A controversial Progress Energy Florida project to build two nuclear reactors in Levy County will not start producing electricity until 2024 — and likely will cost between $19 billion and $24 billion, the company now says, but customers will still have to pay for them now.
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Wes Adams, Student School Board Member, Is Recognized for “Swiss Army Knife” Dexterity
Wesley Adams, who represented students on the Flagler County School Board this year, was named All-American by U.S. Lacrosse, the national governing board of the sport, after becoming one of FPC’s leading scorers in the last four years.
Fake Gun. Real Fear. Small Consequence: A Mother’s Outrage at Flagler Schools’ Response
On March 2, Gloria Kollosch’s son and a friend left Matanzas High School on their bikes, and had a confrontation with other Matanzas boys, who brandished a gun–a fake gun, which they thought was real. The school district responded with a slap on the wrist, calling the incident a “prank,” and blatantly contradicting its own Code of Conduct, Kollosch argues.
Pre-Trial Hearing for William Merrill, Who Shot His Wife, Delayed 90 Days
The first pre-trial conference for William Carson Merrill, who shot his 30-year-old wife with an AK-47 in February, accidentally, was delayed three months when Merrill’s attorney asked for a continuance before Flagler County Circuit Judge Raul Zambrano Tuesday.
News-Journal Slows Circulation Decline While Other Newspapers Tout Web Editions’ Growth
The decline, while slower than in previous years, continued at the Daytona Beach News-Journal, with average weekday circulation falling to 2.3 percent in the period ending March 31, and 1.5 percent on Sundays.
Citing Its “Uses and Abuses,” Rival Task Forces Duel Over Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law
As Gov. Rick Scott’s Stand Your Ground task force is criticized for being loaded with NRA and SYG advocates, a rival panel led by Sen. Chris Smith issues its recommendations on amending–not repealing–the law.
Violent Crime Rise and Record Number of Aggravated Assaults Dim Flagler’s Overall Drop
Although the overall crime rate declined 4.2 percent for the second successive year in 2011, violent crime increased in every single one of the four categories–rape, robbery, murder and aggravated assault, led by crime increase in Bunnell. The numbers will give fodder to Don Fleming and his opponents in this year’s race for sheriff.
In a Victory for State GOP, U.S. Justice Department and Florida Judge Approves Redistricting
The approval from the federal government adds to the Florida Supreme Court’s approval of a Senate map on Friday, while a Leon County judge declined to set aside the state’s new congressional maps, saying opponents of the plans had not proven that the Legislature violated new anti-gerrymandering standards in the once-a-decade redistricting process.
Amid Children at Ralph Carter Park, a Brawl Escalates Into a Shooting and Arrest
18-year-old Johnnie Thomas Jr. fired at least six shots from a .38-caliber gun Sunday evening as some 100 people played at Ralph carter Park. The previous evening, an 11-year-old boy was taken from the park’s basketball court against his will.
A Smoldering Flagler Beach Commission Punts To Voters on Bonfires After a Flagrant Debate
The Flagler Beach City Commission voted 4-1 to let voters decide whether bonfires should be allowed on the city’s beaches after a meeting that featured embarrassing attacks, declaration and fracture.
Remembrances of Jonathan May’s Past: Flagler Youth Orchestra Tours in Founder’s Memory
The Flagler Youth Orchestra on Saturday performed at three of Palm Coast’s assisted and independent living facilities in memory of Jonathan May, its founder and music director, who died in 2010.
Return of the Sea Turtles: Flagler’s First Sighting Renews a Million-Year Ritual
The first sea turtle to scout for a nest on a Flagler beach did so Tuesday, renewing a ritual going back 200 million years. She scouted Columnist Frank Gromling’s beach backyard for her nursery. A report from the sands.
Gov. Scott Vetoes Bill Calling For Unlimited Tuition Increases at UF and Florida State
Gov. Rick Scott’s tuition bill veto rejects pleas of higher education and business officials who said steeper tuition would make the schools more competitive. The veto underscores Scott’s emphasis on holding down the cost of living in the state.
Bob Tibbs, 70-Year-Old Flagler Moonshine Man, Is Arrested for His Whiskey Trade
They call him Mr. Tibbs: Bob Tibbs, 70, of west Flagler, moonshine producer and shrimp peddler. He faces a third-degree felony for his illegal alcohol operation, which he says also helps him fuel his lawnmower.
Daniel Biles, Long-Time Bunnell Elementary Aide, Arrested on Child Porn Charges
Daniel Biles, 38, an school employee for two decades, was arrested at Bunnell Elementary Friday afternoon. Nine years ago, charges were dropped following an inconclusive investigation of lewd behavior toward juvenile boys. He was rehired after a paid suspension.
Flagler Supervisor of Elections Office Tops State Performance Rankings That Anger Others
Other supervisors of elections are angry over the nature of the survey, calling it inaccurate, but Weeks is almost certain to use the results as vindication of her tenure after nearly four years of conflict with the Flagler County Commission over her budget and confrontational style.
What About the Murder of Justin Patterson (22 and Black)?
Justin Patterson’s murder in Georgia, with shades of the Trayvon Martin case, hasn’t elicited marches, protest, notice on Nancy Grace or Anderson Cooper, or hardly any media.
In a Reversal, Flagler Beach Will Consider New Regulations for Roving Street Vendors
Commissioners agreed unanimously Thursday evening to draft a new ordinance or licensing rules that would define where, how and how often roving vendors would be allowed to in the city.
Federal Judge Rules Gov. Rick Scott’s Random Drug-Testing of State Workers Unconstitutional
Federal District Judge Ursula Ungaro found that Scott’s order requiring drug tests violates the Fourth Amendment, as there is no “compelling need for testing.” Scott said he’d appeal the ruling.
Loans and Self-Contributions Swell Big Money Pots in Flagler Sheriff’s and County Judge Races
John Pollinger in the Flagler sheriff’s race and Melissa Moore Stens in the county judge race are leading in money raised so far, but largely on the strength of their own contributions. Almost $117,000 was raised by all candidates in 11 Flagler County races as of March 31.
“Corruption Risks” Cited at Enterprise Florida, the State’s Economic Development Agency
Integrity Florida, a new watchdog group, faults Enterprise Flagler, the public-private partnership, for producing too few jobs while perks such as tax breaks and incentive grants went to corporations that paid to serve on the agency’s board.
Pick-Up vs. Minivan Smash-Up Hospitalizes Two and Shuts Traffic at SR100 and CR302
The near-head-on-wreck at a notorious intersection closed traffic on State Road 100 for 75 minutes after 5:15 this afternoon as people were heading home, and Fire Flight evacuated a seriously 24-year-old Michele A. Brown of Bunnell.
Palm Coast’s Maria Berlatta, 17, Crashes Her Car Into a Bedroom Where a Woman Was Sleeping
Maria Anne Berlatta, 17, was driving south on Palm Coast’s Cochise Ct. Tuesday evening when a deer ran across the road, sending Berlatta’s car across a yard and into the bedroom of a house where a woman was sleeping.
Republican vs. Republican: Judge Craig Denies GOP Insurgents’ Induction in Flagler’s REC
It’s an unusual case, revealing of internal matters and disputes usually kept secret from the general public–and especially revealing of a deep strain coursing through Republican organizations across the country, not just in Flagler: tea party insurgents and other similar offshoots, who are overwhelmingly Republican, are upending the way traditional Republican organizations define themselves.
Arbor Day and 5K Run in Palm Coast, May 5
Palm Coast’s 2012 Arbor Day event is scheduled for Saturday, May 5 in Central Park in Town Center, beginning at 9 a.m., with a 5K run at 8 a.m.
Flagler School District, in a Surprise, Votes to Place ½-Cent Sales Tax Redo on Aug. 14 Ballot
The Flagler County School Board didn’t want its initiative lost in the clutter of the November ballot, or see it compete against the county’s and cities’ similar initiative, but primary turnout will be heavily Republican–an unhappy prospect for any tax initiative.
Signing For 3 More Years at City Market Place, Palm Coast Explores New City Hall Options
Palm Coast city government’s new lease at City Market Place is considerably cheaper than the $20,000 a month it’s been paying since 2008, but council members are now talking about a lease-purchase deal for a new city hall at Town Center.
In a Defeat for Flagler and 16 Counties, Judge Rules For Travel Companies on Tourism Taxes
Leon County Circuit Judge James Shelfer ruled in favor of the industry last week, going against Flagler and 16 other counties that argue they have lost out on millions of dollars in tourist-development taxes.
Ex-Patron at Flagler Beach’s Johnny D’s Is Jailed After Fighting Over Being Turned Away
John Quesinberry, a self-employed 36-year-old, was told by Johnny D’s owner John Davis and manager Stephen Zelen that he wasn’t welcome there. A fight ensued, ending up with Quesinberry facing a battery charge on an elderly person.
Acknowledging Membership to Hammock Resort, Sheriff Says It Has “No Dollar Value”
Flagler County Sheriff Don Fleming said Hammock Beach Resort gave him a membership card years ago, but that he pays for all services and is not in breach of state ethics rules, though the membership is the subject of an ethics complaint.
Bunnell Welcomes Its Newest Police Chief as Jeff Hoffman Steps In and Arthur Jones Exits
Jeff Hoffman, 41, a captain at the Daytona Beach Police Department, where he’s been for 21 years, was endorsed by a unanimous Bunnell City Commission. He starts work at the end of the month.
Don’t Flush ‘Em: Unwanted Prescription Drugs “Take Back” Day Saturday, April 28
During the DEA-prescribed Take-Back Day, residents may discard their prescriptions at Publix Supermarket in Flagler Beach; the CVS at 5151 Belle Terre Parkway, or at the Flagler County Government Services Building on S.R. 100 in Bunnell.
It’s Not Just Politicians: Media Companies Lobby Against Transparency in Elections
Many of the country’s biggest media companies, which own dozens of newspapers and TV news operations, are flexing their muscle in Washington in a fight against a government initiative to increase transparency of political spending.
Flagler 911: Cemetery at Mother Seton is Vandalized, Pathways Academy Is Burglarized
Break-in at Pathways Academy, vandalism at Mother Seton’s cemetery, and for 88-year-old Richard Deeves, a car wreck on April 6 was followed by his home being burglarized a few days later.
Mistaking His Girlfriend for a Hog, Man Shoots Her Through Both Legs; Gunshot Suicide in Bunnell
52-year-old Lisa Simmons of Brandon was shot through the femur Saturday evening at the Cowart Hunting Camp off County Road 305 when her boyfriend mistook her for a hog.
American Soldiers Committing Atrocities: Placing the Blame Where It Belongs
From posing with corpses of insurgents to going on murderous rampages, American soldiers’ atrocities in Afghanistan are becoming routine. Without absolving the military of its responsibilities, the real isn’t the soldiers’ alone.
At Nature Scapes, Palm Coast Garden Club Grows Its Annual Show Into a Special Event
The Palm Coast Garden Club found a new home for its annual garden show at Nature Scapes, the stately nursery on Old Brick Road, where, on Saturday, some 50 vendors drew a few thousand visitors and plant lovers.
The Citizen Scientist:
Inside Marine Mammal Research Offshore
Frank Gromling describes his two days off the coast of St. Johns County as he assisted marine mammal scientists in various research projects about endangered whales.
Jacksonville Symphony in Palm Coast Sunday For Its Annual Pilgrimage to Rhythm of Pops
The Jacksonville Symphony’s pops concert at Town Center is the Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s annual gift–well, at $35 a pop–and fund-raiser for an eventual arts center. Some 52 musicians will play works by Copland, Mozart, and Broadway and movie tunes.
Flagler’s Medical Reserve Corps Marks National Volunteer Week
The Flagler County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) unit dedicated April 15 to 21 to mark National Volunteer Week as MRC units across the nation held volunteer recognition events while supporting activities that strengthen public health and emergency preparedness.
Pick-Up Truck Nearly Decapitated in Rig Collision on SR100; Driver, 21, Critical
Luke Weston Barraclough, 21, was driving west on State Road 100 when he failed to see a rig in time as the rig was making a turn onto a cabbage farm to pick up a load. Fire Flight took Weston to Halifax Hospital with serious injuries. SR100 was closed for 90 minutes this afternoon.
Flagler Youth Center’s Student Advisory Council Is United Way’s Group of the Year
The United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties named the Flagler County Youth Center’s Student Advisory Council its Youth Volunteer Group of the Year.
Flagler and Florida Unemployment Rates Drop Sharply, Confirming Uptick in Economic Activity
Flagler County’s and Florida’s unemployment rates dropped significantly in March, solidifying an economic recovery and confirming what many local business owners have been saying for the last several months: the last quarter’s economic activity is the best they’ve seen since the beginning of the Great Recession.
Tea Party’s Tom Lawrence, Back to His Roots, Endorses ½-Cent Sales Tax Before 135 Partiers
Tom Lawrence, the ardent anti-tax tea party chairman, was the champion of the sales tax Palm Coast lobbied for 10 years ago. He urged the Flagler tea party membership to support the tax again at the polls this year, boosting county government’s arguments for the tax, which Palm Coast so far has not embraced enthusiastically.
Bed Soars: At Flagler County Jail, a Daily “Shell Game” Balancing Risk With Overcrowding
A tour of the Flagler County jail reveals the sort of calculations jail staff must make every day to fit close to 150 inmates in a facility built for 132 as the sheriff and the county commission try to convince other governments–and voters–that money is needed to expand.
Computer Repair Trip Nets Flagler Truck Driver 40 Counts of Child Pornography
When Bunnell resident Merle Shamblin attempted to cross into Canada this morning, border patrol agents arrested him on a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office warrant charging him with 40 counts of child pornography.
DCF Goes Dr. Spock: A Free E-Book on Parenting at All Ages
From coping with a crying child to potty training techniques to keeping your teen drug-free and other parenting FAQs, the Department of Children and Families’ booklet, “Family Development: A Caregiver’s Guide,” is now available through a free download.
Bunnell’s Freddie Emanuel Airlifted to Halifax After Being Struck by a Car On East Booe
Freddie Emanuel, 57, was crossing Bunnell’s East Booe Street when he was struck by a car. Emanuel has spent many of his recent years in the Florida prison system.
Counties Challenge Juvenile Detention Costs
The challenge to Department of Juvenile Justice rules is part of a string of related legal disputes involving at least 10 counties over how much of the detention tab counties should pay. The case may have repercussions across the state.
A $300 Million Cut for Florida’s Higher Ed, a $350,000 State Grant for Flagler College
The Legislature cut $300 million from the state’s higher education budget this year, but found a $350,000 gift to help renovate a historic property at Flagler College, whose chancellor is retiring Republican legislator Bill proctor, who also represents Flagler County.