Steven Nobile is running for Palm Coast City Council, one of seven candidates in two races, one of three challenging incumbent Bill Lewis. All registered voters in Palm Coast may cast a ballot regardless of party registration or district.
Carousel
Bill Lewis, Palm Coast City Council Candidate: The Live Interview
Bill Lewis is running for Palm Coast City Council, one of seven candidates in two races, and the incumbent in District 4. He faces three challengers. All registered voters in Palm Coast may cast a ballot regardless of party registration or district.
Woody Douge, Palm Coast City Council Candidate: The Live Interview
Woody Douge is running for Palm Coast City Council, one of seven candidates in two races. All registered voters in Palm Coast may cast a ballot regardless of party registration or district.
Sheriff’s Deputies Never Wrote an Incident Report After Fatally Shooting Palm Coast Man
Details of the December 2012 fatal shooting of 32-year-old Troy Gordon on Brownstone Lane in Palm Coast, at a time when Don Fleming was still sheriff, emerged in a court case today that revealed how a union could trump sheriff’s policy even in grave shooting incidents.
Norman Weiskopf, Palm Coast City Council Candidate: The Live Interview
Norman Weiskopf is running for Palm Coast City Council, but has not taken his race, or his interview, very seriously. He faces three opponents, including incumbents. All registered voters in Palm Coast may cast a ballot regardless of party registration or district.
Law Be Damned: Some Insurers Still Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraceptives
There’s not much leeway for employers and insurers in deciding whether they’ll cover contraceptives without charge and in determining which methods make the cut, yet that hasn’t stopped some from trying.
Federal Judge Rules Florida’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban Unconstitutional, But Stays Decision
It is the fifth court decision in the state finding against Florida’s ban, but the first federal-court decision, and the first that applies state-wide. Nevertheless, as in previous cases, the judge stayed the decision, granting time for this and other decisions to be appealed.
Thomson Reuters Names 15 Florida Scientists Among the World’s Most Influential in 2014
The Floridians are among 3,200 individuals on the list of The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds, which includes the top 1 percent of scientists named as references by others in scholarly papers in the years 2002 to 2012. The list covers 21 broad fields, from pure math or physics to applied sciences such as medicine or psychology.
“Derelict” Sheriff! Call In a Judge! Accuse Palm Coast of Larceny! Elections Supervisor Weeks Goes Unhinged.
Though there’s been no issues with voting other than a very low turnout, Supervisor Kimberle Weeks has again fomented a major dispute out of minor, if any, problems, and frustrated the highest officials in a half dozen local government agencies and boards, going as far as implying that Sheriff Manfre should be arrested.
For the Pot:
Five Questions For John Morgan
Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan is spearheading a move to pass a constitutional amendment that would legalize medical marijuana in the state, putting millions of dollars of his own money and his considerable public-speaking skills behind it.
Visit Florida: Ferguson’s Seethe Is a Matter of Time for the Sunshine State
Rose-colored Florida is a cynical myth, the stuff of marketing brochures, a developers’ conspiracy of enticing fiction to make their cash registers ring. The real Florida is a bitter, brooding reality beyond sugarcoating, argues Stephen Goldstein.
Ex-Verdego Employee Accused of Defrauding Customers and Company Van Theft
Travis Heidinger, a 40-year-old resident of 5 Llanes Place in Palm Coast, was booked at the Flagler County jail Tuesday on four counts of grand theft after an investigation concluded he’d defrauded at least customers and Verdego and stolen company property.
Flagler Emergency Official Cautions of Heat Indices Reaching 108 Through Friday
Today through Friday the heat index is hitting unusually high levels and will range from 102 to 108 in Flagler County, especially inland, prompting weather and emergency officials to caution residents and vacationers to stay out of the heat if possible, or take safety measures when in the heat.
Illness Sidelines Bill Lewis from Palm Coast Council and Re-Election Bid, Favoring Challengers
Bill Lewis, 83, has been battling shingles for more than a month and been a no-show at the council or on the campaign, opening the way for three challengers in the Palm Coast City Council race for District 4.
Meeting With Scientists on Global Warming, Gov. Scott Shows No Interest in the Science
Gov. Rick Scott, in a 30-minute meeting with scientists, asked whether the professors’ students were getting jobs in Florida, but showed no interest in the science under discussion or scientists’ urging him to prepare the state for the coming challenges posed by climate change.
Florida Draws 50 Million Visitors in First 6 Months of the Year, Boosting Tax Revenue
Visitors spent $35.7 billion from January to May this year, up 7.4 percent from the same period in 2013, according to Visit Florida. That translates into increased sales-tax revenue for the state.
When a County Commissioner Calls The Supervisor of Elections A “Bitch”
In a conversation with a reporter Monday, Flagler County Commissioner Frank Meeker referred to Supervisor of Elections Kimberle Weeks as a “bitch” in what he termed a slip of the tongue, quickly apologizing afterward.
Lessons for Florida from A California Pot Tourist
If Florida’s voters approve Amendment 2, our state will have an opportunity to implement a marijuana law that avoids heading down California’s cynical path, argues Karen Cyphers. It will be a challenge, but the reward of fostering an honest, quality health-care system is well worth the effort.
Xanax, Beer and a Louisville Slugger: Mondex Man Accused of Battering Woman Over Drugs
Richard Spear, a 50-year-old resident of Daytona North is accused of battering a 30-year-old woman and threatening her and her ex-boyfriend, and smashing the ex-boyfriend’s car with a baseball bat.
1 in 6 Big Businesses Planning to Offer “Junk” Health Insurance Below ACA Standards
Many thought such low-benefit “skinny plans” would be history once the health law was implemented. Instead, 16 percent of large employers will offer lower-benefit coverage along with at least one health plan that does qualify under ACA standards.
Flagler Rotary Club’s Labor Day Celebration in Town Center Aug. 30: Craft Beer, Fireworks and Music
The Rotary Club of Flagler County is hosting an all-day Labor Day Celebration at Palm Coast’s Town Center on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 2 to 10 p.m. Admission is free. The event features entertainment, food and play for all ages, and live music.
The Phony War Over Campaign Signs
The problem isn’t the county’s ban on campaign signs at the public library, it’s the dismal slate of candidates on this year’s primary ballots, but Flagler’s Ronald Reagan Assembly candidates and Supervisor of Elections Weeks have teamed up to play up a bogus controversy.
Every Town a Ferguson:
Reflections of a Scary Black Kid from Brooklyn
Next time you feel intimidated by a black man, try to understand that it’s not about you, writes Jon Hardison, as much as it reflects remnants of a fear of what the average black American grew up with.
650 Names, or 13% of Flagler Beach Population, On Petition Opposing $600,000 Fire Truck
The 65-page petition, published here in full for public examination, has not been authenticated by the city, but would, if verified, pose a serious challenge to a majority of commissioners still intent on buying the fire truck.
Fearing Ambush, Cops and Medics “Stage” Before Responding to Reported Shooting in Bunnell
The incident took place just after midnight Thursday in South Bunnell: 911 got several calls about an alleged shooting and a victim who’d been injured, but threats against police on social media led to precautions against an ambush.
Manatees No Longer Endangered? Not So Fast.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering downlisting manatees from endangered to threatened, reducing their protective status. Save the Manatee Club’s Katie Tripp argues the proposal rests on too scanty data.
County Commission Candidate Mark Richter’s Past: Felony Conviction, 7 Weeks in Navy, and Unanswered Questions
Flagler County Commission candidate Mark Richter refused to document claims about his recent past or answer questions about his background until records obtained by FlaglerLive compelled him to address a few issues. But he left many questions unanswered.
Daytona State’s Palm Coast Campus Celebrates Its New Addition at 4 PM Today
The 24,000 square foot expansion is anchored by a stately-looking two level building, a $7.6 million project. The ribbon cutting runs from 4 to 6 p.m. today at 3000 Palm Coast Parkway SE.
Fearing for Ybor City, Pam Bondi Calls Proposal to Regulate Cigars Like Cigarettes “Overbroad”
Bondi wrote in a letter that she wants the Food and Drug Administration to consider the potential impact of the announced rule changes on Ybor City cigar manufacturer J.C. Newman Cigar, urging the federal agency to “more narrowly tailor these overbroad regulations.”
U.S. Marshals Shoot and Kill a Man In Espanola; He Was Sought for July Shooting in Bunnell
A man was shot and killed in Espanola this morning as the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to serve a fugitive warrant a home there.
Rick Scott Wants to Believe He’s Born-Again Green. The Record Is Dirtier.
Rick Scott wants Floridians to believe that he had a Road to Damascus moment, suddenly realizing that allegiance to Mammon makes for a dirty Florida and an unhappy electorate, but his 11th hour eco-enlightenment is as hard to swallow as a cup of algae from the Indian River Lagoon, argues Diane Roberts.
Far From Settled, Whistleblower Case Against Flagler Beach Fire Department Focuses on Captain’s Truthfulness
Flagler Beach Fire Captain Bobby Pace’s truthfulness on his job application and his handling of a probationer’s work hours at the station were the focus of a deposition in which Pace repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment’s right not to testify. An attorney is seeking to compel him to answer. The matter goes to court Wednesday.
Kimberle Weeks Calls County’s Campaign Sign Rules “Interference”; Administrator Craig Coffey Responds
Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Kimberle Weeks says the county’s political-sign rules “may create an unpleasant and dangerous environment” for voters and campaigners at the public library. County Administrator Craig Coffey disagrees.
Xena Carrion, 17, of Palm Coast, Missing a Week, Is Back Home, Safe
Xena Carrion had run away from home on Aug. 5 after her grandfather reprimanded her for sneaking out of the house. She was returned safely on Aug. 13.
Flagler and St. Johns Untouched But District 6 Loses Much of Putnam in Redistricting
Flagler County was unaffected, but District 6 had previously included most of Putnam County. It now includes only the southeastern quadrant of Putnam. The changes are not likely to change the ideological make-up of the district, which tilts Republican.
Flagler Beach’s $600,000 Fire Truck Runs Into Opposition Petition, Prompting Another Pitch
Commissioner Steve Settle called yet another town hall meeting Monday evening again to make the case for a $6090,000 “quint” fire truck as opposition gels around a petition that organizers say has more than 450 names, or close to 10 percent of the city’s population.
First Maria Barbosa, Now Andy Dance: 2 Taints of Plagiarism, But Only One Admits It
Andy Dance, the chairman of the Flagler County School Board and a candidate for re-election against Maria Barbosa, fully acknowledged and apologized for instances of plagiarism noted in his News-Journal interview, a sharp contrast with Barbosa’s more extensive plagiarism, which she has neither explained nor admitted.
Sheriff’s Office Seeking Public Help Identifying Accused Flagler Beach Mail Thief
The investigation revealed that once the suspect removes the mail from the mailbox, he submits a change of address form and has the victim’s mail forwarded to a vacant residence, where he collects pertinent information.
Aug. 21 Seminar: The Lowdown on New Laws Regarding Homeowner and Condo Associations
Flagler Beach’s Preferred Management Services is presenting a seminar on new laws affecting homeowner and condo associations on Aug. 21 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Palm Coast, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. RSVP required.
Average Cost of Silver-Range Insurance Plans Will Decline in Florida Marketplace
About 75 percent of Floridians live in areas where the second-cheapest silver premium will actually decline, said Tasha Bradley, a spokeswoman for the federal Department of Health and Human Services.
Sheriff’s Deputy In Rear-End Crash With Matanzas Coach Keith Lagocki on SR100: No Injuries
Keith Lagocki, the long-time coach at Matanzas High School, along with three family members escaped injury Sunday afternoon when a Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy’s cruiser rear-ended Lagocki’s car just west of Belle Terre Parkway. The deputy was also not injured.
Warts and All, Obamacare Saved Me From Bankruptcy
FlaglerLive Editor Pierre Tristam exposes his health care bills before and after Obamacare, and before and after cancer, to show how without the Affordable Care Act, he and his family would have face ruin.
How the NRA Treats Gun Owners Like Children
The statistical risk of dying by gunshot increases dramatically when you possess a gun in your home. So does your spouse’s and child’s risk. It’s a health risk like unprotected sex. Doctors can ask about unprotected sex. Why not ask about guns?
Who Wants an Old Courthouse? County Opens Doors, and A Few Eyes
A county-hosted open house at the old Flagler County Courthouse drew dozens of people Friday, mostly local residents and perhaps three or four prospective businesses, as the county continues to study what to do with the old, 50,000-square-foot structure.
Tennessee Williams’s “Suddenly Last Summer” Gorges on Flagler Stage in Palm Coast Arts Foundation Fundraiser
“Suddenly Last Summer” will be staged for one performance only on Aug. 16, at Lohman Auditorium in Marineland, under the direction of City Repertory Theatre’s John Sbordone, starring Annie Gaybis and Ann Kraft.
Pair of Suspects Arrested For Home Invasion Robbery on Palm Coast’s Bradmore Lane
A 67-year-old Palm Coast resident was robbed the evening of on Aug. 3 at her Bradmore Lane home. The boyfriend of an ex-roommate, and the roommate, were arrested after the pair used the woman’s credit card at three locations in Ormond, Daytona and South Daytona.
Tom Gargiulo, Leading Patron of Palm Coast Arts, Is Seriously Injured in Bike Crash
Gargiulo, the founder of the Tom Gargiulo Foundation and creator Flagler’s Artist of the Year award, among numerous other supports of local arts, was bicycling on Pine Lakes Parkway when he was struck by a car as he crossed Wynnfield Drive Tuesday morning.
“Threatened” Commissioner Nate McLaughlin Gets Sheriff’s Escort After Confrontation With Opponent Mark Richter’s Son
A contentious handshake between McLaughlin and Kevin Richter, the 27-year-old son of candidate and McLaughlin opponent Mark Richter, led to an uncomfortable quarter hour at Monday’s candidate forum at the Hilton Garden Inn, with allegations and counterclaims from both sides.
2 Suspects Wanted for Robbing Pizza Delivery Man at Gunpoint Arrested at Flagler-St. Johns County Line
A concurrence of motorists’ calls to police combined with a ground and air search in the area of the Flagler-St. Johns County Line Wednesday morning to capture two men suspected of robbing a Domino’s delivery man at gunpoint and stealing his car in Broward County.
4th Judge in 3 Weeks Strikes Down Florida’s Gay-Marriage Ban
A Palm Beach County circuit judge ruled Tuesday that Florida’s same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional in a probate case involving a gay couple who married in Delaware.