Nickolas B. Monroe, a 26-year-old resident of Walnut Avenue in Bunnell’s Mondex neighborhood, fired at and killed the animal as its owners, a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, had just been looking for it.
Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local News
Girl Who Made Bigoted Death Threats About English Teacher at FPC Is Tried, But Judge To Rule Later
A circuit judge this afternoon tried a white, 17-year-old former Flagler Palm Coast High School student accused of making death threats laced in bigoted language against her black English teacher a year ago.
First of Two Christmas With a Deputy Events Tonight as Cops Donate Record $19,000 for Kids
For the 12th year of the event, there will be two Christmas with a Deputy in Flagler County, thanks to a Walmart grant and a record fund-raising drive by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s employees.
Cordone and Kilgore ‘Swing in the Holidays’ in Jazzy, Witty Palm Coast Show Dec. 10
Natalie Cordone and Shawn Kilgore bring their jazzy blend of wit, pop and vocal standards to the Palm Coast Community Center for one show only on Dec. 10. They’ve been touring nationally and internationally for five years.
Proposed 300-Home Development in Place of Matanzas Golf Course Draws Public Doubt and Ire
A neighborhood meeting about the planned developer of some 300 homes along the disused Matanzas golf course drew considerable protests and doubt from some 200 people Thursday evening.
Aimee Stafford Takes Over as Flagler Chamber President, Bringing Energetic and Laureled Experience to Burdened Organization
Aimee Stafford is a veteran in leadership of chambers and non-profits, especially in Kentucky, but with long-established established ties in Florida and Ormond Beach, where she’s lived since May.
Flagler Government Will Conduct Second Pay Study in Two Years, Though Turnover Rate Is Not Unusual
Flagler County government is planning a second pay study in two years after discovering that the first one was not fully implemented, though questions were raised about how dire the county’s turnover rate really is.
Association Opposing 240-Boat Storage Facility in the Hammock Takes Its Case to Circuit Court
The Hammock Community Association is challenging the Flagler County Commission’s decision to allow the Hammock Harbour project to go forward, claiming A1A zoning rules don’t allow for a warehousing-type facility. The county does not consider the planned development to be a warehouse.
Northbound Traffic on A1A in Flagler Beach Will Shift to Newly Completed Lane as Project Advances
Northbound State Road (S.R.) A1A traffic will be shifted onto the newly constructed southbound roadway between South 23rd and South 7th Street in Flagler Beach beginning sometime Thursday, Dec. 5. Southbound traffic will remain on South Central Avenue.
Belle Terre Elementary PTO President Jennifer Paterno Addresses Ongoing Investigations
Belle Terre Elementary School President Jennifer Paterno discusses her role in bringing to light issues that led to an internal school district and criminal investigation of alleged financial improprieties in the organization previously.
FPC Student Faces Felony Charge After NFL Argument Escalates to Death Threat and Insults About Appearance
Two Flagler Palm Coast High School students arguing over the NFL had an altercation that led to one boy making written death threats against the other boy and his parents, on Instagram.
Night Fire on Selborne Path in Seminole Woods ‘Rekindles’ in the Morning, Destroying New Home
A house at 17 Selborne Path in Palm Coast’s Seminole Woods was fully engulfed in flames this morning, and keeping even emergency responders at some distance as explosions roiled the structure’s interior.
Belle Terre Elementary Principal Culver Under Criminal Investigation By FDLE as District Announces Interim
Belle Terre Elementary Principal Terence Culver is under criminal investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Jessica DeFord was appointed interim principal at the school.
Flagler Students’ and Faculty’s ‘Football Sunday’ at Palm Coast Church Termed ‘Serious Constitutional Violation’
“Football Sunday” at Palm Coast’s United Methodist Church has annually invited students, coaches and faculty from FPC and Matanzas, among others, in religious services, drawing a rebuke from the Freedom from Religion Foundation on constitutional grounds.
Unlikely Judge Orders Grinch to Community Service at Humane Society Food Drive and Pet Adoption
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with the Flagler Humane Society to host the Santa Paws Food Drive and Adoption Event on Tuesday, December 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Flagler Humane Society, at 1 Shelter Drive in Palm Coast.
With Little Transparency, County Approves $250,000 to Redesignate 12 Miles of Dunes as ‘Preservation Facility’
The county commission today approved spending $250,000 for a project to which they had no written documentation, either for themselves or for public inspection, though it is the first step in a significant redefinition of the county’s beaches.
Mullins-Centered Facebook Barbs Termed ‘Mishegoss’ But ‘Private’ As County Commission Rejects Censure
County Commission Chairman Dave Sullivan rejected a call to censure fellow-Commissioner Joe Mullins today and said he would not entertain discussions of Mullins’s Facebook page–nor Mullins attempts to regulate media in any way.
Flagler County Health Department Offering Free HIV Screenings Daily
In recognition of World Aids Day on December 1, the Florida Department of Health in Flagler County reminds residents they can receive free HIV screenings weekdays between 8:15 and 11 a.m. at its office, 301 Dr. Carter Blvd. in Bunnell.
Cynthia Clark, 62, Is Killed, 2 Critical in 3-Vehicle Crash on I-95’s Overpass at State Road 100
Cynthia Clark, 62, of Atlantic Beach, was killed and two people were critically injured in a three-vehicle crash on I-95 at the north edge of the overpass over State Road 100 in Palm Coast Saturday afternoon.
Ethan Bortnick, Once a Prodigy, Now a Mere Teen Superstar, At Flagler Auditorium With Local Choirs
Ethan Bortnick, the pianist, songwriter-performer and one-time child prodigy who raises millions, packs houses but still can’t legally drink, is bringing his show to the Flagler Auditorium for one night only on Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
One Man Is Found Dead of Suicide Behind Walmart. Another Attempts Suicide By Cop.
John Dean Purr, 46, was found dead of a gunshot wound near Walmart, and Craig Dolgin 48, allegedly attempted suicide by cop in a 24-hour period in Palm Coast Monday and Tuesday.
Young Pilot Makes Emergency Landing on CR205 Near Espanola, Averting Power Lines and Cars
Abdullah Khawja, 27, had to land his Cessna in an emergency non a straight stretch of County Road 305 outside Espanola in Flagler County this afternoon. No one was injured.
Thanksgiving Weekend Briefing: Absolute Queen, Holiday Lights on Biltwell, Flag Football, Alice’s Restaurant
Absolute Queen at the Flagler Auditorium, Festival of Wreaths at the The Windsor, free flag football and cheer clinics, Holiday Lights on Biltwell Place, Teens United.
In Replay of Martinez-Era Ploy, Bunnell Mayor Shuts Down Latest Move Against Manager Alvin Jackson
Bunnell City Commissioner Jan Reeger Monday evening again raised questions about City Manager Alvin Jackson’s future only to be shut down by Mayor Catherine Robinson, who maneuvered to stop Reeger from finishing her arguments or make a motion.
Why I Filed the Complaint Against Belle Terre Principal Terence Culver
Stephen Furnari, author of the complaint against Belle Terre Principal Terence Culver, cites misappropriation of funds, sexual harassment and hostile workplace, discrimination and nepotism and retaliatory practices, among other issues.
Wine, Water and Song: Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade Deadline Extended
Organizers for the 37th annual Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade have extended the deadline for boat registrations to December 6. The parade is scheduled for Dec. 7. A record 47 boats participated in the parade last year.
Belle Terre Elementary Principal Culver ‘Retires’ As District Investigates Allegations of Hostile Work Environment
Belle Terre Elementary Principal Terence Culver was under internal investigation over a hostile work environment when he announced his “retirement,” following other investigations that looked at unaccounted funds in the PTO account and issues with disciplining of a special education student.
Two Engineering Companies On Contract With Bunnell Giving City a “Gift” For Its Christmas Event
Kimley-Horn and CPH Engineers, on contract with Bunnell city government, made a combined $1,750 gift to the city for its Christmas event on Dec. 13, a gift city officials say is no different than any corporate sponsorship of city events.
Judiciary Lets Down Its Robes as It Celebrates Flagler County Judge Totten’s Investiture
Flagler County Judge Andrea Totten’s investiture at Channel Side in Palm Coast drew more than a dozen judges and nearly as many ceremonial presentations and speeches advising the judge on her new course.
Kentucky Fried Chicken on Old Kings Road Target of Bomb Threat
The Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant at 3 Old Kings Road North in Palm Coast was the target of a bomb threat Saturday evening, forcing the business to be evacuated and surrounding traffic rerouted for several hours. No bomb was discovered after a bomb squad from Volusia County searched the premises.
Richard Petkovsek, Decorated Sheriff’s Deputy, Is Arrested and Suspended Without Pay
Richard Petkovsek, a Flagler County Sheriff’s detective who just weeks ago received the latest in a series of commendations during his five years with the sheriff’s office, was arrested on misdemeanor charges of disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest without violence outside a St. Augustine bar early this morning. The sheriff’s office then suspended him without pay, in accordance with agency policy.
County Administrator Cameron Sells Land to Commissioner Joe Mullins’s Company for $405,000, then Pays Off Home Mortgage
Flagler County Administrator Jerry Cameron sold a parcel of land on U.S. 1 in St. Augustine to the Mullins Companies for $405,000 in August in what Cameron described as an “arms-length transaction” with Joe Mullins, the Flagler County county commissioner.
Broken Taillight Leads to Sex Offender Out on Bond, In Possession of Weapons and Drugs
Christopher E. Raymond, 33, of 7 Burma Place in Palm Coast, who’d spent 10 of the last 15 years in prison, was pulled over for a broken brake light and was found in possession of weaponry and drugs.
Weekend Briefing: Holiday Fair, All Things Christmas Sale, Judge Totten, Festival of Trees, Kate Miller at Salvo
Artist Kate Miller opens at Salvo, the Flagler County Public Library’s 18th annual Festival of Trees, Christmas sales at Trinity Presbyterian and Santa Maria del Mar, concerts and plays.
Search Fatigue or Satisfaction Limit Turnout at Public Forum on Choosing Next School Superintendent
Just eight people participated in a public forum designed to hear ideas about what sort of school superintendent should be hired next, what challenges lay ahead and what works in the district today.
It’s All About Landing UNF as Palm Coast Rallies Cities and County in Show of Unity Before Legislative Delegation
Local cities and the county joined Palm Coast in an unprecedented show of unity and common goals at Thursday’s annual legislative delegation meeting, to press Rep. Paul Renner and Sen. Travis Hutson for support in bringing the University of North Florida to Palm Coast’s Town center.
Behind AdventHealth’s da Vinci Robot, Sharp Improvements in Patients’ Recovery and Lesser Pain
Dr. Steven Brown, a surgeon behind the da Vinci robot at AdventHealth Palm Coast, described the machine’s successes through 1,000 surgeries at a Common Ground breakfast presented by the Chamber of Commerce this morning.
Palm Coast Firefighters Host Mental Health and PTSD Awareness Training
The Palm Coast Fire Department is being proactive in taking steps to raise awareness to the effects of PTSD by participating in its first department-wide mental health training.
A Case of Bruising Corporal Punishment Is Deemed Child Abuse and a 46-Year-Old Father Is Jailed
Ramon Pardo, 45, faces a felony child abuse charge after school authorities alerted DCF of bruising on his 10-year-old son’s body, the result of a “spanking” with a belt because the child had allegedly lied.
Dave Sullivan Is New County Commission Chairman, McDonald Retains School Board Chair
The titles don’t necessarily mean as much as they imply. No chairman or vice-chairman has more power than he or she would have had without the title, though some try to use more heft than they have.
School Board Rules Out Prayers at Meetings, Ending Controversy Started by August ‘Invocation’
School Board members Colleen Conklin and Andy Dance argued against the “circus” and divisiveness that would be invited if the board abandoned its custom of the last four decades and resumed opening meetings with prayers, ending a controversy began in August when Board Chairman Janet McDonald unexpectedly invited a pastor to offer an invocation.
Video Captures High-Speed Fleeing Through Bunnell and Capture of 2 in a Palm Coast Garage
Franklin Crawley, 37, of 34 Woodhollow Lane in Palm Coast, is accused of stealing his grandmother’s car before taking airborne and ground-based cops on a chase through Bunnell and Palm Coast. He and Christian Grasso, 37, were arrested. Both face felony charges.
UNF’s MedNex Plan With Palm Coast as Hub Creating “A Lot of Buzz” as Committee Deliberates
University of North Florida President David Szymanski this morning briefed a committee of the university system’s Board of Governors on UNF’s plans for an innovative “medical nexus” that would include Palm Coast and AdventHealth as key partners.
Flagler County Tells Sellers, Realtor and Inspector of Damaged Sears Building to Buy It Back or Get Sued
Flagler County commissioners voted to offer the sellers of the $1.25 million Sears building the chance to buy back the damaged structure or face a lawsuit. Flagler bought the building in November and discovered it to be damaged from a pre-existing water-intrusion condition.
New Cell Tower At Frieda Zamba Pool Will Improve Coverage for P and W Sections Starting Next Year
The Palm Coast City Council Tuesday is expected to approve leasing yet another site for a tall cell tower, the fourth in the past year and a half, to improve cell coverage in the city. AT&T is signed up for the 150-foot tower at Frieda Zamba pool, behind Wadsworth Elementary School.
Visiting Flagler, State Board of Education Singles Out Wadsworth’s Anna Crawford, a Finalist for State Award
Wadsworth Elementary Principal Anna Crawford is one of three finalists for the 2019-2020 Innovative Principal Award, and was recognized, along with one of her sixth grade students, during a state Board of Education meeting in Bunnell.
Some 33 Pounds of Cocaine Wash Up on the Beach Near Surfside Condos in North Flagler
The dark gym bag was dark and covered in barnacles and seaweed, and the 15 bricks within were covered in sand and seashells, suggesting that the bag had been in the ocean a long time.
Coastal Flooding Warning for Palm Coast East of I-95 and Flagler Beach
The National Weather Service Sunday morning issued a coastal flooding warning for Palm Coast and Flagler County east of I-95 and the entirety of the barrier island, including Flagler Beach.
Craig Coffey Lands Deputy Administrator Job in Okaloosa County, Ending Nearly Year-Long Search
The Okaloosa County Commission voted unanimously to confirm the appointment of Craig Coffey as deputy county administrator for $136,000 a year.
Children Speak Up in 2 Separate Cases of Alleged Child Abuse, Leading to Parents’ Arrests
Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies responded to two separate incidents of alleged child abuse in a 24-hour period in Palm Coast, both of them resulting in the arrest of parents involved: Andrew Bass, a K-Section resident, and Teresa Berndt, a W-Section resident.