The Bunnell City Commission on Monday approved a $120,000 contract with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office to outsource investigations of its most violent crimes to the agency one of its commissioners calls “big brother.”
Cops/Courts
Court Ruling Stands Against School Board’s Attempt To Close Textbook Committee to Public
The Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to take up an appeal by the Collier County School Board in a case about whether it violated the state’s Sunshine Law in the handling of meetings of committees that evaluated and ranked textbooks.
Flagler County Fire Rescue’s Powell and Lawrence Return from Panhandle Wildfire Deployment
Lieutenant Jason Powell and Firefighter/Paramedic David Lawrence were deployed to Panama City, Monday afternoon, along with members of the City of Palm Coast Fire Department, St. Augustine Fire Department, Marion County Fire Rescue, and Clay County Fire Rescue as part of an engine strike team.
Palm Coast Fire Chief Jerry Forte, Unequaled in Local Leadership and Admirers, Will Retire in October
Palm Coast Fire Chief Jerry Forte, a managerial guru to some, a mentor and father figure to many, and the self-effacing, sure-handed leader of the fire and other city departments over the past several years, announced today in an emotional address to the City Council that he would be retiring in October.
He Beats His 7 Year Old Then Has Her Cover the Welts so She Doesn’t Get in Trouble at School
Joshua Rodriguez, 33, a resident of Palm Coast’s P Section, is accused of whipping his 7-year-old daughter with a belt because she was screaming. Authorities uncovered evidence of additional alleged abuse. He faces a felony charge.
Man and Woman Are Shot At in Reported Drive-By on I-95 Near Matanzas Woods Parkway
A man and a woman were reported shot at and one of them wounded in an apparent drive-by on I-95 near Matanzas Woods Parkway in Palm Coast late Saturday night. The man was taken to a hospital as a trauma alert. The woman was treated and released at the scene.
Racing Up U.S. 1, Palm Coast Man, 24, Crashes Into Flagler Sheriff’s Deputy’s Car and Faces Felony
Brandan Ingram, a 24-year-old resident of Rolling Sands Drive in Palm Coast, was arrested early this morning and charged with leaving the scene of a crash with an injury, a felony, after allegedly racing recklessly on U.S. 1 through Bunnell and crashing into a Flagler County Sheriff’s patrol car, slightly injuring a deputy.
Palm Coast Fire Department’s Tim Wilsey Leads Series of Promotions
The Palm Coast Fire Department is proud to announce the next wave of promotions for the growth of the organization.
Bova Again Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Mother of Six, Ending 9 Years of Trauma for Family
More than nine years after he murdered Zuheili Roman Rosado, the mother of six, at a Palm Coast convenience store, Joseph Bova II this afternoon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Again. Bova is 34.
Dedorius Varnes, Ex-Flagler Sheriff’s Deputy, Gets 19 Months in Prison for ‘Disgusting’ Stalking
Dedorius Varnes, 30, a Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy for almost three years, was arrested (and fired) and charged in two aggravated stalking cases as he abused his authority and threatened residents with harm.
Cell Equipment Worker Atop Hammock Water Tower Falls Inside Cylinder, Triggering High-Wire Rescue
A 26-year-old employee of a communications company working on maintenance of cell tower equipment on the Hammock water tower Tuesday evening fell inside the tower an unknown distance and was rescued through a technical rescue team operation before a trauma evacuation to Halifax hospital.
Mother Faces Felony Charge for Allegedly Whipping Child Who Had Peed Himself
P.H., a 45-year-old Palm Coast resident of Whirlway Drive, a teacher at a Middle School in St. Augustine, and the mother of an elementary-age son, was arrested on a felony charge of child abuse Monday following a Department of Children and Families investigation that found P.H. allegedly whipped the boy eight or 10 times with a belt for peeing himself.
Flagler County Firefighters Deploy to the Panhandle to Combat Chipola Complex Wildfires in Bay County
Firefighters from the City of Palm Coast and Flagler County Fire Rescue are deploying to the same area that was devastated by the eye of Hurricane Michael in October 2018. Much of the activity related to the fires are from blown down timbers caused by Hurricane Michael, making it very difficult to fight wildfires.
‘Handful’ of Students Suspended Up to 3 Days Following Thursday ‘Say Gay’ Walkouts and Fight Over Trump Flag
At least one student involved in a fight over a Trump flag that was deployed during the FPC suspension is among those who were suspended. The flag appears to have been deployed as a provocation of the students demonstrating, and was accompanied by taunts against the students, who were repeatedly called “faggots.”
A ‘Renewed’ Bunnell Police Force Sends Message With ‘Operation New Day’
The operation lasting from 2:00 PM until 11:00 PM was very successful and resulted in 40 traffic stops, 34 warnings being issued, 6 uniform traffic citations being issued, 1 criminal uniform traffic citation being issued, 1 field interview report being written and 3 misdemeanor arrests being made.
15 Year Old Charged With Hate Crime for Brutalizing Palm Coast Boy for Being Gay, at a Shelter
A 15-year-old Orange City boy was charged with a felony battery count after allegedly assaulting and brutalizing a 16-year-old Palm Coast boy while calling him a “faggot.” The incident, captured by surveillance cameras, took place at a secure SMA Healthcare facility in Daytona Beach. The victim was so severely beaten that his right eye was partially shut and he may have suffered a broken wrist.
Flagler Sheriff’s Citizens Academy Spring Session Registration Is Open
Learn all about the FCSO including District Policing, Investigative Services, Drug and Gang Enforcement, Victim Services and SWAT. Also, class members get to see Motor Unit and K-9 Unit demonstrations, take part in “Shoot, Don’t Shoot” demonstrations, visit the FCSO communications center and detention facilities and go on patrol with a Deputy Sheriff.
Court Says City-Owned Golf Course Managed By a Private Company Can Be Required to Pay Property Taxes
The court decision could potentially have ramifications in Flagler Beach, where the city owns Ocean Palms Golf Club, a nine-hole golf course, but has been leasing it to a private company since 2015, tax-free. The decision this week suggests local property appraisers may legally deny a local government’s exemption for such privately run amenities.
Flagler Fire Rescue and Police Training Tower Will Be Renamed for Firefighter John R. Keppler Jr.
Flagler County Fire Rescue on March 19 will memorialize the life of volunteer firefighter John R. Keppler Jr. -– 20 years after his death -– with a dedication ceremony at the training tower on Justice Lane. The facility, which has always been referenced as “the training tower,” will be named for Keppler.
Flagler Sheriff’s 911 Communications Center Re-Accredited
From the efforts of the FCSO 9-1-1 Communications Center to the cutting-edge technology used by the FCSO Communications Center, the TAC team members were impressed with the overall professionalism of the Agency’s dispatch center and each individual on staff they interacted with.
Javian Neesmith, Is Sentenced to 15 Years in prison in Fentanyl Overdose Death of Dimitry Popkov, 39
Javian Neesmith, a 22-year-old former resident of Buttermilk Drive, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Wednesday in a plea to manslaughter in the death by fentanyl overdose of
Dimitry Popkov, 39, on Karas Trail in September 2020.
Walmart Voids Trespass Warning Against Ex-Councilman Victor Barbosa
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has voided the Feb. 27 trespass warning against ex-Palm Coast City Council member Victor Barbosa after receiving a request to do so from a Walmart employee.
51-Year-Old Woman Is Killed in Crash Between SUV and Classic Car on Belle Terre Parkway
A 51-year-old woman died following a two-vehicle crash at Belle Terre Parkway and Pine Grove Drive Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m.
New Bunnell Police Chief’s 1st Hours: Cop Assaulted and Injured, Car Thief Tased, Shooting Near Carver Center
Within minutes of new Bunnell Police Chief Dave Brannon’s swearing in Monday evening before the City Commission, one of his sergeants was involved in a high-risk pursuit and was assaulted by a car thief and injured. Hours later, Bunnell was the scene of burst of shooting reported by several residents near Church Street or the Carver Center.
Palm Coast Councilman Victor Barbosa Trespassed from Walmart on Allegation of Shoplifting
Victor Barbosa, the Palm Coast City Council member and a candidate for re-election this year, was trespassed from the city’s Walmart on Sunday after a store officer accused him of shoplifting by skip scanning some of his items at self-checkout.
A Disgusted Sheriff Explains Why a ‘Drug Dealer Victim’ Won’t Be Charged in Home-Invasion Killing
Sheriff Rick Staly was clearly and explicitly appalled with having to call Danial G. Marashi a “victim” of the home-invasion and shooting on Dec. 29 at 8 Regent Lane in Palm Coast as he briefed reporters on the arrest of two other suspects. “This is the disgusting part of our job and the criminal justice system,” Staly said.
Resident Involved in Drug Deal Gone Bad Killed Zaire Roberts After Getting Shot, Reports Show
Details have emerged revealing the drug-deal negotiations that preceded the home invasion on Regent Lane on Dec. 8, when the alleged dealer shot Zaire Roberts. He is not charged in the killing. Two alleged accomplices of Roberts’s are.
Palm Coast Man and Woman Are Arrested on 2nd Degree Murder Charges in Killing of Zaire Roberts
Kwentel Moultrie, 21, had bonded out on a 2020 charge of raping a 16-year-old girl. He and Taylor Renee Manjarres, 20, were jailed Friday on second degree murder and armed burglary charges in connection with the Dec. 29 killing of Zaire Roberts, 23, in Palm Coast’s R-Section. Prosecutors had asked that Moultrie’s bond be revoked last year. The court refused.
4th Person Killed in 7 Hours on Flagler Roads as Woman Crashes Off US1 in Bunnell
A fourth person was killed in seven hours on Flagler roads as a woman died in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. 1 in Bunnell, in the noon hour today.
Resident of Blyth Place Arrested for Setting Room on Fire, then Caning a Deputy and a Chaplain-Firefighter
Mark Gregory McKerlie, a 48-year-old resident of 16 Blyth Place in Palm Coast, faces a first-degree felony arson count and two felony counts of assaulting firefighters or law enforcement officers following authorities’ response to the Blyth Place house, where McKerlie is accused of starting a fire.
Three People Killed in Two Separate Head-On Crashes in Heavy Fog on SR100 West of Bunnell
Three people have lost their lives in two unrelated car crashes within minutes of each other in heavy fog on State Road 100 early this morning, causing the road to be closed in both directions from the Putnam County line to County Road 305, Sheriff Rick Staly said.
Found Guilty on All Counts, Palm Coast’s Philip Martin, 56, Faces Life in Prison for ‘Massaging’ Girl, 11
A jury convicted Philip Martin, 56, guilty on three counts of molesting the 11-year-old daughter of his late girlfriend in Palm Coast over a long period, as he took to “massaging” the girl’s legs, back and other body parts while distracting her with his phone. He faces life in prison when sentenced in early May.
15 Year Old Arrested in Shooting Death of Jamey Bennett, 19, Near Matanzas Woods
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly this afternoon announced the arrest of 15-year-old Da’Mari Barnes, a 10th grader currently enrolled at Matanzas High School, on a manslaughter charge in the shooting death of Jamey “JuJu” Bennett, 19, during a bonfire party nearly three weeks ago in north Palm Coast.
Residents of Hidden Lakes and Toscana Appeal Palm Coast Approvals of 2 Self-Storage Lots on Old Kings
A group of Palm Coast residents in the Toscana and Hidden Lakes subdivisions off Old Kings Road have filed an appeal of a decision by the Palm Coast Planning Board clearing the way for a self-storage facility on Old Kings Road. The same group is preparing to file a civil suit in circuit court seeking to quash decisions by the planning board and the Palm Coast City Council clearing the way for both that facility and another like it nearby.
Dozens of Anti-Semitic Fliers Tied to ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ Appear in Palm Coast and Ormond Beach
The fliers, which authorities and the Anti Defamation League do not consider criminal, have been appearing at least since December in neighborhoods in Surfside, Miami, San Francisco, Denver, Las Vegas, Kenosha, Wis., Cartersville, Ga., towns in Texas, and California, according to press reports and a tally by the ADL.
Full Federal Appeals Court Re-Hears St. Johns Schools Transgender Bathroom Case
In a case with local and national implications, a previous, three-judge panel of the court had ruled in favor of the student who was denied use of the boys’ bathroom. The St. Johns school district appealed to the full court.
Mondex Man Faces Life Felony in Accusation of Armed Burglary Against His Step-Father
A similar incident involving the same weapon would have ordinarily resulted at most in a second degree felony of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon against William Rubert, 32. But because of the circumstances, the charge was entered as a first degree felony of armed burglary.
Where There’s Smoke: County Flagler Conducting Prescribed Fire at Bulow Creek Off Old Kings Road South
Flagler County on Sunday (today) will continue to conduct a prescribed fire at its Bulow Creek conservation property, and residents living off of Old Kings Road South in the Bulow Plantation area may see smoke. Those living on Secretariat Lane, Steeplechase Trail, and Lexington Court may also see emergency vehicles there to monitor conditions.
Palm Coast Fire Lieutenant Jason Wagner Celebrates 25 Years of Service
Jason Wagner began his career with Palm Coast Fire Department on February 3, 1997 as a Firefighter-EMT. He was promoted to Lieutenant in October 2000 upon the fire department coming under control of the newly incorporated City of Palm Coast. Wagner grew up in Palm Coast.
New Bunnell Police Chief Dave Brannon Steps In as Interim Snead Offers Valentine of Firsts to City
Dave Brannon, for 26 years a member of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and the commander of the DeLand and Deltona districts, will take-over as Bunnell Police Chief on Feb. 28 as Interim Chief Brannon Snead neared the end of his three-month tenure by presenting the commission with a series of firsts, including the department’s first-ever strategic plan.
Father Is Jailed Over Whipping 7-Year-Old Girl, 3rd Palm Coast Case of Parental Child Abuse in 10 Days
Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Charles Nazworth, 69, of Palm Coast’s W Section on a charge of child abuse Tuesday after he was accused of whipping his 7-year-old daughter with a belt and causing her to run away from home. The girl was found bruised, shoeless and coatless on Pine Lakes Parkway Tuesday afternoon.
2 Dead Cats, a Malnourished Dog Result in 2 Felony Animal Cruelty Charges for 32-Year-Old Woman
Michelle Lynn Church, 32, faces two charges of animal cruelty involving a death and a misdemeanor abandonment charge after the animals were found in her RV at the Royal Palms RV Park in Bunnell, formerly known as Thunder Gulch.
33-Year-Old Father Faces Felony Child Abuse Charge for Throwing and Bruising Boy, 9
A week after a 33-year-old Palm Coast parent was arrested on a felony charge of abusing his high school son over the boy’s sexual orientation, another 33-year-old Palm Coast father with a history of violence was arrested on a similar charge after allegedly attacking his 9-year-old son over a purchase he made on an iPad.
Deputies seize 42 Pounds of Pot and $23,000 in Cash at L-Section Home in Palm Coast
An alleged drug dealer is out on $55,000 bond this morning after the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) Special Investigations Unit (SIU) seized 42 pounds of marijuana, more than $23,000 cash and other drug paraphernalia in a Friday morning bust in Palm Coast.
Flagler School Bus Driver Carrying 40 Students Arrested on Drunk Driving and 15 Felony Child Neglect Charges
Flagler County school bus driver Mark McNeill, 60, who was involved in a bus crash on Monday, was arrested in a separate incident Wednesday on a drunk driving charge while driving the same bus and carrying some 35 students from Buddy Taylor Middle School.
Flagler County Fire Rescue Receives 400 Doses of Narcan from Florida Department of Health for Fifth Year
Flagler County Fire Rescue has an additional 400 doses of Narcan to administer, if needed, on each rescue truck thanks to the Florida Department of Health.
Palm Coast Boy’s Father Brutalizes His Son for Wearing Make-Up; 2 Felony Counts, But No Hate Crime Charge
Lomack J. Bennett, 33, was allegedly angered by his high school son wearing make-up and proceeded to slap him repeatedly, choke him, throw him to the ground and bust his lip, according to the boy’s account. He faces a child abuse “without great bodily harm” charge and a battery charge, but no hate crime charge.
Nissan and School Bus Carrying 25 Students Collide on Old Kings Road North, No Injuries
A Nissan Sentra and a Flagler County schools bus collided shortly after 4 p.m. today on North Old Kings Road at Fanshawe Lane, causing significant damage to the sedan but no injuries to the students on the school bus.
Imprisoned 4 Times in 16 Years, Palm Coast Man Faces 10 New Charges After Traffic Stop and Chase
Kevin Spearmon, 37, of Palm Coast, spent seven of the last 16 years in prison in four different stints mostly for two type of charges: drug possession or trafficking, and fleeing cops. He added more similar charges after fleeing cops and a brief chase Friday evening.
Jamey “JuJu” Bennett, 19, Is Shot and Killed in Altercation Off Old Kings Road in Palm Coast
Early this morning, Jamey Jahiem Bennett, 19, a former student at Flagler Palm Coast High School, was shot and killed in the area of StorQuest Express, the self-storage facility off Old Kings Road North, just past Palm Harbor Parkway. Bennett is the third young Black man shot and killed in five weeks in Palm Coast and Bunnell.