Mayor Milissa Holland and Coastal Cloud Co-owner Tim Hale repeatedly–and unfairly–invoked Palm Coast Observer Editor Brian McMillan’s name in poor light during a 90-minute city council segment devoted entirely to refuting critical allegations about the city’s contract with the company.
Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local News
Florida Agricultural Museum Is On Track with New Train, ‘Dirt Detectives’ and Other Projects
Four years ago the Florida Agriculture Museum at the north end of Palm Coast was heading for closure. Today, it’s bustling with a half dozen programs, including an equestrian boarding and riding program, and more ahead.
Wednesday Briefing: 90/90 Challenge, Clare Boothe Luce’s “Women,” Presidential Age
Clare Boothe Luce’s “The Women” is presented by the Flagler College Department of Visual and Performing Arts, a hole in Mars, and are presidents getting older?
Opponents Question Structure as State Approves FPL Plan to Add 20 Solar Farms By 2021
Opponents contended the program would have costs and financial risks for the vast majority of customers who would not participate. As an example, credits received by SolarTogether participants would come from money that all customers pay to cover power-plant fuel expenses.
News-Journal Lays Off London (Again) and Flagler Bureau Editor; News-Tribune’s Future in Doubt
The Daytona Beach News-Journal this week is laying off two of its four remaining employees in the Flagler County bureau–long-time reporter Aaron London and Nick Klasne, an assistant managing editor in charge of the Flagler Bureau.
2 Brothers Face Child Neglect Charges After Uncle Is Accused of Hiding Pot Stash in 11-Year-Old’s Underpants
A man and his brother were charged with child neglect after the man’s brother hid a stash of pot in his 11-year-old nephew’s underwear before a traffic stop.
Tuesday Briefing: Flagler Free Clinic at 15, Thomas LeGault Case, Suicide Prevention, Palm Coast Connect
Former County Commission candidate Thomas LeGault’s debt to WNZF in a small claims case on the court docket, Mayor Milissa Holland and others may address the city’s arrangement with Coastal Cloud that gave rise to Palm Coast Connect, Chess on the Porch at the Humidor.
Judge Sets Stern Ground Rules Ahead of Keith Johansen Murder Trial in Shooting Death of Brandi Celenza
The trial judge admonished the families of both Brandi Celenza and Keith Johansen after a hearing where he’d ruled on admitting or limiting variously disturbing evidence-and prohibiting prejudicial courtroom antics in the gallery.
‘We Will See It In Our Community,’ Flagler Emergency Chief Warns of Coronavirus, Detailing Local Response
Flagler Emergency Chief Jonathan Lord and Health Department Chief Bob Snyder briefed the County Commission on the creation of a local “pandemic working group” and measures in place to address the coronavirus, whose arrival locally is almost certain.
Two Espanola Parents Arrested After 5 Children Lived in Filth, Fear and Neglect for Years
DCF took custody of five children–ages 12, 11, 7, 3 and 2–who year after year had been either homeless or living in a deplorable house in Espanola. Their parents, Tiffany Berry and Nicholas Carter, were arrested for neglect.
Monday Briefing: Vacation Rentals, County v. McDonald, ACLU Meeting, Detective Totten, Blanche Gardin
A Senate panel takes up vacation rentals as opponents demonstrate against the bill, County Attorney Al Hadeed presents a response to Dennis McDonald allegations on the former Sheriff’s Operations Center, French comic Blanche Gardin.
How the School District Allowed “Rocco” Paffumi To Keep Teaching Despite 5 Violent Incidents
Jeffrey Rocco Paffumi, the former Buddy Taylor Middle School teacher who physically threw a student out of class in January, had a long and documented history of violent behavior in and out of the district, including two arrests and at least five previous instances of violent behavior toward students or adults, men and women–in 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2014. Yet he was allowed to keep teaching.
Weekend Briefing: Keith Johansen, 70s Dance Party, Hammock’s Art In the Garden, Stayin’ Alive
A Bee Gees tribute at the Flagler Auditorium, Art in the Garden with the Hammock Community Association, Romeo and Juliet, a 70s dance party at AACS, a wine festival, a safari dinner and a lot more.
Flagler School District Explains Its Role and Parents’ Responsibilities in Wake of Coronavirus Outbreak
The Flagler County school district issued a statement regarding district protocols in place in response to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, and precautionary expectations as far as what parents and guardians may or should do.
Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run on SR 100 Near Bunnell; Van Driver Later Caught in Putnam
A man in his 20s walking along State Road 100 just west of County Road 302 was killed this afternoon after he was struck by a white van that kept going.
Flagler Beach’s Oak Place Residents Want To Know Why the U.S. Post Office Won’t Deliver To Them
The U.S. Postal Service refuses to deliver mail to houses along Oak Place in Flagler Beach even though FedEx, UPS and other delivery services do so, and the street, though dirt, is no different than innumerable such streets in the county.
‘We’re Fighting For the Life of Flagler Beach’: County Urges Property Owners’ Cooperation in Beach Rebuilding
Flagler County government is looking for permission from almost 150 property owners along the shore in Flagler Beach to use their beachside properties over the next few months–and in perpetuity–to save the beach in what one official describes as the single-largest public works project ever conducted in Flagler
15-Year-Old Mondex Boy Arrested on Child Porn Charges in Isolated Example of Rampant Crisis
The 15-year-old boy had allegedly produced child pornography, exploiting a child known familiarly to him, and traded and sold images or videos, knowing it was wrong, for “a couple of hundred” dollars.
From Verona to Brooklyn, With Love: Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Parks It at City Rep
Brent Jordan and Lillie Thomas are in the lead roles in City Repertory Theatre’s and the Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s “Romeo and Juliet,” originally planned for the big tent in Town center, but moved to CRT’s indoor venue after last week’s storm.
Without Apologies: Why EPAC Exists, and Why We Are Concerned About the Choice for Superintendent
Kristi Furnari, secretary of the Exceptional Student Education Parent Advisory Council, explains the organization’s deep and at times controversial involvement in the Flagler school district’s search for the next superintendent.
Wednesday Briefing: Ashes to Go, Book Club and Paws to Read, Stetson Jazz Ensemble
A new turtle in the Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s Turtle Trail is dedicated at the Flagler Beach Historical Museum, Ash Wednesday to go at St. Thomas Episcopal, Henry Sawyer III on the First Amendment.
Debate Over Restricting Dollar-Type Stores Divides Palm Coast Planning Board as Moratorium Advances
Palm Coast government is moving toward a 120-day moratorium on permitting new dollar-type stores out of concern that the stores’ proliferation may damage the availability of quality grocery stores.
One Suicide and Two Attempted Suicides in Three Days in Palm Coast
A 58-year-old woman who suffered from depression for years took her life on Sunday. A 14-year-old girl despondent over a break-up and a depressed 20 year old attempted suicide on Friday and Sunday.
Orndorff, Mittelstadt, Johnson and Womack Will Be Interviewed for Superintendent; Conklin Eliminated
Combining local and non-local applicants, the Flagler County School Board will interview four candidates for superintendent: Kathy Mittelstadt, Vernon Orndorff, Earl Johnson and Janet Womack.
Boosting Flagler Officials, Gov. DeSantis Is ‘Leaning Against’ Dismantling Local Vacation Rental Regulations
Gov. Ron DeSantis is expressing concerns about legislative proposals that would further prevent local governments from regulating short-term vacation rentals. The governor’s stance drew cheers from Flagler County Commission Chairman Dave Sullivan.
Palm Coast’s Opelka Wins Second ATP Tour Singles Title in Dramatic Fashion, Here in Florida
Reilly Opelka had to play two matches in one day, and a total of six sets, to win the Delray Beach Open, vaulting his ranking back inside the Top 40 to Number 39, just three off his career-high mark.
2 Homeless Deaths in 24 Hours: Bunnell Police Investigating Death of Man Found By Branch Library
A homeless man who was known often to frequent the Bunnell Branch Library was found dead outside the building early Monday morning by the library’s branch manager. The death is not believed to be a homicide, but an investigation is ongoing.
Homeless Person Found Dead as Firefighters Battle Small Blaze Near Car Wash on Palm Coast’s Cypress Edge
A homeless person was found dead in suspicious circumstances as firefighters battled a small fire in the wooded, vacant land between Superwash Express and the construction zone for a new assisted living facility off Cypress Point Parkway in Palm Coast Sunday night.
Palm Coast’s Brian McCracken, 42, Is Killed in Ormond Beach Crash
Brian McCracken, a 42-year-old resident of Palm Coast, was killed Saturday night in a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Broadway Avenue in Ormond Beach, just south of the interchange with I-95.
Nor’easter Severely Damages Flagler Beach Walkovers DOT Had Just Rebuilt
Flagler Beach City Manager Larry Newsom said the city had nothing to do with the poorly constructed walkovers, blaming the damage on the Florida Department of Transportation’s contractor. Older walkovers have withstood storms for decades.
Jason Minton, a Sex Offender, 43, Accused of Kidnapping and Raping Flagler Beach Woman, 23
Jason Minton, 43, a DeLand registered sex offender, is accused of kidnapping and raping a Flagler Beach woman after allegedly drugging her at River Grille restaurant in Ormond Beach Wednesday.
Personalities and Civility More Than Differences Define 4 Candidates for 2 Seats on Flagler Beach City Commission
Ken Bryan, Paul Harrington, Deborah Phillips, and Marshall Shupe, the only incumbent, are candidates for two seats in the March 17 Flagler Beach municipal election. Their appearances at two forums were defined by thoughtfulness, mutual respect and a general consensus on most pressing issues, including development.
Vacation Rental Bill Restricting Local Regulation and Opposed by Flagler County Heads to House Floor
The Flagler County Commission included opposition to such pre-emption among its goals this year, as it has for the past three years. Flagler’s and other counties’ and cities’ opposition in previous years defeated deregulation attempts. The momentum this year appears to be with deregulators, however.
City Planners Urge Significantly Scaling Back 300-Home Matanzas Golf Course Development to Preserve Views
Palm Coast city planners’ response to a planned 300-home development along the disused Matanzas golf course cites rules that prevent building on fairways and blocking existing residents’ backyard views. That would eliminate swaths of planned homes within the 278-acre project.
‘This Will Not Stand’: Flagler Commission Prayer Draws Hint of Lawsuit as County Attorney Adamantly Defends Practice
As Mike Cocchiola, a member of the local ACLU chapter, suggested legal action may follow, County Attorney Al Hadeed “absolutely” defended the Flagler County Commission chairman opening sessions with a prayer. Hadeed overstated the actual legality of the practice, which courts are still contending.
In a First for Flagler’s Black Heritage, Espanola Schoolhouse Is a Step Closer to National Register Listing
The Espanola Schoolhouse will be the first piece of Flagler County black history to be recognized nationally for its historical significance to education and black ethnic heritage.
Thursday Briefing: The Inspired Mic at Hidden Treasures, Candidate Forum in Flagler Beach, Mrs. California
It’s time for another edition of the Inspired Mic at Hidden Treasures in Flagler Beach, a candidate forum for Flagler Beach City Commission, “Mrs. California” at DeLand’s Second Stage Theater.
Jury Doesn’t Buy “Outlandish” Conspiracy Theory and Convicts 54 Year Old Mondex Man of Sex With Minor
Tonda Royal was 52 when a 16-year-old Mondex girl accused him of raping her. He claimed the only way his DNA was in her is because another woman took his used condom and handed it to her to implicate him.
DeVantell Cooper, Wanted in Shooting at U.S. 1 Roundabout, Is Arrested in Daytona Beach
DeVantell Rashaun Cooper, a 27-year-old resident of Flagler and Volusia counties with an extensive criminal history, is accused of firing a gun twice at an individual in another car while circling the roundabout on U.S. 1 on Jan. 12.
Jerrard Moore, Felon Several Times Over, Arrested Over Threatening Ex and Another Woman With Shotgun
Jerrad Moore’s 26-year-old ex-girlfriend had asked him to leave their house. He showed up at her workplace and allegedly pulled a shotgun on her and the woman she was working for in Palm Coast.
Hearts and Rainbows v. Satan and Lies as LGBTQ Advocates and Opponents Hold Neighboring Demonstrations
The two demonstrations by advocates and opponents of LGBTQ rights outside the Government Services Building in Bunnell preceded the Flagler County School Board meeting Tuesday night, which again was dominated by transgender rights issues.
Charged With Statutory Rape, Man’s Defense Invokes Racial Allusions and Lies, But DNA Says Otherwise
Tonda Royal, 53, is on trial this week on an accusation of unlawful sex with a 16-year-old girl in the Mondex. Despite uncontested DNA evidence, the defense claims the girl is lying and was part of a plot to damage Royal’s reputation.
Cold-Weather Homeless Shelter May Move to Church on the Rock, But Weekly Outreach Remains at 1st United
The Flagler County Commission approved the first step in a county-city agreement to underwrite cold-weather homeless shelter operations at Bunnell’s Church on the Rock, though the Sheltering Tree’s outreach operations will remain at First United Methodist, also in Bunnell.
Flagler Airport Advisory Board Chairman Resigns After One Last Sally, Criticizing Land Buy
Daryl Hickman had been critical of airport Director Roy Sieger, citing noise and planned construction issues, before he resigned Monday, telling the county commission that a $250,000 land buy was poorly executed and may have been unnecessary.
16-Year-Old FPC Autistic Girl in Sheriff’s Explorer Program Arrested for Threatening Shooting
The Flagler Palm Coast High School 16 year old allegedly made several Instagram statements threatening murder and serial killing, and may have been upset over academic issues.
1st-Degree Felony Charges for 2 Palm Coast Men Accused of Beating up 70-Year-Old Man Over Road Incident
Alex Fregulia, 18, and Leonardo Silva, 20, of Palm Coast, each faces first and third-degree felony charges following an alleged assault on a 70-year-old man that may have been triggered by a road-rage incident Friday.
Arthur Enos, 81, Dies in Suicide Near Outback, Moments After a 2-Hour Dinner
Arthur Raymond Enos, 81, of Palm Coast, took his life with a gun late the evening of Feb. 14 behind Outback Steakhouse, after he’d spent two hours at the restaurant.
Issuing Superintendent Preferences, ESE Committee Is Sharply Critical of Process and Local Candidates
The Exceptional Student Education Parent Advisory Council, a group of volunteers recognized but not sanctioned by the Flagler County School Board, issued its own recommendations for superintendent–a list of six candidates, none of them local, while pointedly excluding or sharply criticizing four of the local candidates who’d made a different short list.
‘Shocked and Gravely Concerned,’ Domestic Violence Leaders Support Investigations and Seek to Reassure Donors
Trish Giaccone, who heads Flagler County’s shelter for victims of domestic and sexual violence, issued a pair of letters supporting the ongoing investigations in the state domestic violence agency’s spending and pledging transparency.
Jim Tager Lands Superintendent Job in Vermont, But Not Before End of Local ‘Marathon’
A 1,700-student school district in northeast Vermont voted unanimously this week to appoint Jim Tager its next superintendent as the Flagler School Board’s search for his replacement approaches its conclusion.