Flagler County has seen a surge of 102 cases in the last five days in tandem with a continuing surge in the state, with local residents complaining of long delays in getting Covid-19 test results.
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Education Commissioner Corcoran’s Call to Reopen Schools Sparks Criticism from State Board
More than a week after Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran ordered schools to reopen in August, members of the State Board of Education on Wednesday said his order has sparked confusion, fear and angst.
Don Greene, Palm Coast Mayor Candidate: The Live Interview
Don Greene is a candidate for Palm Coast Mayor. All registered voters in the city may cast a ballot in that non-partisan election regardless of party affiliation or location in Palm Coast.
Facing Ultimatum from County Administrator, Petito Is Out as Flagler County Fire Chief After 15 Years
Employees have been aware of Petito’s departure since last week. County Administrator Jerry Cameron gave Petito an ultimatum: retire, resign or be fired. Petito chose to retire. He leaves a department in disarray.
6th Covid Death in Flagler; Florida’s Fatalities Surge and Cases Exceed 300,000; School District Announces Remote Option
Flagler County is coming to terms with a situation more serious than some officials–more particularly, a few county elected officials–have acknowledged, with the school district on Tuesday announcing what amounts to a return to remote instruction for all those who want it come Aug. 10.
Field Hospitals for Covid-19 Surge a No-Go in Hurricane Season But Florida’s Alternative Is Wanting
The state is focusing efforts on expanding hospital surge capacity and not on creating alternate sites to accommodate any overflows of patients, but hospital executives are questioning the state’s lack of direction.
Cut Pentagon’s $740 Billion Budget by 10% and Invest in Public Health
At more than $740 billion this year, the Pentagon budget is more than 100 times the budget of the CDC — and more than 1,800 times the U.S. contribution to the World Health Organization that the president has promised to cut.
John Brady, Palm Coast Mayor Candidate: The Live Interview
John Brady is a candidate for Palm Coast Mayor. All registered voters in the city may cast a ballot in that non-partisan election regardless of party affiliation or location in Palm Coast.
Palm Coast Council Will Appoint a Replacement for Jack Howell and Set November Special Election
The Palm Coast City Council will appoint a replacement for Council member Jack Howell, who resigned last week, until voters in a special election held concurrently with the general election on Nov. 3 will elect a candidate for the remaining two years in Howell’s term.
Man Wanted For Carjacking at Palm Coast RaceTrac Arrested in Georgia for Home Invasion
Chad Langlois, a 40-year-old man with an unknown address, was arrested in southeast Georgia a day after he was charged with a carjacking in Palm Coast. He is being held without bond in more than half a dozen additional charges from a home invasion armed robbery in Georgia.
County Decisively Rejects Settlement With Captain’s BBQ, Refusing Special Favors and Low Rent
The proposal was almost bizarrely generous to Captain’s, providing for continued low rent decades, giving Captain’s first refusal rights on a pavilion on six national holidays, and committing the county to vast repairs and maintenance.
County Sells Long-Plagued Sheriff’s Building at $400,000 Loss, With Substantial Debt Remaining
The sale unloads a burdensome white elephant and political eyesore from the county’s inventory, if at a dear price, and preempts the need for the county to demolish the building and try to sell the property itself.
Judge Weighs How Far Marcy’s Law Protecting Victims May Go to Shield Cops’ Identities
The city of Tallahassee and media organizations on Monday tried to persuade a circuit judge that a 2018 constitutional amendment aimed at protecting victims’ rights does not allow police officers involved in use-of-force incidents to keep their identities secret.
Explicitly Rejecting ‘Mandate,’ Flagler County Commission ‘Strongly Encourages’ Use of Masks Indoors
Last week Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Bunnell all approved mask mandates but without enforcement provisions. Commissioners rejected the use of the word, saying it would not be enforceable.
15,300 News Cases in Florida Exceed New York’s High; Flagler Sets New Record; Schools Prepare to Open
Flagler County set a single-week record of 104 cases with a positivity rate of 10 percent as Florida shattered all single-day records across the nation, yet the Flagler school district is preparing to resume in-person classes on Aug. 10, along with most districts across the state.
Schools, Do Not Play Russian Roulette with Our Lives
We should not reopen schools until the county where the district is located reports zero new Coronavirus cases for two weeks. That would be taking safety seriously, argues teacher and author Steven Singer. It shouldn’t be too much to ask because other countries have been able to do such things.
Settlement Generous to Captain’s BBQ Termed at ‘Impasse’ as it Heads to County Commission
The settlement is remarkably generous to Captain’s, and in key parts even more generous than the controversial 2018 lease amendment the county eventually killed under pressure from a public backlash.
Circuit Judge Rejects Challenge to Mask Mandate, Seeing No Constitutional Violation
A circuit judge Friday rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of a Leon County ordinance that requires people to wear face masks in businesses to try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Trump and the GOP’s Handling of Covid-19 Is Sheer Lunacy
Just over half of working-age Americans have jobs now, the lowest ratio in over 70 years. What’s roaring back is Covid-19. Until it’s tamed, the economy doesn’t stand a chance, argues Robert Reich.
New Trial Ordered in 2008 Child Death
A three-judge panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal found that an attorney did not properly represent child-care provider Stephanie Spurgeon, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in the Pinellas County case.
FWC Seeks Assistance in Developing Lake Management Plans
A new Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Lake Management Plans webpage is designed to strengthen communication and encourage stakeholders to become more involved with the management plan process.
Show Support for Manatee and Sea Turtle Conservation With New Decals from the FWC
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is unveiling its new 2020 manatee and sea turtle decals. New editions of these collectible stickers are released every July and are available with a $5 donation online or at your local tax collector’s office.
Department of Justice Awards FCSO $92,501 Grant for Recruitment, Hiring and Retention
The Department of Justice announced $2.2 million in grant funding to law enforcement agencies through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). Those funds will be distributed to 29 agencies with amounts ranging from $15,090 to $100,000.
St. Johns County Schools Offers Bus Drivers Highest Pay in Florida
With an 11 percent wage increase, full-time St. Johns County bus operators now make between $16 and $23.93 per hour. That’s on top of impressive benefits such as the Florida Retirement System (FRS) and sign-on bonuses in the amounts of $1,000 and $3,000.
Felony Charges for Man Accused of Lurid Online Stalking and Impersonation of Ex
Cody Mitchell, 32, is accused of fabricating social media profiles involving his ex, his ex’s mother and his own daughter, resulting in unwanted visits, deliveries and other violations of the family’s privacy.
Flagler Beach and Bunnell Join Palm Coast in Requiring Masks, But Also Skirt Enforcement
All three governments’ resolutions passed unanimously, but all three expressly said they were not interested in a “mask police,” or having law enforcement involved in enforcing the requirement.
Palm Coast Council’s Blunt and Crusty Jack Howell Resigns, Citing Recurrence of Cancer
Jack Howell was elected two years ago. He said his resignation has nothing to do with anything other than his health. It will require the city to hold a special election in conjunction with the coming August and November contests.
120 Deaths In a Day, 8,930 New Infections as Florida Is Nation’s Covid Epicenter; Bed Capacity Under 6% in Flagler
Florida’s seven-day daily average of deaths, at 56, is the highest since the pandemic began in late February. AdventHealth Palm Coast had just one ICU bed available today and four non-ICU beds.
‘Little Old Flagler Beach’ No More as City Commission Plans on Stricter Public Meeting Rules
Though most lapses in civility have involved commissioners or staffers over the years, new rules proposed by new Commissioner Ken Bryan would significantly corral interactions between the public and commissioners and create a public no-go zone at commission meetings.
As Covid Testing Soars, Wait Times For Results Jump To A Week Or More
While hospital patients can get the findings back within a day, people getting tested at urgent care centers, community health centers, pharmacies and government-run drive-thru or walk-up sites are often waiting a week or more. In the spring, it was generally three or four days.
Trump Waffles on GOP Convention in Jacksonville as Duval Sees 510% Increase in Cases Since Phase 2
Duval had a cumulative total of just 1,690 coronavirus cases when Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered Phase 2 reopening on June 5. It had 10,308 today, a 510 percent increase.
Sheriff Issues Desist Letter to Ex-COP Featuring Lynching Symbol and FCSO Patrol Car on Facebook
The man, whose Facebook page name is Scott van Ostran, was never a sheriff’s deputy, Sheriff Rick Staly said, but may have been a volunteer with the department’s C.O.P., or Citizens on Patrol, program several years ago.
A Unanimous Palm Coast Council Passes Mask Mandate, Building Pressure on Other Flagler Governments
The Palm Coast City Council this evening voted 5-0 to enact the first mask mandate of any government in Flagler County, describing it as an urgent necessity as coronavirus spike in the county and the state.
Flagler Department of Health Expands Covid-19 Testing to Six Sites
The new sites are drive-up or walk-up and do not require appointments or particular symptoms. They are compelled by an ongoing surge in coronavirus cases in Florida, and in Flagler County, where the number of cases has doubled since the state went to Phase 2 of reopening on June 5.
Flagler’s Covid Cases top 400, Two More at Long-Term Care Facilities; Palm Coast Eyes Mask Mandate Like New Smyrna Beach’s
Covid-19 cases in Flagler spiked in the last 24 hours by 18 cases, one of the largest-single-day spikes, as the Palm Coast City Council this evening considers a mask mandate, but it carries no penalties for violators.
28% of Flagler Parents Plan for Their Children to Attend Online Classes Only as State Orders Schools to Reopen
Flagler schools will offer two options: in-person instruction or online instruction through iFlagler. School prin cipals and faculty are contacting parents and students to find out what track they’re choosing.
Sheriff Staly Floats Compromise on Mandatory Masks, Minimizing Policing as 3 Cities Vote on Mandates This Week
Sheriff Rick Staly proposes using the powers of trespassing and code enforcement rather than policing to enforce mask-wearing as Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Bunnell prepare to vote on their mandates this week.
Flagler Beach Woman Faces Carjacking Charge Following Confrontation With Ex-Boyfriend
Kiana R. Grabowski, a 27-year-old resident of 2156 Flagler Avenue in Flagler Beach, faces a charge of carjacking with a deadly weapon and a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony, following a confrontation with her ex-boyfriend the night of July 1.
Florida Exceeds 200,000 Coronavirus Cases, Just 13 Days After Topping 100,000
Hitting 200,000 cases this weekend would have seemed unlikely — if not unthinkable — a month ago: On June 5, Florida totaled 61,488 cases, after adding another 1,305 positive results that day. Flagler had 195 cases by June 5, and now has double that.
Social Media Image About Mask Efficacy Right In Sentiment, But Percentages Are ‘Bonkers’
A popular social media post that’s been circulating on Instagram and Facebook since April depicts the degree to which mask-wearing interferes with the transmission of the novel coronavirus. It’s mostly false.
Make Masks Mandatory Anywhere Public
As Covid-19 infections continue to surge, Palm Coast, Flagler County and all other local governments should do what Orange and Osceola counties have already done: make masks mandatory anywhere public, including shops and restaurants.
Flagler Sets New Infection Record With 90 in a Week, Florida Sets New Single-Day Record With 11,458
Flagler’s total broke the previous record of 61 set at the end of April, with almost half the county’s cumulative total infections occurring since Phase 2 reopening. Palm Coast Mayor Holland still intends to pursue a mask mandate after administrative officials on Friday said they would not.
Flagler Sheriff’s Deputy Varnes Faces Felony Stalking Charge Over Racist and Violent Threats in Bizarre Case
Dedorius Varnes, 28, a Flagler deputy on the job two and a half years, was arrested after an investigation revealed he’d allegedly made more than 50 intimidating and racist phone calls to a 67-year-old man, threatening to rob him and beat him up.
From Shooters to Saviors: How Flagler Deputies Shot an Armed Man, Then Saved Him From Suicide
A 15-minute video from deputies’ body cams provides a remarkably vivid, startling look at the officer-involved shooting in Daytona North that left 30-year-old Steven Barneski in serious condition after being hit by several bullets, and how he was stopped from taking his own life.
Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and County Leaders Will Seek Mask Mandate as Covid Infections Keep Surging
As coronavirus infections continue to surge, Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland, Flagler Beach Commission Chair Jane Mealy and County Commission Chair Dave Sullivan will be asking their respective governments to approve a mandatory mask mandate in coming days.
Sheriff’s Investigation Finds No Criminal Wrongdoing in Death of Inmate Anthony Fennick
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office concluded no criminal wrongdoing surrounded the death of former inmate Anthony Fennick in February 2019 shortly after he was rushed to AdventHealth Palm Coast, seizing and unresponsive, and after complaining of high fever and developing an allergic rash for several days before that.
3 Flagler Deputies Shoot White Man in Mondex in First Officer-Involved Shooting in 8 Years
Three Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies fired and wounded a man who was a passenger in a car during a traffic stop in the Mondex, or Daytona North, just before midnight Wednesday in the first officer-involved shooting in the county since December 2012.
Palm Coast Investigates Itself. The Result Is Not Impressive.
Palm Coast City Manager Matt Morton brought in an investigator to investigate the city’s own internal investigations process and its handling of public records, some of them involving Milissa Holland and Coastal Cloud. The result excused several misjudgments.
DeSantis Signs Abortion Parental Consent Law 31 Years After Court Struck Down Similar Measure
The Republican-dominated Legislature has passed a series of bills over the years aimed at placing more restrictions on abortions. For example, lawmakers in 2015 passed a measure that required a 24-hour waiting period before women could have abortions. That law has been tangled in a legal battle.
Palm Coast Parent Faces Numerous Charges of Raping His Pre-Teen Children
Brian Scott Wirth, a 39-year-old resident of Palm Coast’s R-Section, faces three capital charges and two first degree felony charges of rape and is being held on $875,000 bond at the Flagler County jail.