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Bunnell

Reversing Planning Board’s Decision, Bunnell Commission Clears the Way for ‘Historic’ 28-Unit Affordable Housing Project

May 19, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

Attorney Dennis Bayer, representing Abundant Life Ministries and its Phoenix Crossings project, won a reversal of the decision by the Bunnell Planning Board to deny Phoenix's final site plan. (© FlaglerLive)

Reversing a recommendation by its planning board and significant public opposition neighboring the proposed development, the Bunnell City Commission unanimously approved the final site plan for Phoenix Crossings, a planned 28-unit affordable-housing apartment complex for people with disabilities and other difficulties, and for the elderly. None like it exists in Palm Coast or Flagler County. The 5-year-old proposal is the work of Sandra Shank and her Abundant Life Ministries, a non-profit. The Bunnell Planning Board on April 1 recommended denial of the site plan on a 3-2 vote. 

Without a Single Question, Bunnell Board Approves Rezoning of Nearly 1,900 Acres to Industrial, Outraging Residents

May 8, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 42 Comments

The rezoning is outlined in red. The light blue represents the current future land use designation for the land--agriculture and siviculture. The map is from the city's staff report on the proposed land use and rezoning.

The Bunnell planning board on Tuesday approved the comprehensive plan change and rezoning of nearly 1,900 acres from agriculture to industrial, on land stretching from U.S. 1 to County Road 304. It is the single-largest rezoning of the kind in the city’s or county’s history and would reshape the character of both as surely as would the massive 8,000-home residential development proposed for west of the city. Yet the planning board recommended approval on a pair of 3-1 votes without a single question, inquiry or comment. 

Bunnell Commission Bids Farewell to 5-Year Commissioner Tonya Gordon as New Members Are Sworn-In

April 25, 2025 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

Tonya Gordon served on the Bunnell City Commission from 2020 to 2025. (© FlaglerLive)

The Bunnell City Commission bid farewell to Commissioner Tonya Gordon, who was elected in 2020 and chose not to run for re-election. Commissioners David Atkinson and Dean Sechrist were sworn-in, as was Mayor Catherine Robinson. John Rogers was named vice-mayor again. In Robinson and Rogers, the commission has the longest- and second-longest serving elected officials on major boards in the county.

Attorney Appeals Decision Rejecting Site Plan for 28-Unit Affordable Housing Complex in Bunnell, Citing Arbitrariness

April 18, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

The Phoenix Crossings apartment complex proposed for Bunnell is designed by Flagler Beach architect Joseph Pozzuoli, who also designed Bunnell's city hall and police station due to open later this year. (JPA)

Two weeks after the Bunnell planning board rejected the site plan for Phoenix Crossings, the 28-unit apartment complex for low-income tenants, the attorney representing the development filed an appeal to the City Commission. The appeal, filed by Dennis Bayer, the Flagler Beach attorney who specializes in land use and environmental law, argues that “there is a lack of competent substantial evidence to support the denial based upon concerns raised by third parties about the stormwater related to this project.” Put another way: the board’s decision was arbitrary and capricious. 

Site Plan for 28-Unit Low-Income Apartment Complex With $7 Million in Funding Is Rejected in Bunnell

April 17, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

phoenix crossings

In a stunning setback for Sandra Shank, developer of a planned 28-unit affordable housing apartment complex in Bunnell the city conceptually approved in 2020, Bunnell’s planning board rejected the project last week, citing flooding concerns by neighbors. The 3-2 vote rejecting the site plan for Phoenix Crossings may be appealed to the Bunnell City Commission. But opponents, many of them from the Pine Forest mobile home community that would be adjacent to the development, will likely voice concerns again.

Bunnell Approves Grand Reserve’s Last 141 of 847 Houses, with a Pointed Caution From Its Staff

March 26, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

At Grand Reserve, the big subdivision at the northeast edge of Bunnell, new houses neiughboring lots under construction are the norm and will be for several years before build-out. Bunnell government this week approved platting the development's final phase. (© FlaglerLive)

The Bunnell City Commission approved the final phase of Grand Reserve, the 847-home subdivision that will increase the city’s population by more than half and is already changing the city’s politics. The sixth phase consists of 141 houses on 100 acres. The city’s planning director cautioned the commission to review future developments more carefully than when Grand Reserve was originally approved.

Palm Coast Eases Stance on Beach-Saving Sales Tax as ‘Grow Some Balls’ Message Lifts Plan’s Chances, But More Talk Needed

March 13, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 17 Comments

Wednesday's joint meeting of local governments on a proposed beach-management plan included representatives of Flagler County, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell, Beverly Beach, and by phone, Marineland. (© FlaglerLive)

In contrast with their joint meeting in February, representatives from Palm Coast, Beverly Beach, Bunnell, Flagler Beach, Marineland and the county were all more supportive of a proposed beach-management plan centered on raising the sales tax as they discussed it Wednesday evening. Palm Coast remains the crucial hold-out for now, if not an immovable one. But time is running out.

John Cunningham and James Sherman Win in Flagler Beach, Defeating Jane Mealy; David Atkinson and Dean Sechrist Win in Bunnell

March 4, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

John Cunningham, a few hours before he unseated Jane Mealy on the Flagler Beach City Commission. (© FlaglerLive)

In a changing of the guard, John Cunningham, a newcomer to politics in Flagler Beach, took the largest share of the vote and defeated nearly 20-year incumbent Jane Mealy to win a seat on the City Commission, with James Sherman winning re-election to a second term. In Bunnell, two newcomers, David Atkinson and Dean Sechrist, won the seats that Tonya Gordon and Tina Marie-Schultz left uncontested.

Tina-Marie Schultz Resigns her Bunnell City Commission Seat A Few Weeks Early

February 28, 2025 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

Tina-Marie Schultz. (© FlaglerLive)

Tina-Marie Schultz, who has been serving on the Bunnell City Commission since she was appointed in 2021, bid her colleagues and the city administration farewell at last Monday’s meeting, some six weeks before the end of her term.

After Qualms from Palm Coast and Bunnell, County’s Beach-Saving Plan Gets a Much Warmer Reception from Flagler Beach

February 28, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

Local officials getting ready to break ground on the beach-renourishment project in Flagler Beach last June. Next time the beach is to be renourished, the county or Flagler Beach must have at least $13.5 million in hand. Only a beach-management plan can get them there. (© FlaglerLive)

After a punting response from Palm Coast government and a muted one from Bunnell, Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito’s ambitious plan to save the county’s beaches and permanently ensure their maintenance got a warmer response from the Flagler Beach City Commission Thursday evening, with one commissioner hoping the city will not only back the plan but be its champion.

In Rare Vote Against Business, Bunnell Sides with Residents and Rejects Rezoning That’d Have Allowed Concrete Plant

January 31, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 14 Comments

Hard Rock's plant in Elkton. The company is seeking to open a similar plant in Bunnell, at the end of Hibiscus Avenue. (Google)

In a rare rejection of a land-use change that would have opened the way for a new company and new jobs in the city, the Bunnell City Commission voted 3-2 to turn down the rezoning of 1.4 acres at the end of Hibiscus Avenue from residential to light industrial. The vote closed the way for Hard Rock Materials Inc., a concrete manufacturing company, to build a batch plant there and on a much larger parcel attached to it. A batch plant mixes cement to produce concrete for delivery. It can be noisy, affect air quality and significantly increase traffic on Hibiscus Avenue with concrete trucks.

Flagler County Historical Society Prepares Inaugural Bunnell History Day as Accelerant for City’s Renaissance

January 30, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

View showing the Pure Oil Co. gas station on US 1 at Moody Drive in Bunnell, Florida.

With a $5,000 state grant and local sponsorships, the Flagler County Historical Society is organizing Bunnell History Day, with the inaugural all-day event scheduled for June 7. Society members outlined the plan to the Bunnell City Commission as an effort to use history to focus attention on the city’s identity and enduring impact on the county.

Bunnell Rubber-Stamping Development Agreement for 8,000-Home Haw Creek Reserve, Residents Complain

January 29, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 14 Comments

The Bunnell City Commission has not publicly analyzed the development agreement controlling the 8,000-home Reserve at Haw Creek. Residents want the commission to do that work. (© FlaglerLive)

The Bunnell City Commission devoted just 60 minutes to a workshop its own planning board had requested to review the 65-page development agreement with the Reserve at Haw Creek, the 8,000-home development west and south of the city that will change the complexion of Bunnell. Residents complained that 60 minutes wasn’t enough, and raised numerous issues that have been raised over the past few months, to a non-reactive commission. But the commission subsequently agreed to set a future workshop.

Catherine Robinson Again Re-Elected Mayor Without Opposition; 5 Vie for Bunnell Commission, 3 for Flagler Beach

January 21, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

No surprise: Catherine Robinson was re-elected mayor in Bunnell without opposition. (© FlaglerLive)

Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson was re-elected without opposition when qualifying ended last week, extending the longest tenure of any of Flagler County’s 37 elected officials, by a wide margin. Three commissioners and the mayor in Beverly Beach were re-elected without opposition. But two commission seats in Bunnell and two seats in Flagler Beach are being contested. The election is March 4.

Bunnell Board Tells City Commission: Shrink Haw Creek Reserve Mega Development By 2,500 Homes

January 10, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

The Reserve at Haw Creek, seen here on screens before Bunnell city commissioners last month, would dwarf Bunnell's existing urban core and more than quintuple its population. The city's planning board is recommending a reduction of total homes from 8,000 to 5,500. (© FlaglerLive)

On its third try since November, the Bunnell Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval of the rezoning and development agreement controlling the Reserve at Haw Creek–the largest single development proposal in Flagler County since Palm Coast was conceived in the 1960s–but not before issuing nearly a dozen proposed conditions to the Bunnell City Commission, which takes on the proposal next. Among those conditions: Lower the planned 8,000 home total to 5,500.

Bunnell’s 8,000-Home Development Plan Nears Approval. Residents Raise Questions. Officials Don’t.

January 3, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 25 Comments

reserve at haw creek

Members of the public had many questions, at least to the extent that they were allowed to speak their mind. Members of the Bunnell City Commission and its planning board barely had any as the two panels met in a joint workshop Thursday evening to examine the development agreement for the 8,000-home Reserve at Haw Creek project that will transform the city.

Bunnell Says No to Developer Seeking To Reduce Open Space By 10% at 8,000-Home ‘Haw Creek Reserve’

December 26, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 12 Comments

The mega-development called The Reserve at Haw Creek, an 8,000-home project, looms over the Bunnell City Commission, which last Monday refused to allow the developer to lower the ratio of open space by 10 percent. (© FlaglerLive)

The 8,000-home development called Reserve at Haw Creek in Bunnell may proceed, but it will have to respect the city’s minimum requirement of 60 percent of open space. Rejecting a developer’s claim that his due process was violated or his veiled threat to build more apartment buildings if his request was rejected, the Bunnell City Commission voted 3-2 to deny an exception that would have allowed reducing open space at the Reserve at Haw Creek from 60 percent to 50 percent.

Flagler County Raised Concerns Well Before Developer Sought to Reduce Open Space at 8,000-Home ‘Reserve’ in Bunnell

December 23, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 17 Comments

State Road 11 looking south, just outside Bunnell, with acreage to the right that would be part of The Reserve at Haw Creek, a proposed 6,000 to 8,000 home development.

As the developer of the proposed 6,000-t-8,000-home Reserve at Haw Creek in Bunnell, the single-largest development in the county since Palm Coast’s origins, seeks to lower the proportion of open space there, Flagler County months ago issued a detailed letter to the city raising concerns with the plan, especially as it relates to the number of homes, flooding and open space. And that was before the developer increased the proposed density and sought to lower the amount of open space.

Colossal 6,000-Home Plan in Bunnell is Now 8,000 Homes, and Developer Wants to Cut Open Space by 10%

December 19, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 19 Comments

A map in Flagler County offices where someone drew the outline of what would become The Preserve at Haw Creek, a massive development that would dwarf the city of Bunnelll, of which it would be a part. (© FlaglerLive)

The developer of the proposed Preserve at Haw Creek, a 2,800-acre development west of Bunnell that would dwarf the city in size and population, has raised the number of dwellings from 5,000-to 6,000 in a May presentation to 6,000 to 8,000 now, and is asking the city to lower the minimum required open space from 60 percent to 50 percent. The city’s planning board unanimously rejected the request. The Bunnell City Commission hears the appeal on Monday.

John Robert Dance, Public Servant and Rancher at Heart, 1959-2024

December 3, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

John Robert Dance.

John Robert Dance, 65, of Flagler County, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 15, 1959. In 1972, his family relocated to Flagler County, where he later graduated in 1977 from Flagler Palm Coast High School, went on to a career with the Florida Highway Patrol and started his own businesses, remaining a cattleman and outdoorsman all his life.

Tonya Gordon and Tina-Marie Schultz Will Not Run Again for Bunnell City Commission; Bonita Robinson Will

November 30, 2024 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

The Bunnell City Commission will have two open seats in the March 4 municipal election as incumbent Commissioners Tina-Marie Schultz and Tonya Gordon, both have decided not to run again. Three candidates have announced: former Bunnell Commissioner Bonita Robinson and Grand Reserve residents David John Atkinson and Lyle Dean Sechrist. Gordon has been serving since 2020, Schultz since 2021. Mayor Catherine Robinson is running for re-election and is not expected to face opposition.

Five Star Pizza Owners Building $2 Million ‘Party and Play’ Indoor Playground in Bunnell, 1st in County

November 26, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 27 Comments

The location of what will be Party and Play, a 10,000-square-foot indoor playground on Steel Rail Drive in Bunnell. (Google)

The owners of Five Star Pizza in Palm Coast, Ormond Beach and Deltona are preparing to build a $2 million indoor playground in Bunnell, making it the first of its kind in Flagler County. The playground will be called Party and Play and will be part of a 10,000-square-foot building that will be built on Steel Rail Drive in Bunnell, with projected construction starting in January or shortly thereafter.

Hot Diggity Dogs & Shakes in Bunnell Has a New Top Dog: David Zummo

November 24, 2024 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

Hot Diggity Dogs & Shakes Bunnell owner David Zummo

Hot Diggity Dogs & Shakes, a Bunnell icon known for serving classic comfort food, including specialty hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, milkshakes and more, has been purchased by David Zummo.

A Mile-Long Veterans Day Parade of 1,000 Participants Unites Flagler’s Cities, County and Schools in Salute

November 11, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

The Veterans Day parade, initiated by Bunnell Police Chief Dave Brannon, stretched for a mile, from the old Bunnell City Hall to the grounds of the Government Services Building. (© FlaglerLive)

After a Veterans Day parade of more than 1,000 participants representing all cities, the county and the School Board, among others, ambled through Bunnell in a mile-long procession, hundreds of people gathered at the Government Services building for the day’s ceremonies, including a Veteran Day essay by middle schooler Mellissa Ryon, a keynote speech by Randall Stapleford, and musical performances.

Daisy Henry Street Now Glides Through the Heart of Bunnell, Along Carver Gym Late Pastor Championed and Saved

November 1, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

It's Daisy henry's street now. (© FlaglerLive)

This morning, a stretch of four blocks of East Drain Street, along the gym’s ballfields on one side and family homes on the other, became Daisy Henry Street, so renamed for the former city commissioner and pastor by a city that wanted to “honor a legacy,” in the words of City Manager Alvin Jackson, and bolden Henry’s already distinguished mark on Bunnell’s history.

Bunnell, Palm Coast and County Will Host Joint Veterans Day Ceremony and Parade Nov. 11

October 29, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

Commemorative bricks at Heroes Park in palm Coast. (© FlaglerLive)

The parade will travel east on Moody Boulevard and conclude at the Government Services Building where the traditional ceremony will begin. Retired U.S. Naval Captain James Randall “Randy” Stapleford – a career naval aviator who served from 1972 to 2003 – will be the grand marshal of the parade and will share a few words at the ceremony.

Portions of East Drain Street in Bunnell Will Be Renamed in Honor of Former Commissioner Daisy Henry

October 27, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

Daisy Henry and East Drain Street have long been synonymous. (© FlaglerLive)

Following a vote by the Bunnell City Commission in July, Bunnell government will rename a portion of East Drain Street in the south part of the city after Daisy Henry, the long-time city commissioner and a local icon who was all but synonymous with life around and beyond Drain Street. The street will be called Daisy Henry Street. That ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 1 at 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of East Drain Street and South Pine St. in Bunnell, with ample parking near Carver Gym. 

Total Hurricane Milton Damage to Private Property in Flagler and Cities: $18.8 million, Government Costs Yet to Be Tallied

October 15, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 14 Comments

In Palm Coast's Woodlands on Oct. 11. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County suffered an estimated $18.8 million in private property damages countywide from Hurricane Milton, and an additional $14 million in damages to just under 11 miles of beachfront, with additional estimates yet to be calculated such as costs to government infrastructure and services, and losses to the federal portion of the beach in Flagler Beach–the 2.6 miles the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers just renourished.

Hurricane Milton’s Flagler Path in Pictures: Flooding, Beach Erosion, Damaged Roads and Roofs, but Nothing Disastrous

October 14, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

Old Kings Road near Graham Swamp suffered severe damage and remained closed on Monday. (Palm Coast)

Hurricane Milton barreled through the midsection of the Florida Peninsula Thursday morning, lashing Flagler County with tropical-storm-force winds (and a few hurricane-force gusts) and up top 19 inches of rain in parts of the county. But damage overall was mostly minor despite floodwaters. Here’s an album in pictures and video.

Flagler County in Federal Disaster Declaration: Residents Can Seek Help; Beach Will Be Repaired at 100% U.S. Expense

October 13, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 11 Comments

Flagler Beach's newly rebuilt beach, which had extended some 100 feet or more, suffered severe erosion during Hurricane Milton, but did the job of preserving State Road A1A intact. Now that a federal disaster has been declared, the beach is eligible for repair funds, and will be rebuilt 100 percent at the federal government's expense. (© FlaglerLive)

President Joe Biden on Friday approved a major disaster declaration for 34 Florida counties that suffered damage from Hurricane Milton, including Flagler, Volusia, St. Johns and Putnam counties. The declaration will help individuals and local governments to shoulder recovery costs, including–for governments–reimbursements for the majority of costs incurred by damage sustained or services provided during the storm and the recovery period. 

33-Year-Old Man With Mental Health Issues Again Arrested After Crash with Injuries and 5 MPH Chase on U.S. 1

October 2, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

Flagler County Sheriff's deputies and Bunnell Police Department officers chased Kyle McNary on U.S. 1. (FCSO video still)

Kyle McNary, a 33-year-old Palm Coast resident Baker Acted and arrested after a severe mental health breakdown in late August was again arrested on numerous charges after allegedly attacking his step-father and causing a severe vehicle crash on U.S. 1, after which he led police on a crawl of a chase at 5 miles per hour on the highway.

Bunnell Marks Progress of Its City Hall Complex with ‘Graffiti Hour’ Contest

September 19, 2024 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

The winners: the Bunnell Police Department. (Bunnell)

About 50 City employees, representing the various City departments, gathered for a friendly competition in which they created chalk murals, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and creativity within the City. This event allowed all current employees with the City to leave behind a mark on this legacy project for the City of Bunnell and be a part of the on-going growth and changes occurring in the City of Bunnell.

Bunnell Police Detective Jeff Traylor Is CrimeStoppers’ Flagler County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

September 13, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

Bunnell Police Detective Jeff Traylor, left, with Lt. Shane Groth. (Bunnell Police Department)

Bunnell Police Detective Jeff Traylor was named the Flagler County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Thursday at the 24th Annual CrimeStoppers of Northeast Florida awards banquet. The occasion was held at the Daytona 500 Club at the Daytona International Speedway before a gathering of law enforcement personnel and officials from across the Seventh Judicial Circuit that includes Flagler, Volusia, St. Johns and Putnam counties.

Flagler School Board’s Lease of Old Courthouse Hides Sharply Higher Costs and Falling Enrollment

September 9, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

The old courthouse in Bunnell. (© FlaglerLive)

When the Flagler County school district administration first proposed last May to lease the old courthouse in Bunnell, it did so under the rosiest of assumptions: that the lease would allow the district to consolidate half a dozen programs under one roof, that it would create more classroom space at some of its elementary schools, and that it would save money. By the time the School Board approved the proposal last month, and the County Commission followed last week, only one of the three propositions was true.

Bunnell Police’s Micheal Fansler Gets Second Life Saving Award in 5 Months

August 27, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

Front Row: Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon, Evelyn Cooper, Leonard Cooper, Officer Micheal Fansler, and Lieutenant Shane Groth; Back Row: Bunnell City Manager Alvin Jackson, Commissioner Tonya Gordon, Mayor Catherine Robinson, Vice-mayor John Rogers, Commissioner Tina-Marie Schultz, and Commissioner Pete Young.

At the regular city commission meeting Monday evening, Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon presented Officer Micheal Fansler with the agency’s Life Saving Award. In attendance at the meeting was the patient Officer Fansler saved along with several of the patient’s family members.

Mondex Mother Faces Felony Child Abuse Charge Over Joining Fight Between Daughter and Another Girl

August 21, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 20 Comments

Kahtrynn Ann Stephanopoulos child abuse arrest

Kahtrynn Ann Stephanopoulos, a 34-year-old resident of Berrybush Street in the Mondex, or Daytona North, west of Bunnell, was arrested and charged with felony child abuse in an incident that took place at a bus stop last week. She is accused of joining rather than stopping a fight between her daughter and another teenage girl as students on the bus looked on, bellowed, cheered and taunted, and at least one of them took video of the whole scene.

With Some Reservations and $635,000 in Renovations, School District Prepares to Rent Old Courthouse

August 13, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

The Flagler County Historical Society has long had its eyes on the old, historic courthouse across the street from Holden House, the museum and public face of the society. The late Sisco Deen, left, who died less than a year ago, was looking at the courthouse scene in August 2015, when the facility reopened as a Christian school. The school is now moving and ceding the way to the school district. (© FlaglerLive)

The Flagler County School Board and the Flagler County Commission are preparing to sign a joint agreement that will lease the old courthouse in Bunnell to the district for just two years, with two options to renew for five years each, and an option to buy. Some school board members have reservations about the building’s quality, but will not stand in the way of approving the lease.

Flagler Library’s ‘Nexus Center’ Breaks Ground with a Shovelful of History and Images of a Future Page-Turner

August 12, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 12 Comments

Today's groundbreaking. (Andy Dance)

Flagler County, Palm Coast and Bunnell officials along with advocates and friends of the library gathered at the 7-acre site of the future “Nexus Center” south branch library for a groundbreaking today, which was as much of a celebration of the future building as it was a recognition of Library Director Holly Albanese’s perseverance to finally get to this point, after nine or 19 years, depending on hos you calculate it.

Yolonda Williams, 50, Is Stabbed and Killed by Husband, Jermaine Williams; He Is Charged with 1st Degree Murder

August 2, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 50 Comments

Self-portraits Yolonda Williams posted to social media in celebration of her 50th birthday just days ago.

Bunnell police have charged Jermaine Mandell Williams Sr., 52, with first-degree murder in this morning’s fatal stabbing of his wife, 50-year-old Yolonda Williams, a well-known resident of South Pine Street in the city, after a confrontation with her husband. Jermaine Williams had abused, demeaned and tortured his wife for years. Two and a half years ago she had told police that her husband had been beating her for 30 years, but was afraid to tell anyone for fear that he would kill her. She was a social worker and had five children.

Organized Fraud Involving Florida’s Osceola Turkey Leads to Charges Against 4

July 24, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

osceola turkeys

On July 24, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement announced charges against four individuals involved in a fraudulent scheme to defraud hunters seeking Osceola turkey hunts. Larry William Collins, David Preston Mills, Paul Neil Beckham and Vernon Robert Flowers were charged with multiple felonies, including organized fraud, conspiracy to commit organized fraud, cheating and the unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Flagler County Library’s $14 Million South Branch ‘Nexus Center’ Breaks Ground in August, Ending 10-Year Wait

July 17, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 12 Comments

A rendering of the future south branch of the Flagler County Public Library on Commerce Parkway, breaking ground in August and opening in late October 2025.

Almost a decade after Holly Albanese and the Library Board of Trustees first conceived it, the south branch of the Flagler County Library–to be called the Nexus Center–will break ground on Aug. 5 on the 7-acre parcel opposite the Flagler County Sheriff’s Operations Center, a short walk down from the future Bunnell City Hall now under construction. The 23,000-square-foot, one-floor library, combined with the county’s social services offices, will open at the end of October 2025.

Bunnell Breaks Ground on Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

July 14, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

Improvements ahead. (City of Bunnell)

The City of Bunnell, in collaboration with PC Construction and CPH Consulting, is marking a momentous milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bunnell Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion. This undertaking has been years in the making and is the first step of many as the City continues to focus our efforts to bring the plant up to advanced wastewater treatment and to meet environmental sustainability requirements.

Humbling Flagler, DeSantis Vetoes Almost a Third of Local Projects, Including YMCA, Tourist Center, and All Bunnell’s Asks

June 12, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 31 Comments

Gov. Ron DeSantis with local county and city officials during a visit to Flagler Beach in late 2022, along with Reps. Paul Renner and Tom Leek. DeSantis vetoed almost a third of the appropriations Renner and Sen. Travis Hutson had secured for the county and its cities. (© FlaglerLive)

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday signed a $116.5 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, after vetoing close to $950 million in spending approved by lawmakers in March. The vetoes include $46.52 million from what had been a record $151 million in appropriations for Flagler County, Palm Coast, Bunnell and Flagler Beach, a heavy loss that dampens earlier hopes for a big haul.

‘Iron Man’ Robber Is Re-Arrested on an Arson Charge After Truck Fire and Explosion at Bunnell Lot

June 12, 2024 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

Lakhram Mahadeo when he was in state prison until 2021, left, and in his most recent picture at the Flagler County jail, where he remains.

Lakhram Mahadeo, the Palm Coast resident who drew attention as the so-called “Iron Man” bank robber in 2013, served eight years in prison and was serving probation for that armed robbery of the Wells Fargo branch on Belle Terre Parkway, was arrested again on an arson charge stemming from a bizarre incident involving a semi truck he allegedly set on fire after it broke down.

Nearly $1 Billion in New Construction Raises Flagler County Taxable Values 12% Over Last Year, a Salve to Budgets

May 30, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

The percentage for 2024 is still a working number, which may increase or decrease slightly. It reflects values that apply to county government's calculations. Values in the cities and for the school board may be different. (© FlaglerLive)

“Humming along” is how Flagler County Property Appraiser Jay Gardner describes the year’s property values: powered by nearly $1 billion in new construction alone, $631 million of it in Palm Coast, taxable property values in Flagler County rose around 12 percent this year, and 13 percent in Palm Coast, about the same as last year. The estimates being finalized this week play a central role in local governments’ budgeting and taxing decisions.

Spectrum Launches Long-Awaited High-Speed Fiber Option for Western Flagler County

May 28, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

Flagler County's agricultural community, along with homes and businesses on the west side, can finally be connected to high-speed internet. (© FlaglerLive)

Charter Communications’ Spectrum, the internet, phone, cable television and wireless service company, last week launched high-speed internet and other services to more than 900 homes and small businesses in rural, western Flagler County. The fiber-optic network is now available in Andalusia, Bimini and Daytona North, also known as the Mondex, reaching into areas of the county that had been chronically underserved but for satellite connections.

Development Is Devouring the Tree Canopy. Palm Coast and Flagler Officials Say They’re Trying to Catch Up With Protection.

May 23, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 53 Comments

Trees and vegetation burned today on parts of the nearly 200 acres cleared of trees to make room for a 333-home subdivision called Sabel Preserve along Royal Palms Parkway in Palm Coast. (© FlaglerLive)

There was a bit of a disconnect today in a panel discussion by Flagler County’s five mayors and County Commission chair about how attractive Flagler County is to its residents and those who keep pouring in, and how quickly developments are razing swaths of tree canopy. They spoke of the importance of preserving the region’s quality of life, but also how the torrid growth rate is inevitably bringing congestion, and numerous developments, some of them–as with a 6,000-home plan in Bunnell–colossal.

Flagler School Board Supportive of Leasing Old Courthouse in Bunnell as Christian School Exits

May 22, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

The old courthouse is a cherished landmark in Bunnell and the county. (© FlaglerLive)

The Flagler County school district is likely to take over the lease of the old Flagler County courthouse in Bunnell, which since August 2015 has been the home of First Baptist Academy, a Christian school. The school is leaving in August. The county has been looking for a new tenant. The school district has been looking to consolidate a half dozen programs under one roof. It would do so at the courthouse t a cost of at least $212,000 a year, not including the cost of reconstructing the building according to district needs.

Daytona North/Mondex Residents Have Been Paying a Special Tax Since the 1980s. Is It Fair, ‘Wise’ and Worth It?

May 21, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 6 Comments

A fine community, but whose responsibility? (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County Commissioner Leann Pennington is hoping county government will rethink the special tax Daytona North–also known as the Mondex–residents have been paying since the 1980s for road maintenance, either to scrap it altogether or to better define its purpose, and lay out specifically what benefits residents get out of it.

Bunnell Police’s Shane Groth, Chief’s ‘Right-Hand Man,’ Is Promoted to Lieutenant

May 17, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

7-year-old Sydnee Groth, Shane Groth's niece, pinned the Lieutenant's insignia on her uncle at a ceremony before the Bunnell City Commission on May 13. (© FlaglerLive)

In Bunnell, any change in a police department of 14 uniformed officers radiates disproportionately on a small town of 3,500, as did the promotion of Shane Groth to lieutenant–essentially, second in command–in a pinning ceremony before the City Commission earlier this week.

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