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Featured

No Forensic Audit for Palm Coast, But Council Explores Citywide ‘Risk Assessment’ for $45,000

September 10, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

city hall palm coast

The Palm Coast City Council agreed today to set aside any considerations of anything like a forensic audit, which would cost an estimated $500,000, and instead conduct a citywide “risk assessment” that could point to vulnerabilities, if any. The approach would placate what few members of the public have been asking for while resulting in a useful exercise for the city, according to some of the council members.

Former Mondex Man Convicted of Unlawful Sex Returns to Ask for a New Trial, Arguing More Bizarre Claims

September 10, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

Tonda Royal, back in court today. (© FlaglerLive)

Four and a half years ago Tonda Royal, 54 at the time, testified in his defense that he’d never had sex with a 16-year-old girl in his camper in the Mondex, or Daytona North, even though his DNA was found in her. He claimed it was a conspiracy, that another girl had gotten hold of his sperm and passed it to the alleged victim, who then inserted it in her to incriminate him. He claimed that racial motives were behind the conspiracy. Royal was back in court today, arguing that he was owed a new trial because his defense attorney, Regina Nunnally, had been ineffective.

Bronx House Pizza in Hammock Sees Valet Parking Lot as Solution to Overflow, Scenic A1A Sees Hazards

September 9, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

Bronx House Pizza on State Road A1A in the Hammock, where parking has been an issue. The restaurant is proposing to have overflow parking on four lots to its south, past the billboard. (© FlaglerLive)

Almost since it opened several years ago, Bronx House Pizza in the Hammock has been the victim of its success: its popularity has grown in proportion to neighborhood parking headaches as rights-of-way became de-facto parking zones. On Tuesday, Bronx House Pizza goes before Flagler County’s Planning Board, seeking approval of an overflow parking lot it would build south of the restaurant, but not contiguous to it, on four lots totaling 20,000 square feet south of 17th Road. It’s facing opposition.

Flagler School Board’s Lease of Old Courthouse Hides Sharply Higher Costs and Falling Enrollment

September 9, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

The old courthouse in Bunnell. (© FlaglerLive)

When the Flagler County school district administration first proposed last May to lease the old courthouse in Bunnell, it did so under the rosiest of assumptions: that the lease would allow the district to consolidate half a dozen programs under one roof, that it would create more classroom space at some of its elementary schools, and that it would save money. By the time the School Board approved the proposal last month, and the County Commission followed last week, only one of the three propositions was true.

Record Heat Is Forcing Some to Choose Between Food and Power Bills

September 9, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

energy poverty

A growing number of Americans struggle with what is known as energy poverty, including the inability to afford utilities to heat or cool a home. Households that spend more than 6% of their income on energy bills are energy-poor. Energy poverty can increase one’s exposure to extreme heat or cold, which raises the risk of developing numerous health conditions. The burden falls disproportionately on households in communities of color, which experience it at a rate 60% greater than those in white communities.

Low Wage Work Hurts Employees–And Customers

September 8, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

The poor more commonly they referred to themselves as the struggling class: They struggle economically and hold an often unfounded hope that things will get better. But you can’t work your way out of poverty in low-wage jobs. (© FlaglerLive)

A business that’s focused on exploiting employees to make those at the top even richer isn’t just bad for workers, but for customers as well. And anyone who’s worked for one of these low-wage companies can tell you those businesses are hardly unique. If we want a strong economy, we need to do more to make sure all workers can make a decent living and feel safe and respected in their workplace.

How Illegal Short-Term Rentals Hide in Plain Sight on Booking Sites

September 7, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

Venice Beach Hostel, which draws budget-minded tourists, is actually a 28-unit rent-controlled apartment building. (Google)

In the midst of an ongoing housing emergency, the city of Los Angeles has struggled to keep rent-controlled housing, which includes some of the city’s most affordable dwelling units, from turning into short-term rentals. Even though a 2018 law prohibits such conversions, enforcement has been lax.

Legislative Analysts Warn Florida’s Surpluses Could Turn to Billion-Dollar Deficits as Federal Aid Dries Up

September 6, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, expressed optimism about the state's finances.

While there are numerous caveats, the picture could go from a $2.09 billion surplus during the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year to a potential deficit of $2.826 billion in the 2026-2027 fiscal year and a potential deficit of $6.941 billion in the 2027-2028 fiscal year.

Fringe in Check, Palm Coast Approves More Expansive Budget with Slightly Lower Tax Rate, No Rollback

September 6, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

Make that interim city manager: Lauren Johnston may have some reason t smile as she managed to shepherd her first budget through a fractured and combative city council very close to the one her administration sought. There will be no rollback. (© FlaglerLive)

Palm Coast City Manager Lauren Johnston’s proposed budget and tax rate for the year starting Oct. 1 survived almost intact Thursday evening as the council, keeping its swaggering fringe in check, approved in a series of 3-1 votes a $61.2 million general fund budget with a $5.3 million increase and a slightly lower tax rate, but nowhere near the so-called rolled-back rate.

Fewer Problems at Bulow RV Park, But Evictions and Code Violations Loom as Deadline Approaches

September 5, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

A travel trailer that had grown a house attachment was one of the examples of a site out of compliance with park and county rules at Bulow RV Park when the County Commission examined the issue in january. Most of the non-compliant sites are now compliant, but 13 remain out of compliance, with other issues concerning residents. (© FlaglerLive via Flagler County)

The conflict between residents of the Bulow RV Park off Old Kings Road is not as intense as it was last year. Numerous issues have been resolved. But some problems persist, with more than a dozen residents still out of compliance with county and park rules, and with water pressure and water cleanliness issues now coming to the fore. The county continues to attempt to mediate a solution, with limited success. In the assistant county attorney’s characterization, the matter can be “intractable.”

Palm Coast Tries to Police Short-Term Rentals, Balancing Property Rights Against Residents’ Aggravations

September 5, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 14 Comments

short-term-rental rules

Responding to a surge of vacation rentals in certain parts of the city, especially the C-Section, and complaints from permanent residents around the rentals, the Palm Coast City Council will soon adopt regulations limiting occupancy, setting registration fees and restricting the parking of recreational trailers or boats. But the city continues to face competing tensions from permanent residents aggravated by the disruptions of vacation rentals and operators of the same rentals, who say the city is jeopardizing their livelihood.

Free EKG Could Save a Student Athlete’s Life. School Board’s Furry, Hunt and Chong Oppose Mandating It With Physical.

September 4, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 39 Comments

They consider mandating ECGs a "slippery slope," in the words of School Board Chair Will Furry. From left, Sally Hunt, Christy Chong and Furry. (© FlaglerLive)

To play sports in Flagler County, high school students must pass a physical. A 10-minute ECG or EKG is an option regularly provided by AdventHealth, but not a requirement. The Flagler County School Board’s Colleen Conklin wants to make it part of the physical. Fellow-Board members Will Furry, Christy Chon and Sally Hunt are opposed, saying that should be a parent’s decision. The board is voting on the options later this month.

Florida College Students Return to Campuses Bristling with Restrictions on Protests

September 4, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

protests restrictions florida campuses

Florida’s college and university students are starting the academic year greeted by friends and professors — and by warnings from administrators and Attorney General Ashley Moody about how to express their views on campus. The directives follow nationwide protests over Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel and Israel’s subsequent assault on Gaza. While the scale of protests has varied nationwide, some led to arrests, including at the University of Florida, Florida State University, the University of South Florida, and the University of North Florida.

Palm Coast Council’s Pontieri’s ‘Warning Shot’: Why Are Taxpayers Paying for Infrastructure Benefiting Landowner?

September 4, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 39 Comments

The Palm Coast City Council's Theresa Pontieri had unpleasant weekend reading. (© FlaglerLive)

Palm Coast City Council member Theresa Pontieri said the $105 million the city received in state appropriations for road construction west of U.S. 1 is money subsidizing “the current multi-billion dollar landowner,” a reference to Rayonier, the timber and land management company that owns most of the land in the expansion area. She cited development documents that require the developer to build a sports complex and road extensions that the city is currently scrambling to pay for.

Attempt to Delay Borrowing Referendum Fails in 2-2 Vote as Council Splinters and Public Rebels

September 4, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 15 Comments

A divided and diminished Palm Coast City Council rejected delaying a controversial ballot proposal. Above, the council on Aug. 27. (© FlaglerLive)

The Palm Coast City Council is at war with itself over a proposed referendum that would remove borrowing limits the city has had to comply with for 25 years. If the city is hoping for a successful outcome in November, this is not the way to go about it, especially for a mostly lame-duck council, three of whose members were rejected by voters and a fourth who just resigned. For all the grim writing on the wall, an attempt to remove the proposed referendum from the Nov. 5 ballot and let the new council rewrite it more clearly and with additional guardrails failed in a 2-2 vote Tuesday evening.

15 Years in Prison for Joseph Siano, Who Killed Lee-Ann Daley Driving Wrong Way on US1, His 3rd DUI in 9 Years

September 3, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 9 Comments

joseph siano sentencing

Joseph Siano, 65, today was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the drunk driving killing of Lee-Ann Daley, the 46-year-old mother of three, as Siano drove the wrong way on U.S. 1 a few days before Christmas in 2022. He had cataracts, and his blood-alcohol level was almost three times the legal limit.

County Bans Smoking, Vaping and Toking In Parks and Public Recreation Areas, With an Exception for Cigars

September 3, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 32 Comments

County parks like Princess Place are now smoke-free. (© FlaglerLive)

Mirroring Flagler Beach, which passed a similar ordinance two years ago, the Flagler County Commission today approved on first reading a prohibition on smoking or vaping in any public park or public recreation area, with a notable exception: unfiltered cigars. While the ban applies to county-owned portions of the beach, it does not apply in most portions.

Father Who Secretly Took Video of 12-Year-Old Daughter in Bathroom Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison, 8 on Probation

September 3, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

Tyler Habdas. (© FlaglerLive)

Tyler Jon Habdas, the 31-year-old former Palm Coast resident who’d secretly taken video of his 12-year-old step-daughter in the bathroom over six months, was sentenced to five years in prison and eight years on sex-offender probation today. A jury found him guilty of video voyeurism and other charges in a July trial.

A 10-Year-Old Pointed a Finger Gun. He Was Kicked Out His School for a Year.

September 2, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

finger gun student expelled

Over the last couple of years, Tennessee and several other states [including Florida] have been making it easier for schools to suspend or expel students. But study after study has shown that harsh disciplinary practices such as mandatory expulsions are ineffective at reducing violence in schools. What’s more, research shows that such practices often lead to Black students and students with disabilities being disproportionately suspended and expelled, making them more likely to end up in the criminal justice system.

Here’s How You Fix Your Florida Parks Problem, Gov. DeSantis

September 1, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 12 Comments

"Protect Florida State Parks” protest opposes Ron DeSantis’ plans at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, via the Protect Honeymoon Island State Park Facebook page.

Gov. DeSantis’s super-sneaky plan to build a trio of golf courses, two 350-room hotels, and several sport facilities in nine state parks turned out about as well as his school board endorsements. Here’s a way to fix the mess.

The GOP’s Romance with Misogyny

August 31, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 48 Comments

Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff in the Capital Pride Walk and Rally, Saturday, June 12, 2021, in Washington. (White House)

That was Donald Trump watching the Democratic National Convention, wheezing in impotent rage at those uppity, nasty women, and all those people determined to elect Kamala Harris. The Party of Misogyny (you know them as Republicans) simply cannot process the possibility a woman, a chick, a human with a vajayjay! might become the most powerful person on the planet.

Rejecting ‘existence of a fundamental right,’ Appeals Court Leaves Minor Transgender Care Ban in Place

August 31, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

The court has different ideas. (© FlaglerLive)

In a decision that could have far-reaching implications in the legal battle over treatments for transgender children, a fiercely divided federal appeals court on Wednesday refused to reconsider a ruling that backed Alabama’s ban on hormone therapy and puberty blockers for trans minors. The decision by the full 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals effectively kept in place a ruling by a three-judge panel that overturned a preliminary injunction a district judge had issued blocking the Alabama law.

A Man’s Arrest Over a Mental Crisis Highlights Needs, Available Resources–and Perils to Law Enforcement

August 30, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

A 33-year-old Palm Coast man’s mental health breakdown and subsequent arrest on Thursday highlights the depth of needs for services for people in crisis, the perils law enforcement and health care providers–the first line of response–face when attempting to manage the crisis, as do families, and the help available to Flagler County individuals and families facing those situations.

Reilly Opelka, Grateful To Be Playing Again, Recounts Odyssey of Harrowing, Nearly Career-Ending Injuries

August 30, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

Reilly Opelka in his opening round match at the US Open this week, which he lost. (USTA)

Though Reilly Opelka, the former Indian Trails Middle student who trained at the Palm Coast Tennis Center, lost his opening match at the US Open this week, he described in an interview with FlaglerLive how close he came to the end of his tennis career as a string of harrowing injuries sidelined him before unique surgeries helped him make his way back to the tour. He continues to be involved in Palm Coast’s tennis endeavors.

Flagler Humane Society Critics Urged to ‘Stop Accusations’ as County and City Seek Oversight and Expansion Plans

August 29, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 26 Comments

He was adopted: a cat at the Flagler Humane Society. (© FlaglerLive)

Officials at a joint meeting of the Flagler County Commission and the Palm Coast City Council on Wednesday agreed to place representation from either government on the board of the Flagler Humane Society, which has faced significant criticism from current and former volunteers. while the 20-year-old shelter on U.S. 1 is old, overcrowded and growing more so, and the society’s director says it’s been outgrown, the Humane Society has neither capital plan nor savings either to build larger shelter or move to one, though it would be prohibitively expensive to do so. Local officials want that plan.

BJ’s Wholesale Club and Traffic Nightmares on SR100: County Says Pain Will Ease With Coming Turn Lanes

August 29, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

The new turning lanes, in orange, along State Road 100, facilitating right turns onto Seminole Woods and Town Center Boulevard, in orange, as depicted by a Department of Transportation graphic.

With BJ’s Wholesale’s impending opening and traffic congestion already exacerbated by road construction, Flagler County and Palm Coast officials sought to allay public anxieties with assurances of a pair of turning lanes off of State Road 100, near BJ’s, that should relieve some of the bottlenecks. That construction is possibly slated for November. But larger concerns about traffic backups in the area are still looking for solutions, even as some transportation impact fee revenue is available to facilitate them.

Palm Coast Council Signals Approval of Proposed Budget. Danko Wants $2.14 Million Slashed, But Won’t Say How.

August 28, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

Palm Coast Interim Manager Lauren Johnston rebuffed Council member Ed Danko's criticism as he called her a union shop steward "incapable" of bringing the kind of budget he was demanding. (© FlaglerLive)

Even as a three-member majority of the Palm Coast City Council lent support to a proposed budget and tax rate, Council member Ed Danko repeatedly pushed for a rolled back rate that would eliminate $2.1 million from the budget, yet just as repeatedly refused to provide any direction on how to get there, saying that it isn’t his job, but that of the city manager and her staff. In fact, the city manager had submitted the plan based on the city council’s priorities.

Flagler’s Officials Hope Congressman Mike Waltz Will Be Their Sandman as They Dredge for More Beach Dollars

August 28, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 6 Comments

Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin, right, had invited Waltz to survey the renourishment project's progress and hear about the pier reconstruction project. Left is Flagler Beach City Commissioner Rick Belhumeur. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County officials asked U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, the Republican whose six-county district includes all of Flagler County and who was visiting Flagler Beach today, to give them help in efforts to federalize larger portions of the 10 miles of shore that still need new beach sand. The county has no money to extend beach renourishment to that portion of the barrier island. But the congressman, who is not big on climate change measures, was reserved, making no promises.

Infuriated Over Vague Ballot Measure Enabling Vast Borrowing, Danko Drags Council Back to Ugliest Days

August 27, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 14 Comments

Council members Ed Danko and Theresa Pontieri and Mayor David Alfin this morning. (© FlaglerLive)

Post-election tempers crackled and burned at the Palm Coast City Council this morning when Mayor David Alfin and Council member Ed Danko got into a confrontation over a proposed referendum that recalled the panel’s ugliest meetings of a few years ago. Danko snapped, yelled, derided Alfin, the city attorney and the council. Council member Theresa Pontieri called Danko “ignorant.” Alfin, striking unheard decibel levels until now, threatened to end the meeting or throw Danko out. Pontieri soon apologized to Danko, who apologized to no one. It looked like Cathy Heighter had resigned just in time.

Swarm of Sheriff’s Units and FireFlight Searching for 2 Wanted for Home Invasion and Theft of Ferrari

August 27, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 16 Comments

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the new FireFlight emergency helicopter, were engaged in a pursuit of someone driving a metallic-blue Ferrari at speeds of up to 110 or 120 mph through the heart of Palm Coast early this afternoon. Four schools were briefly on secure status.

Palm Coast Council Will Appoint Heighter Replacement on Oct. 1, with Sept. 11 Deadline for Applicants

August 27, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 6 Comments

The Palm Coast City Council this morning, minus Cathy heighter, debating the mechanics of the appointment that will fill her seat for the next two years. (© FlaglerLive)

A diminished and humbled Palm Coast City Council met for the first time this morning since last week’s wipe-out election and decided to appoint a replacement for Cathy Heighter on Oct. 1. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Sept. 11, public interviews on Sept. 17, and a vote to appoint on Oct. 1.

Critics Want DeSantis Parks Plan Shredded For Good

August 26, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

It doesn't need human beautification or amenities: Anastasia State Park (Facebook)

Environmentalists are seeking assurances that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has scrapped plans for a series of golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park after a state spokeswoman said the proposal has been dropped. Audubon Florida, the Sierra Club and other groups also are rallying against additional changes floated by the state Department of Environmental Protection for eight other award-winning state parks. The plans, which include a pair of resort-sized lodges, pickleball courts and disc-golf courses, have drawn fierce opposition from Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

Forbidding a Margaritaville Hotel Rooftop Spike Repeat, Flagler Beach Limits All Building Heights to 35 Feet

August 26, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 35 Comments

Rooftop features on the Margaritaville Hotel that exceed Flagler Beach's 35-foot height limit triggered a public outcry that in turn led to a rewrite of the city's height ordinance. (© FlaglerLive)

A rewritten ordinance will forbid rooftop bars, dance floors, lounges, or any other public uses on 35-foot-high buildings in Flagler Beach, with the notable exception of the Margaritaville Hotel’s rooftop lounge, whose height city officials permitted by mistake even though it exceeds limits set out in the city charter. The Flagler Beach City Commission last week sharply rejected a recommendation by its own Planning and Architectural Review Board to approve an ordinance that would have allowed some features on buildings to go as high as 49 feet.

‘Hell No!’ Response and Plan Sponsor’s Pull-Out Force DeSantis Administration to ‘Pause’ State Park Scheme

August 26, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 25 Comments

Anastasia State Park would not be improved with a lodge, pickleball courts and a golf course. (Facebook)

In a masterpiece of spin and understatement, the DeSantis administration credited “overwhelming interest” for temporarily pausing a scheme to put golf courses, hotels and pickleball courts on nine of Florida’s pristine state parks. “Overwhelming opposition” better describes the thunderous “Hell no!” Tallahassee was hearing from private citizens and public officials throughout the state. The secretive groups behind the plan heard the dissent loud and clear. The Tuskegee Dunes Foundation acknowledged it sponsored the plan to build on the park and has pulled out due to the public backlash.

DeSantis Wants to Build Golf Courses and Hotels in Florida’s State Parks

August 25, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 30 Comments

Building three golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park will require moving the popular Hobe Mountain observation tower. (Photo via Discover Martin County)

The DeSantis administration has plans to transform Florida’s award winning state parks. One of the worst plans talks of building not one, not two, but three golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound. There are plans at the other parks for big motels and pickleball courts and disc golf courses, all of which run completely counter to what our state parks are all about.

It’s Official: Pam Richardson Takes Down Ed Danko, Ending Term of Bluster and Animosity

August 24, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 58 Comments

Pam Richardson late this morning, a short while before the official results were announced. (© FlaglerLive)

When it was all done, the result was unchanged from Tuesday, except for this: it’s now official. The often cheery, at times underestimated Pam Richardson has taken down the blustery and divisive Ed Danko, the one-term Palm Coast City Council member, in the most closely contested Flagler County Commission race in memory.

Longer Than Expected Recount Recesses at 1 AM to Continue Saturday at 9

August 24, 2024 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

recount

A bleary-eyed Flagler County Canvassing Board recessed the recount in a Palm Coast City Council race and a County Commission race a few minutes before 1 a.m. Saturday, only to resume it eight hours later, at 9, as the recount took significantly longer than expected and a hiccup further delayed it.

Flagler Beach Will Lower Speed Limit to 20 Across the City, Citing Safety and Streets Shared by Many Non-Motorists

August 23, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 34 Comments

Not for much longer. (© FlaglerLive)

The Flagler Beach City Commission on Thursday voted 4-1 to drop the citywide speed limit to 20, from a variety of higher speeds–30 along some streets, 25 along others. Speeds along State Road A1A and State Road 100 will remain at 25. Whether, and to what extent, the Flagler Beach Police Department will be able to enforce what for many residents and visitors will be a significantly lower speed limit than they’re used to is an unanswered question.

Ballot Review Doesn’t Change Outcome: Richardson Beats Danko, Stevens Holds 2-Vote Lead

August 23, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

The Canvassing Board analyzing questionable ballots this morning. (© FlaglerLive)

With afternoon recounts still pending, this morning’s review of 46 provisional ballots and questionable mail-in ballots did not change the outcome of Tuesday’s election in the closest contests. Pam Richardson’s victory over Ed Danko for County Commission held. Ray Stevens’s two-vote lead held over Dana Stancel in a Palm Coast City Council race to determine who moves onto the runoff against Andrew Werner.

Flagler Beach Agrees to $600,000 Deal with Data Company for Undersea Cable Landings, with Potential for $750,000 More

August 23, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 13 Comments

The undersea internet cables will land in the right of way on South 6th Street in Flagler Beach without encroaching on the city-owned parking lot, then snake on to a data center in Palm Coast's Town Center. (© FlaglerLive)

Ending a four-month tangle of negotiations, and to Palm Coast’s immense relief, the Flagler Beach City Commission on Thursday approved a deal with an Atlanta-based DC Blox, a data-service company, that will allow it to use city rights-of-way to land undersea internet cables for $600,000, with a potential for up to an additional $750,000. There would be no subsequent payments. DC Blox is planning a data center in Palm Coast’s Town Center. But that plan, to be subsidized with tax incentives, was contingent on a successful deal in Flagler Beach.

An Activist With a Problematic Past Says Brendan Depa’s Appeal of Prison Sentence Is Going Forward

August 22, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 11 Comments

Mark Hadden speaking with reporters at the county courthouse today. (© FlaglerLive)

Mark Hadden, a 56-year-old Vero Beach resident who describes himself as a former professional basketball player in overseas leagues and the founder in 1993 of an organization called the American Coalition for the Advancement of All People, who is also a registered sex offender, held a press conference at the county courthouse to announce that he had retained attorneys to handle Brendan Depa’s appeal.

One FireFlight Is Decommissioned After 22 Years, Another Takes Its Place as County Mulls 24-Hour Operation

August 22, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

The new FireFlight arrives at the Flagler County airport Wednesday morning. (© FlaglerLive)

At 8:50 Wednesday morning, FireFlight lifted off from near its hangar at the Flagler County Airport for the last time. The 24-year-old helicopter was decommissioned after 22 years of service in Flagler County, while its younger version, a $5.6 million helicopter, took its place. County Commission Chairman Andy Dance said there will likely be discussions starting in December to consider whether to go froma 12-hour to a 24-hour operation for the emergency helicopter.

Beach Project Nears Conclusion as It Moves to Pier and Heart of Flagler Beach, With a Few Traffic Disruptions

August 22, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

The extractor makes its way up State Road A1A early this morning. (© FlaglerLive)

The $27 million beach renourishment project in Flagler Beach is nearing conclusion in the next few weeks, well ahead of schedule, at least its latest schedule: the project overall had been delayed a few years. It entails a few traffic disruptions this morning.

Ed Danko’s Chance of Flipping Result Is Remote as Provisional Ballots and Recount Steps Ahead Are Mapped Out

August 21, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 16 Comments

Ed Danko’s chances of flipping his 40-vote loss to Pam Richardson in a County Commission race is statistically very remote if not close to impossible, based on current numbers and next steps. That’s the case even as 47 provisional and mail-in ballots have yet to be judged as valid or not, and a handful of additional ballots–overcounts or undercounts–will also have to be judged by the Canvassing Board.

Dance Wins Re-Election, Richardson and Carney Win Commission, Ramirez and Ruddy Win School Board, Norris and Manfre in Runoff

August 20, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 36 Comments

Andy Dance

Andy Dance won his second term on the Flagler County Commission, trouncing Fernando Melendez in the only clear runaway victory of the evening as the Supervisor of Elections announced early results of the primary. Lauren Ramirez and Janie Ruddy won school board seats, Pam Richardson beat Ed Danko for County Commission, while Mike Norris and Cornelia Manfre looked headed for a runoff, leaving David Alfin behind.

Big Shopping Mall Plans for Hunter’s Ridge Approved With Some Questions About Access and Landscaping

August 20, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

The roundabout connecting to Airport Road near the area of the planned shopping center in Hunter's Ridge. (Google)

With pointed questions about the project’s sidewalks and green spaces, the Flagler County Commission on Monday unanimously approved a key step toward construction of the first large-scale shopping center in Hunter’s Ridge, the sprawling, so far largely residential development at the south end of the county and across the border into Ormond Beach. Primrose at Hunter’s Ridge is to be in the northwest corner of the intersection of Hunter’s Ridge and Airport Road.

Palm Coast City Attorney: Wait Until November for Heighter Replacement by Appointment, Not Election

August 20, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 11 Comments

palm coast council turnover

Palm Coast’s city attorney is recommending to the council to appoint a member to the seat just vacated by Cathy Heighter, who has resigned, but also to wait until November to make that appointment, and to make the appointment effective for the remaining two years on Heighter’s term, foregoing an election for that seat until 2026.

Ocala Appeals Ruling That Public Prayer Vigil Organized by Police Chief and Others Was Unconstitutional

August 19, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

Ocala wants to go back in time: A 1908 postcard of Broadway, looking east. (Florida Memory)

Attorneys for Ocala last week filed a notice that is a first step in asking the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a June 26 decision by U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan that the city violated the Establishment Clause of the Constitution by organizing and carrying out the prayer vigil.

Trump and Elon’s Musky Bromance

August 18, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 25 Comments

Irresistible. Trump and Musk in June 2020. (White House)

Elon Musk gives aid and comfort to right wing rioters in England, stokes hatred, accusing an Olympic boxer (a woman) of being a man, does his damnedest to destroy once-valuable companies, and spreads 19th Century racist pseudo-science. He’s also — no surprise here — supporting Donald Trump. The bromance is mutual.

After $17.5 Million Splurge on His Office and Friends’ Hires, Ex-UF President Ben Sasse Says He Is ‘Dang Proud’

August 18, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

ben sasse splurge university of florida

Ex-University of Florida President Ben Sasse more than tripled his office’s spending to $17.3 million when compared to his predecessor. The costs included hiring several of his former U.S. Senate staffers, including two who were allowed to work remotely from the Washington, D.C., area. Sasse said he was “dang proud” of new initiatives run out of the president’s office, aggressively defending what he called his “‘go bigger’ approach” and efforts to establish “new initiatives” at the school.

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