Palm Coast’s Westward Expansion is dead for now. Raydient, the Rayonier Corp. subsidiary that spent the last three years crafting plans for a 22,000-home development west of U.S. 1, this afternoon announced that it was withdrawing all those plans. It suddenly turns the $126 million, taxpayer-funded “Loop Road” into a road to nowhere.
Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local News
Flagler Unemployment Stable at 5.5%, But Underlying Trends Mirror Sharp Decline in Consumer Confidence
Flagler County’s unemployment rate remained stable at 5.6 percent in July, just a fraction higher than June’s 5.5 percent rate, but still significantly higher than in the last two years as labor force growth has stalled, pushing school enrollment down. Home sales recorded their best month in three years but the median price, flat for five years, has also lost value due to inflation. Consumer confidence is falling sharply.
Flagler’s Tourism Council Agrees to Continuing Shift of Bed Tax Dollars to Cash-Strapped Beach Management
Flagler County’s Tourist Development Council unanimously approved the County Commission’s request to continue redirecting tourist tax revenue from capital projects to beach management, in essence preventing new tourism-related capital projects from being funded for now. The county lacks a permanent funding plan for ongoing dune reconstruction and renourishment, making tourism-tax revenue essential for grant-matching in beach projects.
October Trial Set For Leigha Mumby on Vehicular Homicide Charge in Crash Fatal to Her Boyfriend
Leigha Mumby, 25, faces an October trial for vehicular homicide and aggravated battery stemming from the I-95 crash on Super Bowl Sunday in 2025 that led to the death of her boyfriend, Daniel Waterman. Prosecutors allege she intentionally wrecked her vehicle during an argument with him.
Stunningly, Palm Coast Will Pay $17 Million, Assume Debt and Lose Tax Revenue for 259 Acres from Town Center Developer to Settle Lawsuit
The Palm Coast City Council voted 4-1 to settle a lawsuit by purchasing 259 acres from the Town Center developer for $17 million. The agreement forces the city to assume $1.9 million in debt and remove $775,000 in annual property tax revenue from the tax rolls, including $620,000 to the city. City officials think the settlement prevents worse financial losses from litigation and secures control over the property, which they see as an investment.
Chick-fil-A Drive-Thru Exhibitionist Sentenced to 5 Years’ Probation
Luke Matthew Dudkewic, 33, of Palm Coast, pleaded guilty to a second-degree felony for exposing himself to a 15-year-old Chick-fil-A drive-through employee in late April and was sentenced to five years of sex-offender probation, and a lifetime designation as a sex offender. The sentence includes highly strict restrictions on his future employment, residence, internet access, and other activities.
Sheriff Arrests Former Bunnell Auto Dealer For Rape After 2015 Cold Case Yields New Drug Evidence
Kaivan Rahbar, 65, a former Palm Coast resident and Bunnell used car dealer was extradited from New York and charged with rape following new toxicology findings Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly announced today. Detectives reopened the 2015 cold case after advanced testing detected a sedative in the victim’s system, corroborating the woman’s original allegations.
‘Cruising for a Bruising,’ County Commission Targets Clerk Of Court Tom Bexley’s Budget for Third Time
Flagler County Clerk of Court Tom Bexley faces heightened scrutiny from the County Commission after commissioners ordered a further $77,000 reduction to his proposed budget, limiting his increase to 5 percent. Bexley previously reduced his request twice. Bexley feels unjustly targeted compared to other constitutional officers and must absorb the financial loss.
In Major Upset, DSA’s Nixon Defeats Vindman to Take on Moody for U.S. Senate
State Rep. Angie Nixon, a staunch progressive, defeated establishment favorite, Lt. Col. Alex Vindman in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, overcoming a vast fundraising disadvantage. Nixon, who joined the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) during her campaign, will face incumbent U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Tampa, in the general election.
Kevin Guthrie Is Out as Emergency Managent Director After 2-Day Stint as Collins Running Mate
Florida Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie resigned Tuesday, one day after becoming Lt. Gov. Jay Collins’ running mate in his run for governor. Guthrie’s stint as Collins’ running mate lasted less than 48 hours: Collins came in second, with 25 percent of the vote, to Byron Donalds’s 48 percent in the 11-way Republican primary race for governor.
Rob Wood and Cathy Moon Decisively Win School Board, Tucker and Chong in Runoff, Pennington and Pontieri Win
Rob Wood and Cathy Moon decisively beat Will Furry, a first-term incumbent, and Jill Woolbright, who was attempting a comeback, for Flagler County School Board, while former Board member Trevor Tucker will be in a runoff against incumbent Christy Chong. Incumbent County Commissioner Leann Pennington easily won, and Theresa Pontieri won her County Commission primary bid. Tony Amaral, Jeani Duarte, Dylana Gallery and Darlene Shelley are headed for runoffs in Palm Coast City Council races.
Despite Doubts About Verizon’s Claims, 190-ft Cell Tower in Hunters Ridge Wins Approval in 3-2 Vote
The Flagler County Commission approved a new Verizon cell tower in the Hunters Ridge development, 3-2, overruling the planning board’s recommendation and ignoring strong opposition from local residents. The applicant argued the tower is essential for modern data capacity. Opponents cited the presence of three existing towers in the immediate area and cast doubt on Verizon’s claims that the area is underserved.
Board Proposes 3,000-Sq-Ft, $1.2 Million Addition to Palm Coast Library for Events and Voting
Eight months after opening the Bunnell branch library known as the Nexus Center, the Flagler County Public Library Board of Trustees is proposing a $1.2 million, 3,000-square-foot addition at the Palm Coast library to meet surging demand for event space.
Despite District’s Red Tilt, 4 Democrats Raise Big Sums for Chance to Take On Randy Fine
Retail manager Eric Yonce, Marine Rob Cooper, brewery owner Steve Morgan and first responder Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera are fighting for the chance to challenge the controversial incumbent Randy Fine’s re-election. Even after Fine was significantly outspent in the Special Election to win his seat last year, he earned about 57% of the vote in a district that includes all of Flagler County.
In Bizarre Turn, Mother Arrested for Forcing Problematic Son at Gunpoint Out of Her Own Home
A 74-year-old Palm Coast woman was arrested after pointing a loaded handgun at her son after he returned home from being Baker Acted. She told deputies she’d been scared him him and had been emptying his alcohol bottles, though surveillance footage shows no aggression on his part.
Record Early Voting in Flagler Primary Marred by Illegal Text Smear in School Board Race
Flagler County saw a record early voting turnout in its primary election but also sharply declining mail-in ballots. An anonymous and illegal text message masquerading as a campaign advertisement targeted School Board candidates days before the election.
Our Local Governments Are Drunk on Tallahassee’s Homestead Kool-Aid
The proposed amendment to sharply raise the homestead exemption and slash government revenue relies on vilifying government workers to appease taxpayers, and decades of hostile political rhetoric designed to dismantle public services. Even in Palm Coast and on the County Commission, politicians are prioritizing fabricated narratives of rampant waste over actual local needs. It’s a reckless strategy that will inevitably results in severe cuts and firings.
Flagler Beach Weighs 4 Paid Parking Proposals; Enforcement Would Be By License Plate Readers
Flagler Beach commissioners heard presentations from four companies vying to manage a new paid parking system downtown. The proposed system will ensure local residents park for free and could extend similar exemptions to employees and others. The city wants to generate revenue from out-of-town visitors to offset local expenses. The commission has not yet decided on a specific vendor, enforcement technology, or pricing structure.
Organizers Seek 250 Veterans for the Fourth Annual Flagler County Veterans Day Parade
The cities of Bunnell, Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, in partnership with Flagler County Government, Flagler Schools, and numerous community organizations, invite the public to participate in the Fourth Annual Flagler County Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Mail Voting Declines Sharply in Flagler County and Florida, Reflecting GOP Rhetoric and Restrictions
Flagler County and Florida data shows a sharp decline in vote-by-mail requests for the August primary due to intense partisan rhetoric questioning ballot security and strict new legislative rules requiring citizens to frequently renew their requests. Some officials defend the new regulations as necessary measures to prevent voter fraud, though evidence of fraud has been scant to nonexistent.
Convicted Felon Faces Life In Prison After Alleged Armed Burglary And Shooting of Ex’s Boyfriend
John David Lyles Jr., 52, faces five felony charges including armed burglary after allegedly breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s Palm Coast home and shooting his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend during a struggle over a handgun. He fled in a friend’s SUV but was arrested by Flagler County deputies. He claims the victims introduced the weapon during the confrontation.
“Secret Lives Of Flagler County Wives” and the Deep Bonds Of Ageless Sisterhood
The new book “Secret Lives of Flagler County Wives,” featuring autobiographical chapters from 24 local women, is the brainchild of Rachelle Paulk, who spearheaded the collaborative project after relocating to Flagler Beach. The collection highlights enduring sisterhood, personal reinvention, and overcoming severe hardships as the authors prove genuine friendships can emerge unexpectedly through shared experiences and community support.
Three Palm Coast Men Arrested in Connection with Overdose Death of Brandon Morris, 41
Flagler County Sheriff’s detectives arrested three individuals for evidence tampering during a SWAT operation at a Palm Coast residence following the fatal drug overdose of Brandon Mack Morris, 41, in late July. Detectives found suspected fentanyl and torn packaging in the home and are treating the death as a homicide. They may file additional charges.
Flagler County Echoes Surging Backlash Against Data Centers with One-Year Construction Ban
Not that any such projects were in the pipeline, but Flagler County enacted a one-year moratorium on all new data center construction to develop proper zoning regulations for buildings that consume colossal amounts of energy and create noise pollution. Residents are pushing back against data centers across the country.
Annual Memorial Tribute Climb At Hammock Beach Honors Responders On 25th Anniversary Of 9/11
The community will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks at the annual Memorial Tribute Climb at Hammock Beach Golf Resort with a free event featuring an 8:15 a.m. ceremony honoring victims and first responders. Participants will climb 110 flights of stairs raising scholarship funds for local emergency medical service students.
2nd Highest Burden of Bunnell’s General Fund, After Police Department, Is Debt Payment for New City Hall
The Bunnell City Commission approved its tentative property tax rate and budget without releasing the documents to the public on Monday. The commission maintained a flat tax rate for the fourth consecutive year. The undisclosed budget includes $1 million in debt payments for the new City Hall spending cuts for parks, stormwater infrastructure, and community development.
With Eye on West Expansion, Palm Coast Council Advances Preservation Ordinance To Protect Historic Sites
The Palm Coast City Council advanced a newly drafted historic preservation ordinance to catalogue and protect local cultural resources and certify the city among the state’s historic preservation governments, which requires meeting certain criteria. The measure establishes a five-member board to review discoveries and seek grants. The ordinance parallels Raydient’s westward expansion on acreage rich in cultural and historical resources.
Swastika Sprayed On Randy Fine Sign At Early Voting Site in Flagler Beach Sparks Sharp Backlash
A campaign sign for U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, who is running for reelection, was vandalized with a swastika at the Wickline Senior Center in Flagler Beach, an early-voting location. Local officials condemned the incident and Fine blamed opponent Dan Bilzerian for inciting hatred, citing his past antisemitic remarks amid a rise in hate crimes. Fine is not without his own history of bigoted, incendiary comments.
Four Varied Candidates Emerge for Flagler County Administrator Job After Five Hours of Interviews
Flagler County commissioners selected four finalists for the county administrator position following 30- to 45-minute zoom interviews with six shortlisted candidates this afternoon. The candidates will participate in one-on-one and public interviews in early September. Each candidate demonstrated unique qualities and drawbacks. The commissioners did not tip their hands about the four chosen ones.
Court Roundup: Alleged Rapist Denied Bond, CSAM Collector Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison
Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols issued rulings in three unrelated sex crime cases, denying bond for Rory Belmont, 44, of Flagler Beach, accused of rape and violence toward ex for eight hours. She sentenced a 31-year-old man to eight years in prison for possessing CSAM, and she refused a 31-year-old woman’s plea withdrawal request.
FPC’s Bobby Bossardet’s 1st Day Welcome: Celebrate, and Be ‘Better for Each Other and Our Kids’
In his now-traditional day-before-new-school year letter to his faculty and staff, Flagler Palm Coast High School Principal Bobby Bossardet warmly welcomes students and staff, emphasizing a sense of celebration for the school’s A, but also cautioning against resting on laurels. Bossardet encourages the faculty to build strong relationships with every student and remember that not everyone is happy to be back.
Regime Change: The Banality of Evil in Trump 2.0
“Regime Change,” the new book by reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, details the reality of Donald Trump’s second administration and a White House consumed by personal vengeance, vanity and strategic cluelessness. The administration ignores actual policy to focus on petty grievances and disastrous foreign conflicts. It is the chronicle of a rapidly decaying empire struggling to survive unprecedented corruption.
Eight Days of Early Voting Begin Saturday in Flagler County as 6,000 Have Already Cast Primary Ballots
Flagler County begins eight days of early voting Saturday with five polling locations available countywide. Nearly 6,000 ballots have already been cast by mail. Several local races, including School Board and Palm Coast City Council contests, could be decided in the primary. Election officials encourage voters to review sample ballots and bring proper identification before casting ballots.
Judge Rules Palm Coast’s Doubling of Impact Fees Illegal, a Devastating Blow to City’s Revenue and Victory for Builders
In a devastating blow to Palm Coast government, a judge this morning ruled that the city’s doubling of development impact fees in 2025 violates a state law that forbids local governments from imposing restrictive development regulations.
Flagler Beach Budget Maintains Tax Rate for 5th Year, Deferring Looming Amendment’s Consequences
Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin presented a proposed general fund budget that keeps the property tax rate flat, and under Florida law represents a slight tax decrease. The city commission is cautiously preparing for a potential constitutional amendment that might significantly alter homestead exemptions. Officials also discussed adding commissioner health benefits and addressing the loss of insurance coverage for beach dune walkovers.
Young Alligator Exercising His Right to School Choice at Rymfire Elementary Is Shown the Pond
Rymfire Elementary Assistant Principal Abra Seay safely relocated a young alligator found under a teacher’s car at the end of a day of training this week, a few days before the resumption of school on Aug. 10. Seay, who grew up in Flagler County, used a broomstick to gently guide the animal into a nearby retention pond. The superintendent said the gator did not qualify for school choice.
Maintenance Worries and Holdouts Aside, County Approves $35 Million Renourishment for 5.5 Miles of Beach
The Flagler County Commission approved a $35 million project to rebuild 5.5 miles of beach from North 7th Street in Flagler Beach to Varn Park, north of Beverly Beach. The rebuilding will start in early 2027 and take four to six months. All but $4.2 million of that is paid for through state and federal grants, so the county’s funding share is 12 percent. It is the first major beach renourishment project in Flagler County since the 2024 Army Corps project in Flagler Beach.
Palm Coast Council Tables Westward Expansion Development Plan, Demanding Economic and Other Guarantees
Nearing midnight following a six-hour meeting Tuesday night, the Palm Coast City Council tabled until Aug. 25–the week after the primary election–the land-use proposals that would clear the way for the so-called westward expansion, the plan to build 22,000 housing units on 21,000 acres west of U.S. 1. The council signaled it would approve the development plan by Raydient pending changes to the development order that the council wants.
Palm Coast Man Arrested For Stalking and Extorting Ex with Memorial Bear Containing Her Son’s Ashes
Justin Andrew Fountain, 31, faces five felony charges after stalking his former girlfriend in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, tracking her location electronically, showing up at her workplace, and sending fabricated messages to her family. Fountain stole a plush memorial bear containing the ashes of her deceased son and threatened to burn it. Deputies arrested him on I-95 and recovered the bear.
Flagler Judge Repeatedly Refers to Two Black Men as ‘Thugs’ in Bond Hearing for One of Them
Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols repeatedly referred to two Black men as “thugs” during a bond hearing for one of them Tuesday, and ultimately ruled that she would not set the bond lower than $55,000. The term has evolved into a racially charged dog-whistle when whites use it in reference to Blacks, though it continues to be used unwittingly so by whites not necessarily aware of the implication, as was likely the case in court Tuesday.
Flagler County Commissioners Criticize Sheriff and Clerk, But From a Desert of Budget Information
Flagler County commissioners held a frustrating budget workshop Monday amid a dearth of financial documents or a framework for clear discussion. The proposed property tax rate remains virtually unchanged. Commissioners criticized constitutional officers for failing to reduce their budgets sufficiently. Sheriff Rick Staly and Clerk of Court Tom Bexley defended their respective spending requests, pointing out cuts and savings.
Flagler County Commission Will Hold Initial Zoom Interviews with Six Administrator Candidates
The Flagler County Commission will conduct public Zoom interviews with six finalists for the county administrator position later this month. The commission plans to select two or three finalists for in-person interviews in late August before making a final hiring decision shortly thereafter.
20-Year-Old Drunk Driver Avoids Prison in Lenient Sentence for Injuring Ebiker on Belle Terre Parkway
Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols sentenced Mollie Hayes, 20, of Palm Coast, to 180 days in jail and four years on probation for striking and severely injuring an ebiker on Belle Terre Parkway and Pine Grove Drive. Hayes avoided a felony conviction through a plea agreement–for now: The judge is almost certain she will violate her terms. If so, she would be adjudicated a felon and sentenced to prison.
Florida Sheriff’s Association Joins Other Public Safety Groups Raising Alarms Over Homestead Amendment
Public safety groups–and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly–are warning voters about the property tax cut amendment that will appear on ballots this November. On Monday, the Florida Sheriffs Association released a statement saying they were “significantly concerned” about Amendment 3, which if passed, would increase homestead exemptions from $50,000 to $250,000 over two years.
Ex-Lt. Rainey’s Testimony Shifts Momentum in Fired Flagler Beach Fire Chief Stephen Cox’s Appeal Hearing
Former Flagler Beach Fire Chief Stephen Cox faces a difficult appeal hearing following his sudden firing by City Manager Dale Martin following staff resignations. Cox presented a strong defense emphasizing his spotless record but devastating testimony from former Lt. Morgan Rainey exposed his leadership flaws and shifted the case momentum strongly against him on Friday. The hearing isn’t over.
Facing Devastating $140,000 Cut, Flagler Humane Society Urges Palm Coast to Fully Fund Animal Care
The Flagler Humane Society faces a severe financial deficit because Palm Coast underfunds mandatory stray animal care, Treasurer Rebecca Reynolds argues. She notes the city covers only a fraction of actual costs, leaving the shelter to absorb the difference. With proposed budget cuts looming, Reynolds urges the city to preserve adequate municipal funding.
Know Palm Coast’s New E-Bike Rules As You Ride Back to School
As students prepare to head back to school, the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and Flagler Schools are reminding families that electric bicycles (e-bikes) remain a popular way to get to and from school—but they also come with important responsibilities. Officials are encouraging parents and riders to review Palm Coast’s e-bike ordinance and practice safe riding habits before the first day of school.
Sheriff Staly Arrests Super-Speeder Going Up to 125 MPH on I-95
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly Friday evening arrested a 22-year-old Palm Coast man who allegedly sped past his unmarked car on I-95 at 125 miles per hour and swerving in and out of lanes. Last year Florida enacted a “super-speeder law” that makes excessive speeds a first degree misdemeanor and subjects the speeder to arrest.
Seven Palm Coast Employees Escorted Out of City Hall in Broad Cost-Cutting Layoffs and Resignation
In a grim day at Palm Coast City Hall Friday, six employees were laid off and a seventh resigned, five of them in code enforcement and animal control, including long-time Code Enforcement Manager Barbara Grossman, and two in planning, cutting roughly $700,000 from the budget. The administration was under strict directive from the City Council to reduce the budget, though internal issues at code enforcement may also have played a role.
Darlene Shelley, Palm Coast City Council Candidate: The Live Interview
Darlene Shelley is one of four candidates for the Palm Coast City Council, District 4, an open seat. She faces Dylana Galery, John Kvederis and Ramon Marrero. This is a non-partisan race. All registered voters in Palm Coast may cast a ballot in the Aug. 18 primary.