When it comes to national politics, Americans are fiercely divided across a range of issues, including gun control, election security and vaccines. It’s not new for Republicans and Democrats to be at odds over issues, but things have reached a point where even the idea of compromising appears to be anathema, making it more difficult to solve thorny problems. But things are much less heated at the local level. A survey of more than 1,400 local officials by the Carnegie Corporation and CivicPulse found that local governments are “largely insulated from the harshest effects of polarization.”
Palm Coast Scores Clean Financial Audit in Independent Review Of 2025 Records
The City of Palm Coast received an unmodified audit opinion for the 2025 fiscal year. Independent auditors found no material weaknesses regarding internal controls or state and federal funding usage. The city continues its decades-long streak of receiving national awards for financial reporting excellence. Residents can access detailed budget data through the online Finance Transparency Dashboard.
Palm Coast Council Candidate Jeanie Duarte Again Ejected After Challenging Mayor To Remove Her
Palm Coast City Council candidate Jeanie Duarte was ejected from the council chambers following a six-hour meeting today after challenging Mayor Mike Norris and ignoring advice from City Attorney Marcus Duffy. Duarte attempted to direct Duffy and alleged deceptive practices by the council before a sheriff’s commander removed her for the second time in 10 weeks.
Palm Coast Council Rejects Rezoning For Concrete Plant on Hargrove Grade, Opposing Heavy Industry Precedent
The Palm Coast City Council voted 4-1 to deny a rezoning request from Hard Rock Materials today, preventing a concrete batch plant from opening in the Hargrove Grade industrial park on a 10-acre parcel Hard Rock paid $2.1 million for last year. Local business owners argued that heavy industrial operations would degrade the light industrial area. The council prioritized maintaining zoning consistency and protecting existing property interests over what would have been 20 jobs and modest tax revenue.
Palm Coast Council Stops Short of Lowering Residential Speed Limits to 25, Deterred By Cost
The Palm Coast City Council declined to lower residential speed limits from 30 to 25 miles per hour due to prohibitive costs. Replacing 2,400 signs would cost between $550,000 and $1.3 million. Officials decided to pursue state and federal grants to fund the safety initiative. Mayor Mike Norris suggested stricter enforcement by deputies as a more cost-effective way to manage local driver behavior.
Florida Sheriffs Led by Polk’s Grady Judd Sharply Criticize Federal Mass Deportation Efforts
Florida law enforcement leaders on the State Immigration Enforcement Council now advocate for a path to legal status for undocumented residents without criminal records. Council chair Grady Judd expressed concerns that federal agents are sweeping up productive individuals who contribute to the economy. The group suggests a 5-year process involving civil fines and English proficiency. This shift contrasts with previous support for aggressive deportation.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
The Palm Coast City Council meets at 9 a.m., County Commissioner Leann Pennington hosts a Town Hall, 6 to 8 p., at Haw Creek Community Center, The Flagler Beach Library Writers’ Club meets, Hannah Arendt’s prediction for maga.
Why Trump Is Losing the War at Home
Donald Trump entered the Iran war with historically low public support. Americans traditionally favor restraint over forced regime change, but the administration failed to prepare the public or the cabinet for significant economic sacrifices as oil price hikes are fueling domestic resentment and influential conservative voices and young male supporters feel betrayed.
Flagler Beach Welcomes Commissioner R.J. Santore As Rick Belhumeur Transitions Back to Public Commenter
The Flagler Beach City Commission last Thursday welcomed R.J. Santore to its ranks after an election victory that unseated Rick Belhumeur, who’d served nine years. Scott Spradley was sworn in to his second term, and Eric Cooley was swiftly and unanimously named chair, with Spradley as vice chair and no nominations for anyone else for either post.
Flagler Beach E-Bike Rules: Age Limit, Mandatory ID, Ban from All Sidewalks and Beaches
Flagler Beach city commissioners approved the first reading of a strict ebike ordinance that prohibits ebikes on city sidewalks and beaches, requires riders to carry government identification and prohibits riders younger than 11. Fines for violations start at $100. Commissioners are debating speed limits and beach access zones to keep the ordinance from being too onerous, yet remain enforceable.
Florida Gas Average Up 29 Percent In Two Weeks
Pump prices in Florida increased 27 cents over the past week and have grown 82 cents since the on-going war with Iran began. In Palm Coast, gas on Monday was selling for $3.75 at Wawa and $3.99 at RaceTrac on State Road 100, with different stations offering $3.75, $3.79, $3.89 and $3.99 along Palm Coast Parkway, according to GasBuddy.
As New, Larger Captain’s BBQ at Bings Landing Has Yet to Break Ground, County Extends Lease, with Questions
Flagler County commissioners are preparing to extend the lease for Captain’s BBQ through 2031 to provide more time for the owners to build a new, 5,000-square-foot facility at Bings Landing. Commissioners are frustrated by vague contract language regarding construction deadlines and the absence of a performance bond. The county intends to revise the agreement to ensure accountability. Construction is expected to begin this September.
Another Pass-Fail Session of the Florida Legislature: Here’s What Happened To Ten Key Issues
Significant gridlock between the Florida House and Senate left the state budget, property tax reform, and education voucher fixes unfinished. Legislators plan to reconvene in April to resolve fiscal disputes. Key successes included utility data center regulations and expanding armed campus security. Most high-profile proposals regarding medical malpractice and artificial intelligence rights failed to advance.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, March 16, 2026
It’s possible that it may not try to fire County Administrator Heidi Petito when the County Commission meets this evening. The Mosquito Control District board meets. Memories of Janet Reno, the anti-Bondi.
Hey, Congress, Anybody There?
The Trump administration’s assault on Iran features inconsistent justifications, ranging from nuclear destruction to divine plans. Although the executive branch often sidesteps traditional declarations of war, Congress retains significant constitutional checks. By utilizing the War Powers Resolution, public oversight hearings, and the power of the purse, lawmakers can challenge presidential authority. Mounting fiscal deficits and declining public support may eventually force congressional action.
Florida Eagerly Turns Back the Clock to 1956
Florida’s Legislature is actively rolling back diversity initiatives, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ protections. New educational mandates target perceived Marxist influences in universities and grade schools. State leaders are prohibiting local climate policies to protect industrial interests, all of it intentionally retreating toward the restrictive cultural and environmental standards of 1956.
Small Private Schools Cleared to Open in Malls and Other Commercial Zones
Legislators added a provision eliminating zoning requirements for small private schools into a Democratic-led bill in the waning hours of the 2026 legislative session. Both GOP-led chambers of the Florida Legislature passed SB 182, allowing private schools with 150 or fewer students to operate in commercially zoned buildings.
FPL Scores Highest Profit Margin of Almost All Investor-Owned Utilities in the Country in 2025
Florida Power and Light, which serves around 6 million customers in Florida and serves all of Flagler County, far exceeded the 13 to 15 percent average in profit margin for American investor-owned utilities, ranking atop the list in profit margin for 2025, and second on the list between 2021 and 2024. FPL’s profit margin in 2025 was 27.44 percent, followed by MidAmerivan Energy with 27.16 percent.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Daytona Solisti Concert, Strengthening Your Bond with Your Pets, a community lecture at Trinity Presbyterian, The Seeking Insights for Solutions (SIS) book club hosts a virtual guest and discussion, Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage” at Limelight Theatre.
Saturday in Byblos:
Wendell Berry’s Celebration of Old Jack’s Crusty Life
Wendell Berry’s 1974 novel explores the final day of Jack Beechum. The narrative drifts through decades of Kentucky history as Jack finds sanctuary in the land but remains alienated from the people on it or in his life. The prose reaches heights of elegiac beauty, occasionally descending into mawkish parody and didactic sneers as Berry maintains a tension between agrarian ideals and harsh judgment of urban progress and human failure. The novel is part of the Port William series.
This Sunshine Week, Florida Reflects Alarming National Trend of Blocking Public Access To Essential Information
Government transparency in the United States has reached a historical low point during the second Trump administration. Florida, once a leader in open government, now exemplifies a national trend of “secrecy creep” through exorbitant fees and withheld records. Federal actions, including the firing of FOIA oversight officials and the deletion of databases, have created a culture of obfuscation that threatens the foundations of democracy.
Severe Drought Expands Across Flagler, Northern and Western Counties After 4 Months of Dry Weather
The St. Johns River Water Management District reports significant hydrologic declines following four months of minimal rainfall. All eighteen counties recorded below-average precipitation during February. These dry conditions caused groundwater levels in the Upper Floridan aquifer to drop into the eleventh percentile. Most of the state currently faces moderate to extreme drought. Residents should follow Phase I water shortage restrictions to preserve dwindling regional water supplies during this period.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Second Saturday Plant Sale at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, three de-commissioned amigos, American Association of University Women (AAUW) Monthly Meeting, “Steel Magnolias” at Athens Theatre in DeLand, Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage” at Limelight Theatre in St. Augustine.
Florida Lawmakers Pass Bill To Arm University Professors
The Florida House passed a legislative package authorizing professors and university appointees to carry firearms on campus. This measure extends the School Guardian Program to public colleges. Lawmakers resolved a dispute regarding private religious school security by focusing exclusively on higher education. The bill mandates university threat-management teams and faculty training for behavioral warning signs.
25 Years of American Stupidity in the Middle East
Western and particularly American meddling in the Middle East represents a persistent cult of failure rooted in historical hubris. Leashed to Israel, Donald Trump is continuing the tradition by targeting Iran, a civilization far older and more resilient than the United States. The escalating stupidity is accelerating the American empire’s moral and financial bankruptcy while leaving behind a legacy of mass graves.
Flagler Beach City Commission Tables A1A Vacation Rental Project Over Alleyway Access and Design Concerns
The Flagler Beach City Commission unanimously tabled a proposal for a three-story, eight-unit vacation rental at State Road A1A and South 17th Street. Commissioners generally favor the project. But they’re concerned about parking and the use of a dirt alleyway for primary access. Developer Ted Barnhill must now revise plans with the planning board to address traffic flow and neighborhood impact.
Fire Damages House on A1A in Flagler Beach and Injures a Firefighter
An electrical fire heavily damaged a two-story home at 1909 North Oceanshore Boulevard in Flagler Beach on Tuesday evening. One firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The blaze, which started in the attic, displaced homeowners Annette and Manuel Levine. The American Red Cross is assisting the family while the structure undergoes mitigation and renovation.
Florida Legislature Approves Bill Banning Student IDs and Requiring Proof of US Citizenship for All Future Voters
The Florida Legislature approved HB 991, requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. The bill removes student and retirement IDs as acceptable forms of identification. Although there’s no indication or proof of voter fraud beyond isolated cases, Republicans argue the measure ensures integrity. The measure will disenfranchise eligible voters lacking specific documents. The law takes effect in 2027, requiring citizenship verification through motor vehicle department records.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, March 13, 2026
Leann Pennington and R.J. Santore on Free for All Friday on WNZF, Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage” at Limelight Theatre in St. Augustine, “Steel Magnolias” at Athens Theatre in DeLand, the next oil shock.
Data Center Secrecy Clears Florida Legislature
The Senate on Friday voted 31-6 on a bill (SB 484) that imposes restrictions on proposed data centers, including reinforcing the ability of local governments to refuse them. But the House previously amended the measure to allow local governments to enter into non-disclosure agreements with tech companies for up to 12 months that would hide data center proposals from the public.
Meanwhile in Ukraine
The joint U.S.-Israeli assault on Iran provides significant indirect support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rising global oil prices, triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, bolster Russian federal revenues. Additionally, the diversion of American munitions and diplomatic attention leaves Ukraine vulnerable. However, Ukraine’s superior drone warfare capabilities offer a unique bargaining chip for maintaining critical U.S. support during this period.
Hammock Community Association Sues County and Developer Over 204-Boat Storage Plan
The Hammock Community Association and neighbor Kathy Viehe filed a lawsuit against Flagler County and developer Bob Million. The complaint seeks to quash a site plan for a 204-boat storage facility at Hammock Harbour on State Road A1A in the Hammock. It alleges the county violated land use regulations and lacked substantial evidence. This follows a $550,000 settlement between the county and the developer over another lawsuit last month.
Three Senior Flagler County Directors Lined Up As Potential Interim Leaders During Search For Heidi Petito Replacement
Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito appointed Growth Management Director Adam Mengel as her deputy. She identified Mengel, Jonathan Lord, and John Broward as potential interim successors. This move provides a framework for leadership before her July departure. The commission recently rejected an outside interim candidate. Petito suggested a tiered administrative structure to distribute responsibilities. These appointments aim to maintain operational stability during the search for a permanent county leader.
Judge Sets Bond At $250,000 For Palm Coast Student Accused Of Burying Newborn In Backyard
Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols set bond at $250,000 for 20-year-old Anne Mae Demegillo, a Palm Coast student accused of allowing her newborn to die and burying the infant. Demegillo must surrender her passport and remain in Flagler County under conditions resembling house arrest. The court noted her lack of criminal history and sloppy attempts at hiding her deed from her parents.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Swan Lake Ballet, Dance Alive Company at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, R.J. Santore is sworn in at the Flagler Beach City Commission, Evenings at Whitney Lecture Series, Israel’s bombing of a hotel filled with refugees in Beirut.
Fox News Contributor Joey Jones Drops In at Sheriff’s Annual Employee Meeting
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office welcomed Johnny “Joey” Jones this week as a guest speaker during the agency’s annual employee meetings, continuing FCSO’s focus on employee wellness and resiliency.
Iraq War’s Aftermath Was a Disaster for the US. Iran Is No Different.
The United States risks repeating its Iraq War failures by prioritizing military destruction over political governance in Iran. While tactical objectives might be met, the resulting power vacuum typically favors well-organized domestic forces like the Revolutionary Guard rather than Western-backed exiles. Without a coherent plan for 92 million citizens, Washington’s strategy of regime change creates regional instability and fails to resolve nuclear proliferation.
Florida Legislature Clears Latest Measure Aimed at Union-Busting
The Florida House approved SB 1296, a bill significantly increasing requirements for public sector union recertification. Unions must now secure votes from 50% of all eligible employees, rather than a simple majority of participants. Public safety unions remain exempt. The measure faces intense criticism from Democrats and labor leaders. They argue it is designed to dismantle organizations representing teachers and other government workers.
Palm Coast Resident Jyquis Toole, 25, Held On $450,000 Bond for 20 Child Abuse Material Charges
Jyquis Q. Toole, 25, remains in Flagler County jail on a $450,000 bond facing 20 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material. Authorities arrested the Palm Coast resident following a Snapchat tip. Investigators are reviewing dozens of additional images found on his devices. Formal charges from the State Attorney’s Office are pending forensic analysis of the seized electronics.
Flagler School Board Tensions Flare Again as Members Reject Lauren Ramirez’s Call For Procedural Retreat
Flagler County School Board members rejected a request from Lauren Ramirez for a retreat to discuss board procedures and parliamentary conduct. The discussion highlighted ongoing friction between members and exacerbated by a vacant fifth seat Governor Ron DeSantis has failed to fill though he’s known it would require an appointment for a year. Members argued a retreat should wait until a full board is seated following the upcoming August primary or November election.
Flagler Airport Director Roy Sieger Cleared Again As Ethics Commission Tosses Resident’s Retribution Claims
The Florida Ethics Commission dismissed a second complaint against Flagler County Airport Director Roy Sieger within three months, citing legal insufficiency. The latest complaint, filed by resident Anna Jones, alleged Sieger favored flight schools and retaliated against critics. The commission found no evidence of personal benefit or corruption, noting that many allegations fell outside its jurisdiction or lacked documented evidence of actual wrongdoing.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Bicycle/Pedestrian committee meets, Separation Chat, with the Atlantic Chapter of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, Albert Camus’ Mediterranean and his Algeria.
Palm Coast Council Considers Ending Decades Old Ban on Electronic And Digital Business Signs
The Palm Coast City Council is considering lifting a 26-year-old ban on digital signs to boost economic development, particularly in Town Center. The administration is proposing allowing electronic displays on major roads with strict brightness and transition rules. Some council members worry about safety, sightliness and light pollution in residential areas.
Rob Deininger, Head of AdventHealth’s East Florida Division, Addresses Flagler Tiger Bay March 24
Rob Deininger, president and chief executive officer of AdventHealth’s East Florida Division will headline the March 24 Flagler Tiger Bay Club luncheon at Hammock Dunes Club, focusing on the future of healthcare and the trends shaping the next decade.
The Persian Gulf’s Vulnerable Desalination Plants
The escalating conflict between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. puts the Persian Gulf’s vital desalination infrastructure at extreme risk. With 100 million people dependent on these facilities, any significant damage could render the region uninhabitable. Historical precedents from the 1991 Gulf War and recent Houthi strikes highlight this vulnerability. Targeting these essential water sources would devastate regional economies and constitute a major human-rights violation.
Florida House Passes Contentious Legislation To Ban Local Government Funding For Diversity And Equity Initiatives
The Florida House approved SB 1134, a bill banning local governments from funding or promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Passing 77-37, the measure allows citizens to sue officials and empowers the governor to remove those in violation. GOP legislators claim DEI wastes taxpayer funds. Critics warn the vague language threatens cultural celebrations and marginalized communities. The bill now awaits Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature.
Dennis Bayer Out as Marineland Attorney After Nearly 30 Years, Replaced by Firm that Represents Palm Coast
Marineland Town Attorney Dennis Bayer resigned after nearly 30 years following friction with the town commission over marina contracts and other issues The commission appointed Douglas Law Firm as his replacement. The town faces financial pressure after losing property tax revenue from Marineland Dolphin Adventure’s transition to a nonprofit. Commissioners now seek to renegotiate a 10-year marina contract, despite Bayer’s warnings regarding the lack of legal grounds.
Sheriff’s Deputy Shoots Charging Dog On Farraday Lane as Children Witness It; Second Deputy Is Bitten
A Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy shot a Labrador-pit bull mix named Bear after the dog charged him during a welfare check in Palm Coast. Several children witnessed the shooting. Later, a supervising deputy was bitten while transporting the animal to emergency care. The nonprofit organization SMART is now seeking community donations to cover $7,000 in veterinary surgery costs for the recovering dog.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
The Flagler County Commission meets at 9 a.m. for a business meeting and again at 1 p.m. for a workshop, the Beverly Beach Town Commission meets, storytime with Thomas Mann’s “Little Lizzy,” a study in humiliation.
Decrypting Hegseth’s B-Movie Boasts and Gloating
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s rhetoric during the 2026 Iran war marks a departure from traditional military communication. By utilizing action-movie tropes and hypermasculine “kill talk,” he replaces strategic justification with a focus on dominance. This shift reflects a broader administration trend where media personalities prioritize “owning” opponents over democratic accountability. Such language gamifies violence, obscuring the human cost of war in favor of showmanship.