It’s not here yet. But it’s spreading fast: a new, virulent strain of norovirus, an intestinal and very contagious virus that causes projectile vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms, and that has the Flagler County Health Department cautioning schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other such places to beware.
Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local News
Deadly Force Averted as Deputies Confront Another Troubled, Knife-Wielding Man
Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies drew their guns, then their Tasers, but ended up firing neither as Erik Flores, a 32-year-old resident of Lindsay Drive in Palm Coast, was wrestled to the ground and arrested in the latest confrontation between a potentially violent, mentally ill man and police, just five weeks after another 32-year-old man was shot and killed for wielding a machete at Flagler deputies.
Dennis Cross, Dauntless Palm Coast City Council Candidate in 2011, Is Dead at 78
Dennis Cross made his name as he fought his disqualification by redistricting and won that battle to be a candidate for the Palm Coast City Council in 2011, only to lose to Jason DeLorenzo by 36 votes, the narrowest margin in any Palm Coast election.
Flagler Sheriff’s Employee Arrested Over Leak to Her Son, Who Was Being Investigated
Elizabeth Cretella faces a third-degree felony charge that she leaked information of an active investigation of sex crime allegations to her son–Robert Allen–before he was to be questioned in connection with the allegations.
Flagler Beach City Government Wants to Take Over July 4 Events, But Unsure How
Flagler Beach government, eager to replicate Palm Coast’s method of making money from special events, would take over July 4 festivities run until now by the chamber of commerce, but city commissioners are uncomfortable with a complete take-over.
Would-Be Convenience Store Robber Arrested; A 15-Year-Old Faces Felony Arson Charge
William Cory Hall, Woodbury Drive in Palm Coast was arrested on a robbery charge resulting from a December incident at a Palm Coast Parkway convenience store, while 15-year-old Aatif Mims of Webb Place was arrested on an arson charge after firefighters responded to four fires in the W-Section Thursday night.
Daniel Biles, Former Bunnell Teacher’s Aide, Sentenced to 7 Years on Child Porn Charges
Daniel Biles, a former teacher’s aide at Bunnell Elementary school and a long-time employee of the district, pleaded no contest to 20 charges of possessing child pornography, and will serve seven years in state prison and five years on sex-offender probation.
Flagler Sheriff Deputies Will Respond to Many Medical Calls in Policy Shift Triggered By Death
The change, the first significant and visible policy change of Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre’s new administration, is a direct result of the hit-and-run death of Françoise Pécqueur in Palm Coast’s C-Section in November 2011, when medical and fire units were dispatched, but cops didn’t get to the scene until six hours after the incident.
Flagler Education Foundation Appoints 6 New Board Members
The new board members include Michael Beadle, Shelley Chapman, Jean Hunter, Matthew Maxwell, Meredith Rodriguez, and Dorothy Sperber, who are now part of a 15-member board.
As Gov. Scott Calls for $2,500 Teacher Raise, Reactions Are More Skeptical Than Jubilant
Even in Flagler County, teachers and the school board chairman reacted to Gov. Rick Scott’s proposal with a mixture of skepticism and guarded optimism, as questions about math, political motives and local control abound.
To Combat Bullying, Middle School Student Wants Gay-Straight Alliance, But Officials Balk
As Flagler County schools continues to grapple with bullying through various forums, middle school student Bayli Silberstein in Leesburg sees a Gay-Straight-Alliance club at her school as one measure against bullying–but school officials have so far resisted, in sharp contrast with their admission of other clubs, such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Lowe Family Brings Rain of Children and All-But-Kitchen-Sink Music to Flagler Auditorium
The Lowe Family’s six children and accompanists, at the Flagler Auditorium Thursday evening, make it a point to dare every musical genre, every instrument, every move, all wrapped in feel-good flags.
With Stern Words on Process, Flagler School Board Ratifies Private Hire of Cop at Old Kings
Board members Sue Dickinson and Colleen Conklin raised issues with the preferential message the private-pay guard at Old Kings Elementary may send to other schools, and the way the decision was made without the board’s knowledge. Three board members had no issue with the process. All five welcomed the check.
Red-Light Cameras on Palm Coast Parkway Used to Arrest Hit-and-Run Suspect
The arrest is the latest indication of the sheriff’s office stepped-up use of Palm Coast’s traffic cameras, which are increasing from 10 to more than 50, and blanketing all the city’s major and medium intersections.
Palm Coast Cited Among Florida Cities Most Vulnerable to Climate Change in Latest Review
The federal National Climate Assessment just released names Palm Coast among four Florida cities vulnerable to sea level rises and other vulnerabilities to climate change. Flagler County has no comprehensive initiative locally to frame long-term climate-change policy collectively.
Parent at Old Kings Elementary Hires Full-Time Armed Guard at Her $12,000 Expense
Laura Lauria put up $12,000 just for the first two months’ cost of a full-time sheriff’s deputy at Old Kings, an arrangement carried out without the school board’s knowledge and outside normal policy and legal oversight, though school and sheriff’s officials welcome it–with caveats.
Car and Semi Tangle on I-95 and Dive Down 30-Foot Ravine in Sunday Morning Wreck
I-95 just north of the Old Dixie Highway exit was the scene of a spectacular crash at dawn Sunday, as a semi truck and a Lincoln Town Car collided, then jointly swerved off the highway and down a 30-foot ravine, into a retention pond, seriously injuring the truck driver.
Stephen Sondheim Sidles Up to Palm Coast in “Side by Side” at City Repertory Theatre
“Side By Side By Sondheim,” a revue opening at Palm Coast’s City Repertory Theatre Friday, is a clever reinvention of Stephen Sondheim’s lyrical genius by way of his classics, from “West Side Story” to “Sweeney Todd.”
Preliminary Report on Plane Crash Adds Little New as Homeowner’s Trauma Endures
The federal investigation into the plane crash that killed 3 and demolished a house in Seminole Woods revealed that the plane’s oil pressure was zero just before the crash. Susan Crockett, the home owner, said Friday that she had no plans to return to that neighborhood, and described her traumas since the crash.
Oceanside Co-Owner Lulgjuraj Joins Mealy And Settle in Flagler Beach Commission Race
Flagler Beach City Commission incumbents Jane Mealy and Steve Settle are being challenged by John Lulgjuraj, owner of Flagler Beach’s Oceanside Grill, in the March 5 election. Two of the three candidates will win.
Unemployment Rates in Flagler and Florida Improve Even as 15,300 Fewer Have Jobs
Unemployment in December fell to 8 percent in Florida and 11.2 percent in Flagler County, lowest in four years, yet Florida lost more than 15,000 jobs, and Flagler lost 76, as the weak recovery combines with harsher rules discouraging workers from seeking unemployment benefits or staying in the labor force.
Colleen Newman of Belle Terre Elementary And Sue McVeigh Are School District Champs
First-grade teacher Colleen Newman of Belle Terre Elementary is the Teacher of the Year, Sue McVeigh, a parent specialist in the district’s Exceptional Student Education administration, is the employee of the year.
Public Employees Lose as Florida Supreme Court Upholds 3% Pension Dip
Last Updated: 12:55 p.m. The Florida Supreme Court, in a much-anticipated but very divided 4-3 ruling, today sided with the Legislature, and against public employees, by upholding a 2011 law that requires all public employees to contribute 3 percent of their pay to the Florida Retirement System, a pension fund. In a majority opinion by […]
Bunnell Mayor Robinson Coasting to Re-Election Unopposed; 3 Vie for 2 Other Seats
As in 2010, Mayor Catherine Robinson is facing no opposition, with Friday’s qualifying deadline fast approaching. Commission incumbents Elbert Tucker and Daisy Henry have qualified, with just one additional candidate, Bill Baxley, in the mix.
Only Mild Opposition as Palm Coast Council Prepares to Raise Utility Rates 22% in 3 Years
To avert a crisis with its creditors, Palm Coast will raise water and sewer rates 22 percent over the next three years, beginning with an 8 percent increase this March. Residents’ rates are increasing to ensure that the city’s debts can be paid.
Trouble on Matanzas and Rymfire School Buses, A Fight at Palm Coast’s Homeless Camp: Flagler 911
Allegations of a racist assault on a Matanzas school bus, a fight at the homeless camp along Palm Coast Parkway, a 3-year-old girl is attacked by a Humane Society pit bull mix at PetSmart, the Mondex is the scene of an angry, bloodied couple’s arrest, and more from the blotter since the new year.
16-Year-Old Matanzas High Student Accused Of Raping 14-Year-Old in School Stairwell
D’Shawn Hosang, who was on probation for burglaries in July, was accused of raping a 14-year-old girl Monday morning after both students had secured hall passes while the rest of the school was in second period.
Man Found Dead at 16 Covington Lane Was Murdered; Sheriff Seeking Leads
The Medical Examiner determined that the middle-aged white man found in a shallow marsh behind 16 Covington Lane in Palm Coast was murdered, but the body is so decomposed that identifying it has been impossible so far.
Citing “Sorry State of Affairs,” Sullen Flagler Library Board Asking for a New Tax to Survive
The Flagler County Library Board of Trustees chairman’s report to the county commission this evening is sullen and frustrated in tone, and at times directly critical of the commission for too stingily supporting the library over the past few years. It will also ask for the creation of a new taxing district to support the library.
Richard Resnicoff, 68, of Grand Haven, Is Killed in a Puzzling Incident With His Wife
Richard Resnicoff, 68, was killed two houses down from his own in Grand Haven when he apparently jumped on the trunk of the car driven by his wife, Lucille Horton, and fell to the pavement, dying of severe injuries shortly after, on Saturday afternoon.
Bunnell’s Leroy Gadson Sentenced to Life in Prison On Murder and Robbery Conviction
Leroy Rashad Gadson is–was–a resident of 106 East Short Street in Bunnell. He will be a ward of the Florida prison system for the rest of his life following his conviction Friday on a second-degree murder charge and an armed robbery charge, and his sentencing to life in prison, plus 30 years.
Family Life Center Golf Tournament Fund Raiser on Monday
The Family Life Center, a private, non-profit Flagler County organization dedicated to providing free services to families and victims of domestic violence, is hosting a golf tournament fund-raiser for men and women at Palm Coast’s Palm Harbor Golf Club on Monday. Jan. 14.
Body Found in Marsh in Back of House Where Man Was Reported Missing in December
The body was discovered in the marsh behind 16 Covington Lane in Palm Coast Friday afternoon, when neighbors noticed vultures and had cited a smell emanating from where the body lay.
For Onan’s Sake Gentlemen, Please Keep Your Penises Holstered at Graham Swamp
For the third time in four months, men were arrested at Graham Swamp for acts involving the public display, and public handling, of a penis, this time involving 70-year-old Leslie Colombo and 68-year-old Charles Bitzer, who had separate encounters with men who turned out to be undercover cops.
Great American Songbook Tunes Into Palm Coast’s Older Ears at the Auditorium
The Great American Songbook, taking the Flagler Auditorium stage tonight, is the sort of period show ideally tuned to local demographics: older ears waxing nostalgic for the days when Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Judy Garland—as opposed to Rihana, Taylor Swift and Flo Rida—ruled the charts.
Hit-and-Run Fischer Case Set for March 25 Trial in Flagler, With Upwards of 60 Witnesses
The more than 60 witnesses on the trial list suggest the defense will undermine claims of a first-degree felony hit-and-run charge against Jamesine Fischer by focusing on her character and inconsistencies in witness statements, contrasted with the statements of expert witnesses.
The Funky Pelican Finally, Quietly Opens In Place of the Pier Restaurant in Flagler Beach
The Funky Pelican in Flagler Beach, a sister-restaurant of the River Grille in Ormond Beach, replaced–after protracted negotiations with the Flagler Beach City Commission–what had for years been the Pier Restaurant, which had long been in decline.
Cinderella With a Russian Twist and a Manly Stepmother Before Midnight at Auditorium
There are thousands of variants of Cinderella around the world. The State Theater of Russia brings its own to the Flagler Auditorium Thursday evening at 7:30, with color and surprises to spare.
Quoting—and Misquoting—Jefferson, Sheriff Vows Agency Will Breathe Air of Integrity
Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre’s swearing-in featured a large-tent invitation and sharp contrasts of style and intentions with the eight years of Don Fleming, but also a reminder from Manfre that imperfection is universal.
New Sheriff In Town: Jim Manfre Wastes No Time Firing, Demoting and Reorganizing
Even before he was to be sworn in at noon Tuesday, Sheriff Jim Manfre had radically reorganized the sheriff’s office in a manner bound to stir a mixture of resentment and approval, signaling an aggressively ambitious agenda.
Flagler Beach Fire Chief and 3 Others On Leave as Drinking Allegations Trigger Investigation
Fire Chief Martin Roberts, Assistant fire Chief Shane Wood, firefighter Jacob Bissonette and Fire Police Captain Steve Wood have been placed on leave following now-acting fire chief Robert Pace’s allegations that they had drank at the station or answered a fire call under the influence.
BB Gun Spree Shatters Windows on 7 Vehicles; Palm Coast Pawn Shop Robbed
The BB gun spree shattered windows on vehicles in several different sections of Palm Coast overnight on Jan. 3. Palm Coast Pawn and Jewelry on Palm Coast Parkway was robbed after a break-in on Saturday. The sheriff’s office is seeking leads.
Old Kings Elementary School Bus Involved in Minor 4:30 p.m. Wreck on Colechester
A Flagler County school bus carrying less than two dozen students from Old Kings Elementary School was involved in a minor wreck at 4:30 this afternoon at Colechester Lane and Colleen Court. No one was hurt.
Tony Hugueley, 64, Dies of Injuries After Driving Antique Chevy Into the Woods on A1A
Tony Hugueley, 64, of Palm Coast and Poolesville, Md., was driving alone in his 1956 Chevy Bel-Air on A1A in the Hammock when, for unknown reasons, he suddenly veered into the woods. He suffered severe head injuries.
After Fatal Plane Crash, Federal Investigators and One House Survivor Begin Picking Up Some Pieces
A plane traveling from Fort Pierce, Fla., to Knoxville, Tenn., with three people on board crashed into a house at 22 Utica Path off Seminole Woods Blvd. in Palm Coast shortly after 2 p.m. Friday afternoon.
Questions and Costs Abound as Flagler Moves to Acquire Troubled Plantation Bay Utility
Flagler County commissioners had more questions than answers even as they approved going ahead with a $5 million acquisition of the deteriorated Plantation Bay water and sewer plant, and throwing the county, in a hazy partnership with Bunnell, in the utility business for the first time.
Mondex’s Kenneth Morrow Is Shot and Killed in a Suicidal Confrontation With Volusia Cops
Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies attempting to negotiate with a suicidal man armed with a handgun opened fire and killed 52-year-old Kenneth Morrow of Daytona North Wednesday evening in Ormond Beach after Morrow “advanced” on deputies while brandishing a gun, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
On the Road 47 Years, Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension Land at Flagler Auditorium
The Flagler Auditorium Friday evening kicks off 2013 with Florence LaRue and the 5th Dimension, one of the most popular groups of the late 1960s and early 70s, though only LaRue remains from the original group.
In Prenup Haggling, County and Bunnell Agree to Split Old Courthouse, With Sheriff in Annex
In an at-times tense joint meeting between the Flagler County Commission and Bunnell’s commission, the two sides agreed to cede the old courthouse to Bunnell for a city hall, but the courthouse annex would remain in county ownership, and be turned over to the sheriff as a new headquarters.
Arrest Follows Violent Encounter on I-95 as Victim Attempts to Jump Out of Speeding Car
Henry Charles Holmes Jr. was booked into the Flagler County jail on New Year’s eve on eight charges of illegal drug possession, aggravated battery and domestic violence following an incident involving his girlfriend on I-95, where his girlfriend allegedly attempted to evade him by jumping out of his car even as it was speeding north.