Daryl Jowais, 49, of Zacharias Place in Palm Coast, was found dead after locking himself in his bathroom. His supplier is unknown. The case is under investigation.
Palm Coast Taxes Would Rise Modestly For Most in $37 Million General Fund Budget
The owner of a median-priced house in Palm Coast would see taxes rise from $28 to $33 next year, depending on which tax rate the council adopts.
Growing Rift as Bunnell Commission Lowers Standards in Renewed Search for City Manager
The Bunnell commission will again advertise for a city manager after failing to agree on a candidate last month, and will now make a master’s degree optional for applicants.
Tuesday Briefing: Buddy Taylor Middle’s New Principal, School Vouchers, Food Truck Tuesday, Heat Index to 103
Palm Coast government discusses its budget, the School Board discusses the effects of a publicly funded private school voucher program on the district, Food Truck Tuesday in Central Park.
Sheriff Staly on Operations Center: “I Will Not Tolerate Blaming Victims of This Building, My Employees”
Sheriff Rick Staly delivered a 2,000-word statement on the troubled Operations Center during Monday’s workshop on the matter. The full text is reproduced here.
Three of Florida’s State University Presidents Earned More Than $1 Million Last Year
Three state university presidents in Florida earned more than $1 million in pay and other compensation during the 2016-2017 academic year.
Price For Sheriff’s New Palm Coast Precinct Property Drops, But Renovation Costs Soar
The county paid $832,500 for the property, $42,500 less than projected, but it will pay $230,000 to renovate, up from the $100,000 initially projected.
Combative Statements and Threats of Litigation Belie Claim of Unity Meeting on Sheriff’s Operations Center
A Flagler County Commission workshop on results of air testing at the Sheriff’s Operations Center was tense and combating as sheriff’s employees questioned the county’s sincerity.
Bunnell Man and Flagler Beach Woman Face Child Abuse Charges in Separate Incidents
Billy Burnett, 33, of Bunnell, is accused of choking and punching his 17-year-old nephew. Tricia Reigle is accused of slapping a 17 year old for stealing her bong and cash.
Monday Briefing: Heat Index Up to 102, Sheriff’s Operations Center Diagnosis, Bunnell Manager Search
The County Commission holds a workshop to hear the results of air testing at the troubled Sheriff’s Operations Center, Bunnell commissioners try a new list of manager candidates to interview.
Behind Scott’s Executive Order Protecting Public Beach Access: New Law’s Confusing Signals
A new law that could potentially restrict public access to beaches prompted an executive order from Gov. Scott that echoes an ordinance Flagler passed last month.
Doubt and Mistrust From Sheriff’s Employees Against County’s ‘All Clear’ on Operations Center
Sheriff’s employees are neither ready nor willing to return to the potentially sick operations center: a report on the building’s air still doesn’t explain why 27 employees developed problems.
Martin Tucker, Rancher and Bulwark of Pioneering West Flagler Family, Dies at 70
Leslie Martin Tucker Jr., father of School Board Chairman Trevor Tucker, cousin of Bunnell Commissioner Elbert Tucker, rancher and owner of Sun Country Pest Control, died Wednesday.
Challenge Accepted: Sheriff Staly Takes Up Lip-Sync Challenge With Jailhouse Rock Video
Sheriff Staly gave in and led a team of deputies and others in a lip-synced version of Elvis’s “Jailhouse Rock,” part of a lip-sync challenge sweeping across law enforcement agencies.
Weekend Briefing: Job Fair, France v. Croatia, Kids’ Fishing Clinic, Shriners, ‘Lego Batman’
It’s all about the World Cup final, but also Flagler Sportsfishing’s 9th annual free kids’ fishing clinic, free movie in the park, bowling to raise money for Daytona State College scholarships, and more.
Issuing Report, County Says Sheriff’s Building “Deemed Safe To Occupy,” But Sheriff Raises Questions
A much-anticipated report on the air quality of the evacuate Sheriff’s Operations Center concludes that the building has no mold problem but questions remain, not least from the sheriff.
Flagler Beach Commissioner Eric Cooley on His Arrest: ‘There Is Only an Accusation Made’
Flagler Beach Commissioner Eric Cooley briefly spoke for the first time of his June 29 arrest on a domestic violence allegation, after a resident questioned the city commission on its next move.
Judge Reduces Supervision on Veteran Who Killed a Man Near Graham Swamp in 2006
Brian Wothers, now 36, shot and killed 26-year-old Jeffrey Maxwell in Palm Coast and was found not guilty by reason of insanity in a bench trial, but had been confined to a state hospital.
Nat Reed, Adviser to Governors and Presidents Who Left His Imprint on Flagler’s Environment, Dies
Nat Reed, who died at 84, co-founded 1,000 Friends of Florida. His stewardship led to Flagler’s progressive comprehensive plan and greenway and environmental successes.
Thursday Briefing: Campus Safety Symposium, Flagler Beach’s Latest Bogey, Eskimo Wisdom, Dire Citrus Results
A school safety symposium gathers at Daytona State College, Commissioner Eric Cooley is expected to make his first public appearance at the Flagler Beach Commission since his arrest on a domestic violence charge.
At Palm Coast Data, A Surprise Bonus to Employees Highlights Reset of Invigorated Company
In the most intimate and detailed look at Palm Coast Data from the inside in 10 years, the company is less than half its former size but producing solid revenue, projecting optimism, and hiring.
What’s At Stake If Brett Kavanaugh Joins the Supreme Court
All Americans say they value personal freedom, especially the right to make our own decisions about our private lives. Expect that to end.
School Massacre Commission Told Emergency Communications Problems Are Not Restricted To Broward
Emergency calls from Parkland are shepherded by two separate communication centers, depending on whether the caller uses a cell phone or landline.
SBA Signs On With Black Entrepreneur Group In Palm Coast To Help Right Loans Imbalance
Palm Coast’s emerging African American Entrepreneurs Association will use the agreement with the SBA to foster more capital and business education for minorities.
Flagler Government Will Crack Down On Mobile Campaign Billboards And Other Signs
Flagler County commissioners will approve new rules next Monday regulating or banning campaign-sign-blaring vehicles and campaign signs from county properties.
Wednesday Briefing: Photo Contest Winner, England v. Croatia, Healing With Foods, Christmas Come True Re-Opening
Vicki Payne wins Palm Coast’s photo contest, Christmas Come True has its grand re-opening, healing with food is the topic at the coffee series, England battles Croatia in World Cup.
No Money for a Big Recreation Center, But Palm Coast Will Spend $100,000 Imagining One
The $100,000 would pay for a conceptual plan for the recreation center and potential aquatic center off Belle Terre Parkway, around the Palm Coast Tennis Center.
Florida Regulators Approve Addition of 689 Area Code As Overlay in 407 Zone
As available numbers run out in the 407 zone, 689 will be available as a new area code in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, parts of Lake and Volusia.
19-Year-Old Originally Accused of Rape Pleads to Child Abuse, 1 Year in Jail and Probation
Fredie Jiles Leon of Palm Coast originally faced two counts of raping a 13-year-old, but a series of mitigating circumstances led to the plea deal and 4 years’ probation.
Drug War Blowback: Why Those Central American Immigrants Are Still Coming
Between the drug war and the backing of brutal regimes, the U.S. created conditions in Central America that families are desperate to flee — even if they risk being separated.
In Letter to 3,600 Students Who Did Not Return, Daytona State Offers 25% Off Tuition
Daytona State wrote 3,600 students dating back to 2013 who did not complete their degrees, offering a one-time incentive valued at 25 percent off the cost of in-state tuition for Fall 2018 Semester.
Tuesday Briefing: Traffic Safety Team, France v. Belgium, African-American Entrepreneurs, Area Code 689
Flagler’s traffic safety team meets, it’s England and Belgium in the World Cup semi, a new area code may be coming to Central Florida, the African-American Entrepreneurs Association signs on with the SBA.
‘I Don’t Need Him To Tell Me How To Hire Our Next City Manager,’ Palm Coast Mayor Says of Landon
Though a search firm is ready to find Palm Coast’s next manager, council members were taken aback by an email from City Manager Jim Landon dictating delays.
Soured, Bunnell Rejects Martin Murphy 2 Weeks After Voting to Offer Him City Manager Job
Residents and commissioners cited a series of “red flags” before a 3-2 vote to reject Martin Murphy’s candidacy Monday, two weeks after the city commission voted 3-2 to negotiate a contract with him.
Days After Criticism From Sen. Nelson, Governor Declares Emergency Over Algae Outbreak
On Friday and over the weekend Democrats and Bill Nelson accused Scott of “going through the motions” in dealing with the algae blooms.
Sheriff’s Deputy Fired For Failing To Stop Car Going Wrong Way, Toward Fatal Crash on I-95
Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy Robert Finn passed a motorist going the wrong way on an I-95 exit ramp in April, and did not conduct a traffic stop. The motorist was killed moments later in a head-on crash.
County Commissioners Again Can’t Agree On How Much To Raise Next Year’s Taxes
For the third straight budget workshop, Flagler County Commissioners have been unable to agree on what property tax rate to set for next year and what to cut to get there.
Monday Briefing: Bunnell’s Next Manager, Flagler Budget, Jeanette Loftus’s Rotary, Ronald Titus’s Deployment
Bunnell may decide tonight to sign on with Martin Murphy as manager, the Flagler County Commission talks property tax rates again, Ronald Titus redeploys with firefighters out west.
Abolish ICE
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is supposed to keep Americans safe. Instead, it’s terrorizing refugees, families, and small children.
In Big Win For Flagler Beach, U.S. Army Corps Awards $17.5 Million, Reviving Dunes Project
The unexpected infusion of $17.5 million into Flagler’s beach-rebuilding projects revives a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan that appeared dead in 2017.
Just Released From Jail For Car Theft, Man Leads Deputies on Chase at Wheel of Another Stolen Car
Rico Ransom, 21, was released from jail a few months ago in a grand theft auto conviction. Thursday evening he led deputies through a chase west of US1.
The Other Victims: First Responders To Traumas and Disasters Often Suffer In Solitude
Some firefighters, emergency medical providers, law enforcement officers and others say the scale, sadness and sometimes sheer gruesomeness of their experiences haunt them, leading to tearfulness and depression, job burnout, substance abuse, relationship problems, even suicide.
Weekend Briefing: First Friday in Flagler Beach, Doobie Brothers Tribute, Tour de France, Softball Classic
If you miss July 4th fun you can head back to Flagler Beach for First Friday, a Doobie Brothers tribute band at the Bandshell, the fabulous Tour de France kicks off.
Thieves Blow Hole In Wall at Palm Coast Parkway Dollar General and Steal $4,700
The Dollar genera’s safe was broken open and the thief or thieves took fireworks along with cash in the overnight theft off Palm Coast Parkway.
In Appeal to Sea Ray’s Laid Off Employees, Job Fair Is Scheduled For July 13
This job fair organized by CareerSource Flagler Volusia will showcase businesses with open, ready-for-hire positions, and will take place at the Flagler Palm Coast High School gym.
Floats of Pink, Red, White and Blue Reap Rotary’s Trophies For Fabulous 4th Parade
The Flagler Beach Rotary-sponsored parade’s big winner was Florida Pirate Alliance, which took Best of Parade, with more than a dozen more winners and honorees.
No Smokable Medical Marijuana Allowed Before Legal Challenge Plays Out, Court Orders
The ruling by a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal came in a lawsuit initiated by Orlando trial attorney John Morgan and others who maintain that a Florida law barring patients from smoking their treatment runs afoul of a 2016 constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana.
Thursday Briefing: US Navy Band “Cruisers,” Rubio Mobile Office, Palm Coast Tech Assessment, Mafted
A down day as Flagler recovers from July 4 festivities, with a US Navy Band concert in Daytona and, if you insist, Rubio’s mobile staff office hours in Ormond.
From Food Stamps To Housing Allowances, There’s an All-Out War On Kids
It’s not just on the border: the Trump administration is targeting food stamps eligibility, rent subsidies and other safety-net measures that protect children.
Flagler Will Build $7.5 Million Bike and Foot Trail East of Old Kings Rd., and Bridge Over SR 100
The 1.6-mile, 12-foot-wide walking and biking trail through the forested greenery east of Old Kings Road will connect Graham Swamp and Lehigh Trail.