddy Taylor Middle School, were struck by a car early Monday morning (Feb. 1) as they were walking to school, sheriff’s office and school officials say. Both students were taken to AdventHealth Palm Coast.
Teacher Khady Harmon and Plant Services’ Chuck Coates Are Flagler Schools’ Employees of the Year
In a first for Flagler Schools, this year’s District Teacher and Employee Celebration was held entirely online. In all, 17 employees and 11 teachers from across the district were honored.
Edgar Alloway Jr., 77, Arrested at His Palm Coast Home Over a Dozen Images of Child Abuse
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested Edgar Leon Alloway Jr., a 77-year-old resident of 18 Banton Lane in Palm Coast, faces 12 third-degree felony counts of possession of images of sexual abuse.
Tampa’s Mayor Faces Twin Challenges of a Covid-Era Super Bowl and Ron DeSantis
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, a Democrat who switched from the Republican Party in 2015 and a former Tampa police chief, would like to take stronger action to stop the spread of the coronavirus. But Gov. Ron DeSantis has limited what local officials can do.
School Chancellor Jacob Oliva Makes English-Proficiency Exam Optional for Now
In a win for advocates of English-language learners, Florida is allowing students to opt out of taking an annual English proficiency exam that is administered in person. Florida has more than 265,000 students for whom English is not a first language. They collectively speak more than 300 languages.
Flagler County Government Will Host Weekly Feel-Good Show on Local Radio
Flagler County commissioners haven’t discussed it publicly yet–or agreed to it–but the county administration is preparing to host a weekly radio show, or infomercial, on WNZF, the Flagler Broadcasting station, starting likely in February. The sponsored half-hour show would focus on feel-good stories, profiles of county employees, and highlights of county doings.
3 Arrested in Shooting Spree at K-Section House Involving 3 Guns and at Least 35 Bullets
Three men were arrested two minutes after they allegedly were involving in a shooting spree at a house on Kalamazoo Trail Thursday evening, a shooting that caused ripples of alarm in the neighborhood.
Two Flagler Beach Residents Arrested After Refusing to Comply With Mask Mandate at Commission Meeting
In a first at a local government meeting, two Flagler Beach residents were arrested Thursday evening after defiantly delaying a Flagler Beach City Commission meeting for 12 minutes, refusing to don a mask, in accordance with a city ordinance, and refusing to leave the commission room on their own. They were not arrested for a mask violation, but for trespassing after warnings.