A temporary fence has reduced Palm Coast’s dog park at Holland Park to a quarter its size as city officials test a retention pond for dangerous blue-green algae that could be toxic to dogs, though no such cases have been reported locally.
Palm Coast Makes Candidates’ Campaign Finance Reports Accessible Electronically
Palm Coast candidates for office’s campaign finance reports will finally be accessible to the public through the web, free of charge, through the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections’ website.
Tuesday Briefing: Building in Palm Coast, School Vaccination Protocols, Stormwater, Food Truck Tuesday
Palm Coast government hosts a forum on its building department, the school board talks vaccination, Food Truck Tuesday in Central Park, the Flagler Youth Orchestra recruits.
5 Ways The Economy Is Stacked Against Young People
Stagnant wages, out of control student debt, rising costs of necessities, unaffordable housing: they’re all among the reasons why the rules are rigged against young people trying to make it on their own.
Flagler Unemployment at 4% as Labor Force Continues Steady Growth
The Flagler-Palm Coast labor force grew by more than 200 people in July, to 48,631, while the number of people with jobs grew by about 250, to 46,701, a growth of more than 2,000 jobs compared to a year ago.
State Economists Warn of Slowing Economy, as DeSantis Says State Is Prepared for Recession
DeSantis’ outlook was more restrained than that of White House officials, when they were asked about the national economy while making the rounds on Sunday morning news programs.
Last Month He Was Throwing Rocks at Cars. Now He’s Accused of Threatening a Woman With an Ax.
Richard Russell, a resident of Pershing lane in palm Coast, was arrested for the second time in a month and the fifth time since 2003 on weapons-related offenses, this time involving his neighbor.
Disciplined Twice, Sued For Defamation, Trespassed, Arrested 5 Times, Builder Now Wants to Be on Contractor Review Board
Dan Priotti, a general contractor in Palm Coast, is seeking an appointment to the Contractor Review Board months after his licenses were suspended (and stayed) and he was fined $10,000 for violating contracting laws.
Among Hurdles For Those With Opioid Addictions: Getting The Drug To Treat It
Among the barriers to buprenorphine access: too few medical providers are certified to write the prescriptions. But pharmacists are also a part of the problem. Because they fill the prescriptions, pharmacists are the gatekeepers for the drug, and not all of them are willing to take on that role.
Monday Briefing: Contractor Review Board Appointments, More Money for Fireworks, Employees of the Quarter
The County Commission makes appointments to the Contractor Review Board, with a controversial applicant in the mix, the cost of July 4 fireworks is going up to $25,000, the sheriff names winners of quarterly awards.
Where Doctors Can Recommend Marijuana to Replace Opioids
Four states, not including Florida, allow people with an opioid addiction to qualify for a medical marijuana card. Many physicians say it’s a bad idea, with marijuana unproven either to manage pain or kick an opioid addiction.
Lead in Water at ‘Maybe Double’ Allowable Rate Detected at Wadsworth and Bunnell Elementaries
Lead levels at twice the allowable rate were detected in two water fountains tested earlier this month and again at the beginning of the week at Wadsworth Elementary and Bunnell Elementary.
Failing to Kill Himself in Attempted Double-Suicide, He Is Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison For Death of Girlfriend
Bruce Haughton, the 54-year-old former R-Section resident who attempted to die in a double-suicide with his girlfriend, Katherine Goddard, two years ago, failed his part of the arrangement. Goddard died in what a judge described as a “gas chamber” she and Haughton created together.
Fruehan Pleads to a Felony and is Sentenced to 24 Months of Probation, With Mandatory Mental Health Evaluation
Former Palm Coast physician Florence Fruehan pleaded to a felony battery count admitting guilt in groping a female patient, the culmination of a case that resulted in several women making similar accusations.
Federal Judge Raises Question on Felon Rights’ Amendment: What If It’s Unconstitutional?
Federal Judge Robert Hinkle is raising a question of constitutionality that goes to the heart of Amendment 4 and may invalidate the entire amendment, not just its provision on financial obligations.
Wife, Cameras Copter and License Plate Readers Lead to Arrests of Two Accused Serial Burglars
Justin Wilson and Justin Aldrich face accusations of a series of burglaries and were apprehended through a variety of policing techniques old and new over a 24-hour period.
Palm Coast Assistant Manager Beau Falgout and Flagler Ex-Administrator Coffey Vying for Gainesville Job
Beau Falgout and Craig Coffey are among 55 applicants for the Gainesville city manager job in a municipal government that’s been in turmoil for much of the past year, with numerous resignations and firings.
Weekend Briefing: Fruehan and Haughton in Court, Improv at the Playhouse, GTM’s 20th, Belle Terre Clean-Up
Judge Perkins hears ex-physician Fruehan’s plea and sentences Bruce Haughton on an assisted suicide conviction in separate cases, the GTM reserve celebrates, a night of improv at the Flagler Playhouse, a fishing tournament on the pier.
‘Hammock Harbor’ Redevelopment Proposing Shops and Boat Storage off A1A Riles New Opposition
A proposed redevelopment of the old Newcastle Marine boat manufacturing site in the Hammock, with a boat-storage facility for 240 boats and a half dozen businesses, is turning into that region’s latest battle between a developer and residents represented by the Hammock Community Association.
Ex-Dr. Fruehan Set to Plea to Felony Count in Patient-Groping Cases and Face 2 Years Probation
Florence Fruehan, the former Palm Coast physician, is set to plea to a felony count of battery on a woman 65 or older at a court hearing Friday, the result of allegations that he sexually groped patients in his office.
Facing Up to 50 Years in Prison for Raping Autistic Girl, Sex Offender Gets Probation. Court Delays Release: He Has No Place To Live.
Sam Christopher Andolina, 39, was charged with raping and molesting a 13-year-old autistic girl in Palm Coast. He is to be sentenced to 10 years’ probation, but his sentence is being delayed for having no place to live locally.
State Safety Panel Berates “Non-Compliance” With Armed Presence in Some Schools
A state school-safety commission meeting got heated Wednesday as members tackled a range of issues stemming from a controversial school “guardian” program, while one panelist recommended allowing Florida pre-schools to have armed security.
Palm Coast Fire Department Promotes and Hires 8, With Gary Potter Replacing Retired Valentik
The Palm Coast Fire Department on Wednesday promoted Capt. Gary Potter to battalion chief, succeeding Mark Valentik, who retired after 25 years of service, and Lt. James Neuenfeldt to captain, part of a series of promotions and new hires.
Thursday Briefing: Heat Index to 102, Palm Coast’s Sports Alliance Re-Launch, Inspired Mic, Primary Elections
Palm Coast re-launches its Sports Alliance, the school safety commission meets again, a proposal to open primary voting is discussed, the Inspired Mic at Hidden Treasures.
Flagler School District Gets 2 Subpoenas from Statewide Grand Jury, But Considers Itself
In Compliance With Safety Rules
The subpoenas focus on the district’s contract with the sheriff for school deputies, the charter school’s compliance with security requirements, and documents about security-measure financing.
Joe Mullins Steps Back From Harsher Homeless and Panhandling Rules After Hearing St. Augustine’s Rigid Approach
Flagler’s Public Safety Council heard how the homeless and panhandlers have been largely (but not completely) criminalized in St. Augustine, but were not eager to replicate the approach in Flagler.
In Defeat for Home Rule, Appeals Court Rejects Florida City’s Ban on Styrofoam Containers
Siding with the Florida Retail Federation and upholding the constitutionality of state laws, an appeals court Wednesday rejected a 2016 move by the city of Coral Gables to ban the use of Styrofoam food containers.
Heat Index of Up to 110 Prompts Advisories–and AC Policy Change on Flagler School Buses
With heat indexes routinely reaching past 100 and reaching 110 on occasion, emergency management is cautioning against heat exhaustion and the Flagler school district is relaxing AC and water rules on school buses.
Wednesday Briefing: Heat Index to 110, Safety Commission, “Public Feeding,” $16,263 to Youth Ranches
Flagler’s Public Safety Coordinating Council talks homelessness and suicide prevention, another dangerously hot day, the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas safety commission meets.
Mother of Inmate Who Died After Illness at Flagler Jail Says Autopsy Vindicates Her Claims He Was Neglected
Anthony Fennick died of a stroke in February after being hospitalized from the Flagler jail, an autopsy report shows, with an allergic reaction to a medicine possibly playing a role his mother says points to neglect from the jail’s health providers.
Complaints of Poor Cell Reception in Palm Coast Shift to Complaints About New Towers’ Health Risks, But on Slim Evidence
Palm Coast residents addressed the city council today regarding the new cell towers going up in the city, claiming they pose a cancer risk. But evidence that they do, while not zero, is scant.
Two Late Candidates Increase Pool to 24 for Flagler’s County Judge Seat as Speed-Dating Interviews Are Scheduled
Palm Coast’s Lynette Callender and Jacksonville’s Monique Hawkins are late entrants in what will be speed-dating-like interviews for Flagler County judge on Aug. 24 at the Flagler County courthouse.
Tuesday Briefing: Heat Index to 106, Litter Gitter’s River Cleanup, Hammock Harbor, Flagler Beach Budget
Matanzas Riverkeeper’s Litter Gitter II cleans up around Bing’s, the Flagler Beach City Commission figures out next year’s budget, the Flagler Planning Board takes on another big Hammock development.
Judge Rejects Teachers’ Claim That Education Law Violates Collective Bargaining Rights
Unions argued a 2018 requirement violated collective-bargaining rights and equal-protection rights as the requirements did not apply to other public-sector unions.
Sid Nowell, Pioneering Lawyer, Mediator and Past President of Flagler County Bar, Dies at 69
Sid Nowell (1950-2019) broke barriers for local black attorneys, served as a Bunnell city attorney for eight years, as the NAACP’s attorney and former Sheriff Manfre’s attorney, coaching, serving on boards and presiding over the Flagler County Bar Association along the way.
Days After a 2-Dog Rescue from a Blaze, Flagler Beach Firefighters Get Certified for Pet CPR
The Flagler Beach Fire Department’s personnel and some of its volunteers gathered at Flagler Animal Hospital for a tutorial with Dr. David Rosiek, who trained the firefighters on pet-CPR techniques.
Monday Briefing: Heat Index to 108, First Day Back for Students, Flagler Cares Coalition, Charter Review
Another potentially dangerously hot day for a first-day back for students, the Flagler Beach Charter Review Commission meets, the Flagler Sportfishing Club’s generosity, and Bunnell talks finances–without a finance director.
Fire Breaks Out on One Boat Then Spreads To Another at Marineland Marina
A fire broke out on a boat docked at the Marineland Marina late this afternoon, and soon spread to a second boat docked nearby, with firefighters battling to contain the blazes.
End-Running Federal Lawsuit, Gov. DeSantis Petitions Florida Supreme Court on Felon Voting Rights
A week after asking a federal judge to toss out a lawsuit on the issue, Gov. Ron DeSantis is seeking guidance from the Florida Supreme Court about a controversial state law requiring people convicted of felonies to repay financial obligations before they can regain the right to vote.
Florida Film Academy’s International Student Film Festival in St. Augustine Sept. 14-15
Florida Film Academy is hosting its inaugural International Student Film Festival on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15 at Corazon Cinema and Café in downtown St. Augustine with showings from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Candlelight Vigil at Flagler Beach’s Veterans Park on Aug. 31 to Mark Overdose Awareness Day
Open Door Recovery and Re-entry Ministries hosts a candlelight vigil in memory of victims of the opioid crisis on August 31 at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Flagler Beach, starting at 7 p.m.
Final Tally: Meet The 22 Lawyers Applying to Be Flagler’s Next Appointed County Judge
The 22 applicants are vying for the new Flagler County Court position just approved by the legislature. A commission will recommend a short list to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who will make the appointment later this year.
For 2nd Time in 10 Months a Construction Worker Is Electrocuted By Concrete Boom in Palm Coast
Israel Hernandez, 40, was electrocuted by a “falling electrical wire” at a construction site at 31 Richmond Drive in circumstances almost identical to an incident that killed two workers on Sebastian Court last October.
Palm Coast Approves Grand Landings’ Growth to 890 Homes and Possible Future Apartments
The 774-acre subdivision off Seminole Woods Boulevard will grow to 890 homes and include 26 acres of commercial space, some of it possibly used for condos or apartments in the distant future.
State Rules May Ease Path to Mental Health Counselors’ Qualifications and Toughen Charter School Security
With the start of a new school year just around the corner, Florida officials are eyeing policy changes that would expand the number of mental health professionals in schools and ensure that charter schools are meeting safety requirements.
Weekend Briefing: 4 Artists Talk, School Open Houses, Enrollment Day at DSC, Teens-In-Flight Fund-Raiser AdventHealth’s Kids
Teens-In-Flight Inc. hosts its second annual Hangar Party, a free one-day youth football safety clinic, time for students to lock in their fall schedule at Daytona State College, artists Peter Cerreta, J. J. Graham, Harry Messersmith, and John Sbordone at FCAL,
Signs of the Times: Flagler Sheriff’s New Recruits and School Deputies Train to Take Down Mass Shooter
Twenty-six Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies, including all of its school resource deputies, trained through a mass-shooter scenario Thursday afternoon at a Korona church, part of what’s now standard training at the agency.
Flagler County and Bunnell Governments Lose Their Finance Directors in Middle Of Budget Season
Bunnell lost virtually the entirety of its finance department when four employees resigned and the new finance chief was forced to resign in an unexpected shake-up, with the county sending in help.
For Parents’ Peace of Mind, It’s Time for Video and Audio Monitoring of Flagler’s Special Education Classrooms
An incident at Belle Terre Elementary School last school-year illustrates the need for more objective, independent oversight of what goes on in special education classrooms, where students may not have a voice of their own.
Thursday Briefing: Heat Index to 109, Meet the Teachers, Gopher Tortoises in Flagler Beach
Dangerously high temperatures, meet the teachers and orientation at Old Kings, Rymfire, Buddy Taylor, Indian Trails and FPC, talk of gopher tortoise in Flagler Beach.