The U.S. spent nearly $18 billion dollars on immigration enforcement agencies last fiscal year, more than all other law enforcement agencies combined. Where would another $4.5 billion go? Here’s a closer look at what is being proposed, and how the government has spent (and often wasted) border money in recent years.
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Flagler Beach Snuffs Out Discussion of Combining Fire Department With County
Flagler Beach City Commissioner had placed a discussion of consolidating fire departments on the agenda of Thursday’s meeting, only to have City Manager Bruce Campbell pull the item. Carney put the commission on notice that she wasn’t done.
Senate Passes Bill Forbidding Local Measures That Would Ensure Sick Leave for Workers
A Florida House bill supported by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Disney and other industry and corporate groups would forbid local governments from passing living wage ordinances or require employers contracting with government to provide paid sick leave. A Senate amendment would leave those decisions to local governments.
Ahead of National Police Week, A Sheriff Remembers That Knock at the Door
Commemorating National Police Week in May, Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre remembers his first memory of law enforcement, when he was 7 years old and a police officer knocked at the family home’s door to report his father’s accident with a drunk driver.
County Is Negotiating Acquisition of Old Hospital in Bunnell for New Sheriff’s HQ
Memorial Hospital Flagler’s dead years may be over if its current owners, who are politically well connected locally, can agree on a sales deal to Flagler County. The property is listed for sale at $1.75 million. It was acquired in 2006 for $750,000.
19-Year-Old Accused of Burglarizing Then Running Over a 65-Year-Old in the Hammock
Kenneth Stancil, a 19-year-old resident of 12 Portland Place in Palm Coast, is accused of burglarizing 65-year-old Sandra Laden’s car then running her over with a Ford before fleeing a park in the Hammock Wednesday.
So Long, Teeny Weeny Bean Plan: Skeletal Health Plan for Florida’s Poor Is Dying
Sen. John Thrasher says he doubts Sen. Aaron Bean’s small-budget plan for some of Florida’s low-income uninsured will get a floor vote. Bean’s plan was criticized as not much of a plan at all, as it would have cost beneficiaries more than they might have benefited.
Orlando Man Leads Cops Through 5-County Chase Before Flagler Deputies Stop Him
Thomas J. Loncala, 47, of Orlando, was arrested late Wednesday on drug-possession, assault and fleeing and eluding charges after leading police on a chase through five counties, including Flagler. He was finally stopped in St. Johns County.
Flagler County’s Budget Outlook Adds Up To $8 Million Gap and Likely Tax Increase
It’s difficult to see how Flagler commissioners will emerge from the budget process in September without either a substantial tax increase of one type or another or vast cuts in county services, though they began taking on sacred cows, such as consolidating fire departments.
An Ethics Bill Negotiated in Secret Heads to Gov. Scott, Preserving Lobbying Perks
The ethics bill approved by the Florida House dropped a two-year prohibition on legislators taking quasi-lobbying jobs with firms trying to influence the Legislature; it would increase the amount that each contributor can give to candidates during an election, and unlimited donations could go to political committees.
Mondex Woman Shoots at Repo Men Preparing to Tow Her Mustang
Victoria Higgins was not in the mood to have her black 2005 Ford Mustang repossessed. So she allegedly shot at the two repo men who went to her Mohogany Boulevard home in the Mondex Tuesday, forcing them to flee. She was jailed on aggravated assault charges.
School District Missed and Ignored Long List of Serious Problems With Youth Center Employee
Flagler County Youth Center Assistant Director Shannon Diamond’s arrest Sunday on charges related to drunkenly behavior were the latest in a series of criminal and other issues, including some in the district, that Diamond has faced over the years, and that the district either ignored or found of no consequence.
Flagler School District Celebrates Silver Medals for Matanzas and FPC in U.S. News Rankings
Matanzas High School ranked 72nd in Florida, out of 777 schools. Matanzas was 1,523rd in the nation, out of 21,000 schools. Flagler Palm Coast High School ranked 87th in the state, and 2,242nd in the nation.
Publix’s Profitable Accommodation With Poverty: Not a Penny More for Tomato Pickers
The Coalition of Immokalee Workers has been trying for years to get Publix to join the Fair Food Coalition, in which suppliers and purchasers agree to pay the workers a penny more per pound of tomatoes picked. Publix won’t even meet with the workers.
In an Explosive Meeting, Bunnell’s Martinez Survives, 3-2, a Rogers Motion to Fire Him
Bunnell City Manager Armando Martinez survived getting fired on a 3-2 vote, with the unexpected support of one of his harshest former critics: Commissioner Bill Baxley, who was sworn in earlier this month on a promise of change.
Flagler School District Hones Its Sales Pitch for New Tax Ahead of June 7 Referendum
The Flagler school district is campaigning for the June 7 referendum on a new property tax for schools with a “You Decide” approach that emphasizes restoring time to the school day and reinforcing school security in spite of cuts in state funding.
Flagler Youth Center’s Shannon Diamond Is Again Arrested on Drunk Charges
Shannon Diamond was arrested on a DUI charge last year but kept his employment, supervising students. He was arrested at McCharacter’s Sunday after allegedly refusing to pay his bill and trying to flee. He is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Merit Pay Only as Lawmakers Knock Out $2,500 Across-the-Board Raise for Teachers
While granting Gov. Rick Scott $480 million he requested for education, lawmakers rejected a $2,500 across-the-board pay for teachers, tying any raises to merit pay only. The methodology for such increases has itself been controversial.
Gun Worship’s Perversion: Just Don’t Call 10,000 Murders a Year “Terrorism”
Between the Boston bombing and the Senate’s rejection of gun-control legislation, the moral is that “terrorism” is unacceptable violence, but the 30 daily murders by gun is quite acceptable. So gun-worship’s perversions live on.
Boston’s Home-Grown Terrorism: Echoes of London and Madrid
While hundreds of police officers pursued the 19-year-old during a nationally-televised rampage across Boston Friday, a former classmate recounted memories of the refugee who, according to counterterror officials, became a U.S. citizen on an ironic date: Sept. 11, 2012.
NAACP’s 2nd Annual Olympics of the Mind Dazzle and Dare on Matanzas Stage
The Flagler County NAACP’s annual ACT-SO Olympics of the Mind at Matanzas High’s Pirates Theater Saturday brought out dozens of student performers in music, dance, oratory, song and in the visual arts, humanities and science, with winners potentially qualifying for the national competition in Orlando in July.
Hazmat Emergency at Bunnell’s Budget Motel Over: Suspicious Powder Was Cocaine
A suspicious package the size of a shoebox was delivered to the Budget Motel in Bunnell, behind the State Street Diner, this morning, triggering an environmental emergency. Bunnell Fire Chief Derek Fraser ordered the motel grounds sealed and summoned a hazardous materials team from St. Johns County, which authorities are awaiting.
Jackson Pollock in Bunnell: City Hydrates Its Centennial With Art
As part of the Bunnell Centennial celebration, the city turned over some 35 fire hydrants to be turned into art works by organizations and individuals, leading up to Saturday’s city clean-up and judging of the hydrants. The result is a treat to the eyes.
Waiting for Godot’s Funnier Version: “Line” Opens at City Repertory Tonight
“Line” is the longest-running off-off Broadway play in history, a funny blend of the wit and philosophy, and what it means to be first. It opens at Palm Coast’s City Repertory Theatre tonight, and runs for just six performances this weekend and next.
Flagler Lands Its 1st Statewide Horseshoe Pitching Tournament at New Old Dixie Park
The Flagler County Horseshoe Pitching Club will host a Florida-wide horseshoe tournament at the 18-pit Old Dixie Park the county built last year. The tournament is another addition to a growing list of specialty sports tournaments bringing visitors the county.
Milestone: Flagler’s Unemployment in Single-Digits, at 9.5%, for 1st Time in 5 Years
For the first time since June 2008–almost five years–Flagler County’s unemployment has fallen back to single digits, registering 9.5 percent in March as the local economy continued to mirror the state’s and the nation’s, improving slowly but steadily.
Anti-Abortion Bills Pass Through Angry Debate As Florida Creeps Closer to Embryo Rights
After tense debate that included allegations of lying and large-scale eugenics, the House on Thursday passed a measure banning abortions meant to avoid having a baby of a particular gender or race and criminalized harm of the unborn in the act of harming or killing its mother.
As Teachers Sue, Supportive Superintendents Criticize Evaluations Tied to Pay and Tests
Superintendents expressed frustration with the state’s teacher evaluation law during a meeting with Gov. Rick Scott a day after teachers filed suit in federal court to overturn the law, Scott himself endorsed trying to fix the provision attacked by the lawsuit, but lawmakers must carry out the fix.
Flagler Spirits: Nothing Micro About This Palm Coast Distillery’s Whiskey Rebellion
Jimmy Day’s Flagler Spirits micro-distillery in Palm Coast is part of the nation’s boom in a niche industry that develops specialty regional products, like Day’s whiskeys, vodkas and rums. He’s producing and marketing 1,000 gallons a month from his Hargrove Grade plant.
Police Drones Are Banned from Florida Skies Absent a Warrant or Other Exceptions
The bill (SB 92) prevents law enforcement use of drones unless a judge has issued a warrant, or in cases where there is a “high risk of terrorist attack,” or a case of imminent danger, such as in a missing person case where the person is thought to be in immediate danger.
From Truancy to Criminal Charge: Flagler Schools Take Parent to Court Over Child’s Absences
When Andre Darby failed to enroll his son at Rymfire Elementary or show proof that he was being homeschooled, the Flagler school district turned the case over to the state attorney for prosecution, an extreme example of cases when parents violate Florida’s truancy laws. Darby faces a second-degree misdemeanor charge, which may end in a plea before Circuit Judge J. David Walsh Thursday.
76-Year-Old Cyclist Critically Injured By SUV at Cypress Pt. and Belle Terre
A 76-year-old cyclist riding up Belle Terre was struck by an SUV and pinned under the car until paramedics were able to lift the car, tend to him and evacuate him by air. The cyclist had traumatic injuries, but was alive when he was taken away from the scene.
Duping Court Ruling, Florida Replacing Life Juvenile Sentencing With 50-Year Minimum
Legislation aimed at putting Florida in line with a U.S. Supreme Court ban on automatic life sentences for juvenile murderers cleared a House panel Tuesday, but with a 50 year minimum sentence that opponents say may keep the state’s law at odds with the court’s aim.
Sue McVeigh Is a State Finalist for Employee Of the Year, a First for Flagler School District
For the first time ever, the Flagler County school district has a finalist for the state-wide Employee of the Year award. Sue McVeigh, an exceptional education specialist, will travel to Legoland on May 17 to the final award banquet.
Many of Flagler’s Arts Groups Begin to Look Beyond Egos to a Cooperative Alliance
An emerging arts alliance for Palm Coast and Flagler County would capitalize on the economic benefits of an arts scene with more coordinated projects and strategy, led by the tourism council’s conciliating voice of Georgia Turner. Obstacles remain, however.
Assailed One Week, Celebrated the Next: Rev. Beth Gardner Honored by County Commission
A week after being “called on the carpet” before the Bunnell City Commission for providing an occasional shelter for the homeless at Bunnell’s First United Methodist Church, Rev. Beth Gardner this evening was honored by the Flagler County Commission for that same mission.
Florida Voter Group Argues for a Free Speech Right to Secrecy and Unregulated PACs
The state says it is justified in requiring disclosures of information about political action committee contributions and expenditures. Plaintiffs, arguing their case before a federal appeals court Tuesday, say they should be free to express themselves on political issues without registering as a committee and filling out campaign documents.
Man Faces Attempted Murder Charge After Sunday Stabbing on Mud Muckers’ ATV Trails
Todd Lee Richmond of Orlando was on Mud Muckers’ trails early Sunday morning with a group of people when he allegedly argued then stabbed Brad Taylor, who was airlifted to Halifax hospital. Richmond posted $100,000 bond and was released.
When Deputies Shoot Animals: An Explanation from the Flagler Sheriff’s Office
Responding to a citizen’s concerns, Commander Paul Bovino of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office explains why deputies sometimes shoot animals that are reported sick or injured, and why they don’t take them away in their patrol cruisers.
Florida’s Foster Care System Loosening Up Restrictions While Extending Eligibility to 21
New laws reduce bureaucratic hoops for foster kids and their families who would no longer need approval for certain activities enjoyed by other kids and offer more protection to those nervous of stepping out of its protective wrap.
Death in the Afternoon
It was that the death rattle. You’ve heard it. We’ve all heard it if we live south of the Mason-Dixon Line. This one broke the silence of a perfect Palm Coast afternoon. But an investigation proved to be a succession of decapitated assumptions.
At Hollingsworth Gallery, “A Novel Idea” Weds Art and Books; Art League Springs Up
Hollingsworth Gallery’s new show, opening Saturday with a free reception, features artists’ renditions of their favorite literary works. The Flagler County Art League opens its annual Spring Show. Both free receptions begin at 6 p.m.
Jerry Full, Palm Coast Founder and Exuberant Environmentalist, Is Dead at 86
Jerry Full, one of the founding members of the Palm Coast City Council, thought, spoke and lived at speeds defying limits, and lived lives as if he would never run out of them. Full died on March 28 in Ossining, N.Y. He was 86.
Palm Coast Meth Lab Busted on Cooper Lane as Sheriff’s Deputies Call in Hazmat Unit
The meth lab at 1 Cooper Lane in one of Palm Coast’s oldest and least eventful neighborhoods was busted Friday afternoon, with the arrests of Brent Chambers, 35; Heather Hastey, 42, and Will Hodge, 30. Four children lived at the address.
Online Sales Tax On Its Way, But Phone, Cable and Web Service Taxes Would Be Cut
The measure would offset the increased revenue brought in by the measure by lowering other taxes, including the communications services tax charged on phone service, cable, and satellite TV and internet connections.
“Illegal Immigrants” No More:
The Associated Press Ends the Slur
Calling them “illegal immigrants” offends immigrants and American values. “Illegal” is a loaded term that has polluted the immigration debate for too long. It isn’t a question of mere political correctness. It’s about accuracy, fairness, and respect, argues Raul Reyes.
Steve Solomon’s Jewish-Italian Neuroses Back At Flagler Auditorium: The Live Interview
Comedian Steve Solomon grew up in Brooklyn, taught physics and lived through the nightmare of being a school administrator in Long Island before finding fortune on the stand-up comedy circuit. He sat down for an interview with FlaglerLive before his show at the Auditorium on Friday, April 12.
“Mental Retardation” and “Retarded”
Will Be Excised from All Florida Laws
Florida lawmakers are moving toward erasing the terms “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded” from myriad state laws, as the word “retarded” has become widely viewed as offensive to people with disabilities.
Invitation to an Execution
Larry Eugene Mann was executed at Starke state prison Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. by lethal injection. I traveled to Starke with a Catholic Church group to witness the vigils–pro and con–outside the prison grounds.
Jamesine Fischer Is Sentenced to 25 Months in Prison for Hit-and-Run Death of Pecqueur
Jamesine Fischer, the 56-year-old wife of Flagler School Board member John Fischer, will serve at least 21 months in a Florida state prison following her sentencing Wednesday for the hit-and-run death of Francoise Pecqueur, 76, in Palm Coast in November 2011.