A five-month Flagler County Sheriff’s Office investigation has led to the arrest of a Port Orange man who spent months harassing a Flagler County woman with thousands of phone calls and even filed a false child abuse report against her. Detectives ultimately traced the calls back to him despite his attempts to hide behind blocked and internet-based phone numbers.
News Briefs
Compass Hotel Is Flagler Beach’s Inaugural Winner of Monthly Downtown Beauty Contest
Flagler Beach government named the Compass Hotel by Margaritaville as the first recipient of a monthly beauty contest for its downtown district, an initiative cooked up by the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board to pat local businesses and residents on the back for keeping up appearances. The hotel, whose owner sits on the advisory board, is the July 2026 recipient.
Gas Prices Rise Again as Peace Deal Collapses
Gas prices in Florida inched up over the past week after President Donald Trump declared a tentative peace deal with Iran as “over.” In Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, prices for unleaded regular are ranging between $3.77 and $3.89 at most stations.
Ignite the Night! Fundraiser for Flagler Beach Fire Department at Tortugas July 18
On July 18, 2026, local non-profit Flagler Strong will host a community event & fundraising concert dedicated to supporting the Flagler Beach Fire Department (FBFD) and Ocean Rescue teams—doubling as the official 10th Anniversary Celebration for Tortugas Florida Kitchen & Bar.
Failing Seawall at Castillo de San Marcos Gets 18-Month Reconstruction
On July 27, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will begin mobilizing for construction to replace, raise and rehabilitate the park’s failing seawalls and protect the historic fort and the broader St. Augustine community. Visitor access to the historic fort will be maintained throughout this project, which is expected to take approximately 18 months.
DeSantis Blames Court for Calling Out His Overreach on Woke Act
Gov. Ron DeSantis called the 11th Circuit’s blocking of the “Stop WOKE Act” a “clear and unfortunate example of judicial overreach,” reacting to the second ruling this week against his anti “woke” agenda.
Liz Ryan Is Flagler Broadcasting’s New Regional News Director
Liz Ryan, who joined Flagler Broadcasting four years ago as a street reporter, has been promoted to regional news director for the company’s Palm Coast and St. Augustine operations.
Water Shortage Restrictions Continue As Drought Recovery Continues
While many areas across northeast and central Florida have received frequent rainfall in recent weeks, the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) is reminding residents, businesses and large water users that drought recovery takes time and continued water conservation remains crucial.
Hurricane Forecast Is Again Downgraded, to ‘Well Below Normal’
Storm forecasters have further downgraded predictions a little more than a month into the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which has so far produced a single named tropical system.
Flagler County Celebrates 250th Independence Day with Floats, Hot Diggity Dogs, Warbirds and Fireworks
Flagler County municipalities coordinated the 2026 United Flagler Fourth celebration to mark America’s 250th independence anniversary with a daylong event that began with a morning parade in Flagler Beach then, at the county airport, veteran tributes, a historic warbird flyover, and an inaugural hot dog eating contest. A fireworks display concluded the free regional festival.
Poll Shows Property Tax Amendment with 64% Support
Florida’s proposed property tax amendment would likely pass if the November election were held today, with nearly two-thirds of voters in the state supporting it. But support fractures dramatically along party lines, with Republicans backing the change at nearly three times the rate of Democrats, new Sachs Media polling shows.
Homestead Tax Cut Could Cost You More, 3 Degrees Florida Says
3 Degrees Florida says it is not against property tax relief. Instead, the group is sounding the alarm that the amendment could make it harder for local governments to pay for essential services if it passes. The group’s branding draws heavily on the Titanic disaster.
‘Harmful’ and ‘Likely Illegal’: Immigration Groups Decry Florida Ban of Undocumented Students at Colleges
Florida’s pro-immigration groups blasted a new rule banning undocumented students from state colleges as “cruel” and potentially illegal. On a Zoom meeting, the coalition of legal entities and advocacy organizations called on the DeSantis administration to reconsider this week’s education change, which outright outlawed state colleges from enrolling undocumented students.
Paul Burns Appointed Interim Education Commissioner
The Florida Board of Education appointed Paul Burns as interim education commissioner on Tuesday. Burns, a Department of Education senior chancellor, was unanimously approved to step into the role of commissioner as Anastasios Kamoutsas exits to become president of Polk State College.
Miffed That He Didn’t Get His Way, DeSantis Won’t Campaign for Tax Amendment
Gov. Ron DeSantis has spent more than a year boosting a proposal to eliminate or substantially reduce property taxes for Floridians, but because the Legislature’s version doesn’t reach as far as his own plan, he now says he doesn’t intend to campaign for the proposal that will go before the voters in November.
Palm Coast Historical Society Adds Author Caleb Hathaway and Don Robertson to Board of Directors
The Palm Coast Historical Society & Museum celebrated a productive Executive Board meeting on Saturday, welcoming new additions to its leadership team, recognizing outstanding service, and expanding its membership as the organization continues its mission of preserving Palm Coast’s rich history.
Alligator Alcatraz Is Shutting Down
One year after it opened, Alligator Alcatraz, the detention center used by Florida and the federal government to house undocumented immigrants, is shutting down.
DeSantis Vetoes Bill Regulating Ebike Speeds, Calling It ‘Overreach’
Gov. Ron DeSantis has vetoed a speed limit for electric bicycles, a measure that passed the House and Senate unanimously, calling it an “overreach.” The bill would have capped e-bikes’ speed at 10 miles per hour within 50 feet of a pedestrian on ways shared with pedestrians.
Flagler Sheriff Solves 2003 Cold Case of Mary Lou Combs With Help From FBI Divers
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly announced the resolution of a 22-year-old cold case after a submerged vehicle was recovered from the Intracoastal Waterway. The car contained human remains and personal items linked to Mary Lou Combs, a mother of three who disappeared in August 2003. A massive multi-agency effort involving FBI dive teams helped locate the wreckage, finally bringing long-awaited closure to her grieving family.
DeSantis Says His Homestead Tax Proposal Would Have Been Better
DeSantis sent his original proposal to the Legislature just five days before it was scheduled to meet in a special session to take it up. The final product omits DeSantis’ proposal to include a trust fund from which the state would provide grants to local governments that lack funding in certain essential services. The governor said that with the state’s existing “massive surplus,” it was something it could afford to do.
Free Breakfast and Lunch Program for All Students in Flagler County Schools
Flagler Schools announces its policy for serving meals to students under the National School Lunch / School Breakfast Programs for the 2026-2027 school year. All students will be served lunch/breakfast at no charge at all nine traditional public schools.
Gas Prices Fall, But Pre-War Prices May Be Weeks or Months Away
As gas prices fell for a fourth consecutive week, analysts continue to caution that it could be weeks or months before returning to pre-war prices. On Monday, the auto club AAA reported the average gallon of gas in Florida was $3.62, down 20 cents from the previous week following the announcement of an agreement to end the war with Iran.
Skepticism About Florida’s Homestead Tax Amendment Is Growing
Several municipal leaders, including some county tax collectors and property appraisers, are concerned that if the referendum is approved the reduction in revenues could complicate the repayment of municipal bonds. The concerns about the future of the stability of municipal bonds in Florida are getting so intense, daily trade newspaper The Bond Buyer has increased coverage the Sunshine State situation.
Kash Patel Marks Bunnell Police Lt. Shane Groth’s FBI Academy Graduation
Bunnell Police Lt. Shane Groth graduated Thursday from the 298th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, marking a first for the small department. He is the first member of the agency to attend and graduate from the law enforcement leadership program. FBI Director Kash Patel in a remarkably non-controversial moment shook hands with Groth as he handed him his certificate.
DSC Earns A+ Rating from National Council on Teacher Quality for Preparing Elementary Educators in Reading
Daytona State College’s undergraduate Elementary Education program has earned an A+ rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for how well it prepares future teachers to teach children to read.
Efforts to Cancel Kanye West’s Tampa Concert Ramp Up
A bipartisan group of political leaders and Jewish residents are trying to block Kanye West from performing in Tampa. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Naples, labeled the hip-hop artist an “antisemite” and called for the Tampa Sports Authority to cancel his concerts at an event Monday at The Florida Holocaust Museum.
Flagler County Leadership Academy Graduates Historic Class
Thirteen executives, managers, and professionals graduated from the Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy during a special ceremony Thursday. This graduating class marks a historic milestone for the academy as the first class to include representatives from every major local government organization in Flagler County.
Renner Bemoans Lack of Debates and State of Florida GOP
Former House Speaker Paul Renner says the Republican Party of Florida is cheating voters out of its opportunity to weigh the merits of candidate for Governor by refusing to stage a debate at the impending Sunshine Showdown event. He argues that the party is “tipping the scales” in favor of U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the Donald Trump-endorsed front-runner in the race, after its assertion that only Donalds would have met criteria to qualify for a debate. The criteria: 10% support in the RPOF’s own poll; more than $10 million raised; and more than 10,000 donors
Flagler County Inmates Welcome Homeless Puppies to Advance Mental Health and Addiction Recovery
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office expanded its SMART inmate recovery program by partnering with the Flagler Humane Society to house 11 puppies. Seven male inmates handle feeding, cleanup, and socialization duties at the detention facility. This initiative teaches participants responsibility and patience to aid their addiction recovery. The partnership simultaneously frees up shelter kennel space and prepares the animals for permanent adoption.
Drought Conditions Persist in Flagler and Central Florida, Water Management District Cautions
Recent rainfall across northeast and central Florida provided modest relief from dry conditions in some areas, but drought conditions persist and the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) is reminding residents, businesses and large water users that water conservation remains critical. Flagler County is part of the district.
Forecast of Named Storms in Hurricane Season Reduced from 13 to 11
Colorado State University researchers on Wednesday downgraded their projections for the hurricane season. The school’s forecast now predicts 11 named storms, down from 13 in the April projections. Five storms are forecast to reach hurricane strength, with winds at or above 74 mph, instead of the six predicted earlier.
Flagler County Education Foundation Raises Record-Breaking $125,000
The Flagler County Education Foundation raised a record-breaking $125,000 through its premier Annual Dinner. The funds raised during this single evening will directly power the Foundation’s critical “Make It Happen” initiative and a robust portfolio of educational programs spanning all Flagler Schools.
Former Sen. Annette Taddeo and Miami Democrat Will Challenge Blaise Ingoglia for CFO
Former state Sen. Annette Taddeo, a Miami Democrat, is getting in the race for Chief Financial Officer she formally announced Monday. She’ll take on incumbent Republican Blaise Ingoglia, who was appointed to the role last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis, replacing Jimmy Patronis, who left the seat for a successful U.S. House seat race.
Byron Donalds Insists Iran War Matches Donald Trump’s Anti-War Platform
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds says President Donald Trump is “right” when he argues that ongoing actions against Iran do not mean Trump is contradicting a campaign message that he would avoid starting foreign wars.
Jerry Demings Ends Campaign for Governor After Cancer Diagnosis
Orange County Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerry Demings announced Friday he is suspending his 2026 campaign after being diagnosed with a treatable form of prostate cancer. In a prepared release, Demings said that “continuing to run for governor would have likely led to injurious effects on my prognosis. I am a fighter through and through, and now is the time to fight cancer and be there for my loved ones.”
Sen. Rick Scott Wants Kanye West’s Tampa Concerts Cancelled
A public stadium shouldn’t host rapper and producer Kanye West, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott said. In a letter to the Tampa Sports Authority, the government organization that operates Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Scott urged the authority board to “carefully review this decision” of hosting the rapper, for shows June 26 and 28.
West Volusia NAACP Awards David H. Staples Scholarship To Teriauna Carruthers
The West Volusia Branch of the NAACP named Teriauna Carruthers the 2026 recipient of the David H. Staples Scholarship. Carruthers graduated from T. DeWitt Taylor High School with a 3.78 grade-point average. She earned a 3.8 grade-point average at Daytona State College through dual enrollment. The multi-sport athlete and student leader will major in psychology at the University of North Florida this fall.
A Man Dies in RV Fire on Lake Drive in Bunnell
Bunnell Police Department officers and detectives today investigated an early morning fire involving a recreational vehicle that killed one occupant on Lake Drive in Bunnell, the neighborhood just north of Gospel Gardens and Old Moody Boulevard.
Trump Nominates Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez as Ambassador to Brazil
Perez, R-Miami, has long been a Trump supporter and recently helped pass a redrawing of Florida’s congressional districts, after the President had called on GOP-led states to pass new maps to help Republicans maintain control of the U.S. House.
East Flagler Mosquito Control District Collects Over 1400 Tires During Amnesty Days
The East Flagler Mosquito Control District (EFMCD) collected 1,441 tires during its Tire Amnesty Days event May 29-31, marking it the most successful collection in the program’s history.
Float Registration Now Open, for Just $40, for Flagler Beach’s July 4 Parade Celebrating 250th
The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach invites residents, visitors, local businesses, and community organizations to celebrate Independence Day—and America’s 250th birthday—at the Flagler Beach Fourth of July Parade on Saturday, July 4, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Flagler Beach. Float registration is now open for $40.
Palm Coast Postpones Inaugural Beats & Eats
Due to the forecast for inclement weather, the City of Palm Coast has postponed tonight’s inaugural Beats & Eats event at The Stage in Town Center. The event is rescheduled for June 18.
Flagler County Urges Vulnerable Seniors To Apply For Emergency Home Cooling Financial Assistance
Dangerous summer heat poses severe health risks to older residents throughout Florida. Flagler County Senior Services partnered with ElderSource to promote the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program. Qualified households with residents 60 or older can obtain up to $2,000 for utility bills or critical cooling repairs.
Flagler Sheriff’s Deputies Now Equipped with Sensory Support Kits for Individuals in Crisis
As part of its focus to create positive community outcomes, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is equipping members of its team with sensory support kits filled with items designed to help neurodivergent individuals or individuals in crisis during encounters with law enforcement.
Daytona State’s Women’s Golf brings home 12th National Title
Daytona State College’s Women’s Golf team captured its 12th NJCAA Division I National Championship on May 14, edging No. 1-ranked Odessa College by a single stroke in a dramatic final-round finish.
Flagler Middle Schoolers Prep for International Stage in Underwater Robotics
For the past three years, Flagler Schools have made international waves in the world of underwater robotics. This spring, three middle school teams from Flagler County have stormed the medal stands of SeaPerch competitions in the Sunshine State. And in two weeks, SeaPerch Advisor Tracy Jones will take three teams of engineers to the International SeaPerch Competition.
Deeply Buried in Forest of Candidates, Paul Renner Digs for a Blade of Grassroots
Former House Speaker Paul Renner is staring up at U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, James Fishback, and even Lt. Gov. Jay Collins in most polling of the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. But he’s confident that public opinion surveys don’t sync up with what he’s seeing as he travels the state making his case to Republican voters ahead of the August Primary.
45 Flagler County First Responders Hold Joint Training for High-Water and Flooding Emergencies
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and Flagler County Fire Rescue are completing a three-part swiftwater and flood rescue training series to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. Approximately 45 personnel are practicing shallow-water maneuvers, defensive swimming, and multi-agency coordination.
Sergeant Adrian Zapata Named Officer Of The Year During Bunnell Police Awards Presentation
The Bunnell Police Department presented its annual awards on Monday during a city commission meeting coinciding with National Police Week. Sergeant Adrian Zapata received the 2025 Officer of the Year designation following two lifesaving incidents. Volunteer Chaplain Larry Hobbs earned the Chief’s Commendation. The agency reported significant progress, highlighting major annual crime reductions across person, society, and property categories throughout the city.
A Symbolic 457-Day Jail Sentence, On Top of 9 Life Terms, to End Henriqson’s Stay at Flagler Jail
Kristopher Henriqson, 48, got a symbolic 457-day jail sentence today for marijuana distribution and possession of drug paraphernalia following his conviction a month ago on 11 counts of sexual assault involving his stepdaughter. The sentence ends his court cases in Flagler County and clears his transfer to state prison.