Aaron Thayer, 40, the son of George Contos, who vanished from his Mondex home in 2015, faced an attempted first degree murder charge and numerous other charges after threatening to kill his then-girlfriend at the same Mondex property. Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies intervened even as his girlfriend was hiding from him and speaking to a 911 operator.
Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local News
Parents Asked to Pick-Up Their Children as Power Outage at Belle Terre Elementary Causes Early Dismissal
An extended power outage at Belle Terre Elementary led the school district to end the school day early there and request that car-rider pick-up their children starting at 12:30 p.m. All children who cannot be picked up will be supervised until dismissal time, or through the period usually reserved for extended day, which has also been cancelled.
Palm Coast’s Opelka Wins Fourth ATP Tour Title, Besting Isner in Houston Ahead of European Circuit
Reilly Opelka, 24, captured his fourth career ATP Tour title on Sunday in Houston, besting longtime friend and rival John Isner, 6-3, 7-6 (7) in the championship match of the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court championship.
Julie Demers, 43, Dies of Self-Inflicted Gunshot After 7-Hour Standoff with Deputies at Palm Coast Plantation
Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies, including units of the SWAT team, were involved in a seven-hour standoff with a suicidal woman at 112 Emerald Lake Drive in Palm Coast Plantation since shortly before 8 this morning. 43-year-old Julie Demers shot herself in her pool after tear gas pushed her out of the house. She died at Halifax hospital.
Fire Rescue Lt. Jon Moscowitz Creates Sensory Boxes to Help Special Needs Patients During Medical Calls
It was the personal experience of dealing with the special needs of his 4-year-old daughter that inspired Flagler County Fire Rescue Lt. Jon Moscowitz to create sensory boxes to comfort special needs patients during medical, which also helps them connect and communicate with paramedics. Every Flagler County emergency vehicle in the county is now equipped with “Brookie Sensory Boxes,” named for his daughter Brooklynn.
Not One Reason for Palm Coast Council’s 365% Raise for Itself Passes Smell Test
The quadrupling of Palm Coast City Council members’ salaries was shoveled through hurriedly and sloppily on baseless assumptions posing as evidence. Every single one of Mayor David Alfin’s or supporting councilmen’s rationales collapses with a little scrutiny, leaving a proposal contemptuous of the public and insulting to city staff.
Judge Perkins Calls It ‘Outrageous’ That Man Is Sitting in Jail Month After Month Awaiting State Hospital Evaluation
Richard Dunn’s case is sharply illustrative of a judicial and mental health system both overwhelmed with mental health cased and often ill equipped to handle them–and of the frustrations of both courts and attorneys in the face of that system. Circuit Judge Terence Perkins spoke without reserve this morning to express his dissatisfaction.
Health Department Responding to Florida Outbreak of Meningococcal Disease That Causes Meningitis
Thus far, the number of cases identified in 2022 surpasses the 5-year average of meningococcal disease cases in Florida. Department of Health epidemiologists are investigating each case as well as contacting people with potential or direct exposure to known cases to provide them with information and treatment options.
Historic Espanola Schoolhouse Dating from Segregation Era Gets a Facelift
The historic one-room Espanola Schoolhouse located at 98 Knox Jones Avenue in Espanola, near the community center there, recently received a much needed facelift. The structure was built in 1950, and is a rare survivor of the Jim Crow racial segregation-era in Flagler County.
3 Incumbent Judges–Andrea Totten, Kenny Janesk and Stacia Warren–Speak (Almost) Freely at Candidate Forum
A Flagler County Republican Club forum Wednesday evening at the Palm Coast Hilton was a chance for the three incumbents–Flagler County Judge Andrea Totten, Circuit Judges Kenny Janesk, who sits in Volusia and Putnam, and Stacia Warren, who sits in Volusia–to speak about themselves without the strictures of their robes and in unusually personal terms, but within the bounds of Canon 7, the unique ethical rules that frame judicial races.
Funnel Cloud Spotted in 3 Locations, from Fairgrounds to Beverly Beach, as Severe Storm Sweeps Through Flagler
A funnel cloud was spotted in three locations late this morning as a tornado-warning leaden storm swept through northeast and central Flagler County from the east, but the funnels never touched down and damage was limited to a few, immediately contained brush fires from lightning strikes. “We got off pretty well, lightly,” Flagler County Emergency Management Chief Jonathan Lord said.
Ormond Beach Father Faces Death Penalty as Jury Finds Him Guilty of Murdering His 5-Month-Old Child for Crying
Daemon Scott already bore a history of brutality on his body when his father, Calib J. Scott, 25, threw, slapped and slammed him because he would not stop crying, killing him. A jury of 12 today found Scott guilty of first degree murder and aggravated child abuse, among other charges. The sentencing phase of the trial begins next week.
In Denise Bevan and Lauren Johnston, Palm Coast Has 1st All-Female Administrative Leadership in City’s 23 Years
Palm Coast made history Tuesday evening. The city council ratified the contract of Denise Bevan, the first female city manager in Palm Coast’s 23 years. Moments later, Bevan announced the appointment of Lauren Johnston as the assistant city manager, giving the city an all-female administrative leadership in a sector still overwhelmingly dominated by men.
Palm Coast Council Approves $8 Million Bank Loan, Its Sixth for Ongoing Repairs to Stormwater Infrastructure
The $532,000 annual financing of the latest loan–which will cost the city a total of $10.6 million by maturation–brings annual stormwater debt costs to $1.84 million. The loans are all is secured by the annual revenue from the stormwarter fee that residents and businesses pay on their utility bills.
In Victory for Mayor But Against Loud Public Opposition, Palm Coast Council Will Quadruple Its Own Salaries
The Palm Coast City Council this evening voted 4-1 to quadruple the mayor’s and council members’ salaries starting after the election in November, a raise that will benefit three sitting council members and two to be elected later this year. The first of two required votes on the ordinance Mayor David Alfin proposed only last month was a victory for the mayor, who was elected less than a year ago, but at a steep price.
Pride Flag Flies in Flagler Beach Rally in Protest of Florida’s Latest Charge Against LGBTQ Rights
Eryn Harris, a Palm Coast student cinematographer and editor, last week organized a rally in Flagler Beach in support of civil rights and the LGBTQ+ community and produced an Op-Art photo essay about the event.
Palm Coast Man Shoots His 1-Year-Old Dog After German Shepherd Mix Bit Fiancée
Jamier T. Lee-Bright, a 25-year-old resident of 21 Seaman Trail East in Palm Coast, was arrested on two felony counts Saturday, including cruelty to animals, following the execution-style shooting of his 1-year-old dog after the dog allegedly bit Lee-Bright’s fiancee.
7-Year-Old Boy Critical Following 2-Vehicle Crash and Fire on I-95, Involving 6 People
A 7-year-old Palm Coast boy was flown to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville and an 8-year-old girl was in serious condition following a two-vehicle crash and fire on I-95 Monday night. Six people were involved–four in one car, two in the other–all but the two children sustaining minor injuries.
Appeals Court Affirms Rulings Against Kimberle Weeks, Who Now Owes County Over $170,000 in Fees
In a pair of one-word rulings on Thursday, the First District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee affirmed lower court decisions against Kimberle Weeks, the former Flagler County Supervisor of Elections, who has been contesting attorneys’ fees she owes the county from two frivolous and defamatory ethics complaints she brought against former County Commissioner Charlie Ericksen and county attorney Al Haddeed.
Mondex Father with History of Domestic Violence Arrested on 2 Felony Counts of Child Abuse
William Ziegler, 37, allegedly turned violent toward his oldest of three sons when the boy, scared of heights, got anxious washing the top of a camper, and when his youngest, who is 11, would not tell him a joke the boy was not comfortable to tell.
Flagler County Talks Up Affordable Housing Even as Lawmakers Yet Again Raid Dedicated Fund of $100 Million
The Flagler County Commission this morning approved a proclamation and heard a presentation on the county’s affordable housing efforts, coinciding with revelations last week that the Legislature again broke a promise not to raid the state’s 30-year-old affordable housing trust fund and use its money for other purposes, short-changing needs across the state.
First Amendment at Center of Lawsuit Against ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Law
A pivotal lawsuit in Florida — related to classroom instruction of sexual identity and gender orientation — could have heavy implications for what the discussions will sound like when it comes to free speech and the First Amendment.
Danial Marashi, Who Killed Assailant in Drug Deal Gone Bad in R-Section, Is Arrested on Drug Charges
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly called Danial Marashi a “dirtbag” after Marashi was arrested on several felony charges stemming from a car crash. Staly finally named him, as he was prevented to by law weeks ago when Marashi was the “victim drug dealer” in the Dec. 29 shooting of Zaire Roberts in an R-Section home invasion. Marashi had set up what was to be a drug deal before assailants chose to allegedly rob him.
Anguished Neighbors Beg Judge Not to Let Shooter Back In His Home as He Gets Another Big Break on Sentence
Jamal Nejame, the former three-time candidate for office in Flagler Beach, used his victims’ fear that he would reoccupy the property from where he shot at their house last July 4 to successfully reduce his charge from a second-degree felony to two misdemeanors, avoiding prison in exchange for two years on probation.
‘We Are In a Good Place’ as Flagler Cases Fall to 2-Year Low, But Covid Rose to 3rd-Leading Cause of Death in Florida
The 28 positive cases for the week ending today–an average of four a day–is the lowest weekly total since the week of June 20, 2020, and the four-week stretch of cases has also been the lowest since then. Combined with vaccinations and previous infections, the county may be in strong shape even if another variant were to pierce through, the health department director says.
Palm Coast’s Danville I. Tardiel, 64, Retired Nurse, Teacher and Poet, Killed in Collision as He Was on Foot on I-95
Danville Israel Tardiel, a 64-year-old resident of South Coopers Hawkway in Palm Coast, was killed Thursday night on I-95 when an SUV struck him. He was on foot. The circumstances of the fatal crash are not clear.
Flagler Youth Orchestra’s Top Ensemble Returns to Methodist Church Music Series for Eclectic Saturday Concert
For the first time since 2019, the Flagler Youth Orchestra’s Harmony chamber ensemble, featuring the FYO’s most accomplished musicians, is back in performance at the in the Palm Coast United Methodist Church’s Concert Series. The concert is scheduled for Saturday, April 2, at 4 p.m.
Mom Calls Charles Swindell, 52, ‘Walking Cesspool’ for Raping Her Child as He’s Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison
The 13-year-old victim’s older sister and mother managed to slip two school-issued iPads in her father’s pick-up truck and recorded him sexually assaulting the girl, which helped prosecute him. He had faced life in prison. A plea deal reduced the possible sentence to 15 to 30 years. The judge gave him the maximum 30.
How Palm Coast City Council Skirted Charter Change on Its Own Salaries Even As It Was Claiming to Clarify It
Palm Coast City Council member Nick Klufas, like many residents, thought council members’ salaries could only be changed by charter–not, as Mayor Alfin is proposing, by mere council ordinance. His confusion reflects how the last time the council changed the charter had the effect of deceiving voters into thinking exactly what Klufas thought, even as the city was ostensibly trying to clarify the charter. It’s a revealing history of obfuscation by omission that now undermines the legitimacy of council salary increases.
Insurrectionist Supporter and QAnon Follower, a DeSantis Appointee, Begins Service on State Board of Education
Two new women members of Florida’s State Board of Education made their debuts Wednesday, revealing a conservative to far right bent that could foreshadow their priorities for the state’s public school system and its 2.8-million students. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Esther Byrd and Grazie Pozo Christie in mid-March, just before the 2022 legislative session was ending.
Couple’s Self-Destruction Replays Scenario Familiar to Cops, Only for Charges to Be Dropped Again and Again
Amber Bruder, 30, and Jacob Baer, 29, who have two young children, have been on a self-destructive pattern of arrests and release for charges stemming from confrontations between them for several years. The charges are dropped when the victim chooses not to pursue them, making it difficult for prosecutors to end the cycle.
At Belle Terre Swim Club, Hours Cut 28%, Rates Stay the Same, and Plans to Migrate Programs There Are Shelved
The Flagler County School district is planning to cut back hours at the Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club significantly, including ending Sunday hours, while shelving plans to consolidate several programs onto the grounds of the club, which still has an identity crisis.
Dog-Surfing Contest Comes to Flagler Beach as Mayor and Commissioner Hope to Ride the Next Viral Wave
The one-day Hang 8 Dog Surfing Contest comes to Flagler Beach on May 21 as City Commissioner Eric Cooley and Mayor Suzie Johnston hope the inaugural event goes viral and adds to the city’s character. The event’s proceeds will be directed to the Humane Society and dog-rescue organizations.
Flagler Sheriff and County Get Their Own Advocate to Help Control Inmate Health Costs
The agreement with Prime Health Services, through the Florida Sheriffs Association, is similar to securing a health advocate who negotiates medical bills after services have been rendered, to lower the costs of overbilling.
An Inside Look at AdventHealth’s Palm Coast Parkway Construction a Year from $164 Million Hospital’s Opening
AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway, as the 188,000-square-foot, $164 million campus will be known when it opens in spring 2023, is currently Palm Coast’s largest construction site and represents the largest health care investment in the county’s history. As a construction site, it is a living metaphor of the permanent mission ahead: a reconstruction zone for human bodies.
Palm Coast Pool Contractor Dan Priotti, Found Guilty of 3rd DUI in 10 Years, Faces Prison After Flawed Trial
Dan Priotti, who owns a pool-construction company in Palm Coast, gained notoriety when he was trespassed from Palm Coast City Hall in 2016 and when he unsuccessfully sought an appointment to the county’s Contractor Review Board in 2019. The judge denied a mistrial even though the prosecution inadvertently allowed the jury to hear Priotti speak of his prior DUI convictions on a video, a serious breach of trial rules.
A Fund-Raiser for City Repertory Theatre at Chez Jacqueline on April 7
The popular Chez Jacqueline Boutique is staging one of its celebrated fashion shows on April 7, this time as a $25-a-ticket fund-raiser for City Repertory Theatre, Palm Coast and Flagler County’s cutting edge theater company.
Facing Life in Prison for Images and Abuse of Pre-Teen Girl, Steven Card of Palm Coast Pleads to 15 Years
Steven Card, 29, was facing punishment on two life felonies and two second-degree felonies if convicted. He’d also called himself “a monster” in an apology letter, and had confessed to his crimes to a Flagler County Sheriff’s detective who was investigating them last year.
Man Threatening to Blow Up Flagler Beach Pier and Shoot People Mobilizes Law Enforcement, Shutting Down A1A
Patrons at the Funky pelican and on the Flagler Beach pier were evacuated nearing 6:30 this evening when authorities learned of a man threatening to blow up the pier and shoot people. The situation is ongoing.
Yes, Current Rules Give Transgender Women Athletes an Unfair Advantage. But Bans Aren’t the Answer.
There is something unfair about Lia Thomas, the University of Pennsylvania star swimmer and transgender woman, winning races and breaking records, and there is something rational in calls by some of her competitors–and by some transgender athletes themselves–for a rule change that addresses both fairness and inclusion.
From Head Football Coach at Flagler Palm Coast High School to Prolific Novelist: Caesar Campana’s Afterwords
Caesar Campana was Flagler Palm Coast High School’s head football coach and an English teacher. Since his retirement, he’s published four novels, all exploring rather dark themes, a book of stories and poems and a memoir, with his wife, Monica Campana, who retired as a librarian at Indian Trails Middle School, as his editor. We caught up with the Campanas in the Hammock.
Plan for 100-Room Hotel in Flagler Beach Is Revealed, Drawing City’s Approval and Concerns Over Parking and Beach Use
The Flagler Beach City Commission unanimously approved construction plans for the Compass Hotel, as it will be called, downtown, in place of the farmer’s market, but commissioners raised concerns about the hotel’s use of its portion of the beach and about parking.
Superintendent Sharply Fends Off 2 School Board Members 2nd Guessing Handling of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Walkouts
School Board members Janet McDonald and Jill Woolbright were upset the district allowed the March 3 “don’t say gay” walkouts at the two high schools, but Superintendent Cathy Mittlestadt drew a sharp line in the sand, reminding them that how administrators and staff handle issues at schools is not in the school board members’ purview. Mittlestadt and two other board members defended the administration’s handling of the walkouts.
Flagler Schools’ Library Policy Balancing Open Access With Parental-Choice Restrictions Becomes Model Across Florida
The policy, developed by Flagler schools’ Lashakia Moore, has drawn approbative attention from the Legislature, from the governor’s office and from other school districts. Other districts are now modeling their own policies after Flagler’s as they try to pre-empt book-banning controversies and comply with new state edicts giving parents more say in restricting access–without jeopardizing the mission of open libraries, open stacks and open minds.
A Day of Potentially Severe Weather Could Add Up to 1.5 Inches of Rain on Saturated Grounds
The National Weather Service in Jacksonville is cautioning residents of a day of potentially severe weather, including heavy rain and strong wind gusts, through the middle of the afternoon. Palm Coast could get more than an inch of rain, adding to already saturated grounds.
If Spared DeSantis’s Veto, Flagler Would Receive $19.3 Million for 2 Major Public Works Projects and the Ag Museum
If the governor signs without line-item vetoes the following items will be funded for a total of $19.3 million: the Septic to Sewer Conversion Project for the barrier island will receive $8 million ($1.6 million more than requested, which will allow the county to expand the original scope of work); the Florida Agricultural Museum Expansion Project will receive $4.5 million; and, Flagler Central Commerce Parkway will receive $6.8 million.
Mother Faces Felony Charge Over Repeated Beatings of Her Son, Captured on Video at Babysitter’s
Nikki Alicia Warner, 29, of Spruce Street in Bunnell, was charged with a count of felony child abuse after allegedly repeatedly striking her son inside and outside the P-Section house where he was being babysat with his sister.
County Commission Declares ‘Dangerous’ 2 Dogs Who’d Been Terrorizing Hammock Neighborhood Since 2017
The Flagler County Commission Monday unanimously voted to approve an order declaring a pair of German shepherds in the Hammock “dangerous,” and requiring the dogs’ owner to abide by rules severely restricting the dogs’ freedom. The dogs had been terrorizing the neighborhood, injuring other dogs and their owners since 2017.
10 Years After Adopting Strict Dress Code, Flagler School Board Faces Proposal That Would All But Abandon It
A Flagler County school district committee is proposing to vastly scale back the rigidity of the dress code, or what’s left of it, 10 years after the School Board adopted a strict uniform policy–only for the policy to be relentlessly eroded over time.
John Fanelli, Dynamic School Administrator, Is Palm Coast Council’s Choice to Fill Seat Vacated by Barbosa
The Palm Coast City Council this morning appointed John Fanelli, a dynamic school district administrator a council member compared to former Superintendent Jacob Oliva, to fill for the next seven months the District 2 council seat abruptly vacated by Victor Barbosa less than a month ago.