The two Flagler sheriff’s deputies were on a death investigation involving a man who died of the flu. EMPros manages emergency departments in several cities in Volusia and Flagler. One of its physicians and the Assistant EMS Medical Director for all EMS agencies in Flagler County was placed under quarantine.
Flagler
Palm Coast Paramedics Will Limit Responses to ‘Life-Threatening’ Medical Calls as City and County Declare Emergency
Rather than double-up with county fire rescue personnel, Palm Coast firefighter-paramedics will limit their calls to “life-threatening” emergencies to reduce the chances of either being infected or infecting others with the coronavirus.
39 New Covid-19 Cases Raise Florida’s to 100 as Evidence of Exponential Spread Emerges; Flagler Still at Zero
The Flagler Health Department, under orders from the state Health Department, is not disclosing how many people have been tested locally. Nor is it disclosing how many people are under monitoring for potential exposure in the community.
Grace Community Pantry Steps Up to Offer Food Bridge to Flagler District’s Neediest Children During Emergency
Grace Community Food Pantry, Flagler County’s largest food operation for the neediest, is offering to provide substantial food aid during the coronavirus emergency for distribution to Flagler County schoolchildren who would normally get free or reduced meals at school.
Florida Coronavirus Cases Triple in 2 Days to 64; Floridian Dies in California; AdventHealth Announces Measures
Coronavirus cases have jumped to 64 as of early Saturday morning, from just 21 two days ago, according to the Florida Department of Health, with nine cases in Florida unrelated to travel and 16 cases whose origins are still under investigation. Four Floridians have died from Covid-19, one of them in California.
Virus Testing Will Vastly Expand in Flagler and Florida, ‘So Things Are Going to Change Drastically in Terms of Numbers’
Coronavirus testing capacity will expand next week in Flagler County and across Florida, with capacity for some 625,000 tests available starting Monday, but a lot remains uncertain about the extent of the virus’ effects locally, how many people it will affect and whether current measures will be enough to stave off a major local outbreak.
Schools Closed Through March 30, Jury Trials at Flagler Courthouse Suspended as Coronavirus Fallout Continues
All jury trials have been suspended at the Flagler County courthouse through March 30, and all public schools in the state have been ordered to remain closed through March 30 as well.
Long-Awaited CDC Report on Disused Sheriff’s Operations Center Lands With Thud
County and sheriff’s officials have moved on, making the recently delivered CDC report on the old Sheriff’s Operations Center essentially moot, and largely redundant anyway.
Money Issues Raise New Questions on Locating Sheriff’s Operations Center Near Palm Coast Library
Architectural and engineering plans are continuing for the new Sheriff’s Operations Center in Palm Coast, but its location is again in question as the county faces new financial challenges and commissioners consider options.
Seemingly Spared So Far, Flagler School, Emergency and Health Officials Prepare for Likely Spread as Coronavirus Cases Jump to 21 in Florida
Flagler school officials are discussing remote instruction and instituting deep cleanings, county and health officials are preparing businesses and government staffs for “social distancing” and other measures as they prepare for what they see as the likely spread of coronavirus locally.
AdventHealth Launches Coronavirus Information Line as Palm Coast Fire Chief Urges Fewer In-Person Dr. Visits
AdventHealth is launching a free phone service for Floridians who have questions about coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, including the opportunity to speak with a nurse as appropriate. The 24-hour line is in addition to a similar line operated by the Florida Department of Health.
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.
‘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.
‘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
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
Courtroom Intimacy, Music and Pomp at Valentine’s Day Mass Wedding as 15 Couples Marry and Renew Vows
Seven couples renewed their vows at the annual Flagler courthouse’s mass wedding officiated by Clerk Tom Bexley, and eight were married, this time in a courtroom rather than on the courthouse steps as weather threatened.
Flagler Politicians, Take Note: Brevard Taxpayers Just Paid $490,000 to Settle Illegal Christian Prayers at Meetings
Just as Flagler County commissioners started proffering prayers at public meetings, as the school board almost did, the Brevard County Commission paid out $490,000 in a settlement for doing so illegally for years.
Flagler Emergency Management Chief Jonathan Lord Elected to 7th Term to State Emergency Association Board
Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord was elected to a seventh term on the Board of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association.
It’s Not Just Noise: Airport Advisory Board Tensely Questions Lack of Planning as County Administrator Probes Board’s Role
Tension continues between members of the Flagler Airport Advisory Board and Airport Director Roy Sieger over planning and noise issues. Administrator Jerry Cameron said he’ll look into the board’s bylaws to better define its role and relationship with the County Commission, which appoints it.
Sen. Hutson Joins 3-2 Party-Line Vote to Further Advance Short-Term Rental Bill Ending Local Control
A long-running dispute over vacation rentals is heating up, as a Senate panel Tuesday approved a proposal that would give the state — not local officials — control over regulation of short-term rentals.
Sharp ‘Disconnect’ Between Providers and Needs In Flagler’s Mental Health and Addiction Landscape
At the latest forum on mental health and addiction in Flagler and Palm Coast, health providers’s optimism about their work and presence contradicted the dearth of services and access to them that prevails in residents’ experiences.
Three Fires in Volusia and Ocala Forest Are Sending Smoke Over Flagler
Three controlled or “prescribed” fires burning to the southwest and the west are sending plumes of smoke and acrid smells over Palm Coast and Flagler County.
County’s Own Advisory Board Members Slam Flagler Airport Director Roy Sieger at Meeting on Noise Problems
Airport Director Roy Sieger was strongly criticized by the head of the county’s own Airport Advisory Board at a workshop where commissioners learned that county government’s authority is severely limited when it comes to controlling noise at the Flagler Executive Airport.
Joe Mullins Again Blistered for Divisive Attacks, and Commission Again Refuses to Intervene
Flagler County Commissioner was again harshly criticized by residents at a County Commission meeting for claiming not to represent those who don’t support President Trump and bullying liberals on his social media account, but the commission refused to intervene.
County Opts to Sell Sheriff’s Plagued Operations Center, or Demolish It Absent a Buyer
Sell it as is, presumably in the next 90 days: that’s the consensus of the Flagler County Commission for the Sheriff’s Operations Center off of State Road 100 in Bunnell, the 27,000 square foot building evacuated a year and a half ago and swamped before and since in an environmental and political tangle that keeps blighting county government.
Colleen Conklin Applies for Flagler Superintendent in Bold But Risky Move After 20 Years as School Board Member
Colleen Conklin, at 20 years the longest-serving member of the Flagler County School Board, this afternoon applied to be the next superintendent, a move that triggers a series of ramifications and places her four colleagues in the odd position of deciding whether to be her boss.
Critical Lack of Exhibit Space Hobbling Palm Coast Art Scene Even as Organizations Thrive
For the first time in 20 years, the Flagler County Artist of the Year will not have a show, for lack of space. The critical lack of exhibit space is on the radar of the Flagler County Art League, the fledgling Palm Coast Arts Foundation and the Grand Gallery at Grand Living Realty.
2020 Flagler Elections Guide Mailed to 54,000 Households Ahead of Busy Season
A very long list of offices and seats are up for election in Flagler County, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Bunnell this year, with three major election days ahead plus municipal elections in March.
Thomas LeGault Withdraws Candidacy for Flagler County Commission Amid Debt Claims
Thomas LeGault, owner of a discount-card business called Savor Flagler, withdrew his candidacy for Flagler County Commission a week after revelations that he was being sued by a radio station for unpaid bills and pursued by Flagler Palm Coast High School for a debt he owned the school’s cheerleading team.
No, Joe Mullins, Flagler Is Not a ‘Trump County.’ It Is an American County.
Flagler County Commissioner Joe Mullins followed his call on liberals to love Flagler County or leave with suggestions of putting them on trains and buses, which brings to mind a different period of history, Christopher Goodfellow points out in an open letter to the commissioner.
Officials Project Better Days for Plantation Bay Utility But Re-Write History to Downplay County’s Role in Plagued Deal
County officials told Plantation Bay residents they’d have a more stable utility under new management, but County Attorney Al Hadeed re-wrote some of the history of the county’s plagued, $5.5 million acquisition of the utility from Mori Hosseini’s ICI homes in 2013.
Clerk of Court Prepares for 3rd Edition of Valentine’s Day Mass Wedding on Courthouse Steps
The third edition of the ceremony is again scheduled this year for high noon on Feb. 14, of course, as Clerk Tom Bexley’s innovation is becoming its own tradition, with music, goodies and a touch of wisdom.
WNZF Sues County Commission Candidate Tommy LeGault Over Unpaid Bills; He Owes FPC’s Cheerleaders Money They Raised Months Ago
Tommy LeGault, running for a Flagler County Commission seat as a small-business advocate, owes WNZF nearly $5,000 for infomercials he aired, owes FPC’s cheerleaders $1,000, and twice faced eviction in the last three years.
For Seven Days, Flagler Sees Florida’s Broken Death Penalty Machinery in Action
Though David Snelgrove was finally sentenced to life in prison rather than death this week, his trial shows how the 20-year ordeal in court could have been avoided with the same result two decades ago, had capital punishment not been on the table.
Re-Emerging for 4th Year, Vacation-Rental Bill Restricting Local Authority Advances With Sen. Hutson’s Support
A Senate committee Monday approved a proposal that would take away power from cities and counties to regulate vacation rental properties. The 8-2 vote included Sen. Travis Hutson’s support. Hutson represents Flagler County.
County Ends Low-Performing Economic Development Department, Citing ‘Fluffy’ Numbers and Poor Accountability
Headed by Helga van Eckert since 2012, Flagler County’s $500,000-a-year economic development department had been more successful with PR and taking credit for others’ work than producing much of its own.
Mary Ann Clark, Power Behind Piles Of Flagler Scholarship Awards, Gets One In Her Name at AAUW
The late Mary Ann Clark started the AAUW Flagler branch’s very first scholarship 32 years ago. The organization has since awarded 231 scholarships to Flagler students totaling $220,000. Now a new scholarship will be awarded in Clark’s name.
6 Years Late, $13 Million in Debt, County Concedes Incompetence Running Utility as It Seeks Plantation Bay Bailout
Flagler County officials admitted to the catastrophic consequences of the Plantation Bay utility deal and to the county’s inability to manage the plant as they look for ways to extricate the county from a huge debt load.
Residents Near Flagler Airport Threaten Lawsuit Over Noise, and Get County’s Pledge to Examine Issue
A half dozen residents described intolerable noise from flight-school planes at the Flagler airport, and got the county administrator’s pledge of a workshop in January to examine solutions.
Roy Longo Honored for 504 Missions on Fire Flight, 30 Years as Flagler Rescue Paramedic, and that Dolphin
Roy Longo, who became a local hero after saving a dolphin in distress with a county ambulance in 1999, was honored for his 30 years of service tonight, the last seven as a medic on Fire Flight, the county’s emergency helicopter.
Crime Rate in Flagler and Palm Coast Continues Steep Drop in 1st Half of 2019
The crime index in Flagler County and Palm Coast dropped in the first six months of 2019, continuing a steep decline of the last two years, falling 15.1 percent compared with the first six months of 2018. The declines were especially steep in Flagler Beach and Bunnell.
Bunnell Man Shoots Dog In Front of Its Teen Owners After Dog Had Mauled His Cat; No Charges
Nickolas B. Monroe, a 26-year-old resident of Walnut Avenue in Bunnell’s Mondex neighborhood, fired at and killed the animal as its owners, a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, had just been looking for it.
Flagler County receives Critical Event Management Impact Award
Flagler County Emergency Management was awarded the Critical Event Management Impact Award by Everbridge Inc. – the platform locally referred to as ALERTFlagler – for “unique, innovative and inspiring use of the (company’s platform) to support life safety, global security, organizational resiliency and business continuity.” Flagler County was recognized for successfully streamlining its special needs […]
Aimee Stafford Takes Over as Flagler Chamber President, Bringing Energetic and Laureled Experience to Burdened Organization
Aimee Stafford is a veteran in leadership of chambers and non-profits, especially in Kentucky, but with long-established established ties in Florida and Ormond Beach, where she’s lived since May.
Flagler Government Will Conduct Second Pay Study in Two Years, Though Turnover Rate Is Not Unusual
Flagler County government is planning a second pay study in two years after discovering that the first one was not fully implemented, though questions were raised about how dire the county’s turnover rate really is.