The Florida Department of Education is developing a rule to govern distribution of Family Empowerment Scholarship payments to families, the agency noticed Friday. Lawmakers considered but didn’t pass a major package, SB 7030, this session to address school choice scholarships, including how and when payments should be distributed to schools and families. In the early days of the 105-day session, school administrators voiced concerns that state money meant to follow students to their schools of choice was at times getting lost, and the state was losing track of where students were enrolled.
News Briefs
DeSantis Sued for 2nd Time in 5 Weeks Over Laziness in Judicial Appointments
For the second time in little more than a month, Gov. Ron DeSantis faces a lawsuit alleging he violated the Florida Constitution by not filling a judicial seat. Gainesville attorney Gary Edinger on Friday filed a petition at the state Supreme Court seeking to force DeSantis to appoint a judge in North Florida’s 8th Judicial Circuit.
Palm Coast Fire Department’s Caleb Dann, Brandon Davis and Gunner Pemberton Are Promoted
The Palm Coast Fire Department today announced the promotion of Driver Engineer Brandon Davis to the rank of Lieutenant, and Firefighters Gunner Pemberton and Caleb Dann to the rank of Driver Engineer. Additionally, Pemberton and Dann have both successfully completed the Paramedic program at Daytona State College and are now State Certified Paramedics.
Pink Army 5K Early Bird Registration is Open
The City of Palm Coast in partnership with AdventHealth Palm Coast is happy to present the Pink Army 5K on October 5, 2025. This special event raises money for breast cancer awareness, education, and screening, which is used locally in our community.
Palm Coast Fire Department’s David Faust Appointed Battalion Chief of Training
The Palm Coast Fire Department today announced the appointment of David Faust as Battalion Chief of Training. In his new role, Faust will lead the department’s efforts to recruit, train, and develop both current and future members of the organization.
21 Infections Tied to Raw Milk in Florida
Florida Department of Health officials said Monday there have been 21 cases of Campylobacter and E. coli infections tied to raw milk consumption in the central and northeast portion of the state, and seven people have been hospitalized. The agency said the tainted milk was “linked to a particular farm” but did not disclose the name or location. In Florida, raw milk can only be sold for non-human consumption. The DOH, headed by Dr. Joseph Ladapo, did not recommend against drinking raw milk.
New York Latest State to Offer Free Phone Calls from Prison
New York will offer free phone calls to people incarcerated in its state prisons starting Aug. 1, becoming the sixth state to do so. The change is projected to save roughly 30,000 families across the state an estimated $13.3 million per year in phone call fees, according to Worth Rises, a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to dismantling the prison industry. New York joins California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Minnesota in offering free phone calls in state prisons.
Vance 46 Points Ahead of DeSantis in Early 2026 Presidential Poll
Florida’s Governor continues to struggle in early surveys of what could be the 2028 Republican race to replace Donald Trump. Per a survey from Emerson College, Ron DeSantis has 7% support in North Carolina, well behind Vice President JD Vance’s 53%.
DeSantis Sours on ICE Poaching Local Police with $50,000 Bonuses
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday encouraged sheriffs and police chiefs to fight to keep staff members as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement seeks to recruit Florida officers who recently completed immigration-enforcement training. DeSantis said he had not seen an ICE recruitment letter that offers a $50,000 signing bonus to recruits who work five years, but he questioned the need to “poach our people who are already in the fight.”
Flagler Turtle Patrol and County Fire Rescue Save 5 Hatchlings on A1A
Five leatherback sea turtle hatchlings are in the care of Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience following their harrowing journey across State Road A1A near Beverly Beach and became trapped in two storm drains at the Oceanside Condominiums.
Justices Will Publicly Reprimand Broward Judge Stefanie Moon
As part of discipline that also included a 10-day suspension, Broward County Circuit Judge Stefanie Moon will go before the Florida Supreme Court on Sept. 9 for a public reprimand, the court said Tuesday.
Flagler Sheriff’s Employees Donate $24,030 to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office employees donated $24,030 to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches (FSYR), making FCSO employee’s total donations to the FSYR approximately $204,000 since 2017. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly presented the latest employee donation check to FSYR President Maria Knapp today during the Florida Sheriffs Association semi-annual meeting.
Administration Releasing Billions in Federal Education Funding
To Flagler County Schools’ relief, the Trump administration said Friday it’ll soon release billions in Education Department funding that has been frozen for weeks, delaying disbursements to K-12 schools throughout the country. The funding — which goes toward migrant education, English-language learning and other programs — was supposed to go out before July 1, but the administration informed schools just one day before that it was instead holding onto $6.8 billion while staff conducted a review. Members of both parties in Congress objected to the move.
Sen. Rick Scott Trolls New York’s Mamdani with Florida-Baiting Campaign
With New York City on the brink of electing a democratic socialist Mayor, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott wants New Yorkers escaping to Florida. The Naples Republican launched an ad campaign in the Big Apple encouraging just that, as first reported by the New York Post. The messaging will include a banner flown over New York City that reads: “Hate Socialism? Us too! Move 2 FL.”
Home Surveillance Video Helps Lead to Arrest of Austin Brammer, 35, After Palm Coast Burglary
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a repeat offender after he was caught on camera committing a residential burglary of a Palm Coast residence. On July 24, deputies responded to a report of a residential burglary on Colleen Court after the victim told dispatchers that she had home surveillance video showing an unknown male breaking into her home. According to the victim, the suspect, later identified as Austin Brammer, 35, of Palm Coast, stole a box of watches.
DeSantis Wants Redistricting to Help Save GOP’s House Majority
With President Trump fearful that congressional Republicans could lose their slim majority in the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm election, he has urged the state of Texas to redraw their congressional map to add as many as five GOP seats to Congress, and that he’d like other states to follow suit. Gov. Ron DeSantis says that Florida can be one of those states.
Daytona State College Rolls Out Mobile Library
Daytona State College is rolling out a mobile “Book Bike” with support from a $6,100 grant from the Northeast Florida Library Information Network (NEFLIN).
Florida Bar Opposing Attorney General Opening a Door to Out-Of-State Government Lawyers
The Florida Bar’s Board of Governors has backed a proposal by the Bar’s Rules Committee to file a comment opposing an effort by Attorney General James Uthmeier to create a new way for out-of-state government lawyers to practice in the state. Uthmeier’s petition would allow “certain state government lawyers” to practice in Florida for up to three years without having to take the Florida Bar exam or undergo a “character and fitness” evaluation.
County Commission Chair Andy Dance Elected to 2 State Executive Committees, Amplifying Flagler’s Voice
Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance was elected to the Executive Committee of the Small County Coalition of Florida (SCCF) to represent Region 3, and elected to the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) to represent District 7.
Minimally Invasive TenJet Procedure Ends Woman’s Years of Chronic Hip Pain
For years, Laura O’Brien lived with persistent pain in her hip. It made daily tasks like walking, standing, and sleeping difficult. Relief finally came from an unexpected source: a handheld device the size of an electric toothbrush. Dr. Joseph Chen performed the outpatient procedure at AdventHealth Palm Coast – as the only sports medicine physician in Flagler, St. Johns, and Volusia counties offering TenJet for joint and limb treatments.
NASA May Move Its Headquarters to Florida
Sen. Ashley Moody believes that NASA may still move its headquarters to the Sunshine State, telling national media that keeping it in the nation’s capital is “not needed” and suggesting the space agency’s Chief of Staff may be an advocate for relocation.
‘Unacceptable’ Judge Stefanie Moon Fined $2,115 and Suspended for Violations
Calling her conduct “unacceptable,” the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday ordered a 10-day suspension, a public reprimand and a $2,115 fine for Broward County circuit judge Stephanie Moon, who is accused of inappropriate campaign activity, prohibited political contributions and other wrongdoing.
Flagler County ‘Awards of Excellence’ for Podcast Series and Writing
Flagler County is the recipient of three National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) “Awards of Excellence,” in the category Audiovisual Podcast Series for the county’s new podcast called Flagler in Focus and two writing features. NACIO, which is an active affiliate of the National Association of Counties (NACo), made the presentations July 14 during its annual conference in Philadelphia that the county attended virtually.
Palm Coast’s London Waterway Project Wins 2025 Outstanding Achievement Award
The City of Palm Coast’s London Waterway project was recently recognized with the 2025 Outstanding Achievement Award for Stormwater Projects, presented by the Florida Stormwater Association.
Florida Supreme Court Sends Everglades Prison Case to Lower Court
The Florida Supreme Court on Monday sent to a lower court a case filed by Democratic state lawmakers after they were denied entry to a controversial immigrant-detention center in the Everglades dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Analysis Warns Deportations Could Cost 6 Million Jobs, With Florida Among Four Top Losers
If successful, the administration’s goal of deporting 4 million people over four years will cost jobs held by both immigrants and U.S.-born workers, according to the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute. EPI’s analysis found California, Florida, New York and Texas will have the highest number of job losses, because of larger immigrant populations in those states.
Child Care Is Increasingly Cost-Prohibitive for Florida Parents
There are about 1.28 million children under the age of 6 in Florida, and it’s getting costly for parents to get child care when needed, according to a new analysis from Florida TaxWatch. The watchdog group has published a new report, How Childcare Costs Impact Florida’s Economy. The analysis concludes that child care is taking its toll on the workforce. The report found that the Sunshine State economy loses about $1.5 billion per year due to absenteeism by employees who can’t work due to demands of caring for children.
Pier Construction Update: Parking Zone for 3 Blocks around the Pier Will Be Eliminated
The $16 million demolition and reconstruction of the Flagler Beach Pier into an 800-foot concrete structure began in July 2025. The following construction update, provided by Flagler Beach government’s Katherine Monroy, outlines the construction activity and potential disruptions to drivers and pedestrians in the coming week.
Flagler OARS Offers Free Narcan Distribution Kiosks for Local Businesses
Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services (Flagler OARS) is now offering free naloxone (commonly known as Narcan) distribution kiosks to local businesses as part of an initiative to make Flagler County a truly recovery-friendly community.
Craig Flagler Palms Area Manager Sal Passalaqua Wins Leadership Excellence Award
Craig Flagler Palms announced that Area Manager Sal Passalaqua, Jr. was presented with the Service Corporation International (SCI) Operations Leadership Service Excellence Award on June 18 at Craig Flagler Palms. Passalaqua, who has dedicated over 20 years of service to the company since joining in 2004, was recognized for his exceptional commitment to serving families during their most difficult times.
Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children Mentee Alaria Krivoshey Joins Chiumento Law as Summer Intern
Chiumento Law announced today that Alaria Krivoshey, a Take Stock in Children mentee, has joined the firm as a summer intern. Alaria is mentored by Diane Vidal, a partner at Chiumento Law and the head of our Probate and Estate Planning department.
Photographs Show Recently Paved Over Areas at Everglades Lock-Up, Belying State’s Claims
DeSantis labeled environmental concerns as illegitimate, claiming that construction occurred over already developed facilities, like the tarmac and taxiway, of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, and that any waste would be removed. Aerial photographs from Friends of the Everglades, one of the groups suing federal and state officials, taken Saturday show land where grass has been removed and recently paved-over areas.
DeSantis Signs Record 9th Death Warrant for State Killing of Triple-Murderer Edward Zakrzewski
In what could be a record ninth execution this year in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed a death warrant for a man convicted of using a crowbar and a machete to murder his wife and two children in 1994 in Okaloosa County.=
DeSantis Vetoes Target Black History and Minority Scholarships
As the Governor continues to decry diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the private and public sector, the Republican Governor killed several line items in the state budget directed at elevating the marginalized.
DeSantis Sued Over Apparent Laziness in Judicial Appointment Delay
Alleging that Gov. Ron DeSantis did not comply with a constitutionally required deadline, an attorney asked the Florida Supreme Court on Friday to direct the governor to appoint a circuit judge in the Tallahassee area.
Rain on Independence Day? Worst Expected in Mid-Afternoon, Less Likely During Fireworks
The National Weather Service in Jacksonville is predicting that the highest probability of rain in the Flagler Beach-Palm Coast region will be from 3 to 6 p.m., with a 6 percent chance at 3, falling to a 45 percent chance at 6 and 30 percent by 9 p.m.
Flagler Sheriff’s Office Increasing Patrols on Roads, Waterways and Parks Over July 4 Weekend
To ensure that Flagler County residents and visitors have a safe Fourth of July weekend, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement partners will be conducting increased patrols along roadways, waterways, parks, and other high-traffic areas throughout the county. These enforcement efforts will begin on July 3 and continue through the holiday weekend.
Heavy Rainfall May Dampen July 4 Weekend
The National Weather Service is cautioning that Palm Coast, Flagler County and Northeast Florida are in for a soaking over the Independence Day weekend, with local accumulations of several inches possible.
DeSantis Vetoes Bill That Would’ve Limited University Board Seats to Florida Residents
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday vetoed three bills, including a proposal that would have placed new restrictions on members of the state university system’s Board of Governors and university boards of trustees.
Elected Officials’ Personal Phone Numbers and Home Addresses Are Now Secret
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a bill that creates a public-records exemption to prevent the release of home addresses and telephone numbers of legislators, members of Congress and numerous other elected officials.
As Gun Homicides Continue to Decline, Gun Suicides Reached Record High in 2023
More people in the United States died by gun suicide in 2023 than any year on record — more than by gun homicide, accidental shootings and police shootings combined. A new report analyzing federal mortality data found that suicides involving firearms made up 58% of all gun deaths in 2023 — the latest year with available data. In total, 27,300 people died by gun suicide in 2023, according to the report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions and the Johns Hopkins Center for Suicide Prevention.
Palm Coast Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office Hold Joint Training at Long Creek Nature Preserve
The Palm Coast Fire Department held a three-day joint training exercise with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office – the latest in a long line of training efforts that the two agencies have worked together on to prepare for a variety of different emergencies.
DeSantis Warns: The Vetoes Are Coming
During a lengthy press conference on higher education held on the campus of Florida Atlantic University, the Republican governor took shots at the Legislature for not passing a budget on time. He also noted that the final $115.1 billion budget includes enough local projects for individual lawmakers to leave him “kind of numb.”
Yummy: Palm Coast Residents Get Behind-the-Scenes Look at Water and Sewer Plants
Palm Coast residents gained an in-depth understanding of the city’s vital water and wastewater treatment processes during a guided tour of the city’s Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant. Not to worry: the two are not co-located.
Largest Restoration Project in FWC’s History Conducted on Lake Kissimmee
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is undertaking a historic restoration effort to promote native plant communities through large-scale revegetation on Lake Kissimmee. The FWC has allocated an unprecedented $2.35 million over two years to support this restoration effort, marking the largest revegetation project in agency history.
DeSantis Signs ‘Customary Use’ Bill Securing Public Beach Access, a Step Flagler County Took in 2018
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed a bill reversing a controversial 2018 law that led to limited public beach access in some areas. Lawmakers in April passed the bill (SB 1622) after widespread complaints about waterfront property owners in Walton County preventing people from using beaches. Flagler County was ahead of the curve. Beating a deadline, and at the urging–and orchestration–of County Attorney Al Hadeed, the Flagler County Commission in 2018 enacted an ordinance that preserved customary use on the county’s 18 miles of shore, in essence grandfathering the county under the new law.
60 Missing Florida Children in ‘Critical Danger’ Rescued in Largest U.S. Operation
Federal, state, and local officials say 60 children ranging in age from 9-17 have been recovered in what an official called the “the largest in the history of the United States Marshal Service.”
“Operation Dragon Eye” involved 20 agencies and more than 100 people, recovering 60 missing children in “critical danger.” Eight people arrested face various charges, including human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession, and drug trafficking.
Court Strikes Down Law Requiring Posting of 10 Commandments in Classrooms
The 5th U.S. Court of Appeals, often described as one of the most conservative courts in the nation, found the law unconstitutional because it violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment, which bars the government from endorsing a religion or creating laws that favor one religion over another.
Ex-US Attorney Roger Handberg Joins GrayRobinson in Orlando as Litigator
Former Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg has joined GrayRobinson in its Litigation practice. Handberg, who will be based in GrayRobinson’s Orlando office, brings more than two decades of experience in high-stakes white-collar defense, government investigations and complex litigation to the firm. GrayRobinson is frequently the firm Palm Coast government retains for special cases; the firm is representing the city in the Splash Pad case. It represented it in last year’s charter-amendment case. It is representing it to defend against Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris’s lawsuit against his own city.
New Teen Driver Requirements, Including 6-Hour Course and Real ID Rules, Take Effect July 1
Beginning July 1, new requirements go into effect for Florida teens ages 15 to 17 seeking a Class E Learner’s Permit. These changes, enacted by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), are aimed at enhancing driver education and safety for new motorists.