Eleven men have applied to be Flagler Beach’s next fire chief, a position the city reclassified as “Fire Captain.” It is widely believed that City Manager Bruce Campbell will award the post to Bobby Pace, the suspended firefighter fighting a first-degree misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice–a charge that may be settled with a deferred prosecution agreement this week or next.
Cops/Courts
Woman and Teen Boy Injured in SUV Flip On US1 South of Matanzas Woods Pkwy.
A woman and a teen-age boy sustained minor injuries when their Honda SUV careened out of control on US1 this afternoon, flipping several times and ending up on its roof. The woman and the boy, whose left arm was bandaged at the scene, were taken to Florida Hospital Flagler.
FDLE Unsure How 2 Escaped Murderers Forged Papers, Duping Prison and Court System
FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey said Tuesday several suspects have been “targeted” for helping two murderers escape from prison with forged court papers mailed to a clerk of court, but the embarrassing incident is still largely unexplained.
Beyond Rebecca Sedwick’s Suicide: Colleen Conklin Campaigns for More Cyberbullying Awareness
More laws, mandates and prohibitions won’t work, Flagler County School Board member Colleen Conklin says, but more current awareness of the variety of online apps and social sites, where cyberbullying thrives, and more responsibility from both teens and their parents, are more likely to stem a pattern of bullying-induced teen suicides.
Bikers’ Memorial: Second Annual Sgt. Frank Celico Fun Run Set For Oct. 27
The fund-raiser of the Frank Celico Memorial Foundation raises money to buy bikes and helmets for children who can;t afford them. The $20 donation includes lunch at the White Eagle in Korona, on U.S. 1. Registration begins at the Elks Lodge at 9 a.m. The ride begins at 10:30 a.m., with a police-escorted course to the White Eagle. The event is sponsored by The Blue Knights of Florida.
Under Pressure from Sheriff and Fire Chiefs, County Heralds Emergency Management Changes
Troy Harper, Flagler County’s emergency management director for the past four years, has resigned and will be replaced by Ken Guthrie, who was hired in September, leading to speculation at the time that Harper was on his way out. Harper denied it then.
Would-Be C-Section Burglar Blames Xanax; Shoplifter Sees Taser After Swiping Lego Sets
Ruben Cortes, 23, of Campbell Court in Palm Coast, was jailed for the 12th time in five years after an alleged attempted burglary on Carr Lane. A sheriff’s deputy took out his Taser (but didn’t fire it) to arrest Elliott Dixon, 19, after Dixon was seen taking bed sheets, clothing and Lego sets at Walmart, and evading a Walmart employee who tried to stop him.
Ronald Salyer, 55, Is Killed as Van Collides Head-On With His Motorcycle On U.S. 1
Ronald Salyer, a 55-year-old resident of Middleburg in for Biketoberfest, was killed in a fiery crash on U.S. 1 at County Road 304 late Saturday night when his motorcycle collided head-on with a van that had driven into his lane.
Allen Shepard, 32, Critically Injured in Bike Wreck at US1 and Matanzas Woods
Biketoberfest 2013 officially began on Oct. 17. At 8:20 p.m. Friday (Oct. 18), Flagler County registered its first serious victim, Allen Brice Shepard, 32, of St. Augustine, who was flown to Halifax Hospital after the wreck at US1 and Matanzas Woods.
A 2-Year-Old’s Life Saved and a Murder Suspect’s Arrest Headline Sheriff’s 3rd Quarter Awards
Communications Supervisor Genice Caccavale was one of three department employees to win Employee of the Quarter awards, Sheriff Jim Manfre announced this week. Also winning were Detective Mark Moy and Detention Deputy Randy Vickers.