An incident took place Sunday afternoon in Palm Coast’s R-Section that rattled a boy and his mother, and has since rippled beyond the R-Section into an alert throughout local schools about a potential sex offender. But evidence is based on a single report.
Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local News
Dismissing Affordable Housing Prejudices, Palm Coast Approves Brookhaven Apartments
The Palm Coast City Council Tuesday approved 4-1 the 45-acre, 117-unit Brookhaven apartments development in Town Center, which will provide housing to lower income residents and walkability to nearby areas.
Miller Killed Mulhall “With Depraved Indifference, With Ill Will, Hate, Spite,” Prosecution Argues
In the second day of Paul Miller’s trial (Monday was devoted to jury selection) the prosecution was piecing together a picture of a shooting no witness actually saw, but that several witnesses described in sounds and sights before, during and after the shots that claimed the life of Dana Mulhall on March 14, 2012 in Flagler Beach.
As Jury Is Seated in Paul Miller Murder Trial, Questions About Guns Weed Out Prospects
The most anticipated trial of the year—of Paul Miller, the 66-year-old Flagler Beach man accused of murdering his neighbor Dana Mulhall last year during an argument over Miller’s barking dogs—began Monday with jury selection, which by day’s end had seated an all-white jury of three men and three women, plus three alternates (a woman and two men, one of them black).
Matanzas High Student Allen Brown Tasered After Allegedly Punching Student and Deputy
Matanzas High student Allen Brown, 18, was Tasered by a Flagler sheriff’s deputy Monday after being involved in a fight with a 15-year-old student and allegedly punching the deputy, in the first use of a Taser on a Flagler school campus in six years.
Will Gerald Hofer, Feared School Attacker in December, Is Sentenced to Probation
Will Gerald Hofer, the 20-year-old who led police on a daylong chase in December over fears that he might attack a local school, was sentenced to three years’ probation Monday morning, with possibility of early probation termination. He was freed after spending five months in jail.
Flagler Beach’s Endowment Foundation’s $2 Million on List of Annual Legislative “Turkeys”
The Flagler Beach -based Florida Endowent Foundation for Florida’s Graduates’ $2 million appropriation, representing all its budget, is among the 107 items of Florida Tax Watch’s annual “turkey” list in the Legislature’s $74.5 billion budget.
Joseph Drenner, 50, Is Killed in Early Morning Wreck on U.S. 1; Companion Survives
Joseph Drenner, 50, was killed when he was ejected from a Toyota SUV his companion, Christina Laming, 41, was driving north on U.S. 1 in Palm Coast early Saturday morning. Charges are pending against Laming, who refused to have her blood tested at the scene for impairment.
With Medieval Wit and Drama, “Lion in Winter” Ends City Repertory’s Second Season
James Goldman’s “Lion in Winter”–opening at Palm Coast’s City Repertory Theatre this weekend–may be set in a Medieval Christmas, but the themes are as contemporary as family love, quarrels, mistresses and jealousies, and the action blazes with humor and passion.
Flagler’s Jobless Rate Drops to 9.3% as Local Employment Grows; Florida’s Falls to 7.2%
Florida’s unemployment rate fell sharply from the previous month, to 7.2 percent in April, as 17,000 jobs were created statewide, bringing the unemployment rate to its healthiest level since September 2008, when it was 7 percent. It also brings Florida’s rate below the national rate of 7.5 percent. In Flagler County, the rate fell two decimal points, to 9.3 percent, spurred by growth both in jobs and in the local labor force.
Flagler’s African-American Mentor Program Celebrates Another Year Against Odds and Age
The Flagler County African-American Mentor Program graduated 10 of its 62 students in a ceremony Thursday evening, attended by 42 mentors and parents and grandparents as the program, started by Jim Guines and John Winston, celebrated its ninth year.
Fleming Farewell: Flagler Crime Rate Falls to Lowest Level in 12 Years in Ex-Sheriff’s Last
In Flagler, crime declined in every major category except robberies (up by one), including overall domestic violence, though domestic aggravated assaults account for half the county’s total. The crime in Florida hit a 42-year low, with falling crime continuing despite the bad economy.
Speculative Bust: How Widening Old Kings Road Left Palm Coast on Hook for $6.7 Million
Palm Coast borrowed millions from its own utility fund to complete the Old Kings Road widening on the assumption that the economy would pick up and enable the city to re-finance with bonds. That never happened. Now the city is looking to recoup its money from property owners along the road, who’d agreed to a special taxing district but with optimistic assumptions of their own that never panned out.
Blacks Charge Cop Harassment and Bullying As County Cancels Block Party in Bunnell
When Bunnell police alerted the county of a large block party for South Bunnell’s black community the county had previously permitted–as a “picnic/party”–to take place on county land near Carver Gym, the county cancelled it. Monday evening, several members of Bunnell’s black community complained to the city commission of chronic harassment and bullying by Bunnell police.
Palm Coast Historical Society Moving to Holland Park in Latest of Nomadic Moves
The Palm Coast Historical Society will leave its digs at Matanzas High School for Activity Room B at Holland Park in its latest of many moves. The three-year arrangement, with the Palm Coast City Council’s blessing, will be at no cost to the society.
Ending 3rd Budget Drag-Out in 8 Days, School Board Settles on $1.8 Million in Cuts
After 13 hours of at times harrowing debate, the Flagler County School Board by Tuesday evening settled on $1.8 million in cuts, sparing most programs but not Everest alternative school. The cuts will be restored should voters approve a tax referendum on June 7.
Andy Dance: Why I Will Vote “Yes” On the School Tax Referendum
“I will vote for the half mill, and I ask those that are on the fence or are leaning “no” to reconsider,” writes Andy Dance, the Flagler County School Board chairman, who has himself reconsidered his earlier opposition to the full .50-mill tax referendum. He explains why.
School Board Chairman’s Q&A on Flagler District’s 0.5-Mil Tax Referendum on June 7
Flagler County School Board Chairman Andy Dance has been taking and answering questions on the referendum, on June 7, proposing to raise property taxes modestly to ensure the continuation of certain academic programs. The full Q&A is published here.
In Flagler Beach, a First Friday Flare-Up Derails a Hot-Rod Idea, Cautioning Businesses
Flagler Beach has been urging businesses to get involved in planning First Friday events. A restaurant owner did, only to see her initiative–a hot rod contest judged by commissioners–cancelled, costing her $1,000, over questions Commissioner Steve Settle raised about the legality of Commissioner Jane Mealy’s judging the auto contest.
Its Value $26 Million in the Hole, Bunnell Rethinks Downtown Redevelopment Zone
Bunnell established its 800-acre downtown redevelopment zone in 2007, assuming that most tax revenue generated there could then be reinvested in the area to reinvigorate it. Instead, property values fell $26 million in the zone, forcing the city to rethink the CRA’s viability.
Paul Bouler, 49, Found Dead of Self-Inflicted Gunshot at Varn Park After an Argument
Paul Pete Bouler Jr., a 49-year-old lawyer, was found dead in his car at Varn Park Saturday night in an apparent suicide by firearm, about an hour and a half after he’d left his Palm Coast home after an argument with his wife.
At Hollingsworth Gallery:
JJ Graham’s Furious Marathon
In “Marathon,” his first one-man exhibit in two-and-a-half years, JJ Graham fills his own Hollingsworth gallery with a tour de force of a show featuring almost all new work created in the last 10 days and combining humor, surprises, shock, beauty, narcissism, polemic, and an open dare.
Burglarized Palm Coast Homeowner Briefly Sets Chase; Suspects Later Caught in Volusia
Though Sheriff Jim Manfre doesn’t recommend it, a burglarized homeowner in Palm Coast’s E Section chased two suspected burglars Friday and got key descriptions of their car and clothes, helping to lead to further chases and the two individuals’ arrest in Volusia County Friday afternoon.
Flagler Beach Police Seeking Help Identifying ATM Robber in Planet-of-the-Apes Mask
A potential victim of an ATM robbery at the Flagler Beach Sun Trust on Thursday was startled when the assailant was a robber in a monkey suit. The victim punched the assailant, possibly hurting him. Flagler Beach police is seeking help identifying the man in the monkey suit.
Sheriff Opens Palm Coast Precinct at City Market Place, Halving Cost, Not Space Needs
On Friday, the Sherif’s Office office opened its newest Palm Coast precinct, at City Market Place, a two-storefront 2,600-square foot space at $2,.000 a month that’ll add new life to the struggling shopping center in the heart of town, and a few doors down from the Palm Coast city offices.
Flagler Beach Bats Down Fire Department Consolidation, Agreeing Only to Ask Questions
Flagler Beach Commissioner Kim Carney’s proposal to formally ask the county for information on possible consolidation got no support but was replaced by a watered-down agreement to “ask questions” and have them answered by City Manager Bruce Campbell, through meetings with the county if necessary.
Closing Schools a Possibility With or Without Referendum as District Closes Budget Gap
The Flagler County School Board found the $1.8 million in cuts it needed to balance its books Thursday, but was also told that closing Indian Trails Middle, Wadsworth Elementary or Old Kings Elementary may become necessary by 2014-15 if enrollment declines persist.
Florida Hospital CEO David Ottati, Major Force in Local Economy, Leaving for Tavares
David Ottati, the CEO at Florida Hospital Flagler for the past seven years, where he oversaw a vast expansion that increased hospital employment past 1,000 and helped cushion the local economy’s severe downturn of the past few years, will be leaving the hospital to take a new post as CEO of the 269-bed Florida Hospital Waterman in Tavares, in Central Florida, in early June.
“In the Line of Duty”: Fallen Officers Are Remembered in Annual Ceremony
“What is the meaning of ‘In the line of duty?’,” Rick Staly, Flagler County’s undersheriff, said during his brief remarks at the annual commemoration of fallen law enforcement officers at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office this morning, before describing the meaning of ultimate sacrifice.
Palm Coast Man, Apparently Drunk, Drives His Car Into Publix Retention Pond on Belle Terre
A Honda belonging to Joshua Hilton of Palm Coast was spotted partly submerged in the retention pond in front of the Town Center Publix Wednesday morning. Hilton himself had been found drunk nearby several hours before, and taken home by police.
Palm Coast’s Arbor Day Moves Back to Central Park on May 18
Palm Coast is bringing back its rescheduled Arbor Day celebration to Central Park (from Waterfront Park), on May 18. the event will be featuring a tree give-away, butterfly release, food drive, walk and run, exhibits and activities for children including a petting zoo, character visits and rock-climbing wall. Admission and parking are free.
As Closing a School Emerges as an Option, District Calls for Emergency Meeting Thursday
Despite some confusion about budget numbers described as a “moving target,” the Flagler school board was spending a day-long workshop to find some $1.7 million in cuts, many of them affecting educational programs directly.
Divided Flagler Commission Moves Ahead With $1.23 Million Option on Old Hospital
The vote to acquire the old 60,000-square-foot memorial hospital property in Bunnell followed a flash-lit tour of the building for the commissioners, but did not change the option agreement except to require an appraisal and extend the due diligence period to 90 days. The county would still be acquiring the building for $1.23 million, as is.
A Mondex Woman, 27, Is Attacked by 5 Pit Bulls as She Protects Her 6-Year-Old
Brandy Bookamer, 27, was attacked Sunday evening (May 5) by what were reported to be five pit bulls as she and her six-year old daughter walked near their home on Holly Lane in Daytona North, also known as the Mondex.
Mayor Netts and Fire Chief Beadle Show Their Coconuts and Bananas (For the Arts)
At the Flagler Auditorium’s Duck Dive, a fund-raiser for arts in education Sunday, Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts and Fire Chief Mike Beadle stole the show with their impersonations of pāʻū-clad Polynesian dancers. Here they are in two uncensored videos.
Stop Sign Blown on Lakeview Blvd. Wrecks 2 Cars, Sends One Victim to Hospital
A wreck just before 9 p.m. on Lakeview Boulevard–the road that continues north from Belle Terre Parkway, past Matanzas Woods Parkway–sent one person to the hospital and closed Lakeview between London Drive and Laramie Drive.
Flagler and Palm Coast Rainfall Totals Soak Up to 11.75 Inches in One Area
The heavy rainfalls of the last 48 hours in Flagler County, with more expected before rain tapers off during the weekend, ease drought conditions that have persisted over the region, and lower fire dangers. Rainfall totals broken down from across the county are included.
Other People’s Money: How Flagler County Is Closing on a Raw Deal at Taxpayers’ Expense
The proposed $1.23 million county acquisition of the old Memorial Hospital property in Bunnell reveals, especially in its fine print, its secrecy until now and gun-to-the-head May 6 deadline for commissioners to sign off on it, hurried deal-making that profits the sellers while exposing taxpayers to huge uncertainty and costs.
Sid Nowell Resigning as Bunnell City Attorney After 8 Years as Realignments Continue
Sid Nowell, citing health and other matters, will formalize his resignation at the Bunnell City Commission meeting Monday evening, giving Commissioner Eklbert Tucker a new opening to hire Lonnie Groot as his replacement–a move Tucker said he intends to make.
Yet Another Flagler School Bus Rear-Ended–on Pine Lakes Near Belle Terre
Less than 24 hours after a Flagler County School bus was rear-ended on State Road 100, another school bus was rear-ended by a pick-up truck on Pine Lakes Parkway in Palm Coast at 4 p.m. Friday afternoon, sending a teacher’s aide to a local clinic. No students were on the bus.
Flagler’s Tourism Industry Takes Its Pulse, Declares Itself Healthy, and Cheers Its “Heroes”
In Flagler County, 2,600 people work in tourist businesses, which have weathered the recession and are seeing strong, sustained activity. Flagler County’s annual Hospitality Employees Recognition of Excellent Service (or H.E.R.O.E.S.) awards lunch at the Hammock Beach Resort Thursday was an occasion for the county’s tourism industry to cheer its own.
Pick-Up Rams Stopped School Bus on S.R. 100; Student Aboard Is Uninjured
A GMC Sierra pick-up truck rear-ended a Flagler County school bus at 5 p.m. today (May 2) in the eastbound lanes of State Road 100, slightly injuring the pick-up truck driver. An 18-year-old girl on the bus and the bus driver were uninjured.
Church-State Separation Be Damned: Bunnell Sponsors 3rd Prayer Day, Invoking “God’s City”
Bunnell marked the national Day of Prayer for the third year with its own sponsored religious event, a distinctly Christian, evangelical-like service that features commissioners and the mayor offering prayers and pastors invoking Jesus’s name and god’s law above all others.
Can’t Say It’s Not Producing: Flagler’s Economic Arm Lands 4th Firm in 11 Months
Gioia Sails South, a supplier of boat interiors for Sea Ray Boats, will move 30 jobs to Palm Coast and create 10 more in the coming year, the latest success for the county’s Economic Development Council.
Flagler Schools Gets $5.3 Million in New State Dollars and Still Ends Up in the Hole
The Flagler school district is looking at next fall’s budget from a $1.4 million deficit despite a substantial increase in state dollars, because the state’s new revenue is attached with so many strings as to strangle the school district. Meanwhile, board members are looking to convince voters that a new property tax is necessary for needs beyond that deficit.
Forget Rio: Palm Coast Lands Soccer Academy in Planned Expansion of Economic “Niche”
The New Jersey-based Player Development Academy will build up to six fields on 65 acres west of U.S. 1 that will link with the Indian Trail Sp[orts Complex–and with Palm Coast’s sports-niche market, which has turned into an engine of economic development.
Stop-and-Frisk in Bunnell Turns Into Brawl With Officers, and Threats of a “Hit”
Theodore Moore, 25, was observed by a Bunnell cop allegedly trespassing–near Moore’s home. The cop briefly pursued Moore and handcuffed him, finding a gun and contraceptive pills on him as Moore resisted his arrest and dared cops to Tase him as a crowd gathered in South Bunnell.
Angela Wray Collapses as She Is Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison Over Defrauding Celico of $60K
Angela Wray was sentenced to three years in state prison and 15 years’ probation Monday afternoon, and required to repay the nearly $60,000 she embezzled from Celico Auto Body shop in Bunnell during the years she worked for Carlo Celico, a crime she maintained she never committed, blaming Celico instead.
Bizarre Story Aside, Aaron Kinney, Gas Station Robber, Is Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison
Aaaron Kinney of Palm Coast was sentenced to nine years in prison for the three gas-station robberies he committed in Palm Coast last July, supposedly because a man he owed money to made him do it while threatening to do harm to Kinney and his mother. Judge J. David Walsh did not believe Kinney’s story.
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.