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FlaglerLive

The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

December 17, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

Trump's disgraceful comments by Paul Duginski, CagleCartoons.com

The Flagler County Contractor Review Board meets, Fantasy Lights Festival in Palm Coast’s Town Center, Paul Duginski on the president’s reaction to Rob Reiner’s death, the impressive response by the president and lawmakers to the week’s catastrophes.

Signature Size and Narcissism

December 16, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

‘I love my signature, I really do,’ President Donald Trump said on Sept. 30, 2025. ‘Everyone loves my signature.’

Signature size is related to status and one’s sense of self. Researchers have used signature size to explore narcissism in CEOs and other senior corporate positions such as chief financial officers. The link has been found not only in the U.S. but in countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Uruguay, Iran, South Africa and China.

Florida Bill Would Allow All College Faculty and Teaching Assistants to Open Carry on Campus

December 16, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 11 Comments

campus guns

Florida professors, university faculty, and teaching assistants could soon be able to openly carry firearms on campus, thanks to a sweeping new measure filed by a Republican lawmaker.

CAIR-Florida, the Muslim Civil Rights Organization, Sues DeSantis Over Defamatory ‘Terrorist’ Designation

December 16, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

Hiba Rahim, interim executive director for CAIR-Florida, speaking in Tampa on Dec. 16, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil-rights organization, has filed a federal lawsuit challenging Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order issued last week designating the group as a “terrorist organization.” CAIR is asking the court to block the executive order and declare it unconstitutional.

Flagler Commission Ratifies Plan to Seek Funds for 153-Acre Bulow Creek Preservation and Hears It’s ‘Not Enough’

December 16, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

Bulow Creek. (Wikimedia Commons)

Protecting the headwaters of Bulow Creek from development’s proximity went from a hope to a plan Monday as the Flagler County Commission voted 5-0 to ratify an application process seeking several million dollars from Florida Forever, the state’s conservation fund, to buy 153 acres around the creek near Flagler Beach. But several people told the commission that 153 ares is not enough, and that the land around it should not be annexed into Flagler Beach as part of the plan to develop Summertown, the rsidential and commercial development on the west side of John Anderson Highway.

Two Flagler Sheriff’s Deputies Hospitalized After Their Motorcycles Are Struck by Car on Palm Coast Parkway

December 16, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 26 Comments

The Toyota Avalon to the right crashed into two Flagler County Sheriff's deputies on motorcycles late this morning, by the entrance to Wawa on Palm Coast Parkway westbound. (© FlaglerLive)

Two Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies were hospitalized with what appears to be non-life-threatening injuries this morning after a car struck their motorcycles on Palm Coast Parkway near Wawa. Sheriff Rick Staly said the deputies were hit when a driver allegedly entered their path from a side road, though the investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol is ongoing. Staly urged the community to drive patiently during the holiday season, noting this is the third injury to a deputy in ten days.

Acting Manager Lauren Johnston Honored with Rare Ovation as She Prepares to Hand Reins to McGlothlin

December 16, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

Lauren Johnston made history as the first Palm Coast city manager to receive a standing ovation Tuesday morning at the conclusion of her nearly two-year acting tenure. Praised for restoring stability after a period of administrative turnover, Johnston was honored by the City Council and staff before returning to her preferred role as assistant city manager. She will now support incoming City Manager Michael McGlothlin, who assumes the permanent position on Wednesday.

The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, December 16, 2025

December 16, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

GOP's New Healthcare Plan by Christopher Weyant, CagleCartoons.com

Christopher Weyant on the GOP’s non-existent health care plan, the Palm Coast City Council meets for the last time this year, Flagler Beach United Methodist Church Food Pantry, the dismal state of press freedom in the United States and elsewhere.

Australia’s Worst Terrorist Attack on Home Soil

December 15, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

A video still of the gunmen. (YouTube)

Australia is reeling from its worst act of terrorism on home soil. Two gunmen opened fire on a Jewish community gathering to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah at Archer Park on Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach. Given it was clearly an antisemitic attack, authorities soon after declared it an act of terrorism – that is, an act of politically motivated violence. This designation also gives authorities extra resources in their response and in bringing those responsible to justice.

Henriqson Finds Court Is Not His Castle as He Stumbles Through Self-Representation in Child Rape Case

December 15, 2025 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

Kristopher Henriqson in court today. (© FlaglerLive)

Facing capital sexual battery charges, Kristopher Henriqson has fired his public defender to represent himself, a decision that faltered during a recent pre-trial hearing. Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols denied the majority of Henriqson’s motions, including requests to change the venue, admit an illegal recording, and rewrite DNA reports he fundamentally misunderstood. While Henriqson secured minor procedural victories, the judge warned that without a public defender, he alone bears the logistical and financial burden of his defense.

Palm Coast Will Require Registration and Occupancy Caps for Its 18 Sober Living Homes in Residential Neighborhoods

December 15, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

A recovery house in Palm Coast.

Palm Coast is adopting a new ordinance to legalize and regulate recovery homes, bringing city code into compliance with state law. The rules require all sober living homes, including previously exempt Oxford Houses, to register with the city and obtain certification from the Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR). The ordinance caps occupancy at 10 residents—half the state maximum—and mandates a 1,000-foot separation between facilities. Non-compliant homes face closure after a 60-day grace period.

Clyde Roesch, 1945-2025

December 15, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

Clyde Roesch.

Clyde Roesch, 80, passed away on November 25, 2025 at his home in Ormond Beach, Florida. He was born in Melbourne, Florida on February 23, 1945 to William and Marjorie (nee Wilson) Roesch.

The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, December 15, 2025

December 15, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 20 Comments

Clay Jones paramount

Jermaine Williams and Kristopher Henriqson in court, the East Flagler Mosquito Control District Board meets without Jules Kwiatkowski, The Flagler County Commission meets, how the Trump administration is deploying a Sedition Act against visitors to the United States.

West Bank Violence Soars as Institutions Capitulate to Colonists’ Terror

December 14, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

Eighteen-year-old Palestinian Owais Hammam recovers in a hospital after an alleged kidnap and assault by Israeli settlers

The post-Oct. 7, 2023, environment has seen an escalation in settler violence, which has gone from primarily involving vandalism and property destruction to now being marked by kidnapping, prolonged abuse and apparent military complicity. In the two years to October 2025, more than 3,200 Palestinians were “forcibly displaced by settler violence and movement restrictions,” according to United Nations figures.

State Agency Sinks 227-Foot Ship to Build Marine Habitat Off St. Lucie Inlet

December 14, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

The Borocho bids its final lits. (FWC)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission successfully sank the Borocho, a 227-foot derelict freight vessel, on Nov. 18 to create a new artificial reef. The ship now rests nearly 200 feet below the surface, in Martin County nine miles offshore of the St. Lucie Inlet. The sinking was accomplished through FWC’s Derelict Vessel program, in partnership with Martin County Environmental Resources.

Flagler Cares Executive, Middle School Student and Rise Up Program Honored as ‘Prevention Champions’ at State Summit

December 14, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

summit

A Flagler County middle schooler, a team of school district administrators, and a top executive at Flagler Cares were singled out for their work in substance abuse prevention at a major statewide gathering in Ocala on Dec. 8. The awards were presented during the annual “Power of Prevention” summit, an event organized by the Community Coalition Alliance (CCA) in partnership with the Drug Free America Foundation. The gathering draws coalitions and advocates from across Florida to coordinate strategies on curbing substance misuse and bolstering community health.

He Called Us ‘Garbage.’ Here is the Somali Community I Know.

December 14, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 54 Comments

Imam Yusef Abdulle leads the afternoon prayer as dozens of demonstrators gather outside of Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport to protest deportation flights that regularly fly out of MSP Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

President Donald Trump called me and my 221,000 fellow Somali Americans “garbage.” The secretary of defense, who is Minnesota born, eagerly and immediately endorsed the “garbage” remark and Trump’s conclusion that we are unwanted in this country and should be sent away. The secretary of state, the vice president and the rest of the cabinet cheered and banged on the table and applauded this hateful and profoundly ignorant assault on my community.

The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, December 14, 2025

December 14, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

Marco Rubio Changes Fonts by Bob Englehart, PoliticalCartoons.com

Marco Rubio’s fount of distractions, Palm Coast Farmers’ Market at European Village, ‘Greetings,’ A Christmas Comedy, Daytona Playhouse, Phillis Wheatley and the risks of presentism.

Trump v. AI Regulation

December 13, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

President Donald Trump displays his executive order countering state laws regulating AI.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Dec. 11, 2025, that aims to supersede state-level artificial intelligence laws that the administration views as a hindrance to innovation in AI. State laws regulating AI are increasing in number, particularly in response to the rise of generative AI systems such as ChatGPT that produce text and images. Thirty-eight states enacted laws in 2025 regulating AI in one way or another. They range from prohibiting stalking via AI-powered robots to barring AI systems that can manipulate people’s behavior.

Sheriff’s Office Lands $175,000 Grant to Equip Deputies with Drug-Identifying Devices

December 13, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

TruNarc Handheld Narcotics Analyzer (Photo via Thermo Fisher Scientific website)

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a $175,000 grant from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to provide patrol deputies with narcotics-identifying devices.

We Are Paying the Price for Data Centers. It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way.

December 13, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

data centers cost water electricity

The data centers proliferating across the country drive up energy costs by powering energy-ravenous generative AI, cloud storage, digital networks, and other energy intensive programs — much of it fueled by coal and natural gas that exacerbate climate change. In some cases, data centers consume enough electricity to power the equivalent of a small city. The wholesale price of electricity in areas housing data centers is up a whopping 267 percent from five years ago — and everyday customers are eating those costs.

The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, December 13, 2025

December 13, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 18 Comments

Rise in premiums for Obamacare by Michael de Adder, CagleCartoons.com

Santa in Bunnell, Second Saturday Plant Sale at Washington Oaks Gardens, Peps Art Walk in Flagler Beach, American Association of University Women meeting, ‘Annie,’ at Limelight Theatre, Gamble Jam, the Scissors Silhouette.

Teaching Children to Read at Their level Isn’t Good Enough

December 12, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

Children and an adult read books at the Altadena Main Library in Altadena, Calif., in March 2025.

The average reading scores of 12th graders in 2024 were 3 points lower than they were in 2019. More kids are failing to even reach basic levels of reading that would allow them to successfully do their schoolwork. The method used today, that kids should be taught to read with books that were just the right fit for them, isn’t doing the job.

Doctors Clash with Florida Officials Over Plan to Repeal Meningitis and Chickenpox Vaccine Mandates for Schools

December 12, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

ladapo and desantis

Florida health officials are advancing a proposal to eliminate school entry requirements for vaccines protecting against hepatitis B, chickenpox, and meningitis. While mandates for polio and MMR vaccines remain, officials signaled intent to eventually repeal those laws as well. At a contentious workshop, pediatricians warned the move invites fatal outbreaks and endangers herd immunity, while state officials and supporters defended the rollback as a victory for parental rights and informed consent.

Deputies Seize ‘Lipstick Knife’ and 29 THC Vapes in 3 Student Arrests at Flagler Palm Coast High School

December 12, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

Deputies were busy at FPC today. (© FlaglerLive)

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested three Flagler Palm Coast High School students this week following separate investigations, two for drug-related charges and a third for threatening another student with a knife.

Funky Pelican and Flagler Beach Renew Vows: Lease Extended 32 Years Amid Gushing Praise and Makeover Plans

December 12, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

Philippe Waked of San Antonio, Texas, with his sister Danielle, of Montreal, behind him, outside the Funky Pelican some years ago. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler Beach City Commissioners approved a lease extension for the Funky Pelican restaurant, securing the partnership through 2057. The deal, a lovefest in contrast to 2011’s contentious negotiations on the original lease, requires the restaurant to complete exterior renovations within a year. While base rent remains unchanged, the city retains its lucrative 3 percent cut of gross revenues over $1 million. The business had revenue of $4.7 million in 2024. It’s been a bit slower this year. The vote was 4-0.

With Felony Charge Dropped and IA Closed, Flagler Sheriff’s Detective Coma Accepts Discipline for Speeding

December 12, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 13 Comments

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office was briefly under a shadow after the equally brief arrest of Detective Ardit Coma last week. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County Sheriff’s Detective Ardit Coma has been reinstated following the swift dismissal of a fleeing and eluding charge by the State Attorney’s Office. An expedited internal investigation concluded Coma violated agency policies by speeding 88 mph in a 55 mph zone while commuting. His penalty includes a 90-day loss of his take-home vehicle privilege and a two-day unpaid suspension, which is considered satisfied by the time he served immediately following his arrest.

Facing Capital Charges for Raping Stepchild, Henriqson Wants ‘Intact Hymen’ Defense and Secret Recording Admitted

December 12, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

Kristopher Henriqson arriving in court last week. Assistant Public Defender Spencer O'Neal is in the foreground. (© FlaglerLive)

Kristopher Henriqson, representing himself against capital child rape charges, has filed motions requesting a gynecological exam of the victim and a change of venue. Henriqson claims the victim bears no physical signs of assaults and seeks to introduce a secret recording of the girl discussing lying—evidence the state argues is inadmissible wiretapping. Prosecutors also cite privacy laws against the medical exam. A hearing is set for Monday before Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols.

The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, December 12, 2025

December 12, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 11 Comments

Last minute gift idea for Trump by Michael de Adder, CagleCartoons.com

The Bronx Wanderers at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, Paul Renner on Free for All Fridays, the imagined Byzantine genesis of Alexander Calder’s sculptures.

Bunnell Approves 1,259-Acre Industrial Rezoning 3-2, Brushing Aside Commissioner’s Warning of ‘Blank Check’

December 11, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 12 Comments

A prayerful Bunnell City Commission on Monday before spending most of a nearly three-hour meeting on an industrial rezoning of historic proportion. (© FlaglerLive)

A split Bunnell City Commission voted 3-2 to rezone 1,259 acres for industrial use, overriding sharp public opposition. Dissenters warned the approval is a “blank check” that explicitly permits a garbage transfer station. While proponents promised millions in future tax revenue, the figures appear off the mark compared to the city’s actual budget and comparatively bullish projections for Palm Coast’s Town Center 20 years ago. Critics blasted the lack of specific plans or identified businesses for the vast tract west of U.S. 1.

No, Anti-Zionism and Anti-Semitism Are Not the Same

December 11, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 15 Comments

Opposing American imperialism and bigoted nationalism is not anti-American. Opposing Israeli apartheid, occupation of Palestine and genocide is not anti-Semitic. (© FlaglerLive)

Anti-Zionism and antisemitism should be considered distinct concepts. Zionism is a political ideology. A cornerstone of liberal society is political debate, including subjecting ideologies to the stress test of critique. These ideologies include capitalism, socialism, social democracy, communism, ethno-nationalism, settler colonialism, theocracy, Islamism, Hindu nationalism and so on. In the right of others to support, oppose, analyze or criticize it, Zionism is — or at least should be — be no different.

Sheriff’s Employees and Residents Donate over $40,000 to Support 2025 Shop with a Cop

December 11, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office employees donated $26,020 to the Flagler Sheriff’s Childrens Charities in 2025.

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office employees, community organizations, businesses, and individuals have combined to generously donate over $40,000 to the Flagler Sheriff’s Childrens Charities to support the agency’s annual Shop with a Cop event.

DeSantis Unveils Final $117.4 Billion Budget: Raises for Police and Teachers, New College Takeover of USF-Sarasota

December 11, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

The governor's cameo in Tallahassee Tuesday. (DeSantis Facebook)

Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a final $117.36 billion “Floridians First” budget for 2026-2027, proposing raises for teachers and law enforcement, plus $278 million for cancer research. The plan includes a controversial directive for New College to absorb USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus. While touting record education investments, the proposal drew criticism from the teachers’ union. It also funds conservation, maintains tourism marketing, and supports a future property-tax slash amendment.

Ormond Beach Police Chief Defends Arrest of Flagler Sheriff’s Detective After Charge Was Quickly Dropped

December 11, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 17 Comments

Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey (Facebook)

Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey defended his officer’s arrest of Flagler Sheriff’s Detective Ardit Coma for fleeing and eluding, despite the State Attorney dropping the charge days later. Godfrey stated the dismissal reflects prosecutorial discretion, not officer error, and insisted Sgt. Caleb Braun acted properly based on probable cause. Coma, who was speeding to work, claimed he thought he was assisting a pursuit. He still faces a speeding ticket and internal investigation.

‘A Miracle We Got the Place’: Marineland Sale Closes for $7.135 Million, Securing Future of 87-Year-Old Oceanarium

December 11, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

A detail from the iconic Marineland Dolphin Adventure arch. (© FlaglerLive)

The $7.135 million sale of Marineland Dolphin Adventure to Apex Associates closed Friday, saving the historic facility from bankruptcy. Now operating as a nonprofit under returning General Manager Felicia Cook, the move removes the property from tax rolls but prevents residential development. While three dolphins were relocated, the remaining animals are healthy, and new management plans to focus on research, programming, and facility improvements.

The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, December 11, 2025

December 11, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 13 Comments

FIFA Peace Prize by Dave Whamond, Canada, PoliticalCartoons.com

The Flagler Beach City Commission meets, Evenings at Whitney Lecture Series, ‘Greetings,’ A Christmas Comedy at Daytona Playhouse, chorales and Van Loon on the human voice.

Active Clubs Are White Supremacy’s New, Dangerous Frontier

December 10, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

What looks like a fitness group could actually be a white supremacist training cell.

Small local organizations called Active Clubs have spread widely across the U.S. and internationally, using fitness as a cover for a much more alarming mission. These groups are a new and harder-to-detect form of white supremacist organizing that merges extremist ideology with fitness and combat sports culture. Active Clubs frame themselves as innocuous workout groups on digital platforms and decentralized networks to recruit, radicalize and prepare members for racist violence. The clubs commonly use encrypted messaging apps such as Telegram, Wire and Matrix to coordinate internally.

Analysis: In Melady Trial, an Evidence-Defying Verdict That Ignored Overwhelming Proof of Victim’s Incapacity

December 10, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols going over the inexplicable verdict form this afternoon. (© FlaglerLive)

The jury found Melady, the former Flagler County Fire Rescue paramedic, guilty of sexual battery, or rape, a lesser charge than the one he faced, rape of an incapacitated person. To reach that conclusion, the jury had to conclude that the victim was not incapacitated, even though that was the one fact the defense, the prosecution and Melady himself agreed on, and that the defense relied on to argue that Melady had to invasively conduct a pelvic exam to figure out why she was incapacitated. The jury’s conclusion was demonstrably false.

Jury Finds Ex-Flagler Paramedic Melady Guilty of Rape of Unconscious Woman in Ambulance

December 10, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

James Melady eying the jury as it was walking in yesterday, just before his testimony in his defense. (© FlaglerLive)

A jury of four women and two men today found Melady, a paramedic with Flagler County Fire Rescue from 2018 to 2024, guilty of rape of an unconscious woman he was responsible for in the back of an ambulance three years ago. The jury acquitted Melady of video voyeurism. He had recorded the incident, moving the camera a few times for better views of the woman’s privates, and preserved the video on his laptop. He faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced early next year.

Florida Senate Panel Approves Annual ‘Charlie Kirk Day’

December 10, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 12 Comments

Controversialist Charlie Kirk at an event in April 2024. (Wikimedia Commons)

Against Democrats’ objections that Charlie Kirk’s often bigoted views do not reflect Florida’s, a Senate committee Tuesday approved creating an annual “day of remembrance” in Florida for slain conservative activist and controversialist Charlie Kirk.

Florida Lawmakers Belatedly Begin to Grapple with Data Centers’ Burdens on Power and Water

December 10, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 13 Comments

The acreage in Palm Coast's Town Center that will be transformed into a data center. (© FlaglerLive)

Adding data centers is one of the biggest issues in the electric industry, with utilities taking steps that include restarting nuclear power plants to try to meet demands. Florida has not seen the type of data-center development that has happened in states such as Virginia. But in recent months, proposals have emerged for data-center projects in areas such as Palm Coast, Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Polk counties and have sparked controversy. Palm Coast is permitting a data center in Town Center, but the city continues to refuse to disclose any regulatory information about it.

The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, December 10, 2025

December 10, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 15 Comments

From Clay Jones.

Clay Jones on the latest Kennedy Center medal recipients, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, at Athens Theatre, Tig Notaro, a pair of opera glasses tumble, journalists’ arrogance.

AdventHealth Stocks Every Flagler School with ‘Fuel Fridges’ for Student Athletes

December 9, 2025 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

A fuel fridge. (AdventHealth)

Early practices, full class schedules, and evening games can push student athletes to their limits, and proper nutrition is essential to keeping them strong and focused. AdventHealth has introduced new Fuel Fridges across Flagler Schools, fully funded and stocked by the hospital as part of its ongoing commitment to student health.

Fasting Won’t Cleanse Your Body, Or Beat Cancer

December 9, 2025 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

fasting cancer

While fasting can influence metabolism, immunity and some aspects of cell growth, there is no credible evidence that prolonged water fasting can treat or cure cancer. Cancer itself often leads to malnutrition, and fasting can accelerate wasting (cachexia), weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infection. Many cancer patients are undergoing chemotherapies that require adequate nutrition to maintain organ function and safely metabolise drugs.

Council on American-Islamic Relations Will Sue DeSantis Over ‘Defamatory’ Designation as ‘Terrorist’ Organization

December 9, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 23 Comments

A Council on American-Islamic Relations last October. (Facebook)

The Council on American-Islamic Relations said Tuesday it will go to court to challenge an executive order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis that designated the group as a “terrorist” organization.

Defending Pelvic Exam, Ex-Flagler Paramedic Melady Tells Jury What It Saw and Heard Isn’t What It Saw and Heard

December 9, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

James Melady on the stand, in his own defense, today. (© FlaglerLive)

Former paramedic James Melady testified that a video showing him performing a pelvic exam on an unconscious woman and smelling his fingers was misinterpreted by the prosecution. Melady claimed the exam was medically necessary—contradicting expert testimony—and that his prior police admissions were Ambien-induced hallucinations. With the defense arguing that the video is misleading, the jury must decide Wednesday if Melady’s account outweighs the visual evidence of sexual battery.

Flagler County Beats Grant Deadline to Buy Land Around Bulow Creek from Veranda Bay Developer

December 9, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

Bulow Creek in an image taken from Flagler County FireFlight, the emergency helicopter, by County Commissioner Andy Dance.

Flagler County met Monday’s deadline to file a Florida Forever grant application, seeking funds to buy 153 acres of floodplain land near the Bulow Creek headwaters and the Veranda Bay/Summertown development along John Anderson Highway. The application follows recent negotiations between the developer and county officials to prevent imminent development.

Flagler Detective Coma Rapidly Cleared of Fleeing Charge After Speeding Incident; Still Faces Ticket and Internal Investigation

December 9, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 25 Comments

The Flagler County Sheriff's Ardit Coma when he received a Life Saving Award in 2024. (FCSO)

The State Attorney’s Office has dropped the felony fleeing and eluding charge against Flagler County Sheriff’s Detective Ardit Coma. Arrested for speeding 88 mph in a 55 zone, Coma claimed he didn’t see police lights due to loud music and sun glare, believing he was stopping to assist officers deploying stop sticks. Reinstatement is underway, but Coma still faces a speeding citation and an internal affairs investigation regarding departmental policy violations.

The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

December 9, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 23 Comments

Hegseth Second Strike by Adam Zyglis, The Buffalo News

The Flagler County School Board, with newly selected Chair Christy Chong and Supreme Vice Chair Will Furry, meets, the Flagler County Planning Board meets, Ex-Firefighter James Melady in the second day of trial, David Rousset.

Florida’s New Reporting System Is Shining a Light on Human Trafficking

December 8, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

Human trafficking can be hard to track because it is a crime that hides in plain sight.

The criminologists who research human trafficking and founded the University of South Florida’s Trafficking in Persons Risk to Resilience Lab, known as the TIP lab, study human trafficking in Florida. Labor and sex trafficking hide in plain sight, embedded in ordinary settings such as hotels, restaurants, farms, massage businesses and private homes. Most victims are trafficked by someone they know or trust – a family member, intimate partner or employer. Many continue to go to school or work while being exploited.

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