Jody Allen Hyde, 28, had originally pleaded not guilty in the drunk-driving deaths of Elizabeth Jean Alley, 45, and Vada Stafford Delk, 72, on County Road 304 the night of October 20, 2014.
Both Sides Pressuring Scott on School Bill That Drew Protest Firestorm from Education Leaders
The bill’s passage infuriated school boards, superintendents, the state’s main teachers and other education advocates. Scott hinted that he was considering a veto at the time.
Wednesday Briefing: Sessions Time-Out, National Guard Progress, Ivanka and Marco’s Family Leave, Mohsin Hamid
The Florida Chamber’s education summit in Orlando, Marco Rubio and Ivanka Trump may have family leave in common, Sigmund Freud on our self-destructive selves, Mohsin Hamid.
Saturday From Hell: 3 Stabbings, 8 Arrests Across Flagler As Domestic Violence Stresses Sheriff’s Initiative
Sheriff’s deputies in Palm Coast and police in Flagler Beach and Bunnell were seemingly overrun with violent incidents in barely a 24-hour period this weekend, two weeks from a domestic-violence summit.
A 26-Year-Old Iraq War Veteran In 3rd Suicide in 5 Days in Palm Coast
Justus Albert Leach, A 26-year-old Army veteran of the Iraq war, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his backyard at 71 Ft. Caroline Lane Sunday.
Tuesday Briefing: Chamber Education Summit, Property Taxes in Palm Coast, Game Day Guns, Ted Talk on Lies
The Palm Coast Council talks property taxes, a court reviews the Florida State case about guns on game day, the Bunnell City Commission discusses a pay study, Reagan talks about The Day After.
Behind County Plaint That Relations With Palm Coast “Suck,” a History of Rancor and Cooperation
It’s been five years since Palm Coast and Flagler County governments met jointly, but they have a poor history of it, preferring to work behind the scenes on key issues.
After Matanzas Golf Course Owners a No-Show at Hearing, Palm Coast Moves to Recover $228,000
Circuit Judge Scott DuPont rejected what defenses the golf course owners had produced regarding overgrowth, clearing the way for foreclosure on the long-troubled course.
Health Providers Prevail Over Gun Promoters in Guns v. Glocks Duel as 2011 Law Dies
The plaintiffs in the case, including individual doctors, argued that the restrictions were a violation of their First Amendment rights. A federal court agreed.
At International Competition, FPC’s Teams Take Grand Champion and 1st, Bunnell Takes 2nd
An FPC team’s project designed to cater to those who cater to the sick in hospitals won grand champion, the project that built bat houses to combat the Zika virus won first place.
Monday Briefing: Remembering the Pulse Victims, Drought Index Down to 151, Flagler Budget, Reza Aslan’s Firing
A large commemoration ceremony at Lake Eola Park to remember the victims of the Pulse shooting in Orlando, with SunRail providing extra service. Flagler commissioners talk budget.
When Elected Officials Block Constituents on Twitter or Facebook, Possibly Breaking the Law
As elected officials increasingly turn to social media to communicate with constituents, some are blocking those who disagree with them. Some say it violates the First Amendment.
50 Years Later, Israel’s Attack on the USS Liberty Still Provokes Unsettling Conclusions
On June 8, 1967, during the Arab-Israeli war, Israeli jets and gunships attacked the USS Liberty in the Mediterranean, killing 34 Americans. Israel called it an accident. Survivors doubt it to this day.
Cities Can’t Go It Alone: They’ll Need State Help to Meet Paris Climate Goal
Even Palm Coast’s mayor has received requests to join the pledge, but many cities may be hamstrung by Republican governors and state legislatures that are less supportive of policies that would reduce fossil fuel emissions.
Palm Coast’s Daniel Torres, 37, Killed In Head-On Crash on Old Kings Road
Daniel G. Torres, 37, of Palm Coast, was killed in a head-on collision as he drove the wrong way south on Old King’s Road near Palm Coast Parkway early this morning. Two people in the other vehicle were injured.
A Man Is Found Dead at Palm Coast’s Abandoned Players Club in Apparent Suicide
Clifford D. Van Gorden, a 92-year-old resident of Palm Coast’s C Section, was found by the club’s old tennis courts with a gunshot wound to the head. He had left a note and was suffering from cancer.
A Special Session Gorged on Wheeling and Dealing Ends With All Sides Declaring Victory
The agreement gave each of the three sides at the Capitol — Scott, the House and the Senate — something that could be called a victory, but more vetoes may yet be to come.
Flagler’s Mosquito Control District’s Operations Move Into New Home at County Airport
Just as Flagler got drenched with mosquito-spawning rains, the agency responsible for monitoring and killing mosquitoes moved into a new, ample headquarters with its own helipad.
Lawmakers Find Agreement On Much Broader Allowances for Medical Pot Dispensaries
The cap on dispensaries would end in less than three years and the number of medical-marijuana operator licenses would increase as the number of patients eligible for the cannabis treatment grows.
Weekend Briefing: Portugal Day, Jiggleman Reading, Sportsfishing Tournament, Fantastic Beasts, Ali on Being Muslim
Celebrating Portugal Day at City Hall, a free movie in the park at dusk, Jiggleman kicks off a summer of reading at the public library, the special session concludes, maybe, Muhammad Ali speaks.
Flagler Students Make Gains In Almost Every Discipline, Ranking in State’s Upper Half or Third
By almost every measure, Flagler students improved their English, math, science and social science scores, year over year, according to 2017 test results released today.
Court Throws Out Medical Malpractice Caps, Legacy of Jeb Bush Years, as Unconstitutional
Justices were sharply divided, with the majority finding that the caps on “non-economic” damages violated equal-protection rights and disputing that a malpractice insurance “crisis” exists.
Drought Relief: Rains Drench Flagler and Surrounding Counties, Reducing Parched Conditions
Three days of recurring rains ended, or at least significantly reduced, drought conditions that have been taxing the region, leading to water restrictions, brown lawns and heightened fire dangers.
Thursday Briefing: Traveling Zoo on World Oceans Day, Comey’s Intellectual History, Heroin, Special Session
Celebrate World Oceans Day at the agricultural extension offices at the Flagler County Fairgrounds, James Comey’s path to center stage, Flagler Beach reroofs, a call for coexistence from 500 years ago.
Matanzas Students Want F-Section Path, But Opponents Say City Should Build Sidewalk On Old Kings Instead
A raucous, emotional meeting at Matanzas High pitted proponents of a foot and bike path through the heart of the F Section against opponents who say it’s misplaced and ill-advised.
Lawmakers Move Forward With Medical Pot Deal as Vendors Could Each Operate 25 Shops
The state currently has seven licensed marijuana vendors, and the agreement between House and Senate leaders would require health officials to approve 10 new operators by Oct. 3.
Flagler Awards $90,000 Subsidy to Company, Secret For Now, to Construct “Spec” Building
Though County Commissioners approved the $90,000, the government is not disclosing the name of the company benefiting from it, saying it doesn’t want to undermine the company’s real estate transaction.
From Valor to Badabing and הכלב הרע, Sheriff’s K-9-Naming Turns Into Onomastic Fiesta
When the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office asked for suggestions to name its newest K-9, it was flooded with what turned into a mirror of community desires, values, humor and sense of history. Valor won.
Wednesday Briefing: Bike and Pedestrian Safety Improvements, FTI Graduation, Special Session Starts
Matanzas High students present their findings on pedestrian and bike paths to improve safety, the Legislature begins a 3-day special session on the budget, FTI holds its graduation ceremony.
In Blow to Collective Bargaining, Court Upholds Scott Veto of Firefighters’ Pay Raises
Scott’s decision to veto the $1.57 million for state firefighters, including employees who fight forest fires, had drawn criticism even from Agriculture Secretary Adam Putnam.
Why Is the Palm Coast City Administration Treating 400 Employees Like Children?
Last week Palm Coast HRD Director Wendy Cullen sent a degrading email about bathrooms to 400 city employees. The email is reflective of a contemptuous, disconnected administration.
Flagler County’s Burn Ban Will Be Rescinded Monday, Thanks to Steady Rainfall
Recent rainfall and the prediction for more in coming days mean that Flagler County’s burn ban will expire on Monday, though restrictions have already eased. The burn ban has been in place since May 1.
Flagler County’s Homeless Numbers Fall to 10-Year Low But Affordable Rents Elusive
The number of homeless fell to 104 people in January, compared to 104 the previous year, as the economy has improved. But the lack of affordable rents remain a challenge.
Tuesday Briefing: Pleasures of Dunking Top Cops, Thunderstorms, Tager’s 1st Workshop, Flagler Sportsfishing
Dunking cops, Superintendent James Tager handles his first school board workshop, Flagler Sportfishing Club meets, Palm Coast council talks streetlights.
Hammock Wants Leisurely Use of Golf Carts On Public Roads, But Commission Is Divided
Golf-cart driving enthusiasts turned up in droves at a Flagler Commission meeting to protect their use of the vehicles on roads, but commissioners are conflicted about legalizing the practice.
Reflecting Bruising Session, Scott Vetoes Target Two-Thirds of House Members
The cuts, to 153 Republican projects and 55 Democratic initiatives, totaled $199 million and erased efforts of 81 different House members, just over two-thirds of the membership.
Armed Home Invasion Robbery Targets Couple and 7-Year-Old Child in Palm Coast’s R Section
The couple and the 7 year old were ordered to the ground at gunpoint after a 45-year-old man was pistol-whipped for not immediately complying.
1st Shake-Up of New Superintendent’s Tenure Elevates Matanzas Principal to District Leadership Job
Matanzas High’s Earl Johnson moves to a top leadership position at the district office, Wadsworth Principal John Fanelli takes over Buddy Taylor Middle School, and Nathan Lovelette takes over the virtual academy.
As Medical Pot Dispensaries Open Elsewhere, Flagler Official Says “We Need To Get Going”
County Commissioner Donald O’Brien said he is not interested in continuing to extend moratoriums on medical-pot businesses as neighboring counties see such businesses open, leaving Flagler behind.
Monday Briefing: Drought Index Dips to 399, Replacing the 800MHz System, AIDS, Sean Monti Trial
Repeat offender and felon Sean Monti goes on trial, the County Commission hires a $175,000 consultant to study the future of the emergency radio system, and it talks library expansion.
He Was About To Pick Up His Newborn Son After Surgery When He Was Arrested By ICE
The case of Oscar Millan shows ICE’s renewed focus on strict immigration enforcement. Under the Obama administration, agents had discretion in cases of immigrants with gravely sick children.
Scott Vetoes Money for Flagler’s 2nd County Judge, Bunnell Bypass, Flagler Beach Sewers
The more than $300 million in vetoes are to make up for money restored to Visit Florida, economic development, and a bump in per-student funding.
A Lifetime In One Picture
My Daughter Odysseus
FlaglerLive’s editor reflects on the painful and joyful history behind a moment unexpectedly captured by a photographer at his daughter’s graduation from Grinnell College last week.
CareerSource Flagler Volusia, Which Helps Unemployed, Will Lose 10% of Its Workforce
A $1 million cut to CareerSource’s budget is due to lower unemployment, but an agency official notes that underemployment remains a steep challenge, and further cuts may be on the way.
Medical Pot Left Out of Scott’s Special Session Call, But Lawmakers Angle For Joint Effort
Florida House and Senate leaders may expand the special session to include medical pot since they failed to reach agreement on implementing the voter-approved amendment in regular session.
James Taylor Is Sentenced to Life In Prison on Molestation Charge; Appeal Immediately Filed
Attorneys for James Taylor, 39, of Palm Coast and Gainesville, said his trial was unfair and prejudicial in several regards, and the act itself no evidence of molestation.
Budget Deal Will Increase Per-Student Funding By $100 and Reset Visit Florida at $76 Million; Special Session Next Week
Florida lawmakers will hold a special session next week after Gov. Rick Scott and legislative leaders announced Friday they have reached the outline of a budget deal.
Weekend Briefing: Dunk a Chief in Flagler Beach, Volleyball at Hammock Beach, Road to Success at Carver, Tax Holiday
Road to Success open house at Carver Center, the fallout from Trump’s Paris pullout, child molester James Taylor is sentenced, Anderson Cooper at 50, volleyball tournament.
“Trump’s Stupid and Reckless Climate Decision”
Two critical and one favorable view of Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris climate accords to combat global warming, as Trump calls it a reinstitution of American sovereignty.
Palm Coast Parkway Crash Slings Van Into Pond, SUV Overturns, 4 Hospitalized
Two vans collided on Palm Coast Parkway shortly after 5 p.m. today, sending one van into a deep pond and overturning the other. Four people, including two children, were hospitalized, none with life-threatening injuries.