Firefighters battled three residential fires in two days this weekend—two in Palm Coast, one in Flagler Beach—though in every case firefighters got to the scene fast enough to limit the damage. The county’s three fire chiefs spoke of the need for heightened safety vigilance around the holidays.
Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local News
Details Emerge in Saturday’s Shooting Death As Gordon’s Family Disputes Police Version
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office released a report detailing the events that led to a deputy’s shooting death of Troy Gordon on Brownstone Lane Sunday evening, but Gordon’s grandmother is disputing earlier reports that Gordon had been threatening to her, or damaging her house.
Flagler Humane Society Lands Big Grant to Offer Free Sterilization for Pit Bulls and Mixes
The Flagler Humane Society has landed an $83,000 grant through PetSmart Charities that will enable the society to offer free spay and neutering, microchips and rabies vaccination to 850 pit bull and pit bull mix dogs belonging to any Flagler County residents.
Flagler’s Adult and Community Education and FTI Announce Winter 2013 Classes
The Flagler County Schools’ Adult and Community Education Department announces the beginning of the Winter 2013 semester of classes. Winter Session will begin January 7, 2013. Students may register by phone from December 17 – 21 and January 2 – 9 by calling (386) 597-5480.
Deputy Shoots and Kills 32-Year-Old Wielding Machete in One Hand and Bible in the Other
A Flagler County Sheriff’s Deputy shot and killed a young man on Brownstone Lane in Palm Coast around 4:45 this afternoon as the man was wielding a Bible in one hand and a machete in the other, and had become violent toward his family.
Sheriff Fleming Restores to Full Rank Deputy Accused of Skimming Time, as Others Dissent
An internal investigation of Sgt. Jamie Roster, based on testimonies from men he supervised, had found him to have falsified time sheets for more than $8,000. The settlement between Fleming and the PBA means Roster will serve a one-day suspension without pay and be returned to full Sergeant duty in charge of the men who’d reported on him.
Palm Coast City Truck Collides With Faith Driving School Car on Red Mill, Injuring One
A Palm Coast pick-up truck belonging to the city’s public works department collided with a Toyota Corolla belonging to Faith Driving School on Red Mill Drive in Palm Coast, injuring at least one person, who was taken to Florida Hospital Flagler.
As Flagler Beach Asks for Hand-Outs, A Commissioner Asks for Employee Raises
Flagler Beach City Commissioner Marshall Shupe proposed a mid-year raise or a $500 bonus for employees. Three commissioners rejected the idea, citing process and timing, including the recent lay-off of some employees. They could have also cited Flagler Beach’s hat-in-hand requests for money from the county'[s tourism council and from Palm Coast.
BOLO: Christmas With a Deputy Will Light Up Target With 100 Children Friday Evening
Don’t panic: more than 60 cop cars with lights flashing and sirens blaring will take 100 children, with $150 gift certificate each, to Target at Town Center Friday, starting at 6:30 p.m.
15 Flagler County Rotarians Receive President’s Service Award, Highest Volunteer Honor
The Rotary Club of Flagler County is not exactly Obama country, but 15 of its 70 members (all past presidents) were surprised Wednesday evening when they received the presidential award, presented to those who’ve logged more than 4,000 volunteer hours in their community.
SWAT Team and Fire Flight Deliver: 20-Year-Old Is Caught at 3:25 p.m. on John Anderson Hwy
Three unrelated wrecks at US1 and Palm Coast Parkway kept emergency authorities busy, while at 8:30 the county’s two high schools and Daytona State went on lockdown following comments on Facebook school authorities were concerned about.
Conflict Over Hammock Vacation Rentals Dominates Legislative Meeting, To Little End
Florida House freshman Travis Hutson and John Thrasher, both Republicans and the sum total of Flagler County’s legislative delegation, listened to almost two hours of direct lobbying and appeal from local leaders and residents Tuesday evening in Bunnell, but distanced themselves from the evening’s most contentious issue: vacation rentals.
Palm Coast Approves 46% Stormwater Fee Increase, But Permanent Solution Still Elusive
The Palm Coast City Council is looking for ways to pay for a $7.5 million a year stormwater infrastructure. Residents’ stormwater fee will go up from $8 to $11.65 a month, while the council has until February to find a permanent solution that may push some fees even higher.
Calling It “Grinching,” 3 Palm Coast Teens Vandalize Through F Section Ornaments
Zachary Jacobs, Matthew Leslie Smith and James Joseph Rumph (the fourth), all 17, now facing felony charges for allegedly rampaging through Palm Coast’s F Section early Sunday morning, stealing Christmas ornaments, damaging mailboxes and smashing one car’s rear window.
Flagler County Escapes Damage from Severe Storms; Tornado Reportedly Strikes South Volusia
Unfounded rumors of tornadoes aside, Flagler County sustained only some strong winds for a brief period as strong storms surged through the area late Monday afternoon, and less than 1 inch of rain, says Troy Harper, Flagler’s emergency management director. No actual tornadoes were confirmed to have touched down.
Carrabba’s Opens In Palm Coast, Edging the City’s Economic Center of Gravity a Little North
Palm Coast’s Carrabba’s, the Italian restaurant, will add some local 82 jobs and further solidify economic growth along Cypress Edge Drive, while Town Center continues to wait for its equivalent day in the sun.
Florida Hospital Flagler CEO David Ottati in Awe of EMS Response at Trauma Wreck Scene
Florida Hospital Flagler CEO David Ottati witnessed the wreck of motorcyclist Brian Davis on john Anderson Highway Friday night, called 911, assisted the victim, then was in awe of Flagler County Fire Rescue’s paramedics at work as he’d never seen them beyond the hospital.
Woody’s Joe Rizzo, Incoming President of Flagler Education Foundation, Is Hurt by Fire
Joe Rizzo, co-owner of Woody’s Restaurant and the incoming president of the Flagler County Education Foundation, was preparing to host the foundation’s annual Christmas party at his house when his shirt caught fire, burning 11 percent of his body.
From Washington Oaks Gardens to Flagler Beach, a Drenching of Grayish Christmas Cheer
Flagler Beach’s parade packed A1A and ran for 75 minutes, while Washington Oaks Gardens’ Holiday in the Gardens drew more than 1,000 people who donated food and toys for the needy.
New York Tenors Bring Tri-Ethnic Flavors of the City, and Attitude, to Flagler Auditorium
Andy Cooney, Daniel Rodriguez and Michael Amante bring their Irish, Puerto Rican, and Italian-flavored voices and songs to the stage by way of a Christmas show, mixing favorites with that inimitable New York attitude.
Magnificent Minis Tangle with FPC Student Artists’ Work in New Flagler Art League Show
The exhibit of miniature art known as the Magnificent Minis is an anual event at the Flagler County Art League, as is the showcasing of Flagler Palm Coast High School’s rich trove of student art and design.
Two Overnight Wrecks–a Biker on John Anderson and a Car on I-95–Result in 2 More Critical Injuries
Brian A. Davis, 30, was critically injured when he lost control of his Harley Davidson on John Anderson Highway at 9:45 p.m. Friday. Another driver was critically injured when he lost control of his car on I-95, just north of the Palm Coast Parkway exist, at 3 a.m. Saturday.
14-Year-Old Boy Critically Hurt in Wreck on Palm Coast Parkway and Old Kings Road
Matthew Yarborough, 14, was critically injured and a 12-year-old boy had minor injuries following a two-vehicle crash on Palm Coast Parkway and Old Kings Road at 7:40 this evening (Dec. 7). Two adults involved in the crash–both drivers–were not injured.
Lumpkins Cousins and D’Corius Hill Arrested in R-Section Burglary Ring
D’Corius Hill, Cousins Raymond Lumpkins and Ebony Lumpkins lived together at Wellshire Lane in Palm Coast and were involved, with Jeremiah Harris, in burglaries in the R Section, including the incident that led to a police chase Monday.
Kangaroo Express Donates $110,000 To Florida Hospital’s Breast Cancer Pink Army
Florida Hospital Flagler received approximately $37,000 of the sums raised ntirely by customers’ donations at the Kangaroo Express registers throughout October in several counties, with the balance going to other Florida Hospital campuses.
Palm Coast’s Plan to Install Red-Light Spy Cameras on SR100 Faces New Obstacle
Flagler County runs the lights’ infrastructure, and must give its permission to Palm Coast to plug in its spy-camera system. The county, which opposes cameras on SR100, won’t grant permission.
Case Closed: Sheriff Fleming Will Pay $500 Fine to Settle Hammock Club Ethics Violation
the Florida Commission on Ethics is expected to approve the settlement agreement at its meeting next month, two weeks after Fleming will have left office after eight years as Flagler County Sheriff.
Devin Kolb Is 3rd Charged in Fregenti Money-Laundering Scheme Involving $3.22 Million
Devin Kolb on Tuesday was charged on one count of money laundering more than $100,000, a first degree felony, joining Anthony Fregenti and Michael Stevens in what the State Attorney’s office says involved a scheme to launder $3.22 million in five months between the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010.
Sheriff Fleming “Conflicting” Under Oath, But Cleared of Wrongdoing in Fischer Case
Sheriff Fleming made conflicting and inaccurate statements under oath regarding his phone calls with John Fischer following Fischer’s wife’s involvement in a fatal hit-and-run last year, a state attorney’s report concludes, but there’s no evidence of “improper or illegal contact” between the two men, the report states.
Paul Miller, Accused Flagler Beach
Murderer, Scheduled for Trial Feb. 25
Paul Miller, who faces a second-degree murder charge in the shooting death of Dana Mulhall during an argument in March, will go on trial on Feb. 25, or that week, after an appearance in court today.
As New Commission Chairman, Nate McLaughlin Quickly Flexes Unyielding Muscle
In a tense few minutes at this week’s Flagler County Commission meeting, McLaughlin refused to yield to Barbara Revels’s repeated request to hold on to her membership on the Public Safety Coordinating Council, which McLaughlin took over, as he did that of the powerful Tourist Development Council.
Two Damaging Chases, 2 Arrests, Innumerable Charges. But Should She Be in Jail?
Deborah Brinkman, 60, took Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies on two car chases through Palm Coast in seven days, damaging three police cruisers, and was jailed again Monday on several charges, including battery on a cop, but her behavior raises questions about the county’s ability to respond beyond jail to individuals with mental health issues.
David Brown, 55, of Palm Coast, Killed in Motorcycle Wreck on Deadly Stretch of U.S. 1
A 55-year-old Palm Coast resident was killed at 10 p.m. Monday when he lost control of his motorcycle on a notoriously deadly curve on U.S. 1, just south of the intersection with Belle Terre Boulevard and north of County Road 304.
Flagler School District Cut from $30 Million Race-to-the-Top Grant; Rezoning Still Ahead
The $30 million federal grant–a third of the district’s annual budget–would have let the district turn all its middle and elementary schools into K-8 magnet schools of choice, with transportation. Nevertheless, the district still plans to adopt several reforms, including converting Indian Trails into a K-8 center, and countywide rezoning.
Ex-Cop Jailed After Taunting Neighbor With Shotgun and “Stand Your Ground” Sign
Douglas Pulaski, a 50-year-old former police officer and resident of the W Section in Palm Coast was arrested Saturday night after displaying a 20-gauge shotgun at a neighbor and allegedly telling him “I never miss” as he pointed to a hand-painted sign in his driveway that read “Stand Your Ground.”
Manfre Picks Rick Staly as Undersheriff, Passing Over O’Brien, Who’ll Be Chief Deputy
Incoming Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre’s appointment of Rick Staly as undersheriff signals Manfre’s intent to shake up the internal workings of the agency while maintaining some continuity with O’Brien, who’d risen to chief deputy during Manfre’s first tenure between 2001 and 2004.
R-Section Cop Chase Ends in 3 Arrests and a Crash; Rymfire School Briefly Locked Down
Three men are in police custody this morning, one of them after a lay-over at Florida Hospital Flagler, following a chase through Palm Coast’s R Section that ended with an SUV’s crash in the middle of Royal Palms Parkway.
66-Year-Old Palm Coast Man Jailed for Drunk Driving After Crash on Pine Lakes Parkway
Raymond C. Jakubielski, a 66-year-old resident of Woodfern Place in Palm Coast, was charged with DUI after crashing his car into Robert Hunt’s on Pine Lakes Parkway Thursday evening. Both men escaped serious injury.
Almost 6 Years in the Making, Facelift of Pine Lakes Parkway North Begins on Dec. 4
On Dec. 4, Palm Coast will begin repaving Pine Lakes Parkway North, widening its shoulders, adding a 10 foot-wide bike and exercise path and street lights, and burying utility lines. The project will take some 9 months.
Young Couple Robbed at Gunpoint By 3 Ski-Masked Men In Seminole Woods Home
Timothy and Rishanda Ivey were in the kitchen of their Slowdrift Turn house in Seminole Woods Wednesday morning when they were invaded and assaulted by three men in ski masks who proceeded to rob Timothy, search upstairs, and steal his handgun from his car.
Robert Gill’s Mark Twain Takes Palm Coast at City Repertory Theatre
Robert Gill has taken Mark Twain all over Florida, performing in Jacksonville, Orlando, Avon Park, and St. Augustine, but this will be the Palm Coast debut, and it flows with whiskey and irreverence.
Threatening Palm Coast Data, Threatening a Horse, and an Odd Car Chase: Flagler 911
A caller threatens Palm Coast Data with violence when he claims the company released his personal information, a homeless woman leads cops on a car chase, a man learns that threatening to shoot horses is a crime, a woman loses her job–and is then arrested for domestic battery, and a long list of property crimes and drunk driving charges.
Doug Baxter, Flagler Chamber President Since 2007, Resigns Unexpectedly; DeLorenzo Leads
Doug Baxter was president since 2007. Rebecca DeLorenzo is taking over for now. The chamber was facing some financial issues, and the resignation was not internally as surprising as it appears from beyond the chamber walls.
Plea in the Works for Charles Cowart, Who Was Chased Through Bunnell on Horseback
Charles Cowart, the 29-year-old man who led police on a chase through Bunnell as he rode a horse through town the afternoon of Sept. 24, was jailed again on a public intoxication charge Nov. 20, but will likely not face trail on the four felony and misdemeanor charges he incurred in September.
Growth Industry: Cops Bust Third Palm Coast Pot Grow House in 9 Months, on Wheatfield
Authorities arrested Jorge Rodriguez, 61, and charged him with marijuana cultivation at 15 Wheatfield Drive in Palm Coast, where some 48 plants with a potential street value of $86,000 were discovered Monday.
Out-of-Control Car Dives Into a Pond Off I-95 in a Spectacular 2-Vehicle Wreck, Hurting Two
Amber Smith of Palm Coast lost control of her Honda on I-95 this morning, slammed into another car, and flew into a large pond 10 feet below the road level, but was able to crawl out of the half-submerged car and get rescued. An intricate salvage operation ensued.
Feed Flagler Recap: $17,000 in Donations; Johnston Reclaims Fund-Raising Trophy
Tax Collector Suzanne Johnston raised $5,001, or $1 more than Flagler County Sheriff Don Fleming, thanks to a last-minute, $1 donation from George Hanns, the county commissioner.
WNZF’s David Ayres, Voice of Flagler County, Is Named One of Nation’s Top Radio Managers
David Ayres, named one of Radio Ink’s 50 top radio managers in America, steered away from his parents’ tool and die shop to take on a career in radio and TV. He’s is ending one of his more successful years after overseeing the expansion of Flagler County Broadcasting to a fourth radio station.
Long Day of Cop Pursuits Nets 2 Arrests Over Thefts, Assaults and Evasions
William Ginrich was arrested for grand theft auto after brandishing a gun at a woman who’d allowed him to stay in her house. Austin Brammer led cops on a pursuit along Palm Coast Parkway before submitting to arrest after stealing a safe from his mother’s house.
Strings on Speed: Bowfire Brings Its Holiday Blaze to the Flagler Auditorium
Thursday, Bowfire returns to the Flagler Auditorium, this time with its new Holiday Heart Strings show, giving Christmas favorites the Celtic, Blue Grass, Rock, Texas Swing, Gypsy and Klezmer treatment.