The chairman of the Flagler Beach City Commission, the police chief and the parks and recreations director all cited bogus and debunked claims about either saltwater or sunshine’s supposedly beneficial effects against the coronavirus.
Economy
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.
Easing Financial Strains on Families and Businesses, Palm Coast Suspends Utility Late Fees and Shut-Offs
In an attempt to do its part to ease expected financial strains on families and businesses resulting from the coronavirus emergency, Palm Coast government is suspending late fees levied on utility bills effective immediately, and will not cut off service to customers who are behind on their payments.
Flagler and Florida Schools Will Remain Closed Through April 15, But With Distance Learning; State Tests Cancelled
All of Flagler’s schools’ physical campuses will remain closed at least through April 15 by order of Gov. Ron DeSantis, but distance learning will be instituted starting March 31. State tests are cancelled for the remainder of the year in response to the coronavirus emergency.
Flagler’s Businesses Bristle as Bars Are Ordered Closed for 30 Days, Restaurants Restricted and Beach Crowds Urged Limited
Restaurant-bars like the Brown Dog and Moonrise Brewing in Palm Coast are facing difficult choices even as they’re allowed to remain open, while business on the beach has been brisk, but for a scarier reason, according to a business owner and commissioner there.
Flagler Schools Will Distribute Free Breakfast and Lunch Daily; Restaurants Implored to Offer Take-Out Only
The food distributions will be to all children up to age 18 regardless of qualification for free or reduced lunch, but children must be present and adults will not qualify for the free food, though arrangements with food banks are in the works to address those needs as well.
Why Flagler’s Covid-19 Cases May Not Be What They Are: Infected Non-County Residents Are Not Reported Locally
Flagler County may well have one, two or three confirmed cases of coronavirus. If those cases were confirmed in non-Flagler County residents who happened to be in Flagler County, you will not know about them locally, according to Florida Department of Health rules.
Palm Coast Broadens and Extends Cancellations of Activities Through End of April as Florida Cases Rise to 155
Palm Coast was taking a more aggressive coronavirus-mitigation approach as measures against “community spread” of the virus were affecting all levels of local governments even as cases of Covid-19 remained, for now, at bay.
2 Flagler Sheriff’s Deputies, “Multiple” EMPros and AdventHealth Palm Coast Personnel on Quarantine as Protocols Evolve
The two Flagler sheriff’s deputies were on a death investigation involving a man who died of the flu. EMPros manages emergency departments in several cities in Volusia and Flagler. One of its physicians and the Assistant EMS Medical Director for all EMS agencies in Flagler County was placed under quarantine.
Virus Testing Will Vastly Expand in Flagler and Florida, ‘So Things Are Going to Change Drastically in Terms of Numbers’
Coronavirus testing capacity will expand next week in Flagler County and across Florida, with capacity for some 625,000 tests available starting Monday, but a lot remains uncertain about the extent of the virus’ effects locally, how many people it will affect and whether current measures will be enough to stave off a major local outbreak.
Even in Flagler, Virus-Related Postponements and Restrictions Begin to Accumulate
The Flagler school district is scrapping out of state travel, the Sheriff’s Office is postponing the Safety Expo, Flagler College is moving classes online, Bethune Cookman is cancelling them, among other schedule disruptions.
Coronavirus Prevention Is Not Overreaction: Flagler Schools Should Extend Spring Break
With the coronavirus and its many knowns and unknowns, what may look like an overreaction today is the most effective form of prevention, and should not be given the chance to look like playing catch-up weeks from now.
Florida’s Public Universities Ordered to Shift to Online Instruction Only in Response to Coronavirus
As the deadly coronavirus continues to spread, “it has become clear that to protect the students and the residents of our state, proactive rather than reactive guidance to universities is necessary,” officials with the state university system said in a statement issued Wednesday afternoon.
Seemingly Spared So Far, Flagler School, Emergency and Health Officials Prepare for Likely Spread as Coronavirus Cases Jump to 21 in Florida
Flagler school officials are discussing remote instruction and instituting deep cleanings, county and health officials are preparing businesses and government staffs for “social distancing” and other measures as they prepare for what they see as the likely spread of coronavirus locally.
Gov. DeSantis Declares Coronovirus State of Emergency, Broadening Powers
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday declared a state of emergency that would broaden his powers to respond to the novel coronavirus, including allowing him to deploy National Guard troops if necessary.
Surging Health Care and First-Responder Worker Quarantines Raise Concerns As Coronavirus Spreads
The number of health care and first-responder workers ordered to self-quarantine because of potential exposure to an infected patient is rising at an exponential pace.
Showing No Signs of Infection Yet, U.S. Economy Adds 273,000 Jobs, Unemployment at 3.5%
Not yet showing signs of disruption from the coronavirus, the national economy in February added 273,000 jobs, leaving the unemployment rate where it’s hovered, at 3.5 percent, for the past four months.
DeSantis Favors Senate Bill That Would Require All Public and Many Private Employers to E-Verify
All public employers including school districts, state agencies and public universities and private employers with at least 50 employees would have to use the federal system, or one that the state Department of Economic Opportunity deems is “substantially equivalent” to E-Verify.
Misplaced Inquisitions: Mayor Holland, Coastal Cloud and the Palm Coast Observer
Mayor Milissa Holland and Coastal Cloud Co-owner Tim Hale repeatedly–and unfairly–invoked Palm Coast Observer Editor Brian McMillan’s name in poor light during a 90-minute city council segment devoted entirely to refuting critical allegations about the city’s contract with the company.
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.
Opponents Question Structure as State Approves FPL Plan to Add 20 Solar Farms By 2021
Opponents contended the program would have costs and financial risks for the vast majority of customers who would not participate. As an example, credits received by SolarTogether participants would come from money that all customers pay to cover power-plant fuel expenses.
News-Journal Lays Off London (Again) and Flagler Bureau Editor; News-Tribune’s Future in Doubt
The Daytona Beach News-Journal this week is laying off two of its four remaining employees in the Flagler County bureau–long-time reporter Aaron London and Nick Klasne, an assistant managing editor in charge of the Flagler Bureau.
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.
Grand Living Realty Now Representing American Village in Palm Coast
Grand Living Realty is now representing The American Village community, a luxurious, 55+ gated active adult living community located at Pritchard Drive off Belle Terre, Palm Coast. The community offers 45 premium homes and 96 condominiums.
Standoff Over Age and Tobacco Definition Could Doom Vaping Regulations
Florida House Speaker José Oliva is balking at raising the age to purchase cigarettes and vaping products to 21, despite a federal law, and would not identify vaping and e-cigarettes as “tobacco products.”
‘We’re Fighting For the Life of Flagler Beach’: County Urges Property Owners’ Cooperation in Beach Rebuilding
Flagler County government is looking for permission from almost 150 property owners along the shore in Flagler Beach to use their beachside properties over the next few months–and in perpetuity–to save the beach in what one official describes as the single-largest public works project ever conducted in Flagler
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.
Major $1.8 Billion FPL Solar Expansion Sparks Controversy Over Billing
FPL customers would be able to voluntarily pay more on their electric bills to finance the 20 solar-plant expansion and would receive credits that would result in them getting a “payback” in about seven years.
Debate Over Restricting Dollar-Type Stores Divides Palm Coast Planning Board as Moratorium Advances
Palm Coast government is moving toward a 120-day moratorium on permitting new dollar-type stores out of concern that the stores’ proliferation may damage the availability of quality grocery stores.
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.
Flagler County’s First Salt Spa Opens in Flagler Beach
Essential Elements Spa at 214 Moody Blvd. in Flagler Beach is a natural healing, therapeutic, aesthetic and relaxation spa offering dry salt therapy, infrared sauna treatments, an oxygen bar experience, massage and aesthetician services.
Nor’easter Severely Damages Flagler Beach Walkovers DOT Had Just Rebuilt
Flagler Beach City Manager Larry Newsom said the city had nothing to do with the poorly constructed walkovers, blaming the damage on the Florida Department of Transportation’s contractor. Older walkovers have withstood storms for decades.
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.
City Planners Urge Significantly Scaling Back 300-Home Matanzas Golf Course Development to Preserve Views
Palm Coast city planners’ response to a planned 300-home development along the disused Matanzas golf course cites rules that prevent building on fairways and blocking existing residents’ backyard views. That would eliminate swaths of planned homes within the 278-acre project.
Flagler Airport Advisory Board Chairman Resigns After One Last Sally, Criticizing Land Buy
Daryl Hickman had been critical of airport Director Roy Sieger, citing noise and planned construction issues, before he resigned Monday, telling the county commission that a $250,000 land buy was poorly executed and may have been unnecessary.
Rezoning of Long-Gestating Mega Development on Old Kings Road Stirs Residents’ Anxieties Anew
The Bulow Creek development starting just south of State Road 100 on both sides of Old Kings Road would consist of 2,250 houses and apartment units and 1.7 million square feet of commercial and office space, built over four phases stretching over 20 years or more.
Supreme Court Denies Styrofoam Appeal: Law Banning Local Governments From Regulating Pollutant Stands
Coral Gables approved an ordinance to ban Styrofoam in February 2016, and the Florida Retail Federation and Super Progreso, Inc., later filed a lawsuit challenging the ordinance’s legality.
It’s Not Just Noise: Airport Advisory Board Tensely Questions Lack of Planning as County Administrator Probes Board’s Role
Tension continues between members of the Flagler Airport Advisory Board and Airport Director Roy Sieger over planning and noise issues. Administrator Jerry Cameron said he’ll look into the board’s bylaws to better define its role and relationship with the County Commission, which appoints it.
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.
John Brady for Palm Coast Mayor
Vote Brady for Mayor on August 18, 2020 My Position on issues in Palm Coast I am asking for your vote to become the next Mayor of Palm Coast. My wife and I have lived in Palm Coast for 10 years. We moved here because we found Palm Coast to be a beautiful, charming, vibrant, […]
One Side Says Defamation. The Other Says Intimidation. The Gardens Development Spins-Off a Lawsuit.
Ken Bryan, a candidate for Flagler Beach City Commission and a board member of the group opposed to The Gardens development, was sued by the developer’s parent company. Bryan’s attorney charges the suit has no merit and says there may be a counter-suit.
Diane Vidal of Chiumento Dwyer Hertel Grant Appointed Flagler County Bar Association Director
Diane Vidal of Chiumento Dwyer Hertel Grant has been appointed as a Flagler County Bar Association Director. She will serve a term of two years in this position.
Single-Family Homes No Longer Sacred as States Turn to Zoning Laws to Lower Housing Costs
Twenty-eight states and Washington, D.C., last year passed a variety of legislation that addresses the housing affordability problem, from tax credits for developers to rental assistance and eviction protections for residents.
There’s No ‘Great American Comeback,’ and Certainly Not for Blue-Collar Workers
Low overall unemployment means little when half of Americans now work low-wage jobs. Manufacturing remains in decline, farm bankruptcies are spiraling, and union membership just hit an all-time low.
A Homeless Man Arranges for His Own Escape Out of Grand Oaks Rehab; He and His Accomplice Are Arrested
Hugh Wallace, a 57-year-old man with a history of homelessness, had arranged with a friend to take him out of Grand Oaks Rehab in Palm Coast, though he was a ward of the state. He was arrested on an outstanding warrant, and his friend was arrested on a charge of interfering with the custody of an invalid.
Palm Coast Unveils UNF’s Futuristic MedNex Foothold in Town Center as Officials Lobby Lawmakers
Renderings of UNF’s MedNex project in Palm Coast’s Town Center, along with a new infographic about the innovative plan, are part of a lobbying offensive planned for next week by Palm Coast officials to advocate for the initiative.
State Health Department Pushing Against Less Regulated Interpretation of Medical Marijuana Grower Rules
State health officials urged the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling by the 1st District Court of Appeal that said a key part of the law conflicted with the 2016 constitutional amendment, approved by 71 percent of Florida voters.
Not Waiting on State Law, Palm Coast Will Ban Vaping Sales to Under-21 and Regulate Marketing
Palm Coast’s e-cigarettes and vaping regulation ordinance mirrors a proposal in the Legislature to ban vaping products to anyone younger than 21 and limit its visible marketing, but the city is not interested in waiting for legislative vagaries to sort themselves out.
County’s Own Advisory Board Members Slam Flagler Airport Director Roy Sieger at Meeting on Noise Problems
Airport Director Roy Sieger was strongly criticized by the head of the county’s own Airport Advisory Board at a workshop where commissioners learned that county government’s authority is severely limited when it comes to controlling noise at the Flagler Executive Airport.
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.