Reflections on Nikole Hannah-Jones and the 1619 Project, still banned from Florida classrooms even as they pretend to celebrate Martin Luther King Day, Leslie Alexander and Michelle Alexander on the difference between white “revolts” and Black “riots.”
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The Debris Around Google’s Data Center in Space
A single, medium-sized data center here on Earth can consume enough electricity to power about 16,500 homes, with even larger facilities using as much as a small city. Over the past few years, tech leaders have increasingly advocated for space-based AI infrastructure as a way to address the power requirements of data centers. Google unveiled Project Suncatcher, a bold proposal to launch an 81-satellite constellation into low Earth orbit. The company will soon have to reckon with a growing problem: space debris.
Florida Prisons Budget Woefully Inadequate, Lawmaker Says
Gov. Ron DeSantis is requesting the Legislature provide hundreds of millions of dollars for the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) in his proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, but a Democratic state senator says that is woefully inadequate. Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith of Orlando made the remarks following a budget presentation by FDC Secretary Ricky Dixon before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice this week.
From Flamingos to SNAP Cuts: Florida’s Legislative Circus Begins
As the 2026 Florida Legislative Session begins, lawmakers are prioritizing cultural symbols and controversial social reforms. Proposals range from replacing the mockingbird with the flamingo to implementing “fetal personhood” laws and cutting essential healthcare and food assistance. While Democrats seek transparency for ICE detainees, the Republican majority focuses on deregulating environmental protections and restricting abortion access. The session reflects a deep ideological divide, pitting local conservation and public health against developer interests and hardline partisan agendas.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, January 18, 2025
The cold-weather shelter is open tonight, ‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,’ the Billie Holiday Story, at City Rep Theatre, Palm Coast Farmers’ Market at European Village, a few words about Clooney, Sandler and Jay Kelly.
Before Venezuela’s Oil, There Were Guatemala’s Bananas
U.S. military intervention in Latin America has largely been covert. And when the U.S. orchestrated the coup that ousted Guatemala’s democratically elected president in 1954, the U.S. covered up the role that economic considerations played in that operation. By the early 1950s, Guatemala had become a top source for the bananas Americans consumed, as it remains today. The United Fruit Company owned over 550,000 acres of Guatemalan land, largely thanks to its deals with previous dictatorships.
AdventHealth Palm Coast Among Forbes’ Inaugural List of America’s Top Hospitals
Most people don’t think about hospital rankings until they’re facing a real decision: where to go, who to trust, how close is close enough. A new national ranking from Forbes offers added clarity for families across Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties, naming six AdventHealth hospitals among America’s Top Hospitals.
Saturday in Byblos
Claptrapped in the Underworld: Karl Ove Knausgaard’s ‘Morning Star’
Karl Ove Knausgaard’s “The Morning Star” following nine interconnected Norwegians over two sweltering August days, using a sudden celestial event to explore the boundaries of life and death. The narrative is addictive and atmospheric but devolves into incoherent theological meanderings and dangling plot threads. Knausgaard proves to be a masterful architect of labyrinths but an ultimately unsatisfying guide through them.
Two Palm Coast Homes Lost to Fires in 36 Hours, with Propane Tank Explosions at Both
Two accidental fires destroyed homes in Palm Coast’s B-section and F-section over a 36-hour period Thursday and Friday. Both incidents involved propane tank explosions and rapid attic spread, forcing firefighters to use defensive tactics. Despite the total loss of their properties, no residents or firefighters were injured.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Margaret Chase Smith’s Declaration of Conscience, ICE shootings, The Rainbow Bridge Dedication at Holland Park, ‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,’ the Billie Holiday Story, at City Rep Theatre.
Brightline and Other Trains Are Killing Pedestrians
In 2018, high-speed passenger trains branded as Brightline started running along the formerly freight-only Florida East Coast Railway. Initial service from Miami to West Palm Beach was extended to Orlando in 2023. Unfortunately, the southern end of the line is in the spotlight because of collisions with pedestrians and motor vehicles. Over the past decade, an average of 900 pedestrians lost their lives each year in the U.S., and another 150 motor vehicle occupants died in collisions at highway-rail grade crossings.
Killing Renee Nicole Good and Stand Your Ground
Seen through Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, the killing of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minnesota highlights the dangerous subjectivity of moment-of-threat self-defense claims and the equally dangerous expansion of law enforcement immunity, which weakens reasonable use-of-force standards and immunizes lethal vigilantism.
Florida Obamacare Enrollment Sees Sharpest Drop in 12 Years
The number of Floridians relying on a federal health care exchange established under the Affordable Care Act has dropped by more than 261,000 people after Republicans in Congress let expire the enhanced premium tax credits that help hold down coverage costs.
Flagler Fire Rescue Names Daniel VanDeusen as New Deputy Fire Chief
Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker has officially promoted Daniel VanDeusen to Deputy Fire Chief, effective January 11, 2026. VanDeusen, a registered nurse who started as a probationary firefighter in 2005, is the first in department history to rise from that entry-level position to the rank of Deputy Chief. He succeeds Percy Sayles, who was named deputy county administrator in October.
State Attorney Charges 15-Year-Old as Adult in Flagler Kidnapping and Torture Case
State Attorney R.J. Larizza has charged 15-year-old Junior Bishop as an adult following the alleged kidnapping and torture of an 11-year-old boy. Bishop faces up to 30 years for aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and reckless fleeing. Darnell Hairston, the alleged kidnapper, faces up to life in prison if convicted.
Jane Gentile-Youd, Flagler County’s Tenacious, Mercurial Civic Firebrand and Commission Fixture, Dies at 82
Jane Gentile-Youd, a prominent and often controversial civic advocate in Flagler County, has died at age 82. Known for her relentless presence at County Commission meetings, she spent decades challenging local officials and championing causes like the demolition of the Old Dixie Motel. Despite health struggles and fierce political battles, she remained a passionate, multifaceted figure whose legacy of tenacity and community service spans from Miami-Dade to Flagler, leaving an indelible mark on local politics.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, January 16, 2026
‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,’ the Billie Holiday Story, at City Rep Theatre, Ken Belshe, the Veranda Bay and Summertown developer, on Free For All Friday, the Flagler County Cultural Council meets, Peter Arnett.
Ranked Choice Voting Beats Winner-Take-All
Plurality voting is notorious for producing winners without majority support in races that have more than two candidates. Plurality can also encourage dishonest voting. An increasingly well-known alternative to plurality voting is ranked choice voting. It’s used statewide in Maine and Alaska and in dozens of municipalities, including New York City.
Stetson Celebrates Martin Luther King with Week of Action
Stetson University will commemorate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual MLK Week of Action, a series of on- and off-campus events designed to connect students with the broader DeLand community through service, dialogue and civic engagement. The week’s programming includes opportunities for reflection, facilitated conversation and hands-on service projects that invite participants to practice Dr. King’s vision of peace, justice and the Beloved Community.
Florida Supreme Court Rules America Bar Association Should Not Alone Accredit Law Schools
Amid mounting pressure from conservatives on the national lawyer group, the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the state should “end its reliance on the American Bar Association” as the sole accreditor of law schools. In most cases, Florida requires people to graduate from accredited law schools to be eligible to take the bar exam to practice law. The American Bar Association has served as the state’s lone accreditor for more than three decades.
$15 Million Over Budget, Nothing Built Since State Guard Facility ‘Broke Ground’ in Bunnell in 2024. Sheriff Is Not Pleased.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly is frustrated over the stalled $10 million Florida State Guard training facility in Bunnell. The state-managed project is over two years behind schedule and facing projected costs of $25 million. Staly criticized the Department of Management Services for inefficiency and massive budget overruns, suggesting the project would already be finished if he’d managed it through a direct state grant.
Palm Coast Couple Faces Felony Charges After Toddler and Elderly Relative Found in Unlivable Conditions
Nikolas Cummings and Tashaye Brown were arrested in Palm Coast after authorities discovered a toddler and an 87-year-old man living in extreme filth. Flagler County deputies found the home infested with cockroaches, which were seen crawling over the sleeping child. The elderly victim was found on a soiled mattress, neglected and unable to access proper food or medicine. Both suspects face felony charges for child and elderly neglect.
Jill Woolbright, Controversial Former School Board Member and Culture Warrior, Files to Run Again
Former Flagler County School Board member Jill Woolbright, who claimed she was in “satanic warfare” against the district, has filed to run for the District 1 seat she’d held for two years. She faces newcomer Cathy Lynn Moon, a retired postal executive focused on fiscal efficiency and public school advocacy. The district is grappling with stagnant enrollment and the rising impact of state private-school vouchers, an issue both candidates address.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, January 15, 2026
The Cold-Weather Shelter known as the Sheltering Tree will open tonight, Marineland Town Commission meeting, Model Yacht Club Races, Israel’s continuing demolition of houses in Gaza.
Palm Coast Set to Take On $582 Million Debt Over 30 Years and Invest $600 Million in City’s Utility Over the Next 5
The Palm Coast City Council is poised to approve a $280 million bond issuance and $45 million refinancing to fund a $599 million utility capital improvement plan. The resulting $582 million debt, to be repaid over 30 years, is already integrated into recent rate increases. While the investment aims to modernize aging infrastructure and satisfy state orders, officials face criticism regarding the city’s failure to secure grants, leaving residents to bear the primary financial burden.
The U.S. Military’s Long History in Greenland
President Donald Trump’s insistence that the U.S. will acquire Greenland “whether they like it or not” is just the latest chapter in a codependent and often complicated relationship between America and the Arctic’s largest island – one that stretches back more than a century but has recently been on the rocks.
‘Soul on Fire”s John O’Leary Keynotes Daytona Regional Chamber’s Event
The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its 106th Annual Meeting on February 2 at the News-Journal Center. The event features the inauguration of 2026 Chair Linda Dubea and honors award winners Premier Resorts & Management and Alan Florez. Burn survivor and Soul on Fire subject John O’Leary will provide the keynote address.
The New Face of Homelessness: Flagler County Shelter Sees Occupancy Double Amid Affordability Crisis
Flagler County’s cold-weather shelter, The Sheltering Tree, is experiencing a significant surge in demand as freezing temperatures arrive. Rising housing costs, increased healthcare premiums, and recent federal benefit disruptions have pushed many working-class residents into housing instability. Local officials report that occupancy has doubled, with many guests arriving directly from their jobs. Supported by local churches and county-provided transportation, the volunteer-run operation struggles to meet the growing needs of a community in crisis.
A Surprise Tribute for Nancy Crouch as ‘Turtle Trail Artists’ Exhibit Opens in Palm Coast
More than 150 guests attended the Sunday opening of the “Turtle Trail Artists of Flagler County” exhibition at Expressions Art Gallery. The event featured new works by the creators of the county’s public sea turtle sculptures. During the reception, arts advocate Nancy Crouch was honored with a miniature replica of “Claude,” the trail’s inaugural sculpture.
‘Dredging Up Some of His Greatest Hits,’ DeSantis Delivers Final State-of-State Address
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spent most of his 30-minute final “State of the State” address to the Florida Legislature looking back on his seven years in office, giving minimal attention to the agenda he’s focused on during his last year in office.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
The Public Safety Coordinating Council meets, Randy Fine’s eyes on Iceland, the Svalbard Islands, Nunavut and Madagascar, Louis Jordan wonders what’s the use of getting sober, Separation Chat, Open Discussion.
AI Is Changing Our Relationship with Art
AI influences decision-making, trust and human agency. This new reality is not a cause for doom. However, now that it’s becoming much harder – if not impossible – to tell whether something is created by a human or a machine, it’s worth asking what’s gained and what’s lost from this technology. Most importantly, what does it say about what we truly value in art?
Senate Panel Moves to Scale Back Controversial Growth Law Known as SB180
After getting hit with lawsuits and objections from local officials, a Florida Senate committee on Tuesday approved scaling back a 2025 law that included temporarily blocking cities and counties from approving “more restrictive or burdensome” changes to growth plans. The Senate Community Affairs Committee voted 8-0 to approve a bill (SB 840), sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, that would revise the law.
Flagler County Threatens Lawsuit Against Flagler Beach Over Annexations of Summertown and Veranda Bay Developments
Flagler County is preparing for potential litigation against the City of Flagler Beach regarding the annexation of the Summertown and Veranda Bay developments. While the county does not oppose the Summertown annexation itself, it challenges the land-use designation as incompatible with the city’s comprehensive plan. For Veranda Bay, the county questions whether all property owners signed the required petitions required for voluntary annexation. Both parties may enter a state-mandated conflict resolution process to avoid protracted administrative hearings.
Flagler GOP Hosts Republican Candidate Forum at Palm Coast Community Center Feb. 5
The Flagler County Republican Executive Committee (FlaglerGOP) announced the confirmed candidates who will participate in its 2026 FlaglerGOP Candidate Forum, scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center, located at 305 Palm Coast Parkway.
‘That Pains Me’: Flagler Commission Will End $359,000 Senior Daycare Program Amid Tax Revenue Concerns
In a major retreat from safety-net responsibilities, the Flagler County Commission is shutting down the $359,000 adult day care program it’s managed for two decades. Commissioners agreed at a workshop on Monday to close the program by the end of the fiscal year in September. Commissioners cited unsustainable subsidies helping too few clients. Some 25 to 50 clients who may have no alternative will be affected. Fearing future property tax revenue cuts from state legislation, the county will now develop an exit plan for the program’s remaining vulnerable clients.
Council Candidate Jeanie Duarte Escorted Out of City Hall Over Public Comment Policy Violation
Palm Coast City Council candidate Jeanie Duarte was escorted by a sheriff’s deputy from a council meeting this morning after continuing to speak in violation of public comment rules. Duarte again attacked the legitimacy of Council member Charles Gambaro’s tenure despite a court’s ruling, and made other unsubstantiated allegations.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
The Palm Coast City Council meets for a lengthy in workshop, the Community Traffic Safety Team meets, as does the School Board, on things concluding themselves, John Cleese on religion, Gide on a lost note.
County Administrator Heidi Petito Survives Firing Attempt by Kim Carney, But Her Days Are Numbered
County Administrator Heidi Petito barely survived a motion by Commissioner Kim Carney to fire her Monday night before an empty chamber, at the very end of a meeting that had stretched past the three-hour mark, and in an off-agenda maneuver fellow-Commissioner Andy Dance said was improper.
Trump’s Media-Muzzling Lawsuits Threaten America’s Free Press
Trump has always been litigious. Over the course of his life, he has been involved in more than 4,000 lawsuits. Many of these involved Trump suing for defamation over perceived threats to his reputation. Relatively few, however, have been successful, if success is defined as prevailing in courts of law. But using litigation as a tool for intimidation can produce other results that can count as victory. The president may be using the courts as a tool not to correct the record but to muzzle potential watchdogs and deprive the public of the facts they need to hold him accountable.
FDLE Publishes Study to Improve Understanding of Officer Suicide
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) today announced the publication of its first peer‑reviewed scholarly study, marking a major advancement in state-level efforts to better understand suicide among active and former law enforcement and corrections professionals.
Flagler County’s New Nexus Center Aims to Compete with Palm Coast and Hilton in Local Event Market
Flagler County is positioning its new Nexus Center–the South Side library–as an event venue to compete with local community centers and hotels. Library Director Holly Albanese presented a fee schedule featuring a $200 hourly rate for the 2,500-square-foot community room, alongside options for gallery and portico rentals.
Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is 4th Republican Running for Governor as DeSantis Hangs Fire on Endorsement
Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins officially entered the 2026 gubernatorial race on Monday, emphasizing his alignment with the “America First” agenda and President Donald Trump. His announcement follows a notable cooling in relations with Governor Ron DeSantis, who recently declined to offer an explicit endorsement. Collins joins a crowded Republican primary field that includes Congressman Byron Donalds and Palm Coast’s Paul Renner. Despite the perceived friction, Collins continues to publicly support the Governor’s current policy platform.
Felon Faces 16 Charges for Stealing Firearms, Ammo and Crossbow from Girlfriend’s Father in F-Section
Timothy Nash, a convicted felon, was arrested in Palm Coast after allegedly stealing firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment from his girlfriend’s father at an F-Section house. While the residence showed no signs of forced entry, a locked interior room was breached. Flagler County deputies recovered the stolen items at a local pawn shop using database records. Nash, who has prior convictions in New York, now faces 16 felony charges and is being held at the county jail without bond.
6 Years in Prison for Woman, 27, Who Molested Relative, 13; Man Arrested Flashing Girl, 14, for ‘Extra Scenery’
Palm Coast resident Angel Marie Sexton has pleaded guilty to molesting a 13-year-old boy during a 2024 holiday visit. She is to be sentenced to six years in prison and nine years of sex-offender probation. In a separate R-Section incident, 22-year-old Stephen Nicholas Caputo was arrested for exposing himself to a 14-year-old girl while pleasuring himself before getting home.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, January 12, 2026
Clay Jones on Steven Miller’s Goebbels gene. A Flagler County Commission Workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. with a slew of topics. The commission meets again at 5 p.m. The Bunnell City Commission meets, Socrates and Meno discuss Texas A&M’s decision to ban Plato.
The 6-7 Craze Cracked a Window Into Hidden World of Children
Many adults are breathing a sigh of relief as the 6-7 meme fades away as one of the biggest kid-led global fads of 2025. In case you managed to miss it, 6-7 is a slang term – spoken aloud as “six seven” – accompanied by an arm gesture that mimics someone weighing something in their hands.
Registration Open for 5th Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk
Registration is now open for the 5th Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk Palm Coast, taking place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Central Park in Town Center, beginning at 8am. The four previous events have raised nearly $100,000 with all proceeds going to the foundation.
The Sunshine State’s 2026 Forecast: Guns, Grifters, and the End of the Woke University
As 2026 begins, Florida’s landscape is defined by aggressive conservatism and cultural upheaval, from DeSantis’s rumored charm school preparations for 2028 to legislative efforts to protect Confederate monuments and expand book bans. Development, football, and ideology collide in the Free State.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, January 11, 2026
Opening reception for “Turtle Trail Artists of Flagler County,” at Expressions Art Gallery, Palm Coast Farmers’ Market at European Village, back with Hans and Franz and when cigarettes were a front-page crisis.





















































