Christmas With a Deputy at Target this evening will feature 124 children riding in 110 police cars from Town Center to the shopping center for a Christmas spree.
Local Business
Flagler Will Try a Different, Riskier Strategy to Protect Its Short-Term Rental Regulations
Flagler County government may lobby lawmakers less intensely than they have over the past three years on vacation-rental regulations, hoping instead that the county is carved out of a potential statewide retreat on such regulations.
Save the News-Journal: How Wall Street Is Plundering Newspaper Chains Like GateHouse
Executives at GateHouse, which owns the News-Journal, demanded a $27 million cut from theirf papers’ operating expense to help pay for the hedge fund’s CEO’s $54 million pay package.
In Big Victory for Bing’s Proponents, Commission Votes 4-0 To “Sidetrack” Lease With Captain’s BBQ
The commission, led by Dave Sullivan, who switched sides, agreed to reconsider the lease with Captain’s BBQ at Bing’s Landing through more vetting and analysis.
Barbecuing Bing’s
With even Captain’s BBQ owners willing to get “back to the drawing board,” there’s plenty of room for Flagler government to fix what remains a dirty deal that hurts all sides.
$22.4 Million A1A Rebuilding and Sea Wall Construction in Flagler Beach Starts in January
The Florida Department of Transportation just awarded a $22.4 million contract to a Jacksonville contractor to start construction, sea wall and dune repairs on three segments of A1A in Flagler Beach.
Protesters Gather at Bing’s Landing, But Captain’s BBQ Owner Willing To ‘Hit the Drawing Board Again’
The hastily-arranged protest outside Bing’s Landing Sunday drew between two and three dozen people looking to challenge Flagler County government’s new lease with Captain’s BBQ.
Waste Pro Garbage Truck Overturns, Killing Demont’e Harris, 21, in Palm Coast’s Woodlands
Demont’e Harris, 21, was killed when his Waste Pro garbage truck on its run through the Woodlands this morning overturned flipped on its side in front of 1, Bay Spring Place, killing him.
Florida Hospital Flagler Will Open Stand-Alone ER Near Matanzas High School and I-95
The future AdventHealth’s 12-bed stand-alone ER represents a $25 million investment in north palm Coast and the addition of some 40 jobs near Matanzas High School as that part of town grows.
Divided County Commission Approves Captain’s BBQ Lease That Will Reshape Bing’s Landing
The vote followed more than three hours from 41 people, almost split between supporters and opponents of a lease that would reshape Bing’s Landing.
Entering Hotel Business, Flagler Government Dedicates 3 ‘Cottages’ at Princess Place
For Tourism and Science
The three cottages will be rented out to tourists and to environmental researchers for $125 to $150 a night, with 10 more planned for the River-to-Sea Preserve next year.
How Flagler County Is Readying to Upend Bing’s Landing Park to Benefit Private Restaurant–and Political Donors
Flagler County government will allow Captain’s BBQ to build a larger restaurant in the middle of Bing’s Landing, at its own expense but with large subsidies from the county.
Palm Coast and County Resolve Sour Development Conflict, Signaling Falgout’s More Cooperative ‘Playbook’
The Airport Commons development opposite the future Wawa had led Palm Coast to threaten to sue the county, until the city’s Beau Falgout replaced Jim Landon. Then it became all about resolving issues.
Bunnell Takes Page From St. Augustine to Adopt Harshest Anti-Panhandling Rules in Flagler
Bunnell’s new ordinance prohibits panhandling within 20 feet of any business or commercial property, alongside drivers or diners, but limits penalties to fines.
Ronald Charles Gitschier Jr., Navy Veteran and Radio Master, 1962-2018
Ronald Charles Gitschier Jr., 56, was a 23-year Navy veteran, Flagler Broadcasting’s chief engineer for 10 years, husband, father and grandfather.
The Death of WNZF’s Ron Charles, Friend and Colleague, at 56
Ron ‘Charles’ Gitschier, 56, built Flagler County’s first radio station WNZF as its chief engineer for the past 10 years, was its news director and a man of rare integrity and humility.
Legendary B-25 Bomber Among Two Dozen Aircraft at Flagler Airport’s Freedom Fest Saturday
Freedom Fest 2018 will include an air parade, a special pinning ceremony for Vietnam-era veterans, three tribute rock bands, numerous displays and fireworks to end it all.
Ex-‘Funworld Place’ Owner Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges as State Drops Its Own
Jerard Davis, 33, a resident of Palm Coast’s Buttonwell Lane, was originally arrested after a high-profile search of his business, from where police claimed he was selling drugs and counterfeit merchandise.
Stepped-Up Sheriff’s Patrols, New Sex-Offender App, Candy Buy Back: Halloween Game Plans
Flagler sheriff’s personnel will be conducting heavy patrols and providing crossing assistance at critical points for Halloween, the FDLE has a new safety app, and Flagler Dental is doing candy buy-back for 10 days afterward.
Alleged Armed Robbery Leaves Man Injured at Dakota Joe’s on Old Dixie Highway
Employees at Dakota Joe’s, a business at 2245 South Old Dixie Highway, were allegedly the targets of a violent armed robbery that resulted in a man’s hospitalization late Sunday night.
For 4th Time Since 1995, State Attorney Drops Criminal Charge Against Ex-Dr. Fruehan, But ‘Further Proceedings’ Possible
Even though his office filed the charge a day before the two-year statute of limitation expired, Fruehan was not served until after the date passed.
Ex-Dr. Fruehan Claims Statute of Limitations Elapsed in Charge of Inappropriate Touching, But Dates May Not Be On His Side
Florence Fruehan, the former Palm Coast physician accused of inappropriately touching a woman during a consultation at his office, will argue in court that the misdemeanor battery charge against him should be dismissed because the statutes of limitations has passed.
Two Construction Workers Are Electrocuted and Killed As Boom Strikes Power Line in Seminole Woods
Two construction workers working on a house at Selma Trail and Sesame Boulevard in Palm Coast’s Seminole Woods were killed around 9 a.m. when their equipment struck a power line, electrocuting them both. They died instantly.
State Attorney Drops Battery Charge Against Flagler Beach Commissioner Eric Cooley, Closing the Case
The domestic battery misdemeanor charge against Eric Cooley was dropped Friday morning after the prosecution failed to convince the alleged victim to cooperate, ending the three-month case against the Flagler Beach city commissioner and 7-Eleven owner.
Shopping Center Eyed Across From Matanzas High School as County and City Play Nice
The shopping center on Matanzas Woods, the first, would serve the north end of Palm Coast and I-95 traffic, but is still in its earliest planning stages.
Between Frittatas, Colonoscopies and Rebranding at Florida Hospital Flagler
Wally deAquino, Dean Abtahi and Issam Nasr, physicians at Florida Hospital Flagler, headlined a Common Ground breakfast this morning at Palm Coast’s Hilton.
Sheriff Files Criminal Charges Against Dr. Florence Fruehan, Alleging Pattern of Inappropriate Touching
At least five women have now come forward with allegations of inappropriate touching by Florence Fruehan, the Palm Coast physician who agreed to surrender his license last month.
Palm Coast Data Adds New York Magazine and National Wildlife Amid Stable Revenue
Palm Coast Data’s revenue has been solid, with continued addition of clients, and its parent company has been reporting modest but consistent profits, in contrast with earlier years.
Pay Disparity: Many Flagler Government Employees Paid Less While Several “All Stars” Are Overpaid
A salary study found pay disparities between Flagler government and other governments, but also within Flagler government, where an “all stars” system is rewarding some employees far more than others.
Dr. Fruehan Will Surrender License, Quitting Medicine in Face of Allegation of Sexual Improprieties With Patient
Palm Coast physician Florence Fruehan will surrender his license ahead of the conclusion of a state investigation into allegations that he groped a female patient. He is also under local sheriff’s investigation.
Florida Hospital Flagler Will Change Name to AdventHealth Palm Coast in Companywide Rebranding
The change to AdventHealth Palm Coast, by Jan. 2, is part of a company-wide rebranding across all 47 Adventist Health System hospitals and dozens of other facilities in nine states.
Flagler Approves $227,500 in Tourism Spending, Including $150,000 for Marina
The grants were part of the annual county tourism bureau’s funding round and are designed to enhance tourism and the visitor count in the county.
Palm Coast Physician Florence Fruehan Accused Of Groping Female Patient; State Orders Him Restricted
Long-time physician Florence R. Fruehan of Palm Coast Urgent Care, who is also an elected official, is under an Emergency Restriction Order from the State Department of Health.
Florida’s Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday Is This Weekend: Here’s A Guide (No Electronics)
Florida’s sales tax holiday on school supplies, clothing, shoes and other select accessories is this weekend–starting at a minute after midnight Friday, Aug. 3, through midnight Sunday, Aug. 5.
‘Funworld Place’ Business Owner Accused of Selling Crack Out of Palm Coast Parkway Store
Jerard K. Davis of Palm Coast, who’s twice served prison stints for selling cocaine, was arrested at his business near Sunshine Academy and allegedly found with crack and other drugs that he was selling.
Why Should FPL Customers Pay For Its Polluting, Lawbreaking Mistake? Court Will Decide.
FPL wants to bill customers across the state, including Flagler, $206 million in recovery costs for its own polluting mistake at its Turkey Point plant in South Florida.
Restricting Food Stamps Use at Farmers’ Markets Is One More Way To Hurt the Poor
The government just canceled its contract with the company that makes the card readers necessary to read food stamps cards at farmers markets.
Flagler Unemployment Rises to 4.3% But Labor Force Keeps Expanding
Some 200 people were added to Flagler’s unemployment rolls but in a sign of continuing health the workforce is expanding and is 1,000 workers larger than a year ago.
Gloves Come Off on Both Sides as Flagler Beach Seeks To End Lease With Golf Course Management
The Flagler Beach Commission tonight will decide whether to end its lease with the company running its golf course, which itself is threatening litigation in the latest twist of a frayed relationship.
Martin Tucker, Rancher and Bulwark of Pioneering West Flagler Family, Dies at 70
Leslie Martin Tucker Jr., father of School Board Chairman Trevor Tucker, cousin of Bunnell Commissioner Elbert Tucker, rancher and owner of Sun Country Pest Control, died Wednesday.
At Palm Coast Data, A Surprise Bonus to Employees Highlights Reset of Invigorated Company
In the most intimate and detailed look at Palm Coast Data from the inside in 10 years, the company is less than half its former size but producing solid revenue, projecting optimism, and hiring.
SBA Signs On With Black Entrepreneur Group In Palm Coast To Help Right Loans Imbalance
Palm Coast’s emerging African American Entrepreneurs Association will use the agreement with the SBA to foster more capital and business education for minorities.
In Appeal to Sea Ray’s Laid Off Employees, Job Fair Is Scheduled For July 13
This job fair organized by CareerSource Flagler Volusia will showcase businesses with open, ready-for-hire positions, and will take place at the Flagler Palm Coast High School gym.
‘No Breach’ Says CEO of Exactis, Palm Coast Company at Heart of Reported Massive Data Leak of Personal Information
Palm Coast-based Exactis CEO Steve Hardigree spoke with FlaglerLive of the data breach that exposed 340 million records, saying nothing actually leaked.
Sea Ray Boats’ Palm Coast Plant Shutting Down in Major Blow to 440 Workers
Palm Coast’s Sea Ray Boats plant, one of the top five employers in the county, with some 440 employees, is shutting down as Brunswick corp. abandons the yacht line.
Flagler Beach Golf Course Struggles On, But City Declares Re-Evaluation Committee Premature
Flagler Beach commissioners rejected Kim Carney’s call for appointing a reevaluation committee for the nine-hole golf course at the south end of town.
Flagler Unemployment Settles Below 4% in Echo of Pre-Recession Vigor, Labor Force at New High
The Flagler labor force hit a new high of 47,204, up 600 compared to a year ago. Of those, 45,423 residents are holding jobs either in the county or out of the county.
Flagler Firefighters Pull Off Two Saves in 12 Hours–A $1.2 Million Home and Strip Mall Shop
This morning’s fire broke out around 8:30 p.m. at the Bikes ‘N Coffee shop at Flagler Plaza. Thursday evening a three-level house in the Hammock caught fire from a lightning strike.
Sales Tax ‘Holiday’ For Disaster-Preparedness Supplies Set For June 1-7 Across Florida
Expanded from three days last year, the tax holiday has drawn added attention after Florida experienced hurricanes in 2016 and 2017 after a decade’s calm.
Swip-Swappers Get a Safer Trading and Exchange Zone Outside Flagler Sheriff’s Office
To minimize transactions going wrong, the Flagler Sheriff’s Office has set up a safe-trade -e-commerce exchange zone under video surveillance outside its operations center.