All eyes on the courthouse as the week begins with jury selection in a pair of high-profile trials–Keith Johansen on a charge of first degree murder in the death of Brandi Celenza, his wife, in 2018, and Deviaun Antriel Toler on a first-degree felony charge of aggravated child abuse.
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Remember When Parents Were Fine With Sweeping Vaccine Mandates?
By James Colgrove The ongoing battles over Covid-19 vaccination in the U.S. are likely to get more heated when the Food and Drug Administration authorizes emergency use of a vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, expected later this fall. California has announced it will require the vaccine for elementary school attendance once it receives full FDA […]
Are Wind Turbines About to Whirl Off Florida’s Shore?
The Biden administration is turning its back on offshore drilling rigs such as Deepwater Horizon. Instead, it’s planning for wind farms along the entire coastline. When it comes to wind, though, Florida is known more for its balmy breezes than any steady gusts that would make wind turbines an energetic proposition.
2 High-Profile Trials, in Killing of Brandi Celenza and Alleged Disfigurement of a Child, Are Set for Monday
They are two of the most lurid, high-profile, long-lasting cases on the felony docket of Flagler County’s court: Keith Johansen, 39, faces a first-degree murder charge in the shooting death of his wife Brandi Celenza. Deviaun Antriel Toler, 29, faces two counts of first-degree aggravated child abuse. Life in prison is at stake for the relatively young defendants in both cases. And today, both cases were set for trial the week of October 25.
There Is a Vengeful America and a Just America. Guess Which Florida Promotes.
Florida’s sentencing guidelines statute details the primary purpose of sentencing is to punish, not to rehabilitate. Honor demands vengeance. Respect commands justice. Two significantly different approaches.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, October 24, 2021
The African American Cultural Society is celebrating its 30th Anniversary at 4 p.m. with a plated dinner in the society’s recently renovated Founders Gallery. City Repertory Theatre’s production of “Urinetown” has a matinee.
Time to Stop Worrying About Children’s Screen Time? Not So Fast.
We still need to be wary of health consequences, despite the absence of strong links between screen time and children’s health. The researchers–the study involved almost 12,000 nine-to-ten-year-olds from 24 diverse sites across the United States–suggested screen time was not a direct cause of depression or anxiety and was linked to improved peer relations, but their findings came with caveats.
Barry Brady and Daniel VanDeusen Promoted to Flagler Fire Rescue Battalion Chief
Barry Brady and Daniel VanDeusen were promoted of the 10 applicants who tested. Barry Brady was hired by Flagler County in May of 2007. Daniel VanDeusen began his career in Flagler County over 16 years ago in 2005.
Think a Mild Case of Covid Is No Big Deal? Think Again.
Sometimes we can’t see the impacts to our health as internal signs of disease can go undetected for months or years. In this respect, Covid-19 might be of greater concern than initially realized. Few will come out of the pandemic unscathed, whether financially, physically or emotionally.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, October 23, 2021
“Urinetown” at City Repertory Theatre, the Stetson Symphonic Band in concert, Richard Flanagan’s unknown terrorist on people’s love of the Devil.
Trump Wants His National Archives Papers Censored. Laws May Not Let Him.
At the center of the current conflict between Trump and the congressional committee is the status of presidential papers: Are they public or private? If they’re in the National Archives, they’re not necessarily private. Ex-presidents do not have the ability as former presidents to assert blanket executive privilege.
Serious as a Heart Attack: For FPC and Matanzas High School Athletes, Voluntary ECG Screenings May Become Mandatory
In an effort to stem heart attacks in young athletes–about 3 percent of athletes are at risk–AdventHealth is sponsoring the first free ECG screening for local high school athletes next week, and will ask the Flagler County School Board to make the screenings mandatory by next year. There are some 900 athletes participating in dozens of sports in the two high schools.
50th Palm Coast Citizens Academy Graduates 13
Thirteen Palm Coast residents graduated from the 50th session of the Palm Coast Citizens Academy on Tuesday, October 19th, at the City Council meeting.
Marion Gavins Jr., Who Murdered FPC’s Curtis Gray, 18, Is Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison in Plea
Marion Leo Gavins Jr., 20, pleaded guilty today and was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the murder of Curtis Gray, 18, in April 2019 outside a smoke shop in Palm Coast, a killing that shook the Flagler Palm Coast High and Matanzas High communities and that led his mother to create an enduring non-profit in Gray’s name.
Flagler Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Employment Levels For 1st Time Since, Breaking Record of Job Holders
In February 2020, some 46,560 Flagler residents held jobs. In September, 46,653 did so, the highest-ever number of jobs recorded in the county’s history. The figure does not represent job creation in the county, but rather the number of residents holding jobs anywhere.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, October 22, 2021
Unemployment figures are released this morning, “Urinetown” at City Repertory Theatre, a discussion of domestic violence on WNZF’s Free For All Fridays, Bach at the Jacksonville Symphony, and the vanished Student Pledge Against Gun Violence, and a little touch of Caligula.
The Founders Didn’t Believe Your Sacred Freedom Means You Can Do Whatever the Hell You Want
The founders agreed on one principle: They were unrelenting on the notion that circumstances often emerge that require public officials to pass acts that abridge individual freedoms. Even George Washington forced his troops to be vaccinated.
DeSantis Calls for Special Session to Block Covid Vaccine Mandates (But Not Disney’s)
Gov. Ron DeSantis called Thursday for a special legislative session next month to erect roadblocks against Covid-19 vaccination mandates being advanced by the White House. Democrats criticized DeSantis over his call for a special session, noting that the state’s economic rebound was bolstered by companies such as Disney, which is requiring employees to be vaccinated. Democrats also described DeSantis’ requested legislation as “anti-business.”
With 100 Cases and $190,000 in Missing Funds, Sheriff Turns Flagler Tax Services Fraud Case to IRS Investigators
The cases against Bob Newshomle, long-time owner and operator of Flagler Tax Services, began emerging soon after he shot himself in an apparent suicide attempt in August. The Sheriff’s Office was overwhelmed with complaints about Newsholme’s tax business, resulting in allegations of grand theft, organized scheme to defraud, and embezzlement.
Controversial 240 Boat-Storage Proposal in Hammock Is Moving Forward with Renewed Development Application
Hammock Harbour, the controversial plan for a 240-boat dry-storage facility next to Hammock Hardware in the Scenic A1A corridor, is moving forward with a new development application within the month despite recent hurdles, its developer says. And the parcel is up for sale with a $5 million price tag. It was purchased just three years ago for $850,000.
Stetson University Celebrates the Holiday Season with Four Christmas Candlelight Concerts
The joy and magic of the holiday season comes alive during Stetson University School of Music’s four Christmas Candlelight concerts at historic Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall on campus.
‘Urinetown,’ an Unserious Musical For Our Times, and For Our Town, at City Repertory Theatre
The satiric barbs of “Urinetown” come fast and furious, taking aim at fascism, capitalism, authoritarianism, corporate greed, police brutality, political corruption, abuse of the poor, and the tensions between personal freedoms versus societal good. “Everywhere you turn, it’s poking fun at something,” says Director John Sbordone.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, October 21, 2021
Frank Gromling talks about protecting the oceans to protect us, the origins of “for whom the bell tolls,” William Maxwell is “Over By the River.”
Cities Aren’t Adapting to Climate Change Quickly Enough
the pace of climate change is accelerating much more rapidly than urban areas are taking steps to adapt to it. Failure to adapt urban areas to climate change will put millions of people at risk.
Flagler Beach Opponents Appeal Ruling that Cleared The Gardens for Development Along John Anderson Highway
Preserve Flagler Beach and Bulow Creek, the group opposing The Gardens development along John Anderson Highway, is asking the Fifth District Court of Appeal to quash a decision by Circuit Judge Terence Perkins that found the County Commission acted within the law when it cleared the development in November 2020.
MedNexus in Palm Coast: ‘It’s Really About 6 Hands,’ Szymanski Says of Medical-Education Hub in Town Center
David Szymanski, the CEO of the University of Florida’s MedNexus–the emerging medical education innovator with a foothold in Palm Coast–was the keynote speaker at Flagler Tiger Bay’s monthly lunch series today, outlining what Palm Coast can expect of the initiative in Town Center.
6 School Boards’ Challenge to State Ban on Mask Mandates Goes Forward
The decision by Judge Brian Newman came a day before a hearing is scheduled to start in the challenge filed by the school boards in Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, Duval, Alachua and Leon counties.
Road Rage Incident Spills Into Circle K and Leads to Violent Confrontation, 2 Hospitalizations, 1 Felony Charge
Bruce Hunter Rohr, 22, of Palm Coast, faces an aggravated battery charge, a felony, after a bruising confrontation with a 53-year-old man at the Circle K on Palm Coast Parkway Tuesday night. But there may not be surveillance video of the a crucial part of the fight: who threw the first punch.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, October 20, 2021
David Szymanski, CEO of MedNexus, is the Flagler Tiger Bay Club keynote speaker today. The Palm Coast Planning Board meets, it’s the Think Pink Preview at the Flagler Auditorium, and the Stetson University Guitar Ensemble is in concert.
Trump Antidote: How Anti-Celebrity Politicians Can Thrive in a Starstruck World
Amid the Trumps and Johnsons of the world, can “traditional” politicians still compete for power? This is where the anti-celebrity politician comes in. Dressing and behaving inconspicuously, and ostensibly lacking media savviness, the anti-celebrity politician embodies the opposite qualities to celebrity stardom. He or she avoids the limelight, and flourishes when fatigue with celebrity figures sets in.
In a Shift, DeSantis Downplays Promotion of Covid Vaccines
DeSantis has appeared to undermine confidence in vaccines, not least by elevating Joseph Ladapo — who has been openly skeptical of the federal public health response to the virus — to the office of surgeon general, running the Florida Department of Health.
91 Apply for Palm Coast Manager But Number Deceives: Interim Denise Bevan and Other Qualified Candidates Shun Turmoil
The lack of more numerous quality applicants or internal applicants seems to reflect leeriness about the toxic atmosphere in and around the council. Only 20 applicants have served as either city or county managers, only six of those are currently employed, all in much smaller governments. Many applicants are not qualified, having applied apparently by mistake due to an error in the original posting of the job, which was listed as “manager,” rather than “city manager.”
1st Single-Family Home Subdivision in Town Center Will Bring 208 Homes Near Imagine School, Along Royal Palms
The city council cleared The Gables at Town Center, a 208-home subdivision on 125 acres that stretch from Imagine School at Town center west and north, along Royal Palmas Parkway. Construction has begun. It will eventually look like any typical subdivision in the city.
Palm Coast Council Member Eddie Branquinho Says He Won’t Run in 2022–Unless ‘Crazies’ Are Running
Palm Coast City Council member Eddie Branquinho’s decision not to run means that with Victor Barbosa and Nick Klufas both opting for a run for County Commission, the council is assured of a new majority. Branquinho says he is leaving the door open for a re-election run in case his seat attracts “extremists.”
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, October 19, 2021
The Palm Coast City Council will discuss the 90-some applications for city manager it received. The applications do not include Interim Manager Denis Bevan. It’s Food Truck Tuesday in Central Park.
When Students Attack Teachers
Interviews with 50 teachers from urban and suburban high schools who were threatened or attacked by a student suggest that in light of the constant threat of violence against schoolteachers, the adequacy of current security measures – or lack thereof – are ripe for review.
Commission Approves Heidi Petito’s Administrator Contract, With a $14,000 Raise That Draws an Objection
Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito will be paid $179,000, or $14,000 more than her predecessor, a raise Commissioner Andy Dance said had not been discussed by the commission. He was interested in setting up goals and incentives and a stronger evaluation process for the administrator. His four colleagues were not interested.
Garbage Rates Will Go Up at Least 30% If Current Service Is Maintained as Palm Coast Draws Only 2 Bids from Haulers
Both bids for Palm Coast’s next garbage-hauling contract would result in a significant price increase if current twice-a-week service were maintained: a 30 percent increase if Waste Pro wins the contract for another five years, and a 66 percent increase if the city council were to find reason to opt for the bidder challenging Waste Pro: FCC Environmental Services.
Flagler Sheriff’s Deputy Saves 3-Year-Old Boy as he Hid from Flames and Alarms in W-Section Kitchen Fire
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s Marcus Dawson, first at the scene of a W-Section fire in Palm Coast Sunday evening, entered the smoke-filled house and found a 3-year-old boy hiding under a cover in a bedroom. The fire was contained to the kitchen.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, October 18, 2021
The annual meeting when the county commission discusses and considers approving its annual social services grants–to the Family Life Center, the Free Clinic, the Early Learning Coalition and SMA Healthcare.
Antarctica’s Ice Sheet Collapse Is Still Preventable. Barely.
In West Antarctica, the interior of the ice sheet sits atop bedrock that lies well below sea level. As the Southern Ocean warms, scientists are concerned the ice sheet will continue to retreat, potentially raising sea level by several meters.
The Freedom to Vote Act Is No ‘Compromise.’ It’s an Imperative.
The Freedom to Vote Act was introduced in the Senate as the successor to the For the People Act, which was shot down twice by Republican filibusters. The new act, which has the support of all 50 Democrats in the Senate, is sometimes described as a “compromise bill,” but let’s be clear: The bill is no compromise when it comes to essential protections for voting rights.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, October 17, 2021
Today is the United Nation’s annual International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Norm MacDonald’s birthday, Hawthorne’s passages from a relinquished work.
Bisexual Superman: A Subtext Finally, Happily Out of the Closet
Son of Kal-El will be out this November, and will feature Jon sharing a kiss with friend and online journalist Jay Nakamura. Apart from proving Superman has always had a thing for reporters, Jon expressing his sexuality is a watershed moment in the venerable franchise.
Florida Republicans Want to Put Ban on Mask Mandates in State Law
The proposal (SB 452), filed by Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, also would bar cities and counties from requiring people to wear masks or undergo medical procedures or treatments. It came a day after the Florida Department of Health announced it had imposed a $3.57 million fine on Leon County for requiring government employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Amid Uptick in Anti-Asian Hate, Florida Democrats Want Students to Learn More Asian American History
Following 18 months of hate, violence and discrimination against Asian Americans and Asian immigrants, three Florida lawmakers want to incorporate the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders into the state’s curriculum. If approved by the Legislature and the governor, the AAPI courses and other materials would be added to required instruction under Florida law, such as history of African Americans and the history of the Holocaust.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, October 16, 2021
Community Cats of Palm Coast celebrates the official Grand Opening of its adoption center and thrift store in the Alamo Business Center off U.S. 1, a few words about Noah Webster’s paradoxes, and a few lines from William Trevor.
Do Unbiased Jurors Exist in Social Media Age Anymore?
It’s a fundamental question for this era: Is it possible to find unbiased citizens to serve on a jury in high-profile cases during an age of ubiquitous social media? The dilemma facing the Supreme Court is how prescriptive they want the voir dire process to be. It could issue an opinion requiring lower courts to ask jurors more penetrating questions about their exposure to media accounts in high-profile cases.
First Friday, Christmas Parade and Starry Nights Are Returning to Flagler Beach in December as Grinch Variant Wanes
The Flagler Beach City Commission signed off on returning the city’s popular holiday-season events and First Friday, kicking off on Dec. 3 and 4. The city will also launch the second edition of Starry Nights, lighting up the pier, Veterans park and participating businesses, also starting on Dec. 3.
Flagler’s 1st Domestic Violence Conference Confronts Myths and Silences Often Complicit With Abusers
Panels at the conference, called Rise Up 2021, was organized by Daytona State College and the Flagler County Domestic Violence Task Force, delved into religious organizations’ silence toward or complicit enabling of domestic violence, the mechanics of stalking, trauma on children and other prevalent but rarely discussed fallout from a widespread problem.