The 209-page draft from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers ways to keep the state’s bear population of about 4,000 above the 3,000 mark.
Talk of Reparations for Slavery and Jim Crow Moves to State Capitols, Including Florida
Four centuries after the first African slaves landed on Virginia shores, state lawmakers across the country are taking up the debate over how to atone for what’s been called “America’s Original Sin.”
Flagler Jail Joins Growing List of Counties Adding Full-Body Scanning of Inmates
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office installed a $149,000 full-body scanner at the jail (the cost includes training) to better control contraband and improve inmate and deputy safety, joining a growing list of counties in the state and the country doing likewise.
13 Palm Coast Organizations Split $30,000 in Cultural Arts Grants from City Government
The amount is $4,000 less than last year, but remains around the same total amount the city has handed out annually since 2013, when it increased the sum from $20,000.
Firehouse Subs Donating 16 Defibrillators to Flagler Sheriff’s Deputies
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will celebrate $20,153 worth of lifesaving equipment awarded, thanks to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, during a dedication event on Wednesday (Oct. 9) at 3:00 p.m. at Firehouse Subs, at 1475 Palm Coast Parkway.
Tuesday Briefing: Delgado on medical Marijuana and the Law, Suicide Loss, Financial Aid Night, Physics
The school districts hosts a Community Resource Showcase and Financial Aid Night at the Wadsworth/Buddy Taylor cafeteria, attorney Aaron Delgado talks medical marijuana and the law, a suicide loss group meets.
Bernie’s Heart. And Ours.
Bernie has a huge and eternally healthy heart, filled with the lifeblood of empathy and dedication. In essence, that’s what the 2020 Sanders campaign is all about. Not him. Us.
62 More Hepatatis A Cases in Florida, for Total of 2,738
Florida had 62 newly reported cases of hepatitis A last week, bringing the total number of cases for the year to 2,738 as of Saturday, a state Department of Health report shows. Pasco, Pinellas and Volusia counties continued to lead the state with 397, 369 and 244 cases, respectively.
DeSantis Seeks to Raise Minimum Salary for Florida Teachers to $47,500, or $7,000 Higher Than in Flagler
The Florida Education Association statewide teachers union issued a news release saying it was “encouraged to hear Gov. Ron DeSantis make clear that teacher pay matters to his administration.” But it also raised questions about how the plan would be funded and what it would do to help retain longstanding teachers.
After 8-Year Moratorium, Flagler County Will Get Back To Taxing Development for Roads and Possibly More
Flagler County government today hired a firm to study impact fees, or one-time levies on new development, to pay for roads, parks, libraries, fire rescue and public buildings in what could be a significant addition to county revenue by 2020.
2 Suspects Fleeing Clay, Duval and St. Johns Are Arrested in Flagler, a Third Vanishes
Antrell Bryant, 27, and Michael Ellis, 35, both of Orlando, were wanted for alleged thefts at Walmart stores in Clay and Duval and had been chased through Clay and St. Johns before their arrest in Palm Coast.
On and Off Death Row for 17 Years, Palm Coast Double-Murderer David Snelgrove Loses One More Motion
David Snelgrove, who murdered two elderly people who’d cared for him in Palm Coast in 2000, argued through his lawyers that he was mentally disabled and so not eligible for the death penalty. A judge disagreed.
Monday Briefing: Snelgrove in Court, AdventHealth Adding 7th Operating Room, Dunes Rebuilding
The Flagler County Commission approves a formal agreement with Flagler Beach on dunes reconstruction, double-murderer David Snelgrove is in court for a status hearing, Advent Health adds an operation room.
PCAF’s “Quilty,” Turtle #6 Unveiling Thursday at Waterfront Park
The Palm Coast Arts Foundation invites the public to the unveiling of Turtle #6 on their public sculpture Turtle Trail project Thursday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. at Waterfront Park, 150 Waterfront Park Rd, Palm Coast, off Colbert Lane.
Daytona State College Awarded Scholarship Grant for Military Veterans
Daytona State College has received a grant from the Margaret McCartney & R. Parks Williams Foundation to benefit military veterans and their families.
U.S. House Approves Bill Allowing Banks to Help Marijuana Businesses, But Senate Uncertain
The bill would prevent marijuana businesses from operating on a cash basis. Cash-only businesses can attract thieves and make it harder for law enforcement to monitor financial transactions.
The County Issued a Press Release About a Donation By Commissioner Joe Mullins. Then All Hell Broke Loose.
County Commissioner Joe Mullins had County PIO Julie Murphy write a press release about a donation he made to an addiction-recovery program in Bunnell. What followed exposes a series of serious issues between commissioners and within county government.
Rabbi Shapiro Makes Legal Case Against Flagler School Board Reviving Invocations at Meetings
Palm Coast’s Merrill Shapiro, a member of the national board of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, presented legal arguments at a talk Thursday against the Flagler County School Board’s potential return to starting meetings with invocations.
Economy Adds 136,000 Jobs, Streak at 108 Months of Growth, Unemployment Down to 3.5%
The national economy added 136,000 jobs in September, and figures for July and August were revised upward by 45,000 jobs, sending the unemployment rate to 3.5 percent, matching a level last seen in December 1969.
Weekend Briefing: First Friday in Flagler Beach, Cycling for Health, Country Fest, Inside CRT Studio
The annual Country Fest at the county fairgrounds, a Cycling for Health fund-raiser for the Flagler County Free Clinic, the “Nearly New” Thrift Store at Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church, First Friday in Flagler Beach and more.
Wall Street Is Killing Newspapers
This is a crisis. This country lost more than a fifth of its local newspapers between 2004 and 2018, while newspapers lost almost half of their newsroom employees between 2008 and 2018.
Underground Power Lines Plan Moves Forward, But Residents and Businesses Will Pay More
The Florida Public Service Commission approved proposed rules to carry out the law, which is expected to lead to residents and businesses paying more in their electric bills for storm-protection projects.
Rick Staly, Unusually Popular for a Flagler Sheriff, Announces Re-Election Run as Challengers Have Yet To Appear
Sheriff Rick Staly, riding continued popularity, announced his run for a second term by pointing to more work and new initiatives ahead. In 2016 he broke campaign finance records. He says he’s ready to do what’s necessary to win, but it is unlikely that he will face the challengers he did in 2016, when nine candidates ran.
16-Year-Old Boy Arrested For String of Car Burglaries in Palm Coast’s P Section
A 16-year-old resident of Palm Coast’s Plateau Lane who’d had run-ins with law enforcement before was arrested on Saturday and charged with six counts of felony burglaries or attempted burglaries after P-Section residents reported break-ins on Plumtree Place.
Flagler Beach’s US Army Corps Dune Restoration Project: Public Workshop and Hearing on October 22
Flagler County in coordination with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on October 22 will host a workshop followed by a public hearing to address the creation of an Erosion Control Line along the upcoming 2.8 mile Army Corps of Engineers project within the city limits of Flagler Beach.
UNF’s Palm Coast Medical Hub Clears 1st Hurdle With Board of Governors Committee Approval
UNF’s Palm Coast medical hub was unanimously recommended to the full Board of Governors in a committee meeting Thursday morning, winning plaudits for UNF president David Szymanski overt enthusiasm.
Thursday Briefing: Shapiro on Church-State Separation, UNF in Palm Coast, Diabetes Management, Elias Canetti
Rabbi Merrill Shapiro discusses the Flagler school board’s consideration of starting its meetings with prayers, committees of the university system’s board of governors meet to discuss, among other things, UNF’s proposed plans for Palm Coast.
Zero Tolerance For Threatening Students? Not Exactly: Flagler District Enacts More Reasoned Approach
Even though one law calls for zero tolerance regarding threats on campus, another requires local districts to use a “threat assessment tool” that opposes zero tolerance and applies more careful, less drastic responses to students or anyone making threats.
Flagler School Board Attempts Weird Science of Conjuring Its Perfect Next Superintendent
The Flagler County School Board moved up the date of its nomination of the next superintendent to March 10, and drew up a blueprint for the sort of leader it seeks to replace the retiring Jim Tager.
New Round of Medicare Penalties Hits 2,583 Hospitals, Including All Local Hospitals in 3 Counties
Although Medicare began applying the penalties in 2012, disagreements continue about whether they have improved patient safety. On the positive side, they have encouraged hospitals to focus on how their patients recuperate, and some now assist them in procuring medications and follow-up appointments.
Wednesday Briefing: Coffee With a Cop Day, Flagler Democrats and Republicans Rally, Free Family Law Legal Clinic
Attorney Marc Dwyer presents a free family law legal clinic, it’s Coffee With a Cop at the Palm Coast Community Center, Flagler’s Democrats and Republicans get hot and bothered, separately.
Palm Coast Sewer Line Through Hammock Would Reduce Reliance on Septic, But Raises Development Fears
A Palm Coast sewer line up the spine of the barrier island would help stop a reliance on septic tanks and has been a priority for local governments, but Hammock residents are concerned that it would also spur more intensive development.
Flagler County Rainfall and Climate Report for September 2019
September 2019 rainfall figures were close to or a little above normal for September. However year to date numbers remain close to average with some locations higher or normal.
Pink Army Month Proclamation and Raising of Flag at Flagler Beach First Friday Oct. 4
In anticipation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and their Pink Army 5K and 1 Mile Pet Friendly Fun Walk, the Pink Army 5K committee, will raise the Pink Army 5K flag at Flagler Beach First Friday on Oct. 4th at 6:00 p.m. located at Veterans Park.
“Misunderstanding” Causes Suicide Prevention Signs to Disappear From Some Fire Stations, But Campaign Continues
The new Palm Coast non-profit called Find Your Peace By Pieces launched a suicide prevention and awareness campaign with yard signs for homes, businesses and fire stations. There was sudden concern when some signs appeared to have been taken down.
Federal Lawsuit Challenging Florida’s Felon-Voting Rules Appears Moot as Amendment 4 Battle Continues
Legal battles are intensifying over a state law carrying out a constitutional amendment that restored felons’ voting rights, but the new process appears to be ending an older lawsuit that challenged what one federal judge branded Florida’s “fatally flawed” clemency system.
Bill Would Prohibit Dogs in Restaurants, But Not Preempt Local Ordinances Like Flagler Beach’s
Most four-legged patrons of pet-friendly restaurants would have to remain outside, under a bill proposed this week by state Rep. Bruce Antone, D-Orlando.
Tuesday Briefing: Merit Scholars, Superintendent Search, Hammock Development, Homeless Task Force
The school board holds its monthly superintendent search meeting, The Flagler County Homeless & Housing Taskforce meets, Chess on the Porch at the humidor, Maya Angelou on ethics.
Matanzas High School Student, 15, Arrested For Making Threats With Prop Gun in SnapChat Video
The 15-year-old Matanzas High School student made threats and send the video to several students he said he’d fight after school, after they came close to jumping him while he was in a school bathroom Monday, though no fight broke out.
Pair of Flagler Palm Coast High School Students Semifinalists for National Merit Scholarships
Flagler Palm Coast High School’s Elizabeth Wolcott and Liying Wu now compete for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered next spring.
Daughter Gives Her Murdered Mother A Voice Moments Before Killer Is Sentenced To Life in Prison
Teisha Silva Rosado, eldest daughter of Zuheily Rosado, who was murdered six and a half years ago, took the stand just before the sentencing of Joseph Bova today, describing her mother to a courtroom that until then had only known Rosado as a name.
In 39 Minutes, Jury Rejects Insanity, Finding Bova Guilty of Murdering Zuheily Rosado; He Faces Life in Prison
A jury of six women and six men found Joseph Bova II, 31, guilty of murdering Zuheily Roman Rosado at a Palm Coast convenience store in 2013. Bova’s insanity defense proved unconvincing.
Cities and Counties Step In With Vaping Bans, Where the State Doesn’t
In the absence of a statewide ban — and as the number of people getting sick or dying from vaping mounts — California cities and counties are stepping in, including major population centers such as San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Monday Briefing: Bova Trial’s Final Day, Rosh Hashanah, Cleaning Up the Beach, Moderation to the Winds
Three dozen AdventHealth volunteers clean up the beach, Joseph Bova’s trial is expected to conclude with a verdict, Rosh Hashanah closures here and there, Julliard students do Couperin.
New Laws Take Effect Tuesday Targeting Texting While Driving, Hazing, Sex Dolls and Vet Courts
The state’s ban on texting while driving will expand to prohibit motorists from using handheld wireless devices while driving in designated school crossings, school zones and work zones.
Daytona State College Ranked Number One in the Nation for Most Affordable Online Engineering Degrees
For the second time in as many weeks, Daytona State College has earned a No. 1 ranking for affordability in online education. This time that honor goes to the college’s online Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program.
Women United Flagler Calling all “Chicks”
The Women United Flagler is seeking volunteers for the group’s Chicks with Cans Food Drive on October 4 and 5 and October 18 and 19. Volunteers will stand at one of four Public locations in Flagler County and collect food and monetary donations. All food and money collected will be donated to Feed Flagler, providing Thanksgiving meals to families in need this holiday season.
Commissioner Joe Mullins Donates $700 to help Women in Recovery
Women Assisting Recovering Mothers is a long-term program for single women and mothers with children under the age of six for 90-days to a year.
Stetson University Launches Branch of AAUW
he American Association of University Women (AAUW) opens doors for women and girls, influences public debate on critical social issues, sponsors community programs, publishes groundbreaking research on women and girls, and is one of the world’s largest sources of funding exclusively for graduate women.
Joseph Bova’s Insanity Defense Unravels: ‘I Had To Kill Her To Save All the People of Flagler County’
In testimony today, Joseph Bova explained how voices told him to kill Zuheily Rosado, 32, at a Mobil convenience store in 2013, but he also conceded that he’d fought the voices for months, casting doubt about his claim that he was insane at the time.