Recent rains and more humid conditions reduced drought conditions in Flagler and St. Johns counties and allowed the burn ban in effect since December to be lifted.
Cops/Courts
Bob Pickering, Flagler Voice of Climate Safety, Wins National Weather Association Award
Bob Pickering, for 17 years a technician in Flagler County’s Emergency Management, won the national award from the National Weather Association for bridging weather forecasting with public safety.
Flagler 911: The Live Crime Blotter
Threats and racist epithets, a stolen and recovered car, Oxycodone and death, head-butting at the Country Store on CR 305, taking a raccoon out of his agony, and more from the files of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
As Bunnell PD Tries to Clear Its Name, Missing Evidence Turns Up, Discrepancies Remain
A follow-up investigative report by the State Attorney’s office sheds more light, and raises more questions, on the Bunnell Police Department’s habit of producing previously missing evidence and paperwork.
Child Neglect, Drug Charges, Rotting Food in Palm Coast’s R Section Land 4 in Jail
A 10-year-old child was removed from the home at 20 Rockne Lane in Palm Coast and turned over to child services. Thomas Ksiezopolski, Nina Holley and three others face a variety of charges.
Bunnell Manager Armando Martinez Forced To Give Up Cop Shield, But Not Extra $7,500 Pay
The Florida Constitution forbids public employees from holding two public officer jobs simultaneously. Martinez had argued that he was a cop but not a “public officer” as such. The city attorney disagreed.
RV Smash-Up Closes I-95 Just North of Flagler and Triggers Another Chain Wreck
Two related crashes several miles apart in the southbound lanes of I-95 closed the interstate for several hours Thursday afternoon and early evening. There were no major injuries.
Top Cops, Public Defender, Commissioners Pick Bulic as the Next Medical Examiner
Flagler, St. Johns and Putnam have been without a medical examiner–one of government’s least visible, most important positions–since Jan. 1. A high-powered committee is making its recommendation for a new examiner today following interviews of five candidates.
St. Johns County Extends Burn Ban Through Mid-April
The St. Johns County Commission extended the burn ban through April 18 as little persistent rain is expected in the region. Flagler County’s burn ban is in effect, but doesn’t yet stretch that long.
Call 911: Flagler’s Emergency Dispatch Center Briefly Disabled When Extinguishers Misfire
No one was hurt, and 911 dispatching was interrupted at most for two minutes, but the 911 call center had to be evacuated Tuesday morning, and for at least 24 hours.