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Flagler

Old Dixie Motel Owners Have 5 Months To Secure Building Permits or Face Demolition by County’s Order

January 23, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 22 Comments

Special Magistrate Sean McDermott. (© FlaglerLive)

A special magistrate gave the owners of the neglected Old Dixie hotel five months to secure four permits from Flagler County or face demolition of the property. The decision by the magistrate, Sean McDermott, amounts to a further life extension for the hotel property, yet again frustrating the county’s attempts since last March to demolish a building it considers to be a nuisance and a danger to public health.

Flagler-Palm Coast Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Is Seeking New Members: Please Apply

January 22, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

Everyone needs a roof over theor head. (© FlaglerLive)

The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC), which makes recommendations to the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Palm Coast, is seeking to fill open vacancies.

Yacht Club Gives Up Palm Coast Boat Parade After 41 Years, Citing Costs and City’s Obstacles; Mayor Pledges Takeover

January 21, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 46 Comments

It's sunset for the Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade, at least in the Palm Coast Yacht Club's hands, which have sponsored the parade for the last 41 years. Palm Coast government may take it over. (Robert Ulis)

The Palm Coast Yacht Club is giving up on the Holiday Boat Parade, a local fixture for 41 years. The Yacht Club cited burdensome costs and too many obstacles and expectations from the city, all of which have taken the fun out of running it, its organizer says. The Palm Coast City Council today signaled its willingness to take it over and run it as a special event. But it would have to be approved through the coming budget process. 

Sorry Palm Coast, No Snow For You: Winter Storm Warning Boundaries Are North and West of Flagler

January 21, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

A still from a video posted by Storm Chaser Houston this morning as snow was starting to accumulate in southeast Texas.

If you’re hoping to see a few snow flurries as a rare winter storm barrels through the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll have to go north and west of Flagler County even as winter storm warning boundaries were extended southward to include all of Duval and Clay counties overnight. Putnam and St. Johns have a winter storm advisory.

Marineland Suspends All Event Permits Until Town and Flagler County Comply with State’s River to Sea Park Rules

January 17, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

Where Ragga Surf Cafe used to be: the south end of the River to Sea Preserve's parking lot in Marineland has returned to its former look, with Ragga Surf Cafe's food truck and two campers gone, along with nearly two dozen picnic tables that had spread on the grounds and along the boardwalk. The county has covered the formerly occupied space with straw, sopping up whatever fluids may have leaked from the vehicles' four-month presence there. Marineland and Flagler County government are striving to return to compliance with state rules controlling the preserve. (© FlaglerLive)

The Marineland Town Commission Thursday evening agreed to suspend all permitting of special events, including vendor markets, 5K runs and weddings anywhere on the grounds of the River to Sea preserve–a public park–until the town and Flagler County government are in full compliance with the management terms of the preserve both had violated. The suspension is not a small matter for Marineland, whose character as a town with only a handful of residents and just one private business is defined at least in part by the events that take place in town, especially in connection with its natural amenities. 

It’s Not Your Imagination: Palm Coast Homes Used as Vacation Rentals Increase by 70% in 2 Years, to Over 500

January 15, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 20 Comments

Many single-family homes in Palm Coast are being built expressly to capitalize on the short-term vacation rental market. (© FlaglerLive)

It’s not your imagination. The number of single-family homes used as short-term vacation rentals has increased by 60 percent in two years across Flagler County, while the number of vacation rentals in Palm Coast alone, where most of the growth is concentrated, has surged by 70 percent, with the overwhelming share of those in single-family homes, condos or town houses.

After Ragga Surf Cafe Exit, Flagler County and Marineland Seek to Win Back State’s Trust in Preserve Management

January 15, 2025 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

The boardwalk at the River-to-Sea Preserve in marineland has regained its old look, minus the tables and parasols, which belonged to Ragga Surf Cafe. After the county evicted the cafe from the Preserve, Ragga Surf set up operations in downtown St. Augustine. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County government and the Town of Marineland administration have drafted a joint plan to reassure the state agency with oversight of the River to Sea Preserve that the two local governments are still capable of managing the Preserve, which had fallen out of compliance with state requirements and put both governments at risk of losing ownership. Meanwhile, Ragga Surf cafe has left Marineland and will reopen at a location in St. Augustine on Friday.

Bunnell Board Tells City Commission: Shrink Haw Creek Reserve Mega Development By 2,500 Homes

January 10, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

The Reserve at Haw Creek, seen here on screens before Bunnell city commissioners last month, would dwarf Bunnell's existing urban core and more than quintuple its population. The city's planning board is recommending a reduction of total homes from 8,000 to 5,500. (© FlaglerLive)

On its third try since November, the Bunnell Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval of the rezoning and development agreement controlling the Reserve at Haw Creek–the largest single development proposal in Flagler County since Palm Coast was conceived in the 1960s–but not before issuing nearly a dozen proposed conditions to the Bunnell City Commission, which takes on the proposal next. Among those conditions: Lower the planned 8,000 home total to 5,500.

Flagler’s New Legislative Delegation, Meager in Money and Seniority, Tells Locals: Don’t Expect Much

January 8, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

The much-diminished Flagler County Legislative Delegation took its seats for the first time this afternoon in Bunnell, cautioning of a new, poorer day in Tallahassee: Sen. Tom Leek, left, and Rep. Sam Greco. Both are Republicans, each in his first term, though Leek brings eight years of service in the House, where he rose to the appropriations committee chairmanship before he was term-limited. (© FlaglerLive)

The much-diminished Flagler County Legislative Delegation took its seats this afternoon in Bunnell, cautioning local government and organization representatives seeking state aid for numerous projects that it’s a new, poorer day in Tallahassee, where federal Covid aid and legislative seniority are gone. Sen. Tom Leek and Rep. Sam Greco are each in his first term, though Leek brings eight years of service in the House, where he rose to the appropriations committee chairmanship before he was term-limited.

Owner Appeals ‘Dangerous Dog’ Designation But Doesn’t Contest Bulldog’s Two Violent Attacks in the Hammock

January 7, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 9 Comments

Winston, following the second attack by the dog Luke, who bit Winston over the eye. (Flagler County)

For only the third time in 10 years, the Flagler County Commission will hear an appeal next week by a dog owner whose bulldog, Luke, was declared “dangerous” by the county’s special magistrate following two attacks in the Hammock last October. The case hinges in substantial part on the determination of  a county animal control officer who is facing an unrelated criminal charge of animal cruelty, a potential vulnerability in the county’s case. 

David Allen Gee, Known as Dr. Dave and Voice of FPC and Matanzas Football, Dies at 73

January 6, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

David Allen Gee, age 73, of Palm Coast, Fla., passed away on January 2, 2025 at his home, surrounded by loving family after a long illness. David was a sportscaster in Atlanta and in Palm Coast was a D.J. on WNZF and KOOL – Lunch with Dr. Dave – for 10 + years and a D.J. on The Blizzard for five years. A sports junkie, he was also the radio voice of Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast High School football in Flagler County.

Bunnell’s 8,000-Home Development Plan Nears Approval. Residents Raise Questions. Officials Don’t.

January 3, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 25 Comments

reserve at haw creek

Members of the public had many questions, at least to the extent that they were allowed to speak their mind. Members of the Bunnell City Commission and its planning board barely had any as the two panels met in a joint workshop Thursday evening to examine the development agreement for the 8,000-home Reserve at Haw Creek project that will transform the city.

Flagler County Wins Public Safety Award from Northeast Florida Regional Council

January 2, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

police drones

Flagler County is the recipient of an Annual Regional Awards for Excellence from the Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC). The honor was awarded for “Public Safety” because the county was presented with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificate of Waiver for Drones Beyond the Line of Sight

FPL Seeks to Increase Electric Rates in Four Successive Years Starting in 2026

December 30, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 30 Comments

fpl rate hikes

FPL, which provides electric power to all of Flagler County, will seek increases of about $1.55 billion that would take effect in 2026 and $930 million that would take effect in 2027, according to a letter filed with the Florida Public Service Commission. It also will seek additional money in 2028 and 2029 to pay for solar-energy and battery projects, though the filing did not detail specific amounts.

Bunnell Says No to Developer Seeking To Reduce Open Space By 10% at 8,000-Home ‘Haw Creek Reserve’

December 26, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 12 Comments

The mega-development called The Reserve at Haw Creek, an 8,000-home project, looms over the Bunnell City Commission, which last Monday refused to allow the developer to lower the ratio of open space by 10 percent. (© FlaglerLive)

The 8,000-home development called Reserve at Haw Creek in Bunnell may proceed, but it will have to respect the city’s minimum requirement of 60 percent of open space. Rejecting a developer’s claim that his due process was violated or his veiled threat to build more apartment buildings if his request was rejected, the Bunnell City Commission voted 3-2 to deny an exception that would have allowed reducing open space at the Reserve at Haw Creek from 60 percent to 50 percent.

Flagler County Raised Concerns Well Before Developer Sought to Reduce Open Space at 8,000-Home ‘Reserve’ in Bunnell

December 23, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 17 Comments

State Road 11 looking south, just outside Bunnell, with acreage to the right that would be part of The Reserve at Haw Creek, a proposed 6,000 to 8,000 home development.

As the developer of the proposed 6,000-t-8,000-home Reserve at Haw Creek in Bunnell, the single-largest development in the county since Palm Coast’s origins, seeks to lower the proportion of open space there, Flagler County months ago issued a detailed letter to the city raising concerns with the plan, especially as it relates to the number of homes, flooding and open space. And that was before the developer increased the proposed density and sought to lower the amount of open space.

Ragga Surf Eviction Stands as Marineland and Flagler County Snipe at Each Other and State Snubs Them All

December 20, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 29 Comments

Dozens of people crowded the Marineland Town Commission meeting room and spilled out into an adjacent room at the offices of the GTMNERR in Marineland Thursday evening, as the fate of the Ragga Surf Cafe, as well as that of the River to Sea Preserve, continued to hang in the balance. (© FlaglerLive)

If the 50-some of supporters of Ragga Surf Café who turned out for a Marineland Town Commission meeting Thursday evening to hear some hope, any hope, that the café can stave off eviction from its temporary home at the River to Sea Preserve on Dec. 31, they were disappointed. The eviction stands. The earliest Ragga may have a chance to reclaim its spot, if at all, may be March, judging from what County Administrator Heidi Petito estimated, though it would likely be longer.

November House Sales in Flagler County At Lowest Level in Almost 7 Years, Job-Holder Total at 2-Year Low

December 20, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 14 Comments

flagler florida unemployment november graph chart 2024

Flagler County’s unemployment was 4.4 percent in November, up a decimal point from a revised 4.3 percent the previous month, a statistically insignificant change, even as the number of unemployed residents declined slightly. More alarmingly: housing sales hit a seven-year low, while the number of Flagler residents holding jobs continued to decline significantly.

Colossal 6,000-Home Plan in Bunnell is Now 8,000 Homes, and Developer Wants to Cut Open Space by 10%

December 19, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 19 Comments

A map in Flagler County offices where someone drew the outline of what would become The Preserve at Haw Creek, a massive development that would dwarf the city of Bunnelll, of which it would be a part. (© FlaglerLive)

The developer of the proposed Preserve at Haw Creek, a 2,800-acre development west of Bunnell that would dwarf the city in size and population, has raised the number of dwellings from 5,000-to 6,000 in a May presentation to 6,000 to 8,000 now, and is asking the city to lower the minimum required open space from 60 percent to 50 percent. The city’s planning board unanimously rejected the request. The Bunnell City Commission hears the appeal on Monday.

State Raises Objections to Flagler Beach’s ‘Black Hole’ of Data About Veranda Bay as County Repeats Concerns

December 19, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

Construction at Veranda Bay, which has vested approval for 451 homes. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler Beach’s proposed annexation of Veranda Bay, the planned 2,400-home development along John Anderson Highway, is facing yet more obstacles in addition to an opposition group’s threat to sue. State agencies tasked by law with reviewing the city’s planned amendment to its land-use rules to accommodate the development have raised objections, citing a lack of data.

County Knocks Off $100,000 from Offer for ‘Sensitive’ Land Purchase to Expand Bull Creek Campground

December 18, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

The Bull Creek Fish Camp, where the county is planning to expand its campground, used to be a celebrated stopping point for ferry boats traveling Crescent and Dead Lake, and the site of a hotel, long gone. (© FlaglerLive)

After knocking $100,000 off the asking price due to some problematic maintenance issues on the property, the Flagler County Commission agreed to buy an eight-parcel, 27.5 acre property, including a homestead, near Dead Lake for $1.145 million, using the county’s tax-supported Environmentally Sensitive Land fund. The property will be converted into an extension of the Bull Creek Campground.

Flagler County Wants 2025 To Seal the Deal for Beach Protection, Paid For Mostly With Your Taxes

December 17, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 28 Comments

flagler county priorities

The Flagler County Commission wants to ensure that 2025 will be the year when it will vote in a beach-management funding plan, ending Flagler’s long and undistinguished run as the only county in Florida without one. That, along with lowering the tax rate and paying more to retain county staff are among the commission’s priorities for the coming year.

Commissioner Pennington Assails County Administration Over Ragga Surf Fiasco: ‘Issues Didn’t Get Handled Properly’

December 17, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 18 Comments

No thrills: Flagler County Commissioner Leann Pennington criticized the county administration and county attorney over the handling of the Ragga Surf Cafe fiasco at Marineland. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County Commissioner Leann Pennington late Monday night sharply criticized the county administration, including its legal department, over a series of errors and missed steps that led to a state rebuke of the county’s permission to Ragga Surf Cafe, a for-profit company, to use public land at Marineland’s River to Sea Preserve to run its business. County Administrator Heidi Petito and County Attorney Al Hadeed defended their actions.

Ragga Surf Cafe Supporters Urge County Commission for Eviction Reprieve, But Hear Only Silence

December 16, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

ragga surf cafe open

A little over half a dozen people–fewer than expected or feared by county officials–urged the Flagler County Commission this evening to reverse its ordered eviction of Ragga Surf Cafe, the for-profit business operating rent-free at the River to Sea Preserve in Marineland in violation of state rules. County commissioners offered no solace or hope of further talks other than restating a terse explanation of what led to the eviction.

Flagler County Will Spend $250,000 to Fix Wadsworth Skate Park, Exploring Concrete Upgrade in Future

December 16, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 6 Comments

The skate park at Wadsworth Park near Flagler Beach is beloved by its users, but has been in need of some love from the county's repair shop. (© FlaglerLive)

The Flagler County Commission agreed today to spend up to $250,000 to repair and rebuild steel ramps at Wadsworth Skate Park near Flagler Beach in the coming year, while investigating a plan–but not a commitment–to rebuild the park with concrete ramps and possibly include a pump track for cyclists. But that $2 million plan would be more of a hope than a reality.

‘God Saved His Life So He Could Save the World,’ Randy Fine Says of Trump, Who Now ‘Needs My Help’

December 16, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 40 Comments

randy fine mike walz seat

Randy Fine, the Brevard County senator who declared a run for U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz’s seat in a special election, said he is running for Congress to help Donald Trump save the world, and that he would “wash bathrooms in the White House in order to make him be successful,” if that’s what it takes. Meanwhile, he continues to file ideologically incendiary bills in the Florida Legislature.

Ragga Surf Fiasco: How Flagler County Risked Losing River to Sea Preserve Over Botched Favor for a Private Business

December 15, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 44 Comments

ragga surf cafe preserve river to sea

Flagler County government and the town of Marineland have come close to losing their joint ownership of the 90-acre River to Sea Preserve, the public park, after the state’s land trust discovered that the county and the town were allowing the for-profit Ragga Surf Cafe to use the preserve for its operations since September without permission from the state and in violation of the county’s own rules and procedures. Here’s what happened.

Florida Supreme Court Calls for 50 Additional Circuit and County Judges, Including 2 in 7th Judicial Circuit

December 15, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

Courts around Florida are overworked and need more judges, the Supreme Court found. While the 7th Judicial Circuit, which includes Flagler County, was found to need some additional judges, Flagler County was not among divisions considered in need. (© FlaglerLive)

Pointing to a study of judicial workloads, the Florida Supreme Court this week recommended adding 50 judges across the state. Under the recommendation, the state would add 23 circuit judges, 25 county judges and two judges on the 6th District Court of Appeal. The 7th Judicial Circuit, which includes Flagler, Volusia, St. Johns and Putnam Counties, was found to need two additional circuit judges but no additional county judges.

Taco Is Flagler County Fire Rescue’s Therapy Dog

December 13, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

taco service dog flagler county fire rescue

There’s no better way for Flagler County Fire Rescue to embrace the holidays than with a pint-sized, er Taco-sized, therapy dog to be its ambassador for public outreach events – as well as to provide crucial comfort and support to those who need it most during traumatic events or circumstances.

Veranda Bay Annexation in Flagler Beach Tabled Until Next Year as City Mulls Threat of Lawsuit

December 12, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 14 Comments

Flagler Beach City Commission Chair Scott Spradley got no objections to tabling the Veranda Bay annexation until Jan. 23 next year. (© FlaglerLive)

At the suggestion of Scott Spradley, its chair, the Flagler Beach City Commission this evening voted unanimously to table the proposed annexation of Veranda Bay until next year so city officials have time to study the merits of what Spradley described as a threat to sue the city if annexation went ahead.

Threat of Lawsuit Over ‘Enclave’ Is New Snag on Eve of Flagler Beach Vote on Veranda Bay Annexation

December 11, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

Veranda Bay land is in Orange. The enclave is outlined in red, from a map sent to city officials today.

The lawyer representing opponents of the Veranda Bay annexation into Flagler Beach sent a letter today to city officials warning them that annexing would create an illegal enclave, implying that a lawsuit might follow. The City Commission was prepared to annex at its meeting Thursday evening. The letter could pause those plans.

Cody’s Corner Roundabout Now Open to Traffic as Flagler’s 3 Once-Deadliest Intersections Are Tamed

December 4, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 11 Comments

An aerial view of the new roundabout at Cody's Corner (© Daryl Hickman)

The $4.7 million roundabout at Cody’s Corner that started construction at the beginning of April is now open to traffic and is expected to significantly reduce fatal and grave crashes at what had been one of Flagler County’s three deadliest intersections. Cody’s Corner, named for a convenience store there, is the intersection of State Road 11 and County Road 304, 10 miles southwest of Bunnell.

County Favors State Aid for New Sheriff’s Station in Hammock, But Not for Animal Shelter or Library

December 3, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 13 Comments

Flagler County continues to hope for state aid to buiold What used to be called the Eco-Tourism Center, and is now called the Regional Trails and Conservation Center.

The Flagler County Commission wants the state to help it pay for a new Sheriff’s District Office on the barrier island, but not paired with a community center and branch library. It wants financial aid with its projected tourism center on State Road 100. And it wants aid with a drainage project and a new agricultural extension center. Commissioners are foregoing asking for state money for a countywide animal shelter, among other projects.

Gun-Shy County Delays Buying ‘Sensitive Lands’ Acres That Could Allow Expansion of Bull Creek Campground

December 3, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

The acreage Flagler County would buy with Environmentally Sensitive Land money is just to the east of Bull Creek Campground, and is largely pastureland. (Google Earth)

The Flagler County Commission was ready Monday to buy 28 acres of pastureland not far from its Bull Creek Campground near Dead Lake at the west end of the county, for $1.245 million. At the last minute County Administrator Heidi Petito, who knows firsthand the cost of acquiring potentially troublesome properties absent thorough vetting,  requested that the purchase be delayed.

Flagler County’s Shannon Fountain’s Photo Featured in 2025 State Calendar

December 2, 2024 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

Shannon Fountain's picture.

Flagler County will be featured in the Florida Association of Counties 2025 calendar “Stormy Skies” for the month of May with a stunning aerial image of Flagler Beach that was shot by photographer Shannon Fountain. It is the third year running that the county has been featured prominently in the calendar.

Fairness in Question as Flagler County Puts in Place ‘Tool’ to Tax Barrier Island for Beach Protection

December 2, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 43 Comments

In Flagler County, beach-maintenance and protection is a constant game of catch-up with an ever-eroding shoreline. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County’s Hammock residents applaud the county’s efforts to devise a permanent method to pay for the $8 million a year it needs to manage the county’s beaches against constant erosion. But today, those residents told the County Commission that the special taxing district the county is planning for the Hammock and other portions of the barrier island, but not Flagler Beach and not anywhere on the mainland, is unfair.

Randy Fine, One of Florida’s Most Bruising and Bellicose Lawmakers, Will Run for Mike Waltz’s Congressional Seat

November 27, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 16 Comments

randy fine mike walz seat

Randy Fine, whose latest financial disclosure report showed a net worth of $30.3 million, was an early Trump supporter in the GOP presidential primary and has unabashedly signaled his allegiance to Trump on social media. The only Jewish Republican legislator in Florida, Fine often has taken an openly combative approach to political opponents, an image he has embraced publicly. “Unafraid to say what needs to be said,” Fine’s X profile boasts.

Flagler Cares Invites You to Help Struggling Households Keep Their Lights On Over the Holidays

November 24, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 17 Comments

Flagler Cares, the social service non-profit marking its 10th anniversary, is marking the occasion with a fund-raiser to “Keep the Holiday Lights On” by encouraging people to sponsor one or more struggling household’s electric bill for a month over the Christmas season. Each sponsorship amounts to $100 donation, with every cent going toward payment of a local power bill.

Texas Board of Education Approves Curriculum Heavy on Christianity

November 23, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

texas christian curriculum

A majority of the Texas State Board of Education gave final approval Friday to a state-authored curriculum under intense scrutiny in recent months for its heavy inclusion of biblical teachings. Critics, which included religious studies scholars, say the curriculum’s lessons allude to Christianity more than any other religion, which they say could lead to the bullying and isolation of non-Christian students, undermine church-state separation and grant the state far-reaching control over how children learn about religion.

Richardson, Carney and Pennington Make History on County Commission, and Dance Is Acclaimed Chair Again

November 19, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

The commissioners sign their oath of office before Judge Melissa Distler. From left, Pam Richardson, Kim Carney and Andy Dance. Leann Pennington is behind the judge. (© FlaglerLive)

There was history this evening at the Flagler County Commission: Sworn-in on the silver spine of a Hebrew Bible, Kim Carney and Pam Richardson joined Leann Pennington, who was elected two years ago, to form the first majority-woman commission in the county’s 107-year history. There was also acclamation as Andy Dance was re-elected chair.

Developer of Disputed 204-Boat Storage Facility on Scenic A1A Must Apply for Special Exception, County Rules

November 19, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 14 Comments

hammock harbour

The Flagler County Commission Monday evening rejected a settlement agreement recommended by its own attorney to end the four-year-old dispute with a developer who wants to build a restaurant and 204-boat dry-storage facility in the Scenic A1A corridor. What would be called Hammock Harbor is a planned  dry-storage marina, or warehouse, as the developer himself had described it in an early building plan, and as its opponents still describe it. A lawsuit by the developer is likely.

Joe Mullins, Disgraced in Flagler County, Declares Run for Waltz’s Congressional Seat

November 18, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 49 Comments

Joe Mullins, often painful to hear, speaking at a public meeting in 2019. (© FlaglerLive)

Joe Mullins, the former Flagler County Commissioner disgraced out of office two years ago after recurring scandals and outrageous behavior, including belligerently trying to get out of a traffic stop by telling a cop that he ran Flagler County, announced on Friday that he will run for the congressional seat Rep. Mike Waltz is vacating to join Donald Trump’s cabinet as national security adviser.

Pilot Faces Eviction from County Airport After Emergency Landing Infringed on Director’s ‘Authority’

November 14, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 44 Comments

Roy Sieger, the airport director and a county employee, runs a successful operation, but his personality is sharp-edged. (© FlaglerLive)

Roy Sieger, director of Flagler County Executive Airport, is allegedly threatening to evict a pilot from the hangar he’s leasing there after the pilot made an emergency landing during Hurricane Milton, when the airport was closed. The pilot, who cites federal regulation in his defense, said he worried that Sieger’s anger would devolve into a physical altercation when Sieger confronted him soon after he landed.

A Mile-Long Veterans Day Parade of 1,000 Participants Unites Flagler’s Cities, County and Schools in Salute

November 11, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

The Veterans Day parade, initiated by Bunnell Police Chief Dave Brannon, stretched for a mile, from the old Bunnell City Hall to the grounds of the Government Services Building. (© FlaglerLive)

After a Veterans Day parade of more than 1,000 participants representing all cities, the county and the School Board, among others, ambled through Bunnell in a mile-long procession, hundreds of people gathered at the Government Services building for the day’s ceremonies, including a Veteran Day essay by middle schooler Mellissa Ryon, a keynote speech by Randall Stapleford, and musical performances.

Flagler and Gomorrah

November 8, 2024 | Pierre Tristam | 41 Comments

Two cheers for Flagler. (© FlaglerLive)

The outcome of local elections will affect us at least as much as anything that happens nationally. With that in mind it’s worth taking stock of our local political landscape post-apocalypse, because it’s a whole lot better than Gomorrah and, ironically, almost entirely Republican. 

Judge Declares Old Dixie Motel Owners in Contempt Over Continued Snubs, $1,000-a-Day Fines Loom

November 7, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 16 Comments

As dilapidated as ever: the Old Dixie motel as it stood today, without any signs of building activity. (© FlaglerLive)

After warning them that he would do so if they did not comply with his previous orders, Circuit Judge Chris France last week declared the owners of the Old Dixie Motel in contempt of court and warned of $1,000-a-dy fines starting on Nov. 15 if they do not comply with a pair of orders.

Flagler County’s New Ban on Homeless Sleeping in Public Ignores Allowance for Designating Safe Space

November 7, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 35 Comments

Just don't fall asleep. (© FlaglerLive)

Since Oct. 1 it has been illegal for the homeless to camp out or sleep on public grounds in Florida. The law authorizes counties to designate a local government property for use as a public camping or sleeping space for homeless individuals for up to a year–essentially, a safe, regulated space. On Monday, the Flagler County Commission approved on second reading an ordinance that ratifies the state law, but without designating a safe space for overnight stays, though such de-facto campgrounds are well known to local authorities.

Mike Norris Is Palm Coast’s New Mayor, Ty Miller and Ray Stevens Win Council, Debt Amendment Defeated

November 5, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

Mike Norris at the Palm Coast Community Center was pulling up stakes on his signs late this afternoon. (© FlaglerLive)

Mike Norris will be Palm Coast’s new mayor, winning his election, against Cornelia Manfre handily while Ty Miller defeated Jeff Sieb and Ray Stevens was poised to defeat Andrew Werner for the two other seats on the Palm Coast City Council, as early but all but insurmountable results were announced this evening.

As Flagler County Went Red, School Students Went Redder, But a Mock Election Takes a Turn for the ‘Divisive’

November 5, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

Elementary school students voting in Flagler schools last week. (Supervisor of Elections via Amy Ferrer)

Just eight years ago, the 6,500 students from Flagler County district and private schools gave Hillary Clinton a 1 percent edge over Donald Trump in that year’s election, conducted a few days before that election night, when Trump shocked country and world by taking the Midwest and the election. Since then, however, students in Flagler’s schools have turned Trump’s way more decisively–just as their parents have. 

Renner, on His Last Day, and Staly on His 2,497th, Break Ground on Florida Guard’s Training Facility in Bunnell

November 4, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

A Florida State Guard dog showing the groundbreakers how it's done this afternoon off Justice Lane. (Andy Dance)

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, who all but birthed the concept, and Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, joined with state and local officials this afternoon to break ground on the future $10 million Florida State Guard multi agency, regional training facility in Bunnell. The facility will serve the State Guard, which Gov. Ron DeSantis revived four years ago, but also all local police and fire agencies, and some regional law enforcement agencies as well in a more advanced training complex than they’ve known to date.

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