An 80-year-old Palm Coast resident was pulled from the water in Flagler Beach this morning, not breathing and without a pulse, authorities say.
Leisure & Tourism
Countywide Burn Ban Lifts Saturday, and Parking Restrictions End Along Flagler Beach’s Boardwalk
More normalcy returns starting this weekend as Flagler Beach will end its parking restrictions along the boardwalk, while the county will lift the burn ban that’s been in effect just one week. But the pier and Wadsworth park remain closed.
Flagler Beach Cancels July 4 Parade and Fireworks, Palm Coast Does Likewise in Latest Covid Casualties
For the first time in 22 years, Flagler Beach will not hold its traditional July 4 parade and fireworks, nor will Palm Coast hold its own Independence Day festivities, which would have normally taken place in Central Park on July 3.
Flagler Beach and County Commissioners Call Out Joe Mullins Over a Baseless, Inflammatory Claim
Flagler County Commissioner Joe Mullins over the weekend made unsubstantiated accusations that unnamed Flagler Beach officials are hurting business and tourism in the city with their “stay on your side of the bridge mentality.” City commissioners corrected him.
Seeing Apex of Covid Crisis Still Ahead, Flagler Officials Will Not Yet Reopen Beaches Even For Limited Access
Flagler County government officials are under pressure to at least partially reopen the beaches on the Volusia model, where walking, swimming and surfing is allowed, but they cite several reasons why that would be ill-advised for a few weeks yet.
Close the Damn Beach Already
By keeping the beaches open, Flagler and Flagler Beach officials are wanting it both ways. They’re sending contradictory messages and enabling irresponsibility. They’re issuing visas to the virus.
Florida Agricultural Museum Is On Track with New Train, ‘Dirt Detectives’ and Other Projects
Four years ago the Florida Agriculture Museum at the north end of Palm Coast was heading for closure. Today, it’s bustling with a half dozen programs, including an equestrian boarding and riding program, and more ahead.
Once Again, Vacation Rental Plan to End Local Regulation Falters Over Committee Hurdles
The Senate Rules Committee was scheduled to hear the bill (SB 1128) Monday, but bill sponsor Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, said the measure was postponed because he lacked the support necessary to get it out of the committee.
From Verona to Brooklyn, With Love: Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Parks It at City Rep
Brent Jordan and Lillie Thomas are in the lead roles in City Repertory Theatre’s and the Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s “Romeo and Juliet,” originally planned for the big tent in Town center, but moved to CRT’s indoor venue after last week’s storm.
Boosting Flagler Officials, Gov. DeSantis Is ‘Leaning Against’ Dismantling Local Vacation Rental Regulations
Gov. Ron DeSantis is expressing concerns about legislative proposals that would further prevent local governments from regulating short-term vacation rentals. The governor’s stance drew cheers from Flagler County Commission Chairman Dave Sullivan.
Vacation Rental Bill Restricting Local Regulation and Opposed by Flagler County Heads to House Floor
The Flagler County Commission included opposition to such pre-emption among its goals this year, as it has for the past three years. Flagler’s and other counties’ and cities’ opposition in previous years defeated deregulation attempts. The momentum this year appears to be with deregulators, however.
Sen. Hutson Joins 3-2 Party-Line Vote to Further Advance Short-Term Rental Bill Ending Local Control
A long-running dispute over vacation rentals is heating up, as a Senate panel Tuesday approved a proposal that would give the state — not local officials — control over regulation of short-term rentals.
Palm Coast Tennis Center Hosts Futures Pro Tournament, This Time With Reilly Opelka as Sponsor
The Palm Coast Open, a $25,000 official Futures (minor-league) tournament, begins today, with a 32-man field for singles, and a 16-team field for doubles.
Frieda Zamba Featured at Flagler Beach Historical Museum’s New Surf Exhibit
Frieda Zamba and Haley Watson will be available for autographs and selfies featured in the Flagler Beach Historical Museum’s new Surf exhibit opening Friday, Feb. 7.
Critical Lack of Exhibit Space Hobbling Palm Coast Art Scene Even as Organizations Thrive
For the first time in 20 years, the Flagler County Artist of the Year will not have a show, for lack of space. The critical lack of exhibit space is on the radar of the Flagler County Art League, the fledgling Palm Coast Arts Foundation and the Grand Gallery at Grand Living Realty.
Re-Emerging for 4th Year, Vacation-Rental Bill Restricting Local Authority Advances With Sen. Hutson’s Support
A Senate committee Monday approved a proposal that would take away power from cities and counties to regulate vacation rental properties. The 8-2 vote included Sen. Travis Hutson’s support. Hutson represents Flagler County.
City Rep Theatre is Playing Neil Simon’s ‘Song’ in Bow to Broadway Romance
Palm Coast’s City Repertory Theatre stages Neil Simon’s “They’re Playing Our Song,” the popular, semi-autobiographical story of Marvin Hamlisch and songwriting partner Carol Bayer Sager–or of Simon and Marsha Mason.
Love Is In The Air: Ten Tenors Return to Flagler Auditorium For One Performance
The Ten Tenors are among the most popular acts at the Flagler Auditorium, making what has been an annual pilgrimage to Palm Coast year after year. They’ll perform one night only, on Dec. 21.
FWC Approves Changes to Spotted Seatrout Rules
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved several rule changes for spotted seatrout. Spotted seatrout are one of Florida’s most popular inshore fisheries.
City Rep’s ‘Actually,’ a #MeToo Whodunit Treading the Blurry Lines of Consent, Assault and Guilt
“Actually,” the newest production at Palm Coast’s City Repertopry Theatre opening this weekend, tells the tale of two Ivy League freshmen – a young black man and a young white woman — who become mired in a he said/she said, was-it-date-rape scenario.
Cordone and Kilgore ‘Swing in the Holidays’ in Jazzy, Witty Palm Coast Show Dec. 10
Natalie Cordone and Shawn Kilgore bring their jazzy blend of wit, pop and vocal standards to the Palm Coast Community Center for one show only on Dec. 10. They’ve been touring nationally and internationally for five years.
Ethan Bortnick, Once a Prodigy, Now a Mere Teen Superstar, At Flagler Auditorium With Local Choirs
Ethan Bortnick, the pianist, songwriter-performer and one-time child prodigy who raises millions, packs houses but still can’t legally drink, is bringing his show to the Flagler Auditorium for one night only on Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
240-Boat Storage Facility in the Hammock off A1A Will Go Forward as County Rejects Objection
The proposed Hammock Harbor boat storage and restaurant development near Hammock Hardware on A1A drew a legal appeal from residents who disputed the county’s interpretation allowing the re-development under existing zoning rules. But county commissioners saw nothing wrong with the project.
County Fires Tourism Director Matt Dunn After 4-Month Suspension, Citing New Direction Under Amy Lukasik
Flagler County Tourism Director Matt Dunn had been placed on paid administrative leave in April after coming under criminal investigation. The county says the tourism bureau is turning away from Dunn’s sports-oriented tourism, and was not firing him for any wrongdoing.
13 Palm Coast Organizations Split $30,000 in Cultural Arts Grants from City Government
The amount is $4,000 less than last year, but remains around the same total amount the city has handed out annually since 2013, when it increased the sum from $20,000.
County Awards $76,000 in Tourism Grants to 24 Organizations But Rejects 8, Raising Questions
The Flagler County Commission on Monday approved 24 grants totaling $76,000 for mostly local organizations’ cultural and sports events, festivals and professional meetings, money to be drawn from the county’s tourist tax revenue.
Curtain Rises on Flagler Auditorium’s New Director and Renovations With Ribbon-Cutting Tonight
The public can meet new Auditorium Director Amy Fulmer and tour the venue on the FPC campus during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the renovations at 5:30 this evening. The event will feature live music and food for guests.
Flagler Beach Fireworks and “Fabulous Fourth” Parade on July 4
Flagler Beach this year hosts its traditional July 4 celebration, with its Fabulous Fourth parade at 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. fireworks. In Palm Coast, fireworks are on July 3 in Town Center. Both events will feature kid zones and games.
How Palm Coast’s Rugrat Group and The Ned Brought a ‘Do It Together’ Vibe to the Local Music Scene
Palm Coast’s Rugrat Music Group began small as The Ned, a band, and turned into “full-service music community for the independent artist” that lists 21 area music makers under the “Rugrat Family” roster who continue to influence the the local music scene.
Flagler About To Sign 50-Year, $100 Million Deal to Rebuild 2.6 Miles of Dunes in Flagler Beach. It Has Only a Fraction of the Money.
Flagler County is teaming with the federal government to split the $100 million cost of dune renourishment in Flagler Beach, but the deal is fraught with uncertainties, and Flagler can only pay its first phase.
‘Are You Kidding?’ Deeper Inspection Finds Captain’s BBQ Building Sound and Repairable for $60,000
In a dramatic turnaround, an inspection concluded that the Captain’s BBQ building at Bing’s doesn’t have to be replaced or destroyed and can be repaired for a small sum of money, changing a year’s worth of assumptions.
Does Flagler Beach Have a Panhandling Problem? Not Exactly, But City Will Consider New Rules.
The Flagler Beach City Commission this evening will discuss adopting an ordinance against “aggressive” panhandling at the urging of City Commissioner Eric Cooley, a business owner in town.
Coming Off Daring Banner Year, Flagler Playhouse Readies for a 41st Season of ‘Arsenic,’ Abba, Guys and Dolls
Founded in 1978, the Flagler Playhouse had one of its best ever seasons artistically and financially, and is preparing to stage five plays and musicals in the season opening in September with “Mama Mia!”
Amy Fulmer, FPC Teacher and Formality Singers Director, is New Flagler Auditorium Chief
FPC teacher and Formality Singers director Amy Fulmer replaces Lisa McDevitt, whose 16-year tenure at the auditorium was cut short by illness and her death in January.
FPC’s Epic Student Musical Energizes ‘Les Misérables’ With Song, Fury and Redemption
FPC’s $17,000 production of “Les Miserables,” the musical, opens tonight and runs through Saturday at the Flagler Auditorium, featuring a cast of 57, lavish costumes and music from one of the most enduring musicals of all times.
Palm Coast Songwriters Festival’s Reprise Brings a Dozen Musicians and Their Stories For 3 Days at 2 Venues
The Palm Coast Songwriters Festival’s innumerable live acts and workshops runs Friday through Sunday at the Daytona State College Palm Coast Amphitheater, and the Palm Coast Arts Foundation stage.
Ocean Palm, Flagler Beach’s 9-Hole Golf Course, Is Finally Seeing Green All Around as Disputes Fade
Ocean Palm Golf Club’s difficulties are in the past, with vastly improved the grounds, new equipment, and a restaurant that just got a full liquor license as well. Ocean Palm has been running tournaments and leagues, and it’ll be adding new events every week.
‘Tick Tick Boom’ Musical Brings ‘Rent’ Creator’s Artistic Anxiety to City Repertory Theatre
“Tick Tick Boom” is fueled by that tension between the food-on-the-table demands of everyday life versus one’s artistic ambitions, and all those struggles to make it work.
Citing ‘Corruption’ Potential, Sheriff Turns Over Investigation of Tourism Director Matt Dunn to FDLE as Lukasik Takes Over Division
The Sheriff’s Office requested that the criminal investigation of Flagler Tourism Director Matt Dunn be conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Amy Lukasik, the tourism bureau’s marketing director, is taking over Dunn’s duties for now.
Flagler Beach Kills Paid Parking Proposal for the City: ‘We Don’t Have a Parking Problem’
The paid-parking proposal in Flagler Beach, the latest of many, would have generated money but not for the city: it would have paid for a company to run a complicated system.
Palm Coast Poised To Make the Arts Central To Its Innovation District as New Sculpture Garden Redefines Central Park
The Gargiulo Arts Foundation is making possible a new sculpture garden in Palm Coast’s Central Park and helping to redefine the city’s innovation district, with the arts playing a central role. More funding may be next.
Exult, Rejoice: Flagler Youth Orchestra’s 30 Top Musicians Showcased In Their Newest Concert Venue Saturday
The Flagler Youth Orchestra’s top ensemble, the Harmony Chamber Orchestra, performs a concert to benefit the FYO at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 2 at a new venue for the musicians: First Baptist Church in Bunnell, 2301 Commerce Parkway.
How Palm Coast Tamed Shakespeare’s Shrew, With Eyes On A Lot More at Arts Foundation’s Town Center Venue
City Repertory Theatre’s second edition of Shakespeare in the Park kicks off tonight at the Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s venue in Town Center, which the city sees as an anchor to future cultural growth.
126.1 Million Visitors To Florida in 2018 Sets Another Record; Almost 90% From U.S.
The increase was bolstered by 7.1 percent growth in U.S. travelers, who accounted for 88.6 percent of the state’s visitors, according to the Visit Florida numbers. Overseas visitors declined by 1 percent, to 10.818 million, after falling by 2 percent a year earlier.
Lisa McDevitt, Flagler Auditorium’s Vigor and Champion, Remembered as ‘Mama Lisa’ Of the Performing Arts
Paying tribute to Lisa McDevitt, the Flagler Auditorium’s long-time executive director, were some 300 people Saturday, including family, friends, and performers she’d shepherded through the stage over the years.
Palm Coast Is Concerned: Not Enough Sports Fields For Tournaments, Local Teams and Growth
Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland wants broader planning for additional sports fields in the city that ensure local sports organizations and residents aren’t sidelined by money-generating tournaments.
In Flagler Beach, A1A Shops and Restaurants Hope Their ‘Open For Business’ Signs Are Louder Than Road Construction
A1A businesses in Flagler Beach worry that year-long construction on the road will once again hurt business even as they prepare a campaign to remind patrons that doors are very much open.
On Captain’s BBQ at Bing’s, Commissioner Hansen Says Compromise Is On the Table
Allaying fears that his mind is made up, County Commissioner Greg Hansen said he’s willing to go for a compromise that would locate Captain’s BBQ away from the center of Bing’s Landing.
Proposal Calls for $1-an-Hour Paid Parking on A1A in Flagler Beach, Restrictions Elsewhere, and Meter Maids
The Flagler Beach City Commission is yet again considering a paid-parking proposal for its downtown area, but the plan, which projects $300,000 in revenue, would cost almost as much to run.
At Bing’s Landing, an Alternate, Compromise Location Emerges For Captain’s BBQ
The County Commission today heard new options on the expansion of Captain’s BBQ at Bing’s Landing in the Hammock, a plan that drew some support from the public, though rancor and controversy still simmers.