The State Attorney’s Office settled on a deferred prosecution agreement that would eventually drop the misdemeanor charge against Bobby Pace, clearing the way for him to return to work at the fire department and possibly be named its fire captain next month.
Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local News
School District, County’s Largest Employer, Starts Health Clinic Experiment With Florida Hospital Flagler
The $288,000 annual contract with Florida Hospital Flagler’s Prompt Care Clinic will allow 1,400 of the school district’s 1,700 employees to seek out primary care at no cost, but with some restrictions. The district hopes it will lower the annual increases in premiums that employees and taxpayers have been bearing.
Sen. Thrasher Headlining Lunch Celebrating Chamber’s Leadership Flagler Graduation on Nov. 15
State Sen. John Thrasher will join the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce and the county’s economic development department as special guest and speaker at the “Think Flagler First” lunch on Friday, November 15 at Pine Lakes Country Club in Palm Coast.
Learning To Love Flagler’s IB Program: Students Turn Myth-Busters For 400 People
A pair of introductory meetings about FPC’s IB program, for students from 5th grade and up, drew more than 400 people who heard from IB students eager to demolish false impressions and stereotypes about the program and encourage more parents to sign up their children for Flagler County schools’ crown jewel.
Red-Light Running Smash-Up Knocks Over AT&T Van on Old Kings and 100; Drivers Escape Injury
The intersection of Old Kings Road and State Road 100 in Palm Coast was the scene of a spectacular two-vehicle crash that left an AT&T work van on its side in the middle of the intersection after a car that ran a red light struck it. But both drivers somehow escaped injuries and were walking around at the scene.
Caught On Video, Dollar General Burglar Attacks Cigarette Machine, Fails, Then Flees
The suspect broke into the Dollar General on Palm Coast Parkway this morning. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a white male about 6 feet tall in a black hooded sweatshirt who left the store on a mountain bike after he unsuccessfully tried to break the glass pane on a cigarette machine.
Fall Kills Roofer Roberto Martinez, 43, As He Worked on a New Plantation Bay House
Flagler County had seen a deep lull in construction-related injuries and fatalities since the end of the housing boom in late 2006. But construction activity has picked up significantly this year. Roofers have the fourth-most dangerous job, going by fatality rates in the industry–after loggers, fishers and aircraft pilots and engineers.
Palm Coast Man, 35, Accused of Lascivious Acts After Attacking A Woman in Flagler Beach
The 52-year-old victim was taking in the sea air at a picnic table at North 5th Street on A1A in Flagler Beach when Alexander Paler of Willow Drive in Palm Coast accosted her and began allegedly molesting her and restraining her every time she tried to leave. The victim was able to use her skills in dealing with mentally disabled people to diffuse the situation.
Woman Injured in Belle Terre Collision at Bridgehaven; Two Teens In Other Car Unhurt
A two-car collision at Belle Terre Parkway and Bridgehaven Drive in Palm Coast at 9 this morning sent Faith Morrison of Palm Coast to the hospital after her car was T-boned and overturned by another car driven by 18-year-old Nicholas A. Knight-Lashbrook. The teen and his passenger, also a teen-ager, was unhurt.
In Vose Law Firm, Bunnell Picks Mother-Son Team as Its New Attorneys, for $7,000 a Month
Burned this summer by monthly legal bills of $24,000 and $35,000, and by its attorney’s resignation, the Bunnell City Commission on Thursday voted unanimously to hire Winter Park-based Vose Law Firm to represent it, for what appears to be a cut rate, relatively speaking.
Always Up For Strange Cases, City Repertory Theatre Does Halloween With Jekyll and Hyde
With “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” which opens at 7:30 tonight for a two-weekend run, Palm Coast’s City Repertory Theatre at Hollingsworth Gallery is back to its dark delights with a scary, profound and edgy play of the Robert Louis Stevenson Classic.
Flagler Beach Again Punts on Mobile Food Vendors, Opting to Redraw Looser Regulations
In their latest wrangles over whether to allow mobile food vendors or not, Flagler Beach commissioners appeared confused about who would be allowed where, and how to balance the rights of property owners with the rights of business owners and entrepreneurs to freely compete, without the city’s interference.
Nothing Flagler Can Do About Divisive Vacation Rentals, Attorney General Bondi Confirms
The expedited Attorney General’s opinion cited Flagler County’s own absence of regulation of vacation rentals before 2011 as one reason the county’s hands are tied in controlling what has become a center of conflict for permanent residents of the Hammock. Since 2011, a state law prevents local governments from imposing new regulations.
School Board Members Don Aprons and Wait Tables in All-Day Fundraiser at Bob Evans Today
Until 9 tonight, 15 percent of sales attached to the Flagler school district’s fundraiser at Bob Evans in Palm Coast will go to a special fund for needy students. School board members, the superintendent and other top district staffers are participating in hopes of drawing patrons.
As the Flagler Beach Fire Department’s Court Cases Churn On, 11 Apply for Top Post
Eleven men have applied to be Flagler Beach’s next fire chief, a position the city reclassified as “Fire Captain.” It is widely believed that City Manager Bruce Campbell will award the post to Bobby Pace, the suspended firefighter fighting a first-degree misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice–a charge that may be settled with a deferred prosecution agreement this week or next.
Woman and Teen Boy Injured in SUV Flip On US1 South of Matanzas Woods Pkwy.
A woman and a teen-age boy sustained minor injuries when their Honda SUV careened out of control on US1 this afternoon, flipping several times and ending up on its roof. The woman and the boy, whose left arm was bandaged at the scene, were taken to Florida Hospital Flagler.
Rep. Travis Hutson Will File a Bill on Animal Abuse Reporting Proposed by Flagler Students
Florida Rep. Travis Hutson worked for weeks with FPC and Matanzas High students on a mock legislative process that culminated today in a student vote choosing actual bill Hutson will file at the Legislature in the coming session. The exercise gave students direct insights into the legislative process.
Beyond Rebecca Sedwick’s Suicide: Colleen Conklin Campaigns for More Cyberbullying Awareness
More laws, mandates and prohibitions won’t work, Flagler County School Board member Colleen Conklin says, but more current awareness of the variety of online apps and social sites, where cyberbullying thrives, and more responsibility from both teens and their parents, are more likely to stem a pattern of bullying-induced teen suicides.
Bikers’ Memorial: Second Annual Sgt. Frank Celico Fun Run Set For Oct. 27
The fund-raiser of the Frank Celico Memorial Foundation raises money to buy bikes and helmets for children who can;t afford them. The $20 donation includes lunch at the White Eagle in Korona, on U.S. 1. Registration begins at the Elks Lodge at 9 a.m. The ride begins at 10:30 a.m., with a police-escorted course to the White Eagle. The event is sponsored by The Blue Knights of Florida.
Under Pressure from Sheriff and Fire Chiefs, County Heralds Emergency Management Changes
Troy Harper, Flagler County’s emergency management director for the past four years, has resigned and will be replaced by Ken Guthrie, who was hired in September, leading to speculation at the time that Harper was on his way out. Harper denied it then.
Palm Coast Slams Tree Lawsuit, Citing “False, Misleading and Unsupported Allegations”
Palm Coast’w response to Dennis McDonald’s attempt to stop the alleged “impending” tree removal around the Palm Harbor Shopping Center is that no such removal is imminent, but that even if it were–and there are indications that it will soon be–McDonald should be suing the center’s developer, not the city.
Would-Be C-Section Burglar Blames Xanax; Shoplifter Sees Taser After Swiping Lego Sets
Ruben Cortes, 23, of Campbell Court in Palm Coast, was jailed for the 12th time in five years after an alleged attempted burglary on Carr Lane. A sheriff’s deputy took out his Taser (but didn’t fire it) to arrest Elliott Dixon, 19, after Dixon was seen taking bed sheets, clothing and Lego sets at Walmart, and evading a Walmart employee who tried to stop him.
Ronald Salyer, 55, Is Killed as Van Collides Head-On With His Motorcycle On U.S. 1
Ronald Salyer, a 55-year-old resident of Middleburg in for Biketoberfest, was killed in a fiery crash on U.S. 1 at County Road 304 late Saturday night when his motorcycle collided head-on with a van that had driven into his lane.
Allen Shepard, 32, Critically Injured in Bike Wreck at US1 and Matanzas Woods
Biketoberfest 2013 officially began on Oct. 17. At 8:20 p.m. Friday (Oct. 18), Flagler County registered its first serious victim, Allen Brice Shepard, 32, of St. Augustine, who was flown to Halifax Hospital after the wreck at US1 and Matanzas Woods.
A 2-Year-Old’s Life Saved and a Murder Suspect’s Arrest Headline Sheriff’s 3rd Quarter Awards
Communications Supervisor Genice Caccavale was one of three department employees to win Employee of the Quarter awards, Sheriff Jim Manfre announced this week. Also winning were Detective Mark Moy and Detention Deputy Randy Vickers.
Taking Competition Seriously, FPC Focuses Its Own Promotional Video on Economic Impact
An eight-minute promotional and marketing video about Flagler Palm Coast High School, produced by students, reflects the intense competition even public schools now face to stay relevant, and is catching the eye of economic development officials, who see it as a means of broadening the county’s story and potential to prospective residents and businesses.
Embry-Riddle Training Plane’s Door Crashes to Pavement at 16 College Court in Palm Coast
A canopy door from a two-engine plane belonging to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University came undone during a training run over Palm Coast’s C-Section around 4:30 p.m. Thursday and fell to earth, slamming the pavement within yards of several houses around a cul-de-sac. No one was injured on the ground, and the pilot and trainee aboard the plane made it safely back to the Flagler County Airport.
Easter Seals Becomes Latest Charter Applicant Rejected by Defensive Flagler School Board
Counting Easter Seals, which planned to open two small charter schools for disabled 3 and 4 year olds, no fewer than eight applications for charter schools have been filed in Flagler in the last two years. Six were withdrawn, and two were rejected by the school board, which also forced once charter to close and saw another fail in mid-year and close shop.
Two-Truck Wreck Spills Oil and Diverts Traffic on I-95 Bridge Over SR100
A segment of I-95 south at State Road 100 in Palm Coast was closed for over six hours from 10:30 p.m. Wednesday to 4:30 Thursday morning following a wreck involving three trucks, one of which was on another’s flatbed.
Bowing to Hammock, Thrasher and Hutson Will File Bills to Restore Vacation-Rental Regulations
Sen. John Thrasher and Rep. Travis Hutson made their pledge to repeal the vacation-rental law during the annual legislative delegation meeting in Flagler Wednesday, which drew more than a full house because of that controversial issue. But repeal is unlikely as the 2011 law, which makes it easier to operate a house as a mini-hotel, passed the Senate unanimously, and the House overwhelmingly.
Bunnell Mayor Robinson Refuses to Sign New Manager’s Contract as Divisions Persist
Bunnell’s new city manager, Lawrence Williams, will be paid $44,000 less than Armando Martinez, his predecessor, but Williams’s first meeting as manager Monday was heavy on rancor and sniping and light on olive branches as commissioners continued to parry over Williams’s contract and other matters, signaling no thaw in their cold war any time soon.
At Death’s Door 15 Months Ago, Firefighter Mike Pius Leads Life-Saving Water Rescue With Flagler’s Marine Unit
Flagler County Fire Rescue’s Marine Unit, led by Lt. Mike Pius and John-Edward Raffo, saved an Indiana visitor from the surf Monday in the Hammock. Pius 15 months ago was in critical condition after a truck ran into his scooter. His recovery lasted seven months, and Monday’s rescue showed him–and his crew–in full form.
Matt Doughney Named Flagler Beach’s Police Chief (But Just Call Him Captain)
City Manager Bruce Campbell will be naming Matt Doughney, the former Daytona Beach cop and Avon Park police chief, Flagler Beach’s new police chief. Doughney will have the title of captain and be paid $58,000 a year.
Charges of “Redneck” and “Cracker” Trigger Gunshots and Arrest Over a Truck’s Donuts
Joshua Spencer, a 43-year-old resident of the Mondex (Daytona North), was arrested Sunday evening after allegedly hitting a man and firing a .357-caliber gun at his truck after blaming the man of doing donuts on Spencer’s property.
Strife-Ridden Bunnell Cancels $75-a-Plate Centennial Gala to Hold a Barbecue Instead
Only 17 people had RSVP’s with payment for the Nob. 8 black-tie gala in a city more riven by conflict than buoyed by centennial celebration. The Bunnell City Commission voted to hold a barbecue at a later date, with cost and caterers yet to be determined, though two commissioners may volunteer for duty.
23-Year-Old Charged With DUI Manslaughter Over Deaths of Lane Burnsed and Meredith Smith
Louis Prinzo, a 23-year-old resident of Ormond Beach, was arrested on eight charges, including four felonies, in the deaths of Lane Burnsed, 19 at the time of the July 26 wreck on I-95, and Meredith Smith, 17 at the time. Burnsed’s family issued a statement remarkable for its forbearance regarding Prinzo’s arrest.
CSI Flagler: Sheriff Launches Crime Lab and Inks $75,000 Deal With Private DNA Lab
Anticipating the day when FDLE’s crime labs will not be as readily accessible, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is investing in a crime scene investigator of its own, a mobile CSI unit, and a $75,000 annual contract with DNA Labs International, a private company, to more aggressively use DNA testing in property crimes.
Stolen Car Found Submerged, and Empty, at Palm Coast’s Hershel King Park
The vehicle, a late-model Kia Optima, was stolen in Broward County in the past 24-48 hours, and had been dumped at Hershel King Park’s boat ramp.
Pink Army’s Legions Take to Palm Coast for Breast Cancer Battles Past, Present and Future
Some 800 runners, walkers and cheerers gathered for Florida Hospital Flagler’s annual Pink Army Run through Palm Coast’s Town Center Sunday morning in the continuing battle against a disease that claims the lives of 40,000 women a year.
Crime Stoppers Hand Out $5,000 Reward, Largest Yet, for Tip Leading to Mobil Murder Arrest
The anonymous tipster helped lead to the arrest of Joseph Bova, who faces first-degree murder charge in the execution-style killing of Zuheily Rosado in Palm Coast on Feb. 21. Crime Stoppers upped its rewards for tips in homicide investigations from $1,000 to $5,000.
24-Ton Recycling Waste Pro Truck, Full to Capacity, Overturns in Palm Coast’s R-Section
A 24-ton Waste Pro recycling truck that was near the end of its run for the day overturned and crashed on its side on Palm Coast’s Reybury Lane at 3:15 this afternoon, slightly injury its driver, Bob Ackerman.
Ex-House Speaker Tom Feeney’s and Flagler Beach’s Firms Among 4 Vying for Bunnell Attorney Job
A law firm that includes Tom Feeney, the ex-Florida House speaker and congressman who landed on a watchdog’s list as one of the 20 most corrupt congressmen four years running, is among the candidates for Bunnell City Atttorney, as is the firm that has been representing Flagler Beach since 2008.
Focus on Flagler Sets Golf Fund-Raiser at Pine Lakes, for New Youth-Resilience Program
Focus on Flagler won a $25,000 Juvenile Justice grant to run the Creating Lasting Family Connections program locally, helping youths and their parents become more resilient in the face of social and personal difficulties. The golf tournament fund-raiser will help establish the program.
Flagler’s Public Safety Council Endorses Court-Ordering Ex-Felons to Evangelical Recovery House
The council—a collection of local police, court and other government agencies—provided the endorsement sight unseen and legalities untested, and based exclusively on a brief presentation by Charles Silano, the local pastor. Open Door Re-Entry and Recovery Ministry will be run out of a former church on Booe Street in Bunnell.
Flagler’s Teachers Still Waiting on Their $1,900 Raise as District and Union Negotiate Contract
Flagler’s teachers are in the same situation as teachers in 53 other counties where negotiations with unions have delayed the raises. A sticking point in Flagler: the district wants the authority to renegotiate annual “step” raises, while the union wants those step increases to continue to be awarded automatically, as they have been to date.
Town Hall Road Show: Residents Grill 4 Local Governments’ Heads in Freewheeling Forum
A 90-minute town hall forum brought some 50 people to the Palm Coast Community Center to grill and hear Flagler County Commission Chairman Nate McLaughlin, Flagler Sheriff Jim Manfre, School Board Chairman Andy Dance, and Palm Coast City Council member Jason DeLorenzo address a long list of public concerns in a rare and informal cross-agency discussion.
FPC Student Detained for Bringing Alcohol on a School Bus; 2 Arrested Over Stolen Gun
The 15-year-old student allegedly confessed to drinking alcohol at a bus stop, and bringing the drink on board the bus, which he then spilled when confronted. Kenneth James Kirsch Jr., 20, and Michael Shawn McRoberts Jr., 17, of Palm Coast, were arrested after a police raid on a Zoeller Court over a gun stolen in late September in the F Section.
For Taxpayers, A Rain of Excuses From Deficit-Ridden Palm Harbor Golf Club Contractor
Since Palm Coast began running the Palm Harbor Gofl Club on taxpayers’ dime in 2009, the facility has cost close to $6 million in capital and start-up costs, and annual deficits since. Contractor Kemper Sports told the city council Tuesday that it aims to break even next year, but greater success may be elusive as golfing faces numerous challenges.
Arthur Jones, Former Bunnell Police Chief And Civic Activist, Is Dead at 61
Arthur Jones, Bunnell’s police chief for four years until 2012 and a founder of the Alliance of Involved Ministries who relished his role as a mentor to children and youth, has died. He was 61.
Sheriff Defends Not Filing Report After His Department Car Is Scraped in Out-of-State Personal Trip
When Flagler Sheriff Jim Manfre took his department-issued Dodge Charger to Virginia to see family in August, the car was scraped while parked, requiring $250 to $350 in repairs. No incident report was filed. A local shop did the repairs for free, outside the county’s bidding process, though Manfre had reported it to fleet management.