Lawyers representing seven Arizona Death Row inmates want information about the drugs used in Florida’s lethal-injection procedure, but corrections officials are asking a judge to keep the documents secret.
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Jim Manfre, Flagler County Sheriff Candidate: The Live Interview
Jim Manfre is one of two Democratic candidates for Flagler County Sheriff in the Aug. 30 primary. Six Republicans are contesting the primary in what has been the most heavily and expensively contested race for a local office this year.
At Flagler NAACP Town Hall, Matters of Black Lives, “The Talk,” and the Gap Between Community and Policing
A town hall organized by Flagler’s NAACP branch, with several top officials from the sheriff’s office, took stock of the recent police killings of black men and the killing of five white police officers in Dallas by a black veteran sniper.
Challenge to Florida’s DUI Breath Test May Be Moot After U.S. Supreme Court Ruling
A majority of the U.S. Supreme Court said a law similar to Florida’s, in Minnesota, allowing breath tests for DUI, does not violate the U.S. Constitution’s Fourth Amendment, which bars unreasonable searches and seizures.
Trump Regains Lead in Florida as Clinton’s Numbers Crash Over Email Server Findings
In a sharp reversal from three weeks ago, presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump has regained the advantage over Hillary Clinton in Florida and Pennsylvania and remains tied in Ohio in the latest Quinnipiac University swing-state poll.
Home Invasion Assailant Killed by Tenant on Frank Place in Palm Coast, 2nd Suspect Surrenders
Victor J. Betty, 28, was killed in an attempted home invasion on Frank Place in Palm Coast early this morning, and Carl Devore of Palm Coast turned himself in later today as the wanted second suspect in the incident.
In Debt, Flagler Chamber of Commerce Seeking to Sell Building But Stay Put as Tenant
As debts have caught up with the organization, members of the Flagler Chamber of Commerce and Affiliates this afternoon learned that the chamber is seeking to sell the 10,000 square foot building it has owned, occupied and leased to other tenants since 2006.
An AR-15, a Shotgun, and Claims of Shots Fired: Confrontation in The Mondex
No one would end up arrested, but an investigation is continuing into claims that an assault weapon was brandished, shots fired and threats made.
Kimble Medley, Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Candidate: The Live Interview
Kimble Medley is one of three candidates for Flagler County Elections Supervisor in the Aug. 30 primary, in which all voters, regardless of party affiliation, may cast a ballot. The primary will decide the winner with no further vote in November.
Obama Renews Call for Public Option in Health Law to Compete With Private Insurers
Before the public option was dropped in 2010 many liberals hoped — and conservatives feared — that having the government provide insurance alongside private companies would be a step toward a full government-run system.
Proposal to De-Criminalize Pot Possession Again Teetering as Flagler Council Nears Verdict
The Flagler Public Safety Coordinating Council decides Wednesday whether to recommend the de-criminalization proposal, but the reactions from palm Coast, Bunnell and Flagler Beach have been discouraging.
Latest Florida Newspaper Layoffs Claim Lloyd Dunkelberger of Tallahassee and Recount Fame
Following the latest round of reporter layoffs, they will be replaced, if at all, by younger, cheaper bodies who have not necessarily been taught the difference between putting bylines on news releases and honest reporting, writes Florence Snyder.
Kaiti Lenhart, Flagler County Supervisor Of Elections Candidate: The Live Interview
Kaiti Lenhart is the incumbent candidate for Flagler County Elections Supervisor in the Aug. 30 primary, which in this race amounts to the general election: All voters, regardless of party affiliation, may cast a ballot in this race, which will decide the winner.
Chris Sousa, 21, Matanzas Graduate and Driven Entrepreneur, Struck and Killed by Car in Ormond Beach
Chris Sousa, a Palm Coast resident of Island Estates and a 2013 graduate of Matanzas High School, was killed early this morning as he walked when a vehicle struck him in Ormond Beach.
Corrine Brown, Representing Northeast Florida in Congress for 23 Years, Indicted Over Sham Charity
Longtime Democratic Congresswoman Corrine Brown was indicted Friday on charges that she and a top aide used a sham education charity to pay for personal expenses and luxurious events, allegations that pose the most serious challenge yet to her 23-year congressional career.
The Mostly Bogus Case Against Kimberle Weeks
Ex-Elections Supervisor Kimberle Weeks was the most combative, distasteful, deceptive and ethically suspect elected official in the county, but she did not break the law with most of the “secret” recordings she made, contrary to the laundry list of felony counts against her.
Flagler Schools Take a Beating as All But One See Grades Drop; District Maintains B
For the first time in the 15-year history of school and district grades, Flagler County schools did not earn a single A in 2016. Officials are cautioning parents and students not to put too much stock in the results, which reflect a new but also tougher way to grade schools.
Tables Turn on Dennis McDonald as Ethics Commission Investigates Assets Disclosures
Flagler County Commissioner Frank Meeker, saying he’s had enough, filed complaints against both Dennis McDonald and his wife, Janet, a school board member, alleging that they have not properly disclosed property and other assets they own.
At Flagler’s New Jail, Science of Self-Contained Cell Blocks To Make Captivity Safer for Inmates and Guards
It’s in the internal designs, the innumerable details and attention to logic, efficiency and security for inmates, guards and visitors that the jail–which opened today– impresses, and that its $17.3 million cost shows its value.
52 Burglaries Strike Palm Coast’s Major Hotels Overnight, Including Hammock Beach Resort
Some 52 vehicles were targeted in burglaries at four Palm Coast hotels overnight, with smashed windows and stolen belongings in what appears to have been an organized spree.
Tyler Dutton Charged With DUI Manslaughter in Death of Jordan Rineer, 25, on US1 in October
Tyler Dutton, the subject of several arrests in Flagler County over the past few years, was charged with DUI manslaughter in the death of 25-year-old Jordan Marie Rineer early the morning of Oct. 27 on U.S. 1, just south of Old Dixie Highway in Flagler County.
2 Domestic Violence Incidents in Palm Coast End in 3 Arrests, Assaults on 5 Cops and Injuries to 4
Jennifer Caufield, 40, John Kodak, 32, and Randy Blyth, 23–the latter after allegedly assaulting his 17-year-old wife–were arrested on charges including battery on law enforcement officers Sunday in Palm Coast.
“I’m Putting My Faith In You,” Judge Tells Predator Granted Less Severe Probation Term
Dorian Coppedge, 37, a Palm Coast resident designated a sex predator just last week, had been rendered homeless by a two-year sex-offender probation term, which Judge Matthew Foxman today agreed to alter to simple probation, thus possibly making Coppedge’s living arrangements less restrictive.
Chain Restaurants Hurt the Economy, Pollute, And Pay Poverty Wages. Eat Local Instead.
It’s time for big chains to strengthen local economies by keeping food purchases local and ending worker exploitation. But they don’t. Meanwhile, writes Anna Meyer, look for locally owned restaurants that source local and support raising the minimum wage for all workers.
Trial in Gas Station Murder Likely in Late Summer But Suspect, On Meds, Still Unpredictable
Joseph Bova, the impenetrable 28-year-old suspect in the execution-style murder of a Palm Coast’s Zuheili Roman Rosado at a gas station in 2013, appeared in court today for the first time in almost a year, stable but still hinting at the unpredictable.
Flagler Beach Parent Accused of Brutalizing And Humiliating 2 Children Over Chores
Jason Moffit, 36, faces first-degree felony charges of aggravated child abuse for allegedly beating and punching two children age 13 and 12, cutting the girl’s hair and shaving the boy’s, among other acts.
County Officials Downplay Clean-Up Work at Old Courthouse as Routine and Preventative
A condensation issue with the AC at the old courthouse damaged some ceiling tiles and required some additional clean-up as part of routine maintenance work being done by ServPro in the old building, school and county officials say.
Data, Drones, Apps: Rush to Protect Privacy Raises Concerns Of Stifling Rights and Innovation
As technology redefines the limits of privacy, some of the restrictions, such as those on drones and body cameras may infringe on free speech protections, and some may be smothering innovation.
The Stupidity of Race:
What My DNA Test Reveals
Arab AND Jew? Greek? Italian? A DNA test unravels the ethnic origins of FlaglerLive Editor Pierre Tristam–and underscores the absurdity of making assumptions about anyone’s race, color or so-called origins.
Palm Coast Offender Branded a Sexual Predator 5 Years After Prison, With No New Sex Crime
The sheriff’s office announced Thursday that Dorian Buzz Coppedge, 37, a “sexual predator,” is now living in Flagler, yet he’s lived here five years. Only his designation changed, even though he committed no new sex crime.
Father-Daughter Injured in Motorcycle Collision With U-Turning Car on Seminole Woods Blvd.
A man and his daughter riding a motorcycle north on Seminole Woods Boulevard were hospitalized early Friday afternoon after they collided with a car that was performing a U-turn on Seminole Woods Boulevard, and that had apparently not seen the motorcycle heading its way.
From DCF to Pam Bondi, Nothing But Contempt for Florida’s Sunshine Law
It’s been decades since Florida had an elected statewide official who paid much more than lip service to open government, and state and local agencies are taking advantage, showing more contempt than respect for the law, argues Florence Snyder.
Man Rearrested on Burglary and Assault Charges After Allegedly Attacking Mother In Front of Her Children
Jeffery Ricky Ray, 34, was barely out on bail when he allegedly burglarized a W-Section home in Palm Coast and attacked his girlfriend there ion front of her young children, demanding money. Ray had served two previous stints in state prison.
Flagler County Jail Triple Its Old Size Set To Open July 7 in Camera-Ready “Ceremony”
The opening, which a county release dubs a “ceremony,” will also feature the trappings of a campaign event: It is scheduled less than eight weeks from the primary, giving incumbents a chance freely to bask in the shadow of a major, completed construction project.
159 New Laws Kick In Friday on Domestic Violence, Bullying, Same-Sex Marriage, Abortion, Hunting
New laws include a minimum 30-day jail sentence in domestic violence crimes involving intentional injury, tax cuts, school choice, more benefits for veterans, a new Holocaust memorial, and many more.
New Report Doubles Estimate of Transgender People in U.S.; Florida’s Proportion Ranks 6th
The estimate places Florida’s proportion of transgender people at almost 0.7 percent, for a total of 100,000 people, with the national proportion at 0.6 percent, for a total of 1.4 million.
Victory for Sunshine Law Rather Than Weeks as Judge Tosses 3 of 12 Charges Against Ex-Elections Supervisor
A judge ruled that three of the 12 felony counts against Kimberle Weeks related to a recording that had already been disclosed at a public meeting. Sharing the recording therefore could not illegal after that, even if the recording itself was.
Walmart-Bound Tractor Trailer Hauling 30 Tons of Juice Overturns on I-95; Driver Hurt
A tractor trailer hauling some 30 tons of apple and cranberry juice overturned early this morning on a straight stretch of southbound I-95, between the U.S. 1 and Matanzas Woods Parkway exits. The driver was taken to Halifax hospital in Daytona Beach with a severe leg injury, according to authorities at the scene.
Florida Democrats Borrow a Page From D.C. Colleagues Hoping to Force Gun Control Vote
However, it may be nearly impossible over the next week to gather enough Republican lawmakers willing to make the trek to humid Tallahassee in an election year to discuss a proposed prohibition on gun sales to people on federal terrorism watch lists.
Greg Lynn Jewelers Struck Again, But Detectives Track Suspect To His R-Section Home
Greg Lynn Jewelers in Palm Coast’s Flagler Plaza was burglarized for the second time since last July but suspect Craig A. Chavez, 51, was arrested and produced several of the jewelry items allegedly stolen from the store.
Trying to Stem Hemorrhage of Green, Palm Coast Studies Patchy Golf Club Take-Over
Losses at the city-owned Palm Harbor Golf Club are getting worse. The city is considering a “hybrid” take-over of golf and tennis that would still contract put most services but give the city more control.
Abortion Rights Mark Big Court Victory, But Effect on Florida Restrictions Unclear
Florida supporters of recent laws requiring more stringent standards for abortion providers say the high court ruling should have no impact. Pending court challenges suggest otherwise.
Separate Incidents Land 2 in Jail on Assault Charges for Targeting Cops and Landscaper
Amber Fugit was charged with three counts of battery on cops and domestic assault, Jay McCarthy was charged with assault on his former boss, a landscape company owner. Both incidents took place in Palm Coast.
No More Hairpin Curve as Old Kings Road Extension Around Matanzas High Opens, Last of Big Projects
The extension’s opening marks the last of a series of major road projects intended to improve traffic flow around Palm Coast, and in this case in particular around Matanzas High School.
Entrepreneur Night and Salvo Gallery Exhibit the Art of Start-Up Resilience
Office Divvy Co-Founder Ky Ekinci speaks of his affinities for and philosophical similarities with Salvo Art Project Co-Founder JJ Graham, where the next Entrepreneur Night will take place Tuesday evening.
Bowing to NRA, Scott Skips Over Court Pick Who’d Blocked “Stand Your Ground” Shift
The bill Rep. Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville, had opposed and that died during this year’s legislative session would have shifted the burden of proof in Stand Your Ground cases from the defense to the prosecution.
Qualifying Ends: Tax Collector Johnston and Property Appraiser Gardner Are Re-Elected; Supervisor’s Race Will Be a Universal Primary
Property Appraiser Jay Gardner and Tax Collector Suzanne Johnston were re-elected without opposition for a fourth consecutive term each as qualifying ended, with few surprises and withdrawals or disqualifications in other races.
Rubio’s Re-Election Bid Remakes Senate Race as DeSantis Reverts to Congressional Run
DeSantis is one of three Republicans who have qualified to run for the district that includes all of Flagler County, and which he’s represented since 2013. Four Democrats have qualified.
At Flagler Sheriff’s Forum, Eight More or Less Angry Men, Mostly at Incumbent Jim Manfre
The only candidate forum featuring all nine sheriff’s candidates before the Aug. 30 primary sparked with verbal sniping between incumbent Jim Manfre on one side and ex-Sheriff Don Fleming and ex-Undersheriff Rick Staly on the other, though remaining candidates were no less agitated, given the chance.
McGuire Resignation a Dilemma for Palm Coast Council, But 2 Ex-Councilmen Offer Solution
Holsey Moorman and Alan Peterson, who both served on the Palm Coast City Council, are willing to fill out Bill McGuire’s last four months, thus enabling the council to avoid making a more politically fraught appointment or leaving the seat vacant.