Florida’s new law legalizing red-light cameras ensures that state coffers are on the take. But it does not address the fundamental problems with spy-and-snap cameras. There are innumerable reasons to ban them. There’s only one reason to keep them, and it’s a slimy one: money.
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FHP Looking for Red Trail Blazer in Hit-and-Run that Killed Sean Lynn Ryan Saturday
The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for a red Chevrolet Trail Blazer with extensive damage, involved in the hit-and-run that claimed the life of Sean Lynn Ryan, a 24-year-old resident of Palm Coast, early Saturday. The public’s help is requested.
Florida’s Year in Review: New Districts, New Voting Problems, Renewed Economic Hope
The biggest stories of 2012 ended up being an election and redistricting. A third ongoing story also pervaded the year’s news: The economy continued its long, slow rise from the ashes of the recession, and by year’s end the rebound – while facing the possible stomach-punch of a fiscal cliff setback – appeared to be solid.
Oh, What a Night: The Hit Men Behind Frankie Valli Take the Auditorium, Minus Frankie
The Hit Men bill themselves as the original stars of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, and are behind such hits as “Oh, What a Night,” “Who Loves You,” and “Swearin’ to God.”
Red-Light Cameras’ Legality and Other Florida Supreme Court Cases to Watch in 2013
Leaving behind months of political turbulence, the Florida Supreme Court in 2013 could decide a series of high-profile cases dealing with issues such as Palm Coast’s red-light cameras, the state pension system and medical-malpractice lawsuits.
Florida’s Own Fiscal Cliff: Gov. Scott Pleads With Obama to Help Avert a Strike at Seaports
Barring an agreement between longshoremen and shippers, Gov. Rick Scott and executives of Florida’s largest ports urged President Barack Obama to use his authority to keep containerized cargo moving while talks continue, saying any interruption would have a ripple effect throughout Florida and across the country.
Milissa Holland Live: Former Commissioner Launches WNZF Show and FlaglerLive Column
Milissa Holland Live begins airing Fridays at 10 a.m. on WNZF on Jan. 9, and Holland’s FlaglerLive column begins running on Jan. 2 (every Wednesday) as the ex-commissioner aims to foster serious and sustained conversations on the most important state and local issues of the day.
Graham Swamp Again at Center of Allegations of Lewd Acts, This Time Targeting 15 Year Old
A 15-year-old boy reported to a Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy that as he was walking the path around the pond at Graham Swamp, a man twice his age exposed himself then pulled the juvenile’s pants and underwear down, and touched his genitals. The man was arrested.
Amend the Second Amendment
If we want to transform American society for generations to come, tinkering with our existing patchwork quilt of federal, state, and municipal laws dealing with firearms is a waste of time. The only transformational vehicle for meaningful action, writes Angel Castillo, is to change the Constitution.
Bill McBride, Centrist Democrat Who Challenged Jeb Bush in 2002, Is Dead at 67
Bill McBride, a powerful lawyer who unsuccessfully tried to unseat then-Gov. Jeb Bush in 2002 and later watched his wife, Alex Sink, also run for governor, has died. He was 67.
When Flagler’s Firefighters Are A Lot More Than First Responders
When the author’s father died at an assisted living facility in Palm Coast two years ago, paramedics had to be called in to take care of his aunt’s panic attack. What followed illustrates our first responders’ routine and largely unheralded heroism.
Bogus Democracy: How Dark Money Helped Republicans Hold the House and Hurt Voters
A million more Americans voted for Democrats seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives than Republicans. That advantage did not result in control of the chamber. Redistricting and secret money were key to the disparity.
For Needy Children’s Christmas, Flagler Fire Fighters’ Union Answers the Call of the Year
Kyle Lockwood, a firefighter-paramedic with Flagler County Fire Rescue, organized a gift drive for 42 of the county’s neediest children and, with colleagues, delivered the gifts to children and their families Friday in the courthouse parking lot.
Time to Get Serious About
Mental Health in Florida
Florida ranks near dead last nationally in the level of expenditures for front-end community-based mental health services. Let’s not be penny wise and pound foolish when so many precious lives are at risk, argues Paula Dockery.
Flagler Schools Considering Public Color-Coded Emergency System to Signal Lockdowns
Before the Newtown massacre but after a close call with a student who threatened to attack a school last week, Flagler school and sheriff’s officials met to devise a system that would let people know in real time when a school, college or day care center was in lockdown.
Sharps Liquor at Flagler Plaza Is Robbed for the 3rd Time in Since October 2011
Sharps Liquor in the Flagler Plaza shopping center in Palm Coast was robbed at 11:17 Friday morning, again with a firearm involved, and on a busy shopping day. No one was hurt.
Matanzas High School Is an A School Again, FPC Maintains B, Heritage Gets 3rd F in a Row
The much-anticipated high school grades are in, with Matanzas High School getting the second A in seven years, after three years as a B school, and FPC maintaining its B for the third straight year. Now-closed Heritage, a charter, got what would have been the third successive F.
Florida Unemployment Falls Sharply to 8.1%, But Flagler’s Edges Back Up to 11.4%
Florida’s unemployment rate dropped sharply in November, to 8.1 percent, from 8.5 percent last month–and 10.1 percent a year ago–but Flagler County’s unemployment rate rose a decimal point, to 11.4 percent.
Palm Coast Cyclist Kyle Forgie, 17, Critical After Hit-and-Run as FHP Asks for Leads
Authorities are searching for a driver responsible for a hit-and-run collision on Palm Coast Parkway that left 17-year-old bicyclist Kyle Forgie of Palm Coast in critical condition Thursday evening.
Flagler Braces For A Few Strong Storms and Winds; Homeless Shelter Open Friday and Saturday
The National Weather Service and Flagler County Skywarn have issued alerts about possibly severe weather and damaging winds Thursday evening as a line of storms moves rapidly through the area, ahead of a cold front. The Cold Weather Shelter is opening its doors this weekend.
When the End of the World Is Art’s Excuse to Remake It in Rapture’s Image
“I Decided Not to End the World,” an exhibit that opens at Hollingsworth Gallery Friday, marks the alleged end of the world (according to the Maya calendar) by remaking it anew with the art work of children, adults and students, curated by JJ Graham.
That New Year Resolution to Exercise? Your Local State Park Wants You.
Rangers at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park and Faver-Dykes State Park are organizing guided walking tours on New Year’s Day for those who have resolved to exercise more.
Polls: Scott Tanks, Gay Marriage Gains, Pot Wilts, Alternate College Costs Rejected
Even a majority of Republicans want an alternative to Rick Scott in 2014. Overwhelming majorities reject charging lower college tuition for science majors, and gay marriage makes a 10-point gain in latest Quinnipiac polls.
A Rare, 26-Foot Right Whale Is Discovered Dead Just South of Varn Park
A 26-foot right whale that had been dead more than a day was discovered south of Varn Park Wednesday morning. Federal and state authorities will conduct a necropsy before attempting to bury the whale in place.
In Florida, an NRA-Dominated Legislature Steers Clear Of Gun-Control Conversation
The tragic mass killing at a Connecticut school last week has produced a stream of ideas on gun control and school safety at the national level — but reaction in Florida has been muted, at least in the form of concrete legislation.
Fight at Town Center McDonald’s, Car Shot in Bunnell, But Connection Uncertain
The fight at McDonald’s followed a 55-46 loss by FPC’s basketball team to Palatka, at FPC, and reportedly involved students from both schools. A car shot up with bullets was later found in Bunnell.
Video: From Trayvon Martin to Crist Re-Rising, Florida’s Top 10 Stories of 2012
The News Service of Florida’s David Royse speaks with Florida Cable Television’s Steve Wilkerson about the state’s biggest stories of the year–from election flubs to the Trayvon Martin shooting to Hispanic voter registration to the return of Charlie Crist.
Palm Coast Approves Surtax Tool as It Looks To Recoup Old Kings Road Widening Costs
The Palm Coast City Council, still looking to repay the $6.2 million it cost to widen Old Kings Road, laid out plans to create a special taxing district next year that would levy a property surtax on property owners long the southern portion of Old Kings.
Abuse of Girls at Milton Detention Facility Exposes Flaws in Florida’s Juvenile Justice
The Florida juvenile prison for girls got a 100 percent satisfactory rating from the state a year ago, though two staffers have been accused of abusing girls there, and one was caught on video.
Floridians Pick New License Plate Design, With a Nod to Africa
After three weeks of online voting for the new Florida license plate, the design with the solid green bars and the artistic orange forming the ‘O” in the word Florida is the most popular. A total of 50,124 votes were cast in the online contest.
Three Blazes in 2 Days Prompt Flagler-Palm Coast Fire Chiefs to Highlight Holiday Safety
Firefighters battled three residential fires in two days this weekend—two in Palm Coast, one in Flagler Beach—though in every case firefighters got to the scene fast enough to limit the damage. The county’s three fire chiefs spoke of the need for heightened safety vigilance around the holidays.
Details Emerge in Saturday’s Shooting Death As Gordon’s Family Disputes Police Version
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office released a report detailing the events that led to a deputy’s shooting death of Troy Gordon on Brownstone Lane Sunday evening, but Gordon’s grandmother is disputing earlier reports that Gordon had been threatening to her, or damaging her house.
Flagler Humane Society Lands Big Grant to Offer Free Sterilization for Pit Bulls and Mixes
The Flagler Humane Society has landed an $83,000 grant through PetSmart Charities that will enable the society to offer free spay and neutering, microchips and rabies vaccination to 850 pit bull and pit bull mix dogs belonging to any Flagler County residents.
Flagler’s Adult and Community Education and FTI Announce Winter 2013 Classes
The Flagler County Schools’ Adult and Community Education Department announces the beginning of the Winter 2013 semester of classes. Winter Session will begin January 7, 2013. Students may register by phone from December 17 – 21 and January 2 – 9 by calling (386) 597-5480.
The Soft-Core Terrorism
Of Florida’s Gun Worship
Florida’s gun-worship is part of a lethal, juvenile romance for guns and a national disease that doesn’t hesitate to lock and load the words “gun” and “hobby” in the same chamber while vilifying those who’d imply a connection with the consequences.
Deputy Shoots and Kills 32-Year-Old Wielding Machete in One Hand and Bible in the Other
A Flagler County Sheriff’s Deputy shot and killed a young man on Brownstone Lane in Palm Coast around 4:45 this afternoon as the man was wielding a Bible in one hand and a machete in the other, and had become violent toward his family.
Florida’s New Gay Lawmakers: Pride For LGBT Community, Perspective in Tallahassee
With the election of Resp. Joel Saunders of Orlando and David Richardson of Miami, Florida was one of seven states to break the straight barrier in legislatures. Nationwide, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender candidates were elected to the U.S. Senate and House, and dozens to state legislatures.
Sheriff Fleming Restores to Full Rank Deputy Accused of Skimming Time, as Others Dissent
An internal investigation of Sgt. Jamie Roster, based on testimonies from men he supervised, had found him to have falsified time sheets for more than $8,000. The settlement between Fleming and the PBA means Roster will serve a one-day suspension without pay and be returned to full Sergeant duty in charge of the men who’d reported on him.
Palm Coast City Truck Collides With Faith Driving School Car on Red Mill, Injuring One
A Palm Coast pick-up truck belonging to the city’s public works department collided with a Toyota Corolla belonging to Faith Driving School on Red Mill Drive in Palm Coast, injuring at least one person, who was taken to Florida Hospital Flagler.
Title IX Lets Girls Be Both Quarterback and Homecoming Queen
Erin DiMeglio made history as the first female in Florida to play quarterback in a varsity high school game, and was elected South Plantation High’s homecoming queen. That wouldn’t have happened without Title IX, the landmark legislation assuring females the same opportunities as boys at both the high school and college levels.
As Flagler Beach Asks for Hand-Outs, A Commissioner Asks for Employee Raises
Flagler Beach City Commissioner Marshall Shupe proposed a mid-year raise or a $500 bonus for employees. Three commissioners rejected the idea, citing process and timing, including the recent lay-off of some employees. They could have also cited Flagler Beach’s hat-in-hand requests for money from the county'[s tourism council and from Palm Coast.
First in Firearms: One Million Concealed Gun Permits in Florida, Doubling Since 2007
The number of concealed weapons license holders will top 5 percent of Florida’s 19.1 million residents in a state that is number one nationally in licenses issued.
BOLO: Christmas With a Deputy Will Light Up Target With 100 Children Friday Evening
Don’t panic: more than 60 cop cars with lights flashing and sirens blaring will take 100 children, with $150 gift certificate each, to Target at Town Center Friday, starting at 6:30 p.m.
15 Flagler County Rotarians Receive President’s Service Award, Highest Volunteer Honor
The Rotary Club of Flagler County is not exactly Obama country, but 15 of its 70 members (all past presidents) were surprised Wednesday evening when they received the presidential award, presented to those who’ve logged more than 4,000 volunteer hours in their community.
Tony Bennett, Friend of School Vouchers, Foe of Unions, is Florida’s New Education Chief
Before losing a reelection bid as Indiana’s superintendent of public instruction, Tony Bennett was boasting of introducing a voucher program and limiting collective bargaining to pay and benefits. Bennett also favors national common core standards, which are coming to Florida.
SWAT Team and Fire Flight Deliver: 20-Year-Old Is Caught at 3:25 p.m. on John Anderson Hwy
Three unrelated wrecks at US1 and Palm Coast Parkway kept emergency authorities busy, while at 8:30 the county’s two high schools and Daytona State went on lockdown following comments on Facebook school authorities were concerned about.
How Legal Weed Might Wash in Florida
Full marijuana legalization is coming, eventually. But if you’re planning to go into the marijuana business, Bill Cotterell argues, you might want to ask Joe Camel what happens a few years down the road.
Conflict Over Hammock Vacation Rentals Dominates Legislative Meeting, To Little End
Florida House freshman Travis Hutson and John Thrasher, both Republicans and the sum total of Flagler County’s legislative delegation, listened to almost two hours of direct lobbying and appeal from local leaders and residents Tuesday evening in Bunnell, but distanced themselves from the evening’s most contentious issue: vacation rentals.
Palm Coast Approves 46% Stormwater Fee Increase, But Permanent Solution Still Elusive
The Palm Coast City Council is looking for ways to pay for a $7.5 million a year stormwater infrastructure. Residents’ stormwater fee will go up from $8 to $11.65 a month, while the council has until February to find a permanent solution that may push some fees even higher.
Calling It “Grinching,” 3 Palm Coast Teens Vandalize Through F Section Ornaments
Zachary Jacobs, Matthew Leslie Smith and James Joseph Rumph (the fourth), all 17, now facing felony charges for allegedly rampaging through Palm Coast’s F Section early Sunday morning, stealing Christmas ornaments, damaging mailboxes and smashing one car’s rear window.