Jill Woolbright is one of two candidates for Flagler County School Board, District 1, running against Cathy Moon. Woolbright, a former School Board member defeated in 2022, declined to participate, as she did in 2022. It is a non-partisan race: all registered voters regardless of party affiliation or non-party status may vote in the Aug. 18 primary, which will decide the winner, who will be sworn-in in November.
Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local News
The Wild West of Unregulated Private Schools in Florida and Elsewhere That Collect Taxpayer Dollars
An average of 100 new private schools have launched in Florida each of the last five school years. Florida and other states are taking a hands-off approach to regulating private schools that receive public money. School founders — in one case, a Florida woman prosecuted for sexual abuse who lost her license — often aren’t screened. Some states can’t even say how many of these schools exist.
Jeani Duarte, Palm Coast City Council Candidate: The Live Interview
Jeani Duarte is one of three candidates for the Palm Coast City Council, District 2, an open seat. She faces Tony Amaral Jr. and Jimmy Hengy. This is a non-partisan race. All registered voters in Palm Coast may cast a ballot in the Aug. 18 primary.
Jury Finds Jermaine Williams Guilty of Wife’s Premeditated Murder in 22 Minutes; He Now Faces Death Penalty Phase
A Flagler County jury convicted 54-year-old Jermaine Williams Sr. of first-degree premeditated murder today for the August 2, 2024, stabbing death of his 50-year-old wife, Yolonda Williams, in Bunnell. The prosecution successfully leveraged explicit home surveillance footage to prove premeditation. The trial now moves into the penalty phase on Monday, where prosecutors intend to pursue a death sentence for the defendant.
Bunnell Breaks Ground on $4.5 Million Brackish Water Treatment Plant to Supplement Potable Supplies
Bunnell broke ground on a state-funded $4.5-million brackish water reverse osmosis system at its utility plant Thursday. The system will provide 200,000 gallons of drinking water daily by September and will use two upper Floridian aquifer wells of brackish water to reduce strain on freshwater sources. The infrastructure project serves the existing city utility independently from the future 6,100-home Haw Creek Reserve development.
Powerful Evidence of Premeditation in Jermaine Williams Death Penalty Case as Family Testifies
The fourth day of the Jermaine Williams Sr. death penalty trial featured graphic surveillance videos and emotional family testimony as the defendant’s son and father recounted the fatal August 2024 stabbing in Bunnell. Further testimony revealed Williams intentionally disabled his wife’s car before the attack.
Jimmy Hengy, Palm Coast City Council Candidate: The Live Interview
Jimmy Hengy is one of two candidates for the Palm Coast City Council, District 2. This is a non-partisan race. All registered voters in Palm Coast may cast a ballot in the Aug. 18 primary.
Palm Coast Planning Board Unanimously Rejects 22,000-Home Western Expansion Over Unanswered Questions
The Palm Coast Planning Board unanimously voted down land use and rezoning changes for a 22,000-home western expansion by Raydient Wednesday evening as board members cited inadequate information on infrastructure, school capacity, tax base diversification and other issues. They expressed concern over the loss of regulatory control to future developers. The non-binding denial moves the requests to the City Council for a decision.
Facing Death Penalty for Wife’s Killing, Jermaine Williams’ Fate Rests With a Nearly All-Women Jury
Jermaine Williams Sr. will face a jury of 12 women and three men, including the alternates, in his death penalty trial for the stabbing death of his wife Yolonda Williams in Bunnell in 2024. The jury is almost all white, Williams is Black (one of the jurors is olive-skinned Mediterranean or possibly south Asian), but color is less relevant than gender in this trial: the jury’s lopsided make-up is a victory for the prosecution.
Tony Amaral Jr., Palm Coast City Council Candidate: The Live Interview
Tony Amaral Jr. is one of three candidates for the Palm Coast City Council, District 2. He faces Jeani Duarte and Jimmy Hengy. This is a non-partisan race. All registered voters in Palm Coast may cast a ballot in the Aug. 18 primary.
Palm Coast Council Struggling to Match Budget Needs, Including Cops, With Deepening Revenue Crunch
The Palm Coast City Council set a higher tentative maximum tax rate for next year that nevertheless does not close a $3.3 million gap between needs and projected revenue, including nine additional sheriff’s deputies. A slowing economy and a proposed constitutional amendment could severely reduce municipal revenues by 2028. Officials are struggling to balance funding for essential public safety agreements with cost-of-living increases and recurring operating costs amid declining local property valuations.
Angling for Life in Prison in Williams Trial, Defense All But Concedes Murder in Jury Selection Strategy
In the second full day of jury selection in the capital murder trial of Jermaine Williams for the driveway stabbing of his wife in 2024, Defense attorney Junior Barrett focused heavily on anchoring potential jurors to their individual moral authority to reject execution. Peremptory strikes depleted the initial pool down to 11 members, prompting Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols to summon 60 additional prospects to complete the final panel Wednesday.
Theresa Pontieri, Flagler County Commission Candidate: The Live Interview
Theresa Pontieri is a Republican candidate for Flagler County Commission, District 2 in the Aug. 18 primary, running against Greg Feldman. Only registered Republicans may cast a ballot in this race.
Found! Mosquito Control’s John Dunlop Discovers Stolen Turtle Patrol ATV Hidden In Woods Near Marineland
John Dunlop, an East Flagler Mosquito Control District technician, found the stolen Volusia-Flagler Turtle Patrol ATV hidden in the woods near Marineland on Monday. Thieves had stolen the vehicle from a nearby shed last month.
Pick-Up Driver Killed in Head-On Collision with Semi on SR100 Near Water Oak Road
A 57-year-old DeLeon Springs man died in a head-on collision on State Road 100 in West Flagler just after five Monday morning after his pick-up truck swerved into the eastbound lane and struck a semi-truck driven by a 59-year-old Port St. Lucie man. The semi driver sustained minor injuries.
‘Hardships’ and Anxious Reactions to Death Penalty Prolong Jury Selection in Williams Murder Trial
What is expected to be three days of jury selection started today in the death penalty trial of Jermaine Williams for the stabbing murder of his wife in Bunnell in 2024. All but 28 of the 75 potential jurors in the first pool were excused due to personal hardships, prior media exposure or issues with capital punishment. Judge Dawn Nichols is summoning 100 additional potential jurors Tuesday.
Greg Feldman, Flagler County Commission Candidate: The Live Interview
Greg Feldman is one of two Republican candidates for Flagler County Commission, District 2, an open seat this year: Greg Hansen has opted not to run again. In the primary, Feldman is running against Theresa Pontieri, who is completing her first term as a Palm Coast City Council member.
Ignite the Night! Fundraiser for Flagler Beach Fire Department at Tortugas July 18
On July 18, 2026, local non-profit Flagler Strong will host a community event & fundraising concert dedicated to supporting the Flagler Beach Fire Department (FBFD) and Ocean Rescue teams—doubling as the official 10th Anniversary Celebration for Tortugas Florida Kitchen & Bar.
Flagler Beach Borrows Ormond Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier To Lead Fire Department as Fiveash Exits
Ormond Beach Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier assumed leadership of the rebuilding Flagler Beach Fire Department on July 2 as an interim through the end of September if necessary, replacing acting chief Jennifer Fiveash following the May firing of Stephen Cox. The department lost half its staff through recent resignations and that firing. Cox is challenging his termination before the city Personnel Review Board.
Father And Son Arrested After Locking Distressed Dogs And Pigeons Inside Hot U-Haul Truck
Sheriff’s deputies arrested a father and son on misdemeanor animal cruelty charges Thursday afternoon after authorities discovered two severely distressed dogs and two suffocating pigeons trapped inside a scorching U-Haul cargo box. The temperature reached 102 degrees in the truck during the family’s travel from Miami. The animals were taken to a local veterinary hospital.
Judge Bars Heat Of Passion Defense In Husband’s Killing of Yolonda Williams On Eve of Death Penalty Trial
A Flagler County judge restricted the defense from arguing a crime of passion without first establishing legal provocation in the trial of Jermaine Williams Sr., who faces the death penalty for the August 2024 stabbing death of his wife, Yolonda Williams. The ruling blocks expert psychological testimony in the trial that begins Monday. Consequently, the defense may have to call Williams to testify to attempt to prove he was provoked.
No Stand Your Ground: Palm Coast Teen Arrested in Connection with Double-Shooting at Beach Village Apartments
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested 18-year-old Micah McGill on Tuesday for a November shooting at a Palm Coast apartment complex, when he allegedly intervened with a stolen firearm during a domestic dispute between his sister and her boyfriend. Both men were wounded in the altercation. Smith completed a deferred prosecution agreement for misdemeanor battery, but McGill faces three second-degree felony charges.
Site Plan for Florida State Guard Training Facility in Bunnell Approved, But Questions Loom Over Its Future
The Florida State Guard training facility in Bunnell remains unbuilt almost two years after its groundbreaking ceremony. The Bunnell Planning Board on Tuesday approved the site plan, which still hinges on the State Guard paying long-overdue review fees. Sheriff Staly is deeply frustrated with the state Department of Management Services over continuous administrative delays and severe budget overruns, putting in question whether the facility will actually get built or even used by a Guard facing its own budget cutbacks.
Flagler’s 1st Death Penalty Trial in 2 Decades Begins Monday For Man Accused Of Stabbing His Wife To Death
Jermaine Williams Sr. faces a capital murder charge on Monday in Flagler County’s first death penalty case since 2007. Prosecutors seek the death penalty for the 2024 stabbing death of his wife, Yolonda, who’d been a local advocate for individuals in difficulties, including domestic violence victims. Surveillance video of the attack is part of the evidence. The defense lost two dozen pretrial motions before Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols.
Tempers Flare As Palm Coast Council Advances Parts of $600 Million Utility System Expansion and Improvements
The Palm Coast City Council unanimously approved $8.3 million in utility infrastructure spending on Tuesday. The routine approvals, part of the much larger $600 million plan to expand and improve the water and wastewater system, provoked confrontations with local candidates and residents over public comment boundaries even as council members spoke of the approvals’ transparency. The oldest municipal treatment plant requires expansion to meet a state environmental consent order.
Palm Coast Council Pushes for Pedestrian-Safety Crosswalks and Signs Near Lehigh Trail at Royal Palms
The Palm Coast City Council is pushing for crosswalks, signs, and traffic safety enhancements at several busy Town Center intersections following safety complaints from a P-Section resident who described difficulties safely crossing Royal Palms Parkway to access the Lehigh Trail.
DCF Reports 3 Verified Flagler Cases of Child Commercial Sexual Exploitation in 2025, and 434 in the State
A new state legislative report reveals Florida verified a record 434 child sexual exploitation victims in 2025, three of them in Flagler County and 14 in Volusia. Oppaga attributes the increase to improved agency identification methods rather than increased incidence. Serious infrastructure gaps remain. Florida lacks sufficient safe foster homes and data-sharing systems, leaving vulnerable juvenile victims without critical placements, survivor mentors, or specialized therapeutic treatments.
Palm Coast Teenager Faces Felony Animal Cruelty Charge After Starving Puppy Dies From Organ Failure
18-year-old Chance Jones of Palm Coast faces a felony animal cruelty charge after a 5-month-old puppy died from starvation on July 4. Authorities found the severely malnourished dog locked inside a detached apartment garage without food, water, or ventilation. Jones said he only fed the animal every few weeks due to care difficulties.
Flagler Beach Programmer Rory Belmont, 44, Arrested on Rape and Other Charges Following Ordeal with Girlfriend
Flagler Beach resident Rory Victor Belmont, 44, was jailed without bond following accusations of a brutal domestic assault on his long-term girlfriend, including repeated rapes. The state filed a motion for pretrial detention on allegations of severe physical abuse, repeated strangulation, and forced sexual acts. Authorities located Belmont in Volusia County after he fled on an electric scooter. He five felony charges, including first-degree forcible rape.
Former Athens Theatre Director Craig Uppercue Steps Into Leadership Role At Flagler Auditorium Today
Craig Uppercue brings decades of theatrical and educational experience to his new role as director of the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center. Taking over for Amelia Fulmer, the veteran arts administrator plans to prioritize student programs and explore bringing live music and touring shows to the venue. He hopes to replicate the growth he previously helped to orchestrate at the vibrant Athens Theatre in DeLand.
July 4 Fire Destroys Building At Santore And Sons Fireworks Manufacturing Complex In West Flagler
A July 4 fire destroyed a cinder block storage building at the Santore and Sons fireworks manufacturing compound in West Flagler. The structure contained paper goods and partially assembled pyrotechnics. No employees were present and there were no injuries. First responders quickly extinguished the blaze. The state fire marshal is currently investigating a potential lightning strike as the cause.
What, Then, Is An American?
The question–what is an American–has been asked for 250 years and has always been more important than the answer. The clue is in the asking. There is no single answer to what cannot be defined, what should not be defined. The moment we answer the question with any kind of finality, the moment we say an American is this, that or the other, we are asking an un-American question
Bryan Jackson, Deputy Who’d Accidentally Shot 11-Year-Old Boy, Resigns Ahead of Internal Affairs Sanctions
Bryan Jackson, the Flagler County sheriff’s deputy who took responsibility for firing a rifle bullet that accidentally grazed the neck of an 11-year-old neighbor boy last year, resigned today, effective July 15, just as the Sheriff’s Office was completing an internal affairs investigation that found him to have violated two policies.
July 3 and 4 Celebration of 250th Anniversary from Flagler Beach Parade to Palm Coast Fireworks at County Airport
Flagler County Government and the Cities of Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and Bunnell invite all Flagler County residents and visitors to the 2026 United Flagler Community Celebration on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, this time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration and American independence. It’ll start with First Friday in Flagler Beach and culminate with a 15-16 minute firework show featuring thousands of shells at the county airport. All events are free.
Name-Clearing Hearing for Fired Flagler Beach Fire Chief Cox Exposes Deep Divisions And Lack Of Documentation
A Flagler Beach Personnel Review Board recessed a name-clearing hearing for fired fire chief Stephen Cox without reaching a decision. City Manager Dale Martin terminated Cox on May 11 after seven department members signed a no-confidence letter. Hearing testimonies revealed a glaring lack of documented evidence supporting the abrupt termination. Acting Chief Jennifer Fiveash testified extensively about her loss of trust in Cox’s flawed leadership.
Flagler Schools Return to A Rating for 1st Time in 7 Years as FPC and Buddy Taylor Also Score 1st A in Eons
Flagler County schools earned a district-wide A rating for the first time in seven years as every single school within the district achieved an A or a B grade. Notable successes include Buddy Taylor Middle School and Flagler Palm Coast High School receiving A ratings for the first time in years. Superintendent LaShakia Moore, School Board Chair Christy Chong and principals credit the collective efforts of teachers, staff, students, parents, and the community.
Michael Struhar, Owner of Sunshine State Contractor Services, Accused of Defrauding Homeowners of $40,000
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested contractor Michael Struhar for grand theft after he allegedly took a $40,000 deposit from a local couple and performed no work. Investigation subpoenas revealed Struhar spent the funds on personal online auctions and Zelle payments. Authorities believe there are additional victims in the region and urge defrauded consumers to contact the sheriff’s non-emergency line.
‘Screw You, Vandals’: After ATV Theft, Swift Huge Gifts Put Turtle Patrol Back on Wheels in Marineland
The Volusia-Flagler Turtle Patrol secured a replacement ATV following a theft that forced volunteers to monitor Marineland beaches on foot. Former county attorney Al Hadeed and his wife Maureen donated $5,000 to cover the vehicle, as did a silent community pledge of $10,000 and almost $3,000 raised through a Gofundme page. The nonprofit moved the new equipment to a secure, undisclosed location.
Birthright Citizenship Survives, Trans Athletes and Campaign Finance Limits Lose in Trio of Landmark Decisions
The U.S. Supreme Court issued three landmark rulings today: A 6-3 decision protects birthright citizenship, striking down a Trump administration executive order. The court ruled 6-3 that schools may ban transgender athletes from female sports under Title IX. And the justices invalidated limits on coordinated political party expenditures, a move deregulating campaign finance and benefiting major donors over grassroots contributors.
Rising Costs And Looming Tax Reform Force Flagler Commission Again To Rethink Funding for Carver Gym
The Flagler County Commission, reviving a scenario similar to 2010, is again considering divesting from the Carver Center in Bunnell due to rising operating costs and projected revenue losses from a upcoming tax amendment. Local officials are looking to the School Board to take over. Community advocates and program leaders warn that cutting county support will devastate critical local programs, senior services, and youth athletic leagues that currently rely on the thriving facility.
Flagler Clerk of Court’s Office Wins Statewide Best Practices Excellence Award, Among Others
The Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office announced a series of honors received during the Florida Clerks of Court and Comptrollers (FCCC) Summer Conference, reflecting the work and statewide leadership of both Clerk Tom Bexley and members of the office’s Finance team.
1.5 Million Voter Advantage in 1-Party State and Still Scared: Florida GOP Ghost-Hunts Progressives at ‘Showdown’
Florida Republicans used the Sunshine State Showdown to energize their base by framing progressive Democratic victories in New York as a radical threat. Appointed statewide officials face their first major electoral tests this November. Concurrently, the gubernatorial primary features tension as leadership restricted debate access, positioning Byron Donalds as the frontrunner against Democrat David Jolly in a state where Republicans hold a highly significant voter registration advantage today.
Florida Property Tax Amendment Faces Growing Pushback From Local Government Advocacy Groups Campaign
A new political committee, Stop Unfair Tax Shifts PC, is raising funds to defeat Florida’s proposed Amendment 3 this November. The constitutional amendment would raise the primary homestead exemption to $250,000 by 2028, a change that would drain $11.86 billion annually from local municipal budgets, forcing huge cuts.
Bunnell Pride Returns for 3rd Year Running Sunday to 2K Ranch, Misinformation and ‘Proud Boys’ Aside
The third annual Bunnell Pride event takes place Sunday at the 2K Ranch as Flagler County’s sole LGBTQ+ festival this year. Organizers face safety concerns following online misinformation and a rumored protest by the Proud Boys over a canceled drag performance, and a radio news clip that amplified the misinformation. The sheriff’s office will provide increased patrols.
Flawed Format Aside, Flagler Tiger Bay Club Forum Exposes Experience Gap Between Newcomers And Incumbents
The Flagler Tiger Bay Club candidate forum Thursday evening for County Commission and Palm Coast City Council candidates exposed a distinct experience gap between seasoned incumbents and ten political newcomers. Candidates faced poorly structured questions regarding development, taxation, and infrastructure. The restrictive format prevented meaningful debate or follow-up questions, forcing most candidates to rely on broad platitudes instead of offering concrete ideas for impending revenue shortages.
Flagler and Florida Officials Praise Rising Assessment Scores that Contradict Much Lower National Exam Rankings
Flagler County Schools reported student achievement gains on state standardized tests, outperforming Florida averages in most categories. The state Department of Education praised the metrics, noting sixty percent of students performed at or above grade level. But state-specific assessments mask Florida’s low national standings on the SAT, ACT, and NAEP exams.
Chipotle Doubles Its Palm Coast Presence with Drive-Thru Location at Belle Terre and Palm Coast Parkway
Chipotle Mexican Grill opens its second Palm Coast restaurant on Belle Terre Parkway next Tuesday, with a drive-thru pickup lane. The restaurant would create about 30 jobs. The restaurant is expected to generate about three times as much property tax revenue as its predecessor, an often disused gas station and convenience store.
Flagler Tiger Bay Political Forum for Palm Coast Council and County Commission Candidates Live
The Flagler Tiger Bay Club is hosting a political forum this evening for the Palm Coast City Council and Flagler County Commission candidates in the August 18 primary. The two-hour forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center. It will be simulcast on WNZF and available live on YouTube here.
Army Recruit Faced Life in Prison for Raping Sibling. He Is Sentenced to Probation, No Adjudication, No Sex Offender Status.
A Palm Coast soldier indicted for raping his 10-year-old brother when he was himself 13 avoided prison after a negotiated plea deal that reduced the life-in-prison charge to child abuse, following requests from the family. Circuit Judge Howard Maltz sentenced the defendant to 10 years of sex-offender probation. Adjudication was withheld and Curtis was not designated a sex offender, allowing him to protect his military career.
Victim Testifies On Behalf Of His Attacker Facing Life In Prison To Help Secure Bond, Saying Charges Were Exaggerated
A Flagler County judge granted 29-year-old Shantana Grayson a $66,500 bond following surprise testimony from her boyfriend, the alleged victim. Grayson faced five felony charges, including a charge punishable by life in prison and three counts of child neglect causing harm. Her victim and boyfriend testified that the domestic incident was exaggerated in the arrest report. The prosecutor left the decision to judicial discretion.