Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito appointed Growth Management Director Adam Mengel as her deputy. She identified Mengel, Jonathan Lord, and John Broward as potential interim successors. This move provides a framework for leadership before her July departure. The commission recently rejected an outside interim candidate. Petito suggested a tiered administrative structure to distribute responsibilities. These appointments aim to maintain operational stability during the search for a permanent county leader.
Flagler
Flagler Airport Director Roy Sieger Cleared Again As Ethics Commission Tosses Resident’s Retribution Claims
The Florida Ethics Commission dismissed a second complaint against Flagler County Airport Director Roy Sieger within three months, citing legal insufficiency. The latest complaint, filed by resident Anna Jones, alleged Sieger favored flight schools and retaliated against critics. The commission found no evidence of personal benefit or corruption, noting that many allegations fell outside its jurisdiction or lacked documented evidence of actual wrongdoing.
Dennis Bayer Out as Marineland Attorney After Nearly 30 Years, Replaced by Firm that Represents Palm Coast
Marineland Town Attorney Dennis Bayer resigned after nearly 30 years following friction with the town commission over marina contracts and other issues The commission appointed Douglas Law Firm as his replacement. The town faces financial pressure after losing property tax revenue from Marineland Dolphin Adventure’s transition to a nonprofit. Commissioners now seek to renegotiate a 10-year marina contract, despite Bayer’s warnings regarding the lack of legal grounds.
Flagler County Commission Votes To Drop Legal Challenge Against Veranda Bay Annexation In Flagler Beach
The Flagler County Commission voted against challenging the City of Flagler Beach’s annexation of Veranda Bay. Two commissioners cited concerns regarding the legality of homeowner signatures in property covenants, but not a single Veranda Bay resident turned up to challenge the annexation, while the developer and a real estate broker spoke of the risks of losing deals. Developer Ken Belshe reaffirmed his commitment to existing infrastructure and conservation agreements.
Heidi Petito Scolds Flagler Commissioners For Unprofessional Handling Of Her Pending Summer Resignation
The Flagler County Commission decided to keep Administrator Heidi Petito through July 14 after she criticized the board for a “sloppy” and unprofessional transition process. Despite internal friction and calls for an immediate replacement, the commission opted against hiring an interim or borrowing staff from the Sheriff’s Office. Instead, the board will utilize the Florida Association of County Managers to conduct a permanent search.
Severe Water Shortage Advisory Issued for Flagler and Other Counties
The St. Johns River Water Management District has declared a Severe Water Shortage advisory for Flagler County and other northeast and central Florida counties. Due to extreme drought and declining groundwater levels, landscape irrigation is now limited to 1 day per week. All water users must eliminate wasteful practices and prepare for further restrictions if dry conditions continue.
Palm Coast’s Development Derangement Syndrome
Palm Coast often luxuriates in development derangement syndrome as residents of established communities and neighborhoods move to block new housing projects. This hypocrisy ignores that existing homes also replaced native wilds. Developers are not faultless. But Florida’s property tax system forces local governments to chase growth because homestead exemptions prevent existing residents from paying their fair share. Consequently, infrastructure decays while impact fees rise to subsidize the sprawl.
Flagler Cares And Local Radio Stations Join in Neighbors Helping Neighbors Help-A-Thon For Families in Crises
Flagler Broadcasting will host the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Help-A-Thon this Friday to raise $25,000 for the Flagler Cares Barrier Fund. The event, simulcast on four local stations, encourages businesses to donate in-kind services and funds to help residents overcome sudden life-derailing obstacles. By providing “hand up” assistance rather than permanent welfare, the initiative seeks to stabilize families and foster a self-sustaining local community.
Flager Cares Impact: How Care Coordination Helped a Person in Need Move From Silence to Connection
Flagler Cares provides essential one-on-one support to community members facing complex barriers. When a deaf client struggled to complete mandatory interviews for food assistance, a care coordinator facilitated the process through lip-reading and secured her benefits. The support extended further as the agency helped her obtain free assistive phone-captioning technology, restoring her independence and ensuring she remains connected to vital services and family.
17-Year-Old Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison, 10 on Probation, for Armed Burglaries in West Flagler With 3 Accomplices
Alan Gabriel Jaramillo-Hernandez, 17, was sentenced to five years in prison and 10 years of probation for his role in 15 armed burglaries in West Flagler. Despite guidelines suggesting 13 years, Judge Dawn Nichols granted a downward departure. Jaramillo-Hernandez, who was 16 during the crimes, must pay restitution and avoid contact with three co-defendants, including his brother, while adhering to a curfew.
Potential Litigation Over Flagler Beach’s Annexation of Veranda Bay Isn’t Over Until Kim Carney Says It Is
Flagler County officials are reconsidering a previously assumed universal settlement regarding the Veranda Bay annexation. Commissioner Kim Carney, citing missing resident petitions, contends the annexation is illegal. Despite warnings from the county attorney about losing mitigation funds and a 153-acre conservation deal, the commission will hold a workshop to discuss legal action. The move, with guarded support from Commission Chair Leann Pennington, pending further deliberations, threatens to reignite conflict between Flagler Beach and the county.
Day Of Celebration In Palm Coast Honors Local Heroes And Demands Urgency For State Black History Museum
The Day of Celebration at Palm Coast United Methodist Church highlighted the urgent need for the Florida House to approve the Museum of Black History in St. Augustine. Local leaders honored figures like the late Jim Guines and the Seeking Insights for Solutions Group and were brought to their feet by a pair of young performers who brought Black history to life. Despite unanimous Senate support, the project remains stalled in the House, prompting calls for legislative action to preserve Florida’s heritage.
New $4 Million, 52,000 Square Foot Aviation Complex At Flagler County Airport Doesn’t Preclude Flight Schools
The Flagler County Commission approved a 30-year lease of 3.5 acres–for $1,000 an acre–at the county airport to Upstate Companies of St. Augustine. The firm will spend $4 million to construct a 52,000-square-foot complex featuring four hangars and offices. While officials hope to attract avionics and repair shops, the lease does not explicitly ban flight schools, despite concerns from residents and some commissioners regarding noise: FAA regulations preclude excluding aviation-related businesses.
Flagler Commission Approves Heidi Petito Resignation and Severance Terms Following Months Of Intense Friction
The Flagler County Commission approved a mutual separation agreement for Administrator Heidi Petito in a 4-1 vote today. Petito resigned citing untenable tension with the board. The agreement provides 20 weeks of severance and allows her to remain until July 14, if necessary. Commissioners Kim Carney and Pam Richardson were opposed to the package. Supporters and members of the public praised Petito’s 25 years of professional service.
Facing A Toxic Environment, Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito Tenders Her Voluntary Resignation
Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito is resigning after facing continuous criticism from the new County Commission majority. Despite surviving a recent termination attempt, Petito recognizes the deteriorated working relationships and is proposing a separation agreement, effective at the latest in mid-July. Petito would stay on to shepherd the county through budget season. Her departure follows the recent resignation of Deputy Administrator Percy Sayles, who cited a toxic work environment. The commission will review her voluntary resignation and severance package on Monday morning.
Flagler Beach Commission Finalizes Historic Annexation of Veranda Bay, Increasing City’s Size by Almost a Third
The Flagler Beach City Commission finalized the historic annexation of Veranda Bay Thursday night, after previously approving that of Summertown, expanding the city’s land mass by nearly a third. Passed in a 4-1 vote, the twin developments will add over 2,200 housing units and extensive commercial space in the coming decades. Despite prior opposition and threatened lawsuits from the county, the final approval proceeded smoothly with only minor public dissent currently remaining.
Flagler County Commissioner Kim Carney Launches File of Life Initiative to Ensure End-of-Life Wishes
Flagler County Vice Chair Kim Carney launched the File of Life initiative to help residents properly document their end-of-life medical directives. Inspired by the loss of her mother, Carney donated funds to provide specialized kits containing necessary yellow Do Not Resuscitate forms and magnetic holders. Now, Flagler County Fire Rescue Community Paramedics are distributing these kits to ensure first responders legally honor patient wishes.
Flagler Beach’s $2.6 Million Beachwalk Project at the Pier Is Dead; City Returns $745,000 Grant to the County
Flagler Beach is officially abandoning its $2.6 million Beachwalk project, opting to return a $745,000 tourism grant after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection required a costly new dune system to proceed. The city will now simply refurbish the existing A-frame structure instead of expanding it. The returned grant money will most likely be reallocated to a field lights project located in Palm Coast.
Flagler Sheriff Among 18 Police Agencies Sharing $40 Million State Aid for Immigration Enforcement
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is receiving $6,500 for 100 mattresses, $198,000 for 60 rapid ID devices, $46,000 for five in-car cameras, $7,500 for five handheld inmate-tracking devices, and $2,800 for 400 blankets. Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet approved the $40 million ask from local police agencies Tuesday morning. It’s part of a broader, $250 million state grant created last year to both encourage and reimburse local agencies participating in the sweeping illegal immigration crackdown pushed by President Donald Trump and at the state level by DeSantis.
County Votes 4-1 to Resolve Annexation Dispute Over Veranda Bay and Summertown, Ending Lawsuit Threat Against City
Flagler County has officially voted to settle its annexation dispute with Flagler Beach, ending the threat of a lawsuit. The 4-1 decision resolves ongoing conflicts over the Veranda Bay and Summertown developments, ensuring the developer pays transportation impact fees and grants the county a three-year window to purchase conservation land. The settlement clears the path for Flagler Beach to finalize the annexations this week.
Flagler Sheriff Solves 2003 Cold Case of Mary Lou Combs With Help From FBI Divers
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly announced the resolution of a 22-year-old cold case after a submerged vehicle was recovered from the Intracoastal Waterway. The car contained human remains and personal items linked to Mary Lou Combs, a mother of three who disappeared in August 2003. A massive multi-agency effort involving FBI dive teams helped locate the wreckage, finally bringing long-awaited closure to her grieving family.
Scott Spradley, Flagler Beach City Commission Candidate: The Live Interview
Scott Spradley is one of three candidates running for two seats in the March 3 Flagler Beach election for the City Commission. FlaglerLive submitted six identical questions to the three candidates, with no length restrictions. Answers are presented here in full and cross-referenced for ease of comparison.
R.J. Santore, Flagler Beach City Commission Candidate: The Live Interview
R.J. Santore is one of three candidates running for two seats in the March 3 Flagler Beach election for the City Commission. FlaglerLive submitted six identical questions to the three candidates, with no length restrictions. Answers are presented here in full and cross-referenced for ease of comparison.
Rick Belhumeur, Flagler Beach City Commission Candidate: The Live Interview
Rick Belhumeur is one of three candidates running for two seats in the March 3 Flagler Beach election for the City Commission. FlaglerLive submitted six identical questions to the three candidates, with no length restrictions. Answers are presented here in full and cross-referenced for ease of comparison.
Tax Collector and Daytona State College Honor 12 Flagler Leadership Academy Graduates
Twelve local government professionals from agencies including the Flagler County Commission, Palm Coast, and the Sheriff’s Office graduated from the Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy on Feb. 12. The four-month executive program, a partnership between the Tax Collector’s Office and Daytona State College, trains officials in leadership, budgeting, and service excellence to better serve Flagler County residents through improved organizational culture.
Flagler County Clears 1st State Hurdle to Acquire 153 Acres of Summertown for Conservation, Valued at $4.4 Million
A state environmental panel approved adding 153 acres of the Summertown development to the Florida Forever project list, making Flagler County eligible for conservation funding to purchase the land. While the developer is a willing seller, funding is not guaranteed, and tensions remain over a potential conservation easement if the purchase fails before the two-year deadline.
Flagler County and City Near Deal to Avoid Annexation Lawsuit But for Last-Minute Conservation Demand on Developer
Flagler County and Flagler Beach have resolved most disputes regarding the Summertown and Veranda Bay annexations, likely averting a lawsuit. While infrastructure and utility issues are settled, a new conflict emerged over 153 acres of preservation land. The developer accused the county of an “outright taking” after officials demanded development restrictions, though arbitration remains a potential solution.
Irwin Connelly, Environmental Champion, Former Public Defender and Flagler Beach City Attorney, Dies at 80
Irwin Connelly, a former Flagler Beach city attorney, public defender, and ardent environmentalist, died Wednesday at 80. Connelly was instrumental in protecting local conservation lands, including Bulow Creek State Park. A lover of Irish heritage and literature, he dedicated his retirement to literacy volunteering. He is survived by his wife, Brynn Newton, and son, Padraic Connelly.
502 Houses and Apartments, Shopping Center and Assisted Living Off Seminole Woods Boulevard Win Board’s Nod
Despite unanimous objections from neighbors regarding traffic and community character, the Flagler County Planning Board recommended approving the Seminole Woods Mixed Use planned development on 119 acres near Grand Landings. It would include 502 residential units and significant commercial space. Residents fear incompatible density and environmental loss. The planning board found the plan consistent with regulatory requirements, moving it to the County Commission for approval.
Survey Season: Palm Coast, Flagler County and Tourism Office Launch Simultaneous Resident Polls
Palm Coast, Flagler County, and the Tourism Development Office are simultaneously soliciting public feedback through three distinct surveys. The City and County are mailing invitations to assess resident satisfaction with government services and quality of life, while the tourism office seeks immediate online input for a ten-year sustainability master plan. The efforts aim to align future government priorities with community values.
Stark Appeal Bares Human Cost Behind Flagler County’s Pending Elimination of Adult Day Care Program
Putting a human face on a potentially devastating and looming budget cut, Palm Coast resident Stephen De Garmo, 82, urged the Flagler County Commission to preserve its threatened adult day care program, a vital resource for his wife, Rene, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. The commission chair was sympathetic and noted potential nonprofit alternatives. But the program faces elimination due to its dearth of clients and anticipated revenue shortfalls from proposed state property tax changes.
County Testily Approves $550,000 Hammock Harbour Settlement, Clearing the Way for 204-Boat Storage Facility
Flagler County Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a $550,000 settlement with Hammock Harbour, ending a six-year legal dispute and allowing a 204-boat storage facility on Scenic A1A. Despite strong opposition from Hammock residents and reluctance from commissioners, the agreement invalidates special exception requirements and grants the developer building credits to avoid a potentially costlier jury verdict.
Percy Sayles Resigns as Flagler County’s Deputy Administrator Amid Toxic Dynamic Between Petito and Commission
Flagler County Deputy Administrator Percy Sayles has resigned after just three months, citing a sense that it was time to step down. His departure, announced by Administrator Heidi Petito on Monday, shocked commissioners but highlighted the ongoing toxic relationship between the administration and the board, and within the administration. The move leaves Petito isolated as the commission continues to seek new leadership.
Breaking: Sheriff Staly, Who Runs Flagler County’s Jail, Will Continue to Run Flagler County’s Jail
The Flagler County Commission unanimously designated Sheriff Rick Staly as the official correctional officer this evening, a move formalizing existing operations to comply with state law. The county maintains the physical facility, but Staly oversees daily operations. The ordinance includes no salary increase for Staly.
Future 1,160-acre Bulow Creek Headwaters County Park Would Be Almost as Large as Princess Place
Flagler County is planning the Bulow Creek Headwaters Regional Park, a 1,300-acre preserve featuring trails, a kayak launch, and wetlands protection. While design plans are finalizing, construction costs require phasing and grant funding, pushing completion to the early 2030s. Planners emphasize passive recreation and minimal environmental impact, utilizing existing paths and elevated boardwalks to protect the wildlife corridor.
Settlement Calls for Flagler County to Pay Developer $550,000 and Clear the Way for 204-Boat Storage Facility in Hammock
Flagler County has reached a $550,000 settlement with Hammock Harbour,ending a federal lawsuit and a Bert J. Harris Act claim–should the County Commission ratify it on Monday. The agreement pays $400,000 in cash and $150,000 in fee credits while approving the developer’s site plan and allowing construction of a 203-boat dry-storage facility on State Road A1A without the previously required special exception or further public review.
Flagler Beach Approves Conflict-Resolution Window to Stave Off County Litigation Over Summertown Annexation
The Flagler Beach City Commission approved a timeline extension to facilitate negotiations with Flagler County, aiming to avoid litigation over the Summertown development’s annexation. Disputes center on a recycled-water commitment, floodplains, and traffic impacts. The county initiated the formal conflict-resolution process. Both sides are optimistic that negotiations will make litigation unnecessary.
170-Acre Wildfire Off US1 and Old Dixie Prompts Brief Evacuations But No Structures Lost as Blaze Is 50% Contained
A controlled burn escaped on Wednesday, growing into a 170-acre wildfire near U.S. 1 in Flagler County. The fire forced the evacuation of a dozen homes before crews achieved 50% containment overnight. While light rain aided suppression efforts and allowed residents to return home, fire officials remain on high alert. High winds and Florida’s unique vegetation pose ongoing risks, and residents are urged to remain cautious as mop-up operations continue today.
U.S. Rep. Randy Fine Takes a Bow for Sand Money Flagler County Was Owed Years Ago
Flagler County finally secured $4.7 million in FEMA funding for beach restoration, money actually owed since 2022. While Congressman Randy Fine claims credit for a quick turnaround, the funds were long delayed by the Trump administration’s bureaucratic hurdles and federal inertia. The money will support the Reach 2 project, beginning in 2026, to reinforce the county’s vulnerable eroding coastline.
Lord’s Domain: Flagler’s Emergency Management Director Re-Elected President of State Association
Flagler County’s Emergency Management Director, Jonathan Lord, will remain the face of Florida’s disaster-preparedness professionals for another year. Re-elected as President of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association, Lord’s tenure reflects a decade-long climb through the organization’s ranks. County officials lauded the move as a boon for local safety, even as Lord balances local oversight with statewide domestic security responsibilities.
Defiant Ex-Flagler Paramedic James Melady Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison, Calling Rape Conviction ‘Malicious’
Former Flagler County paramedic James Melady was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the 2021 sexual battery of an incapacitated patient. Melady remained unrepentant, labeling his conviction a threat to the paramedic profession. The victim, who discovered the assault years later through video evidence, detailed the devastating trauma that followed, including a miscarriage and mental health relapse. Despite clear evidence of the victim’s helplessness, the jury’s verdict on a lesser charge limited Melady’s maximum sentence.
A Hurricane of a Life: Flagler Bids Farewell to Firebrand Activist Jane Gentile-Youd
Friends, family, and local officials gathered at the Palm Coast Community Center to honor the memory of Jane Gentile-Youd, a formidable community activist known for her fierce advocacy, vibrant personality and her grudges. Speakers highlighted her complex legacy, her enduring marriage to Mark Gentile-Youd, and her impact on Flagler County politics, concluding with a tribute to her transformative and multi-dimensional spirit.
Florida Ethics Commission Dismisses Unrelated Complaints Against Three Flagler County and City Officials
The Florida Commission on Ethics dismissed three complaints against former Acting Palm Coast City Manager Lauren Johnston, Flagler Executive Airport Director Roy Sieger, and Bunnell Planning Board member Lynn Lafferty, ruling them legally insufficient. The commission found that allegations of conflicts of interest and mismanagement lacked substantive evidence or fell outside their jurisdiction.
Palm Coast and County Endorse Vague $2.1 Million Animal Shelter Plan and Joint Animal Control Services
Palm Coast and Flagler County officials have endorsed a plan to build a $2.1 million animal shelter and consolidate animal control services. This move aims to eliminate reliance on the Flagler Humane Society but faces significant financial hurdles. While the task force suggests a fall groundbreaking, officials raise concerns over missing operational cost data and competing budget priorities. The transition could significantly increase animal control expenses for the region.
Flagler County Triggers Conflict Resolution Over Flagler Beach Annexation as Both Sides Seek to Avoid Lawsuit
The Flagler County Commission voted 4-1 to initiate a formal conflict-resolution process against Flagler Beach regarding the Summertown annexation. Despite Commissioner Andy Dance’s efforts to use a less confrontational agreement to avoid the appearance of litigation, the majority opted for a legal framework to protect the county’s rights. The dispute involves infrastructure and environmental concerns, notably drawing accusations of “bad faith” from the City Attorney regarding the county’s past approval of the same development.
Flagler Fire Rescue’s Lt. Karl Froling Is Florida’s Search and Rescue Responder of the Year
Recognized for his technical expertise and leadership, Froling pioneered standardized animal technical rescue training following a 2012 incident in Volusia County. His work with the University of Florida and the National Fire Protection Association has elevated regional emergency response capabilities and established Flagler County’s rescue team as a premier program within the state.
Flagler County Unemployment Drops Slightly from 5 1/2-Year High But Labor Force Also Shrinks
Flagler County’s unemployment rate fell to 5.5 percent in December, down from November’s 6.1 percent, though the labor force shrank a bit. State legislators are advancing a bill to further tighten unemployment benefit eligibility. Florida saw anemic job growth in 2025, hampered by losses in construction and manufacturing. Locally, the housing market reflects a slight cooling trend, with inventory rising and homes taking significantly longer to sell.
Sheriff’s Office Answers 19 Questions on Acquisition and Future Operations of Emergency Helicopter
Answering 19 questions submitted by FlaglerLive, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office addressed concerns regarding its recent $1.4 million helicopter acquisition, half of which was funded by attorney Dan Newlin. The agency defended the lack of a feasibility study by citing the sheriff’s prior air-operations experience in orange County. The agency clarified that the aircraft will focus on proactive patrols and emergency medical transport, and maintained that the independent office acted within its constitutional authority.
Palm Coast and Flagler County Propose New $2.1 Million Animal Shelter, Side-Stepping Humane Society
A joint task force between Palm Coast and Flagler County government is recommending a new $2.1 million, 9,500-square-foot animal shelter in Palm Coast to handle city and county animal control intakes. The proposal reflects growing dissatisfaction with the Flagler Humane Society and seeks to establish a municipal-run “no-kill” facility. However, the plan faces scrutiny regarding its lack of funding sources, the exclusion of the Humane Society from discussions, and projected operating costs that may exceed current expenditures while offering fewer services.
Flagler Beach Advances Veranda Bay Annexation and Seeks Resolution of County’s ‘Bobbing and Weaving’ Threat to Sue
The Flagler Beach City Commission approved the Veranda Bay annexation on first reading in a 4-1 vote, despite a looming threat to sue from the county. The dispute centers on whether 122 existing homeowners must individually sign off on the deal. While developers argue deed restrictions are enough, the county cites state law requiring explicit consent. Commissioners moved forward to force a definitive stance from the county, though a final second reading remains contingent on avoiding litigation.