Mayor Milissa Holland and Coastal Cloud Co-owner Tim Hale repeatedly–and unfairly–invoked Palm Coast Observer Editor Brian McMillan’s name in poor light during a 90-minute city council segment devoted entirely to refuting critical allegations about the city’s contract with the company.
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Florida Agricultural Museum Is On Track with New Train, ‘Dirt Detectives’ and Other Projects
Four years ago the Florida Agriculture Museum at the north end of Palm Coast was heading for closure. Today, it’s bustling with a half dozen programs, including an equestrian boarding and riding program, and more ahead.
Wednesday Briefing: 90/90 Challenge, Clare Boothe Luce’s “Women,” Presidential Age
Clare Boothe Luce’s “The Women” is presented by the Flagler College Department of Visual and Performing Arts, a hole in Mars, and are presidents getting older?
Opponents Question Structure as State Approves FPL Plan to Add 20 Solar Farms By 2021
Opponents contended the program would have costs and financial risks for the vast majority of customers who would not participate. As an example, credits received by SolarTogether participants would come from money that all customers pay to cover power-plant fuel expenses.
Full House and Senate Will Vote on Requiring ‘Moment of Silence’ in Schools
The Senate Rules Committee on Monday signed off on a bill (SB 946) that would direct principals and teachers to give students up to two minutes each day to reflect on anything they want.
News-Journal Lays Off London (Again) and Flagler Bureau Editor; News-Tribune’s Future in Doubt
The Daytona Beach News-Journal this week is laying off two of its four remaining employees in the Flagler County bureau–long-time reporter Aaron London and Nick Klasne, an assistant managing editor in charge of the Flagler Bureau.
2 Brothers Face Child Neglect Charges After Uncle Is Accused of Hiding Pot Stash in 11-Year-Old’s Underpants
A man and his brother were charged with child neglect after the man’s brother hid a stash of pot in his 11-year-old nephew’s underwear before a traffic stop.
Tuesday Briefing: Flagler Free Clinic at 15, Thomas LeGault Case, Suicide Prevention, Palm Coast Connect
Former County Commission candidate Thomas LeGault’s debt to WNZF in a small claims case on the court docket, Mayor Milissa Holland and others may address the city’s arrangement with Coastal Cloud that gave rise to Palm Coast Connect, Chess on the Porch at the Humidor.
Stop Cloaking Bigotry in Veils of ‘Religious Freedom’
A Supreme Court case could open the door to even more legal discrimination in the name of religious freedom. The intolerant should rethink their claim to piety and morals, which contradict their ends.
Once Again, Vacation Rental Plan to End Local Regulation Falters Over Committee Hurdles
The Senate Rules Committee was scheduled to hear the bill (SB 1128) Monday, but bill sponsor Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, said the measure was postponed because he lacked the support necessary to get it out of the committee.
Judge Sets Stern Ground Rules Ahead of Keith Johansen Murder Trial in Shooting Death of Brandi Celenza
The trial judge admonished the families of both Brandi Celenza and Keith Johansen after a hearing where he’d ruled on admitting or limiting variously disturbing evidence-and prohibiting prejudicial courtroom antics in the gallery.
‘We Will See It In Our Community,’ Flagler Emergency Chief Warns of Coronavirus, Detailing Local Response
Flagler Emergency Chief Jonathan Lord and Health Department Chief Bob Snyder briefed the County Commission on the creation of a local “pandemic working group” and measures in place to address the coronavirus, whose arrival locally is almost certain.
Two Espanola Parents Arrested After 5 Children Lived in Filth, Fear and Neglect for Years
DCF took custody of five children–ages 12, 11, 7, 3 and 2–who year after year had been either homeless or living in a deplorable house in Espanola. Their parents, Tiffany Berry and Nicholas Carter, were arrested for neglect.
Monday Briefing: Vacation Rentals, County v. McDonald, ACLU Meeting, Detective Totten, Blanche Gardin
A Senate panel takes up vacation rentals as opponents demonstrate against the bill, County Attorney Al Hadeed presents a response to Dennis McDonald allegations on the former Sheriff’s Operations Center, French comic Blanche Gardin.
Grand Living Realty Now Representing American Village in Palm Coast
Grand Living Realty is now representing The American Village community, a luxurious, 55+ gated active adult living community located at Pritchard Drive off Belle Terre, Palm Coast. The community offers 45 premium homes and 96 condominiums.
State Labs in Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa Now Testing For Coronavirus
State laboratories in Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa can conduct tests instead of sending samples to federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention labs in Atlanta.
How the School District Allowed “Rocco” Paffumi To Keep Teaching Despite 5 Violent Incidents
Jeffrey Rocco Paffumi, the former Buddy Taylor Middle School teacher who physically threw a student out of class in January, had a long and documented history of violent behavior in and out of the district, including two arrests and at least five previous instances of violent behavior toward students or adults, men and women–in 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2014. Yet he was allowed to keep teaching.
Secrecy and Stinginess Undermine Florida’s Claim To be Doing All It Can Against Coronavirus
Gov. DeSantis won’t say whether Florida residents are among those tested for coronavirus, and the state will not be providing free testing to people who are uninsured or underinsured.
Weekend Briefing: Keith Johansen, 70s Dance Party, Hammock’s Art In the Garden, Stayin’ Alive
A Bee Gees tribute at the Flagler Auditorium, Art in the Garden with the Hammock Community Association, Romeo and Juliet, a 70s dance party at AACS, a wine festival, a safari dinner and a lot more.
Flagler School District Explains Its Role and Parents’ Responsibilities in Wake of Coronavirus Outbreak
The Flagler County school district issued a statement regarding district protocols in place in response to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, and precautionary expectations as far as what parents and guardians may or should do.
Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run on SR 100 Near Bunnell; Van Driver Later Caught in Putnam
A man in his 20s walking along State Road 100 just west of County Road 302 was killed this afternoon after he was struck by a white van that kept going.
Flagler Beach’s Oak Place Residents Want To Know Why the U.S. Post Office Won’t Deliver To Them
The U.S. Postal Service refuses to deliver mail to houses along Oak Place in Flagler Beach even though FedEx, UPS and other delivery services do so, and the street, though dirt, is no different than innumerable such streets in the county.
Standoff Over Age and Tobacco Definition Could Doom Vaping Regulations
Florida House Speaker José Oliva is balking at raising the age to purchase cigarettes and vaping products to 21, despite a federal law, and would not identify vaping and e-cigarettes as “tobacco products.”
Thursday Briefing: How To Wash Your Hands, Cline’s A1A Art, ‘Romeo and Juliet’
City Repertory Theatre’s and the Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” kicks off, a coronovirus reminder on how to wash your hands, Scenic A1A Art by Carla Cline.
‘We’re Fighting For the Life of Flagler Beach’: County Urges Property Owners’ Cooperation in Beach Rebuilding
Flagler County government is looking for permission from almost 150 property owners along the shore in Flagler Beach to use their beachside properties over the next few months–and in perpetuity–to save the beach in what one official describes as the single-largest public works project ever conducted in Flagler
15-Year-Old Mondex Boy Arrested on Child Porn Charges in Isolated Example of Rampant Crisis
The 15-year-old boy had allegedly produced child pornography, exploiting a child known familiarly to him, and traded and sold images or videos, knowing it was wrong, for “a couple of hundred” dollars.
From Verona to Brooklyn, With Love: Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Parks It at City Rep
Brent Jordan and Lillie Thomas are in the lead roles in City Repertory Theatre’s and the Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s “Romeo and Juliet,” originally planned for the big tent in Town center, but moved to CRT’s indoor venue after last week’s storm.
Without Apologies: Why EPAC Exists, and Why We Are Concerned About the Choice for Superintendent
Kristi Furnari, secretary of the Exceptional Student Education Parent Advisory Council, explains the organization’s deep and at times controversial involvement in the Flagler school district’s search for the next superintendent.
Wednesday Briefing: Ashes to Go, Book Club and Paws to Read, Stetson Jazz Ensemble
A new turtle in the Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s Turtle Trail is dedicated at the Flagler Beach Historical Museum, Ash Wednesday to go at St. Thomas Episcopal, Henry Sawyer III on the First Amendment.
Major $1.8 Billion FPL Solar Expansion Sparks Controversy Over Billing
FPL customers would be able to voluntarily pay more on their electric bills to finance the 20 solar-plant expansion and would receive credits that would result in them getting a “payback” in about seven years.
Debate Over Restricting Dollar-Type Stores Divides Palm Coast Planning Board as Moratorium Advances
Palm Coast government is moving toward a 120-day moratorium on permitting new dollar-type stores out of concern that the stores’ proliferation may damage the availability of quality grocery stores.
One Suicide and Two Attempted Suicides in Three Days in Palm Coast
A 58-year-old woman who suffered from depression for years took her life on Sunday. A 14-year-old girl despondent over a break-up and a depressed 20 year old attempted suicide on Friday and Sunday.
Orndorff, Mittelstadt, Johnson and Womack Will Be Interviewed for Superintendent; Conklin Eliminated
Combining local and non-local applicants, the Flagler County School Board will interview four candidates for superintendent: Kathy Mittelstadt, Vernon Orndorff, Earl Johnson and Janet Womack.
Tuesday Briefing: FTI’s Jalyn Clavizzao, Dune Restoration, Superintendent Search, Real Socialists, Hotel California at Auditorium
An explanatory meeting on the dunes restoration project in Flagler Beach, an Eagles tribute band at the Auditorium, Jens Bjørneboe explains why businessmen are the real socialists, FTI’s Jalyn Clavizzao.
Boosting Flagler Officials, Gov. DeSantis Is ‘Leaning Against’ Dismantling Local Vacation Rental Regulations
Gov. Ron DeSantis is expressing concerns about legislative proposals that would further prevent local governments from regulating short-term vacation rentals. The governor’s stance drew cheers from Flagler County Commission Chairman Dave Sullivan.
Palm Coast’s Opelka Wins Second ATP Tour Singles Title in Dramatic Fashion, Here in Florida
Reilly Opelka had to play two matches in one day, and a total of six sets, to win the Delray Beach Open, vaulting his ranking back inside the Top 40 to Number 39, just three off his career-high mark.
Flagler County’s First Salt Spa Opens in Flagler Beach
Essential Elements Spa at 214 Moody Blvd. in Flagler Beach is a natural healing, therapeutic, aesthetic and relaxation spa offering dry salt therapy, infrared sauna treatments, an oxygen bar experience, massage and aesthetician services.
2 Homeless Deaths in 24 Hours: Bunnell Police Investigating Death of Man Found By Branch Library
A homeless man who was known often to frequent the Bunnell Branch Library was found dead outside the building early Monday morning by the library’s branch manager. The death is not believed to be a homicide, but an investigation is ongoing.
Homeless Person Found Dead as Firefighters Battle Small Blaze Near Car Wash on Palm Coast’s Cypress Edge
A homeless person was found dead in suspicious circumstances as firefighters battled a small fire in the wooded, vacant land between Superwash Express and the construction zone for a new assisted living facility off Cypress Point Parkway in Palm Coast Sunday night.
Monday Briefing: Youth Orchestra’s Suite Indulgences Concert, Stamp and Coin, PCAF’s Blown Tent
The Flagler Ypouth Orchestra’s 350 musicians present their “Suite Indulgences” winter concert at the Flagler Auditorium, the Arts Foundation moves its Shakespeare in the Park, Stamps and Coin Club.
Palm Coast’s Brian McCracken, 42, Is Killed in Ormond Beach Crash
Brian McCracken, a 42-year-old resident of Palm Coast, was killed Saturday night in a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Broadway Avenue in Ormond Beach, just south of the interchange with I-95.
Nor’easter Severely Damages Flagler Beach Walkovers DOT Had Just Rebuilt
Flagler Beach City Manager Larry Newsom said the city had nothing to do with the poorly constructed walkovers, blaming the damage on the Florida Department of Transportation’s contractor. Older walkovers have withstood storms for decades.
Attorneys Urge Florida Supreme Court to Rethink Decision Making Unanimous Verdicts Unnecessary
Pointing to “evolving standards of decency,” attorneys for a Death Row inmate have asked the Florida Supreme Court to reconsider a major ruling that said unanimous jury recommendations are not necessary before death sentences can be imposed.
Lessons from the Border
Even if people know a little about the border with Mexico, many Americans simply have no idea about the U.S. policies that have created the displacement crisis, including American support for a criminal Honduran president.
Jason Minton, a Sex Offender, 43, Accused of Kidnapping and Raping Flagler Beach Woman, 23
Jason Minton, 43, a DeLand registered sex offender, is accused of kidnapping and raping a Flagler Beach woman after allegedly drugging her at River Grille restaurant in Ormond Beach Wednesday.
Personalities and Civility More Than Differences Define 4 Candidates for 2 Seats on Flagler Beach City Commission
Ken Bryan, Paul Harrington, Deborah Phillips, and Marshall Shupe, the only incumbent, are candidates for two seats in the March 17 Flagler Beach municipal election. Their appearances at two forums were defined by thoughtfulness, mutual respect and a general consensus on most pressing issues, including development.
Vacation Rental Bill Restricting Local Regulation and Opposed by Flagler County Heads to House Floor
The Flagler County Commission included opposition to such pre-emption among its goals this year, as it has for the past three years. Flagler’s and other counties’ and cities’ opposition in previous years defeated deregulation attempts. The momentum this year appears to be with deregulators, however.
Weekend Briefing: Native American Fest, ‘The Witness’ at Playhouse, Mardi Gras Pet Parade
“The Witness,” a Story of Racism in 1960s St. Augustine, at the Flagler Playhouse, the Flagler County Humane Society presents the 1st annual Mardi Gras Pet Parade at Central Park, Linda Cole Sunday Jazz Rendezvous.
City Planners Urge Significantly Scaling Back 300-Home Matanzas Golf Course Development to Preserve Views
Palm Coast city planners’ response to a planned 300-home development along the disused Matanzas golf course cites rules that prevent building on fairways and blocking existing residents’ backyard views. That would eliminate swaths of planned homes within the 278-acre project.
‘This Will Not Stand’: Flagler Commission Prayer Draws Hint of Lawsuit as County Attorney Adamantly Defends Practice
As Mike Cocchiola, a member of the local ACLU chapter, suggested legal action may follow, County Attorney Al Hadeed “absolutely” defended the Flagler County Commission chairman opening sessions with a prayer. Hadeed overstated the actual legality of the practice, which courts are still contending.