Ina column, Michael Keegan warns against U.S. Rep. Peter King’s misusing congressional hearings on preventing domestic terrorism to stoke fears about the alleged radicalization of U.S. Muslims.
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Memory for Cause: Flagler Youth Orchestra In Concert For Founder and The Sheltering Tree
Members of the Flagler Youth Orchestra and Caren and Paul Umbarger’s Island Duet will perform Sunday, Feb. 27, at 3 p.m. at Bunnell’s Methodist Church in memory of Jobnathan May and to benefit the Sheltering Tree, Flagler County’s cold-weather shelter.
Florida’s Drug Database Targeted for Destruction as Lawmakers Swallow Pill Mills
Florida’s drug database, even if caopable of fighting pill mills, is “Big Brother” to Rob Schenck, Republican House Health and Human Services Chairman. Others are joining him to do away with the drug database.
Corey Nichols, 34, Found Dead Near Walmart in Palm Coast from Likely Drug Overdose
Deputies are investigating the suspicious death of a 34-year-old man found this morning in a wooded area on the westside of Walmart on Cypress Point Parkway in Palm Coast.
Why To Kill a Mockingbird Is a Triumph for Flagler, And Especially for FPC’s Drama Club
They endured, they persevered, and now they’re finally in their element, on stage. You won;t be disappointed by the FPC student production of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Flagler Auditorium.
Lifeguard Tower Rises Again in Flagler Beach, Pier Restaurant Lease Falters
The commission reversed itself and voted to build the tower. The decision displeased the prospective owner of the Pier Restaurant. Several other deal-breakers hardened in those negotiations, leaving the restaurant deal in doubt.
Last Mile for Tibet, Army Propaganda, Avarice, Bach and Al-Qaeda’s Piglets: The Live Wire
The late Jigme Norbu’s walk for Tibet reaches Palm Beach, the military goes psy-ops on Senators, conservative and liberal America, Rostropovich plays Shostakovich, and more.
Florida Pension Redo: Rank and File Would Contribute 2%, Management and Elected 4%
Gov. Rick Scott is backing a proposal that would have all county, school and state workers contributed 5 Percent of their pay to the state pension system. A new proposal would bump that down to a maximum of 4 percent.
More Turmoil at the Top in Flagler Beach: CRA Director Caryn Miller Resigns
Caryn Miller had been Flagler Beach’s community redevelopment agency director since 2006, and the city’s acting manager briefly last year. She was passed over for the permanent job.
Defense of Marriage Act: A Crack in the Crock
The Obama administration came to its senses and called the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. The homophobic law passed in 1996. We’re still a long way from equal rights for gays and lesbians. Pierre’s radio commentary.
Marineland’s Future: Dividends in Waiting After Acquisition by Georgia Aquarium
David Kimmel, President of the Georgia Aquarium, the new owner of Marineland’s dolphin attraction, and others assess the future of the marriage between town and attraction.
U.S. Citizenship Test: When Even the Federal Government Doesn’t Know the Right Answers
The writer, a Canadian who just became a citizen, realized she would not pass the U.S. Citizenship test unless she kept the correct answers to herself. She investigates the big differences between the citizenship test’s presumed answers and the real answers.
As Politicians Mull School Cuts, FPC Lights 10 Candles to Excellence: The IB Class of 2012
While Tallahassee and the local school district prepare to cut school budgets, FPC students lit 10 candles in a ceremony Wednesday symbolizing the very best that local education offers, and produces, in Flagler County.
Ryan Rogers, Son of Bunnell Commission Candidate, Jailed on Drug and Other Charges
Rogers was allegedly trespassing on Flagler County Housing Authority grounds, from where he ran when a cop confronted him. He is in jail on $1,500 bond.
Trailer Overturns and Shuts I-95 in Palm Coast, Wrecks 2 Cars, Doffs Tons of T-Shirts
The 18-wheeler was traveling north just past the Palm Coast weigh station on I-95 when it overturned around 3 a.m., triggering a wreck with two other cars and spilling parts of its freight of tens of thousands of tons of t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies.
Impact Fee Challenges in Florida: Legislature Moving to Neutralize Local Governments
Local governments are challenging a 2009 law they consider an unfunded mandate that shifts the burden of proof from developers to governments in impact fee challenges. In a boon for developers, lawmakers are rewriting the law to make it challenge-proof.
Depression-Era Art, Piano Extravaganzas, Bands, Brews, BBQ: Culture Worth the Miles
A New Deal for Artists: works from the Depression at the Mennello Museum of American Art at Loch Haven Park, SHOUT! The Mod Musical, Tzimon Barto and Laurent Boukobza in their ‘Double Piano Extravaganza,’ and more.
Severe, $3.5 Million in School Cuts on the Way: 40 Teachers, Shorter Days, Shorter Calendar
The Flagler County School Board agreed to the cuts today, the result of federal stimulus aid running out and Gov. Rick Scott’s proposed cuts to the education budget. Many of the cuts must be negotiated with the unions.
Scout’s Up: Mockingbird‘s Real Stars Take the Auditorium Stage Thursday for 3-Day Run
The controversies over, cast members of the Flagler Palm Coast High School Drama Club production of “To Kill a Mockingbird” talk about their roles in the show at the Flagler Auditorium Feb. 24-26.
40-Acre Controlled Burn on CR11 Goes Out of Control and Jumps Flagler-Volusia Line
The fire, still not under control, centered in a swamp, was encompassing some 50 acres and accounts for the smell of smoke that residents in Bunnell and Palm Coast will be experiencing. No homes have been affected.
From Raves to Shock: Flagler Playhouse’s Artistic Director and President Both Resign
John Sbordone and Diane Ellertsen had been associated with the transformation of the erratic Little Theater of Palm Coast into the successful Flagler Playhouse, including unparalleled sell-out shows this season. They resigned over differences with the Playhouse board of directors.
Heroes Park, Site of Monument Vandalism, Will Get a Motion-Activated Alert System
The $5,000 laser-perimeter system is similar to security installations at other city properties. It connects directly to a security operator who then has the option of alerting police dispatch.
Meeker on Economic Development: Mountains Of Questions Before the Next Summit
Frank Meeker, the Palm Coast city councilman, frames the next countywide economic development summit in a set of questions–and a few answers of his own.
Florida Tackles Bra Straps, Privatization on Steroids, Boys in Pink: The Live Wire
Why politicians should be professorial, why Obama is so 70s, women re-gaining just 1 job in 20, Bertrand Russell’s message to the future, and more.
63-Year-Old Man Lost in Palm Coast’s P-Section Since Morning Found at 2:30p
Jan Jablonski and his dog, lost from their home on Patrick Place in Palm Coast’s P Section since 8 a.m. today, were found at 2:30 p.m. in good condition behind the Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club at 73 Patricia Drive.
Tense Community Meeting on Homeless in Bunnell Yields to Problem-Solving
Businesses had complained that the shelter was a magnet for problems while advocates disputed turning their mission into a scapegoat for problems beyond the shelter. The meeting diffused tensions as both sides agreed to keep talking.
As County Health Departments Brace For Cuts in Vital Services, Flagler’s Makes Its Case
The Flagler County Health Department sees an average of 136 people a day, providing clinical, dental and maternal services, among other things, that no other agency provides. That safety net is in jeopardy.
Despite Successes, Flagler Auditorium Loses Out on at Least $15,000 in Tourism Funding
The first $10,000 were lost when the tourism council’s logo did not appear in a TV ad. Another $10,000 are in jeopardy because of a missed deadline, though the auditorium is having a successful year, with three sold-out shows so far.
My Favorite Republican: A Look Back at Eisenhower’s Otherworldly Farewell Address
On the 50th anniversary of Eisenhower’s farewell address, what’s striking about the speech today, Donald Kaul argues, is its tone of balance and moderation. It sounds like a speech not merely from another era but from another planet.
Florida to Jobless: Tough Luck.
Benefits To be Cut. Businesses To Get a Bye.
Driven by Florida businesses, the Legislature is preparing to cut eligibility for the jobless and making it harder to claim benefits. Flagler’s unemployment rate is hovering around 16%, Florida’s around 12%.
Hopeless Mrs. Clinton, Boobs on Facebook, Toni Morrison’s 80th: The Live Wire
Florida’s primary schedule snippiness, the Death of Calyx Schenecker, industrial chicken factories, our Soviet security state, a Medicare primer, Christopher Hitchens answers your questions, and more.
N-Word Reckonings: Wrestling With An Incendiary Word In and Out of Context
This essay on the history of the n-word as weapon is a postscript to the Mockingbird controversy and an introduction to next weekend’s performances. It is presented in the spirit of education, discussion—and, hopefully, debate.
A Nation of Bullies: Our Children Are Watching. And Waiting.
From Columbine to Tucson, Americans have been watching and waiting for the nation to take bullying seriously. Heather Beaven argues that as victims keep falling, the nation is still waiting.
Commissioner Flynt’s Election-Qualifying Check Bounces, But Not His Candidacy
Flynt made good on the check as soon as the city clerk informed him of the bounce, 20 days after qualifying ended, but did so with cash. State law requires the payment to be made with a cashier’s check, “the end of qualifying notwithstanding.”
Reality Check: Rick Scott vs. Florida
It’s become one of Governor Rick Scott’s favorite clichés: “Government has no resources of its own. Government can only give to us what is previously taken from us.” He’s in the wrong country.
Gallery Whales: Rick Cannizzaro’s Giants Opening at Ocean Publishing
The third in a series of gallery shows that tie art to books (and a cause), Rick Cannizzaro’s “Ocean Giants” features 11 new paintings of whales, along with a few works from previous shows.
Saving Carver Gym: Breakthrough In Sight, Barbara Revels Battles One Last Obstacle
County Commissioner Revels is preparing to submit a plan to the commission that would blend financial responsibility and management of Carver Gym between various groups while diminishing two existing employees’ direct control.
A Morning Memorial on A1A for Jigme Norbu Before His Walk Resumes By Other Steps
The Dalai Lama’s nephew’s body was flying back to his home in Indiana as a group of friends and supporters gathered at the accident site in the Hammock before resuming his Walk for Tibet-Florida, ending in West Palm Beach later this month.
Cops Recoil Over Florida Pension Reforms; Deferred Retirement (DROP) Slated to End
Senate plans introduced Wednesday would replace traditional state pension plans with 401(k)-style systems, and would end the deferred retirement option plan known as DROP.
Dalai Lama’s Nephew’s Last Day: Jigme Norbu Remembered, and His Mission Honored
Jigme Norbu’s Florida walk for Tibet will continue, starting with a prayer ceremony on A1A in the Hammock Thursday morning in honor of Norbu, the Dalai Lama’s nephew killed there Monday evening.
Despite Potential for 14,000 Jobs, Scott Rejects $2.4 Billion in High-Speed Rail Money
SunRail in Volusia and the passenger rail line between Jacksonville and Miami are also in jeopardy as Gov. Rick Scott announces focus on roads and seaports.
$75-an-Hour Fee Wrecks on Council Shoals As Beach Clean-Up Plan Is Rejected Again
In a 4-3 vote, the Flagler County Tourist Development Council turned back a $15,000 request for beach clean-ups by the Friends of A1A Scenic and Historical Byway group. The group’s third try in four months is its last.
Leon Redbone, Anne Frank and Orlando’s Art & Living Expo: Culture Worth the Miles
Winter Park’s Morse Museum is expanding, Orlando’s Downton Art Living Expo, Leon Redbone at the Plaza Theatre, and the “Diary of Anne Frank” at the Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park.
Medicaid Changes For 2.9 Million Floridians: Fewer Choices, More HMOs
A Florida Senate proposal would vastly increase the role of managed care in Florida’s $20 billion Medicaid program, and pull out of the federal system if the federal government doesn’t approve it.
Behind the Story: Jigme Norbu’s Death–and Flagler’s Responsibility to His Last Steps
Flagler County is a small world, often too impressed by its own smallness. It would be compounding loss upon loss if Jigme Norbu’s death had a greater effect elsewhere than in what will always be the grounds of his very last steps.
Dalai Lama’s Nephew Killed by a Car While Walking for Tibet on A1A in the Hammock
Jigme Norbu, nephew to the Dalai Lama, had walked or biked 7,800 miles for Tibet on several continents, and had just started his 20th walk, and first in Florida, when he was struck and killed near Palm Coast.
Chamber Survey: 21% of Floridians Would Leave; Business, Government Equally Blamed
The annual Sunshine State Survey finds 65 percent of Floridians saying the state is worse or the same as five years ago, and 69 percent saying business leaders do the right thing only some of the time or never, about as much as government leaders. The full results.
State Attorney Larizza on Bunnell’s Ghetto Spy-Cams: Should Be a Cost-Benefit Thing
State Attorney R.J. Larizza echoed comments by Public Defender Jim Purdy and Bunnell Commissioner Elbert Tucker on the economics of spy cameras, though a majority of the commission appears sold on the idea.
Donald Flynt, Son of Bunnell Commissioner, Jailed on Fraud Charge
Donald Flynt, the 25-year-old son of Bunnell City Commissioner Jimmy Flynt, was jailed on Friday on a charge of obtaining property by fraud.
Florida’s War on the Jobless, Obama’s Budget, Russian Gun Porn: The Live Wire
Journalists, Anderson Cooper and “objectivity, rethinking education, when parents kill their adolescents, the end of sex in movies, Stan Drescher’s latest poem, and more.