This year’s budgeted amount of $50,000 for arts grants is the highest since the city began the program in 2002, and it is already the highest amount awarded. But in inflation-adjusted dollars, the city is budgeting less than it has in five previous years, and in per-resident spending on the arts, it is still spending less than it did in the first eight years of the program.
Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local News
How Courts Take His Drug and Gun Charges More Seriously Than Repeat Violence Against Women
Joseph Westervelt, 28, has repeatedly faced felony charges for attacking pregnant women. He’s yet to be convicted on more than a misdemeanor. He was arrested again on Wednesday on identical charges that got him arrested only last May. Those charges were dropped or reduced.
Sheriff’s Office Lands $1.3 Million Grant to Expand Drug-Abuse Treatment at the County Jail
The Flagler County jail is the only residential treatment facility in Flagler County for drug-addicted men, and a rare location where they may get medically-assisted treatment. The Department of Justice is noticing, awarding the Flagler Sheriff’s Office a three-year, $1.3 million grant to expand the Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment, or “Smart” program at the jail.
Hyped by Joe Mullins in July, Sale of Ex-Sheriff’s Building for Drug-Treatment Facility Collapses
The in-patient drug-treatment facility that Commissioner Joe Mullins–to considerable skepticism at the time–said was soon to be housed in the former Sheriff’s Operations Center in Bunnell will not become reality as the sale of the building fell through.
Flagler Beach Smoking Ban on Beaches Set to Take Effect This Weekend, Cigars and Vaping Exempt
The Flagler Beach City Commission Thursday is set to approve banning smoking almost any tobacco product on beaches, in parks and on the city’s boardwalk, with the exception of unfiltered cigars. Enforcement will be an issue: there are no intentions to police the ban, which does not extend to the beaches under county jurisdiction. The ordinance is silent on vaping and marijuana products.
Palm Coast Sees Potential Sports Complex in Undeveloped Land West of U.S. 1 as Catalyst to Development
Palm Coast government will spend $113,000 to study the market potential for a sports and recreation complex, possibly in the undeveloped portion of Palm Coast, north and west of U.S. 1. It would be more than just another Indian Trails Sports Complex, adding to the mix of local opportunities and regional or state tournament bookings.
Ground and Air Spraying Assault on Flagler’s Ian-Bred Mosquito Invasion in the Works
Up to three planes will be flying over Palm Coast and Flagler County early next week, spraying pesticide to suppress an expected mosquito invasion triggered by the high waters of Hurricane Ian. The East Flagler Mosquito District’s trucks will be spraying this week.
Hurricane Debris Removal Continues in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, Starts in Flagler on Tuesday
Hurricane Ian debris removal is continuing in Flagler County’s cities or about to begin in unincorporated Flagler, and is expected to take several more days, with patience at a premium.
Beach Front Grille of Flagler Beach, as ‘Loopers,’ Wins Former Green Lion Lease at Palm Harbor Golf
A proposal by Jamie Bourdeau and Dudley Shaw, co-owners of Beach Front Grille in Flagler Beach, is the Palm Coast city administration’s top choice to replace the Green Lion Cafe at Palm Harbor Golf Club. The city today announced its intent to award the new lease for the concession at the club to Loopers, the name Bourdeau is giving to the new enterprise.
A Passionate, Surgical Rebuke of “Stop Woke” Set at Flagler NAACP’s Freedom Fund Awards
The Freedom Fund Awards Luncheon of the Flagler County Branch of the NAACP in Palm Coast balanced matters festive and somber, triumphant and cautionary, and was keynoted by Leon W. Russell, the chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors, who commanded the crowd, weaving the word “woke” throughout his 30-minute talk – a talk that was all the more scathing because Russell didn’t resort to any histrionic tone.
Karen Barchowski Sells Storied Sally’s Ice Cream in Flagler Beach as She Plots Her Next Revolution
Karen Barchowski has owned Sally’s Ice Cream on A1A in Flagler Beach for 10 years. She is selling the business and moving to Vermont, after her embracing outlook fostered through Sally’s a powerful hub of acceptance and diversity. “We found invincible love,” Barchowski says of her years in Flagler Beach.
Therapist Who Groomed and Molested Under-Age Patient Fails to Remove Possibility of Life in Prison
Robert Neal Batie, the former Palm Coast therapist, concedes that he molested a 16-year-old patient in his office, but his attorney tried unsuccessfully to dismiss a charge that he had custodial authority over the patient. A sex assault with that authority carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
FEMA Teams Visiting Hardest-Hit Areas of Flagler, Door to Door, Starting Today
Teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) beginning today will be visiting the hardest hit neighborhoods in Flagler County to aid residents applying for its Individual Assistance program.
Tiger Bay Election Forum, Live Now from the Palm Coast Community Center
FlaglerLive is live-streaming this evening’s Flagler Tiger Bay candidate forum from the Palm Coast Community Center, starting at 6 p.m.
2 Men Syphoning Off Cooking Oil at Woody’s BBQ Charged with Felony Burglary
Two men face felony burglary charges after being caught allegedly syphoning gallons of used oil from Woody’s BBQ’s supplies in back on the business early Thursday morning. Used cooking oil theft is frequent, feeding a $6 billion global business that recycles the product into diesel fuel.
Video Shows Demoted Flagler Sheriff’s Cpl.’s Contempt for Colleague and Procedures at Traffic Stop
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Rob Myers was pulled over by deputy Seth Green after Myers’s pick-up brushed very close to Green at a traffic stop. Myers, who was demoted, repeatedly met Greene’s professionalism with defiance, flouting Green’s police procedures in a way no cop would tolerate long from civilians.
After Extension, Just 2 Bidders Apply to Take Over Green Lion Restaurant Lease at Palm Harbor Golf
The low response was likely disappointing to the city. At least two local restaurant owners have shown interest by downloading the bid packages: Thai and I in Bunnell, and the Turtle Shack in Flagler Beach. That doesn’t mean they are among the bidders–only that they downloaded all bidding documents.
There Will Be No School Make-Up Days for Hurricane Ian, But Calendar Terms Will Shift
Students in Flagler County schools will not have to make up the three days lost to Hurricane Ian, based on a plan devised by the school district and presented to the School Board on Tuesday.
In Flagler Beach, ‘We Got Hit the Hardest’ in the County, Manager Says at Emergency Meeting, Calling for Patience
The Flagler Beach City Commission took stock of Hurricane Ian’s impact on the city at a hastily arranged emergency meeting at noon today, balancing the fact that the hurricane largely spared Flagler County of severe impacts but still left Flagler Beach with the most damage locally.
Flagler’s ‘Victory Lap’ as Circuit’s 1st Black Women Judges Are Celebrated, With Pointed Sidebars
Alicia Washington and Joan Anthony were among nine judges of the Seventh Judicial Circuit marking the historic occasions of the two Black judges’ election, along with the accessions of Supreme Court Justice Jackson and Florida Supreme Court Justice Francis, in a “Night of Celebration” at the Flagler County courthouse Monday evening.
Gas Prices Drop to Near $3 a Gallon, But Don’t Be Fooled By the Political Ploy
Regular unleaded gas prices fell to near $3 a gallon in places even in the wake of Hurricane Ian, reaching the lowest levels since January. But the drop is the result of a one-month suspension of the 25.3-cent state gas tax, timed by the Republican-dominated Legislature to coincide with the final month ahead of the 2022 mid-term election.
Rep. Paul Renner Headlines Flagler Humane Society’s 40th Anniversary as Hanneke Frederick’s Name Looms
There was a constellation of stars at Sunday afternoon’s 40th anniversary celebration of the Flagler Humane Society at the Florida Agricultural Museum in Palm Coast, not least among the Paul Renner, the soon-to-be Speaker of the Florida House and Palm Coast resident.
Only One Arrest for Curfew Violation Throughout Flagler During Ian Emergency
Law enforcement authorities in Flagler County and its cities made all of one arrest for a curfew violation, and even then, only because the woman was also in violation of drug laws. A companion she was with was only issued a warning.
Flagler’s Ian Tally: 132 Homes With at Least 20% Damage, FEMA Aid Coming, So Are More Floodwaters
A tally of Hurricane Ian’s impacts on Flagler County reveals damage to 132 homes, with only seven experiencing severe damage or flooding from rainfalls totaling 15 inches in places. Flagler County is qualifying for three levels of aid from the Federal Emergency Management Administration, including aid to individuals. But there may yet be more flooding as the St. Johns River’s surge continues flowing north through Flagler.
Catastrophic Loss: Dunes All But Gone Along Flagler’s 18-Mile Shore, Leaving A1A and Properties Dangerously Exposed
While Flagler County was spared the brunt of Hurricane Ian’s fury, its shoreline was ravaged, and what remained of its already battered dunes and rock revetments sacrificed themselves to protect A1A and properties. There is no more protection should another storm strike. The disappearance of the dunes is stunning in Flagler Beach north of the pier, and in many other places along the 18 miles of beach.
Hurricane Ian’s Death Toll in Florida Is Up to 67 as Lee County Grapples With Delayed Evacuation
Gov. Ron DeSantis defended officials in Lee County, who delayed evacuation orders until Tuesday, while several other counties had issued evacuation orders and the National Hurricane Center was warning of a storm surge regardless.
Spradley’s Beachside Blog: Closing the Book on Ian
Scott Spradley, a long-time resident of Flagler Beach, a photographer and an attorney who remained on the the barrier island throughout the storm, continues documenting the effects of Hurricane Ian.
Flagler Recovery Roundup: Curfew Lifted, Latest Power Update, Storm Numbers, Schools’ Reopening Plans
Here’s a roundup of the latest conditions in Flagler County and its cities, status of closures and openings, where to seek help for repairs, when to expect schools and colleges to reopen, and what the latest power cut numbers are.
Palm Coast’s Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rates Go Up by Combined $8 a Month Starting Oct. 1
The Palm Coast City Council in 2018 approved gradually doubling the stormwater fee and increasing water and sewer rates 21 percent over four years. Combined, those rate increases will now equate to an $8-a-month hike, or nearly $100 a year.
In Palm Coast’s Woodlands, Water Is Still Rising and Sandbags Are Being Distributed
In Palm Coast’s Woodlands, the Hurricane Ian emergency is not over, and may not be over for another 48 hours: waters are still, literally, rising in parts of the neighborhood as Graham Swamp overflows. City officials are worried that the water may not stop rising in time to keep it from intruding into some homes.
Pier’s End Collapses, More Flagler Areas Evacuated, 70% of County Without Power, Dunes Damaged
The severity of tropical Storm Ian continues this afternoon, demolishing parts of the Flagler Beach pier, inundating larger areas of Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, and downing trees and power lines as 57 percent of residents are without power.
Toddler’s Father Faces Kidnapping Charge After Fleeing with Child; He Is Tased and Bitten in Arrest
Brandon Leohner, 27, of Palm Coast, was arrested on charges of kidnapping after taking the toddler he has in common with his girlfriend and driving off against his girlfriend’s wish. He drove recklessly through Palm Coast and was arrested after a violent encounter with deputies and a police dog at McDonald’s.
Cat 4 Hurricane Ian Slams Florida, Local Night Curfew Declared, Flagler Rains Up to 20 Inches Possible
Hurricane Ian crashed into Charlotte County with catastrophic force as a nearly Category 5 hurricane and was crossing the state slowly on its way to the Volusia-Flagler area. Gov. Ron DeSantis outlined a massive rescue and recovery effort involving 7,000 National Guards personnel and 41,000 linemen, among thousands of others.
If You’re Sheltering In Place in Hurricane Ian’s Path, Fill Out This Survey For Your Safety
If you’re sheltering in place and your home is in the path of Hurricane Ian or Tropical Storm Ian, the state wants you to fill out a survey that may help in rescuing you should you need it in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
Don’t Expect Flagler To Be At Top of FPL’s List for Power Restoration After Ian
Flagler County has an unhappy history of finding itself near the bottom of the list of counties to have their power restored in previous hurricanes. That may yet again be the case in the wake of Hurricane Ian’s devastation as more populous counties get attention first.
‘Extremely Dangerous’ Hurricane Ian Landfall, Then Path Through Flagler; Local Evacuations Readied
Hurricane Ian forecasts continue to worsen for both sides of Florida, with a Category 3 or more landfall in Tampa Bay and a path bringing a tropical storm to Flagler by Friday. Evacuation orders for parts of Flagler are imminent, schools are closed starting Wednesday.
Rymfire Elementary Will Open as Special-Needs Shelter, Bunnell Elementary as General Population and Pets Shelter
The special-needs shelter at Rymfire Elementary will open at 1 p.m. Wednesday in anticipation of deteriorating weather from Hurricane Ian. The timing of the first shelter for general population and pets, to open at Bunnell Elementary, has not yet been determined. That time will be announced Wednesday morning.
Sheriff Preparing to Mobilize Over 200 Deputies and Air Boat, Courts Ramping Down Ahead of Ian
Courts are ramping down, law enforcement is ramping up in Flagler County in preparation for Hurricane Ian’s impact, now projected to be more serious than projected even as late as Monday evening. Curfews could become a possibility in the days ahead.
Hurricane Ian’s 2-Day Stall Off Tampa Could Bring Flooding Rains and Wind to Flagler
Hurricane Ian is expected to nearly stall as a major hurricane off the coast of Tampa Bay, lashing the northeast of Florida with torrential rain and raising the potential for floods in addition to some tropical storm-force winds. Flagler governments are beginning to shut down regular operations and declare states of emergency.
Canopy Walk Resident Faces 4 Felony Charges After Confrontation with 3 Boys He Claims Were Trespassing
58-year-old Gerald McCarthy faces two second-degree felony charges and other charges after a physical confrontation with three boys–13, 13 and 12–at Canopy Walk, where he claims they were trespassing. The boys claim they’d been given the code to get in.
Flagler Tiger Bay Elections Forum Re-Scheduled to Oct. 6
The Flagler Tiger Bay Club has rescheduled the non-partisan Flagler Tiger Bay Club Election Forums featuring candidates for the general election, to the new date of Thursday, October 6, 2022, due to the approach of Hurricane Ian. The forum was originally scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 28.
Flagler Making Sandbags Available Starting Today as Flooding Is in Forecast
Flagler County officials are starting sandbag operations Sunday as the one certainty about Tropical Storm Ian is that it will bring plenty of rain with it and a high likelihood of flooding in some areas. Two locations will open about noon today – one on the barrier island and the other in western Flagler County.
Tropical Storm Ian: Intensity of Coming Hurricane Certain, Landfall Location Less So
The models are in largely in agreement about Tropical Storm Ian’s path over the next three days as it becomes Hurricane Ian: a slight arc around western Cuba and into the Gulf of Mexico. But the models diverge after that, with some projecting a more westerly path and some having Ian strike Florida at Tampa Bay.
County Approves BJ’s Wholesale Club Despite Unresolved Jam of Traffic Problems Ahead
A traffic nightmare may be developing on State Road 100 and on Seminole Woods Boulevard as several new commercial developments are crunching their way through the county’s regulatory steps. But the biggest development, a BJ’s Club and five satellite businesses, is moving along despite lacking a full analysis of traffic issues ahead.
Flagler Playhouse Opens 2022-23 Season with “Oliver!”
Oliver, Nurse Ratched, Miss Daisy and P.T. Barnum will grace Flagler Playhouse during the community theater’s 2022-23 season. The five-play season opens Friday Sept. 23 with the musical “Oliver!” and concludes in May with the musical “Barnum.” The musical “Rent” and the dramas “Driving Miss Daisy” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” are also on tap.
Palm Coast Man Points Loaded Gun at Deputy Jacob West During Traffic Stop
A 42-year-old Palm Coast driver who appeared drunk allegedly pointed a loaded gun at a Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop on Palm Coast Parkway late Thursday night before complying with orders to drop the gun. It was the latest successful de-escalation of what could have resulted in an officer-involved shooting.
As Hurricane Hermine Ian Gestates, King Tide Flooding Is More Immediate Concern in Flagler
What is expected to become Hurricane Hermine is now Tropical Depression 9. But Flagler County residents should be more immediately concerned about the effects of a king tide combining with remnants of Hurricane Fiona and the approach of Hermine, all of which will create significant flooding conditions along the Intracoastal and low-lying areas of Palm Coast and western Flagler.
This Time Without Temper Tantrums or Deceptions, Palm Coast Adopts Tax Rate and Budget
The Palm Coast City Council approved the 2022-23 budget and the city’s property tax rate at its second and final hearing with a series of 4-1 votes. Compared to previous tax hearings at the county and the city this season, the hearing was anticlimactic, with all but numbers getting filled in and ratified.
At Flagler Public Library, Freedom Readers’ Club and Other Page-Turners Boldly Defy Book Bans
Freedom Readers, a book club for teens focused on banned and challenged books, emerged at the Flagler County Public Library in response to the book-banning controversies at the Flagler school board last fall. The club is one of several initiatives countering “what feels like a lot of repression,” in the words of Youth Services Librarian Gemma Rose.
Armed Employees or Guards in Flagler Schools Would Cost $150,000 to $600,000 in 1st Year
The Flagler County School board would have to pay initial annual costs of over $150,000 to nearly $600,000 for any of three options to have armed staffers or guards on its nine campuses, in addition to the $1 million it is paying annually to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.