Sid Nowell’s job is on the line in Bunnell, Bruce Campbell’s job may finally become more permanent in Flagler Beach, the African American Cultural Society’s 20th anniversary celebrations all week, dire state revenue estimates, and more.
Flagler
Acting Time May Be Over in Flagler Beach As Commission Takes Up Manager’s Fate
It’s been nine months since Bruce Campbell started as actingcity manager, making it the longest job interview in memory for any local government executive. The wait appears to be over as two commissioners who’ve opposed his permanent appointment so far face a reckoning next Thursday.
Saturday’s Great Bed Race in Flagler Beach Postponed Until Dec. 3
Weather is causing the postponement of the third annual Great Bed Race, which means that there’s two more months to enter the contest, which has already drawn a record 17 beds.
All-Business Snub: Flagler County Can’t Fill Its Own Economic Development Council Seats
Only four people have applied for the county commission’s eight-member economic development council, an embarrassing result for the government that dissolved Enterprise Flagler, claiming it could do the job better.
Animal Refuge Regulations: Advocates Call Them Overbearing; Flagler Holds Off, For Now
Conceding that it overreacted, the Flagler County Commission tabled a proposal that would have imposed stringent rules on animal shelters and sanctuaries, pending more inclusive public meetings with animal advocates.
This Week in Flagler and Tallahassee: Arts Galore, Taser Time and Creekside
The Flagler school board is set to approve Tasers on campus, the county commission talks sustainable farming, Palm Coast revisits the Palm Coast Park DRI (a major planned development) and three galleries have show openings Friday and Saturday.
Trying Tests: Baby Dies, SWAT Team Caught in Exploding Meth Lab–10 Times in a Row
Not to worry: the mayhem was all part of Flagler County Fire Rescue’s second annual paramedic competition, featuring 10 Florida teams and 10 scenarios over two days designed to test EMS skills in extreme situations.
Bunnell Man Charged With Rape and Kidnapping as Child Pleads for Mom’s Safety
Louis Donald Jackson is accused of raping a woman at his Bunnell house while the woman’s son allegedly pleaded with him not to hurt his mother and heard the ordeal unfold from the other side of a locked door.
Memorial and Memories of Alex Taylor, “Gentle Servant” Killed in Tuesday Hit and Run
Alex Taylor, 54, was a regular visitor, helper and worshiper at Bunnell’s First United Methodist Church, where Rev. Beth Gardner and Gwen Barath came to know him–and remember him. Gardner will lead a memorial for Taylor Sunday, Oct. 2, at 2 p.m.
Two Crashes a Day on Flagler Roads: DMV’s Annual Report Adds Up Grim Miles
In Flagler, there were 716 crashes in 2010, about two crashes a day, 11 percent of them involving alcohol. There were a total of 23 fatalities on Flagler roads, up from 16 in 2009 and 2007. A complete report of local and state crashes.
Palm Coast Civic Association to the Rescue: O’Donnell Crafts Creekside Compromise
The compromise gives the chamber of commerce a face-saving bail-out and allows all political candidates for Palm Coast City Council to meet Creekside visitors under the Flagler Palm Coast Civic Association’s tent.
54-Year-Old Cyclist Alex Taylor Killed in Apparent Hit and Run; FHP Looking for Leads
Alex Taylor of Bunnell, 54, was killed while riding his bicycle in front of the Government Services Building either very late last night or before sunup this morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Disbelief and Legal Maneuvers Meet Chamber’s Refusal to Budge on Creekside Exclusion
The Flagler Chamber of Commerce stuck by its decision to deny non-partisan political candidates their own booths at the Creekside Festival, on public ground. County officials are looking for options as they take the brunt of the criticism for appearing to endorse the chamber’s exclusion.
Citing “Deliberate Indifference,” Woman Sues Bunnell Over Ex-Cop’s Sex-Laced Defamation
The case centers on the actions of then Cpl. Nick Massaro in late November 2009, who posted an ad on Craigslist soliciting sex from black men–and signed the ad with the name of the woman now suing him, Bunnell and the Bunnell Police Department.
Flagler’s Taxes 15th Lowest Even as Taxable Values See 2nd Worst Drop in Florida
The county commission adopts the 2012 budget for good Thursday evening, essentially cutting taxes modestly even as the tax rate will rise to a 12-year high, despite home values continuing to fall at nation-leading rates.
County and School Board Agree to New District Lines That Mostly Affect Politicians
The decennial redistricting exercise by the Flagler County Commission and School Board was virtually free of controversy and affects voters almost not at all–unlike legislative and congressional redistricting yet to come.
In Flagler Beach, Questions, Ridicule and Anger in Search for Beach-Saving Answers
A three-and-a-half hour town hall meeting on saving the beach renourished a lot of old ideas and complaints without settling the heart of the matter: with what means and what money to stop the shore from eroding.
Creekside Festival Slyness: How the Chamber Discriminates Against Non-Party Candidates
Palm Coast City Council candidates Bill McGuire and Dennis Cross have been denied a booth at the chamber-run festival, though Democrats–whose members include Jason DeLorenzo, Cross’s opponent and the husband of the Chamber’s VP, will have a booth, as will Republicans and the Tea Party.
Frank Words and Revelations at Flagler Bar’s First Minority in Law Symposium
Circuit Judge Raul Zambrano, Judge Hubert Grimes, Mark Dwyer and students headlined the first of what’s to be an annual symposium to encourage minority participation in the law, particularly among students.
From WNZF to Beach-FM to Easy Oldies: Flagler Broadcasting Launches New Station
The addition of Easy Oldies at 100.7 on the FM dial pioneers a new genre, according to station manager David Ayres, that does away with the “oldy moldy” stuff and appeals to alpha boomers.
Stalled: Unemployment Remains at 10.7% in Florida, Ticks Up to 14.9% in Flagler
As in the rest of the nation, job creation in Florida and Flagler is close to a standstill, with just 9,900 jobs created in July, leaving almost 1 million Floridians out of work.
Sgt. Frank Celico, 1978-2011
Sgt. Frank Celico was buried today following a solemn service and two funeral processions that brought various parts of Bunnell and Palm Coast briefly to a standstill. Celico was 33.
Defying Polls and Tea Leaves, Jon Netts Is Re-Elected Palm Coast Mayor
Incumbent Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts held on by defeating Charlie Ericksen with 54 percent of the vote, making a run-off in November unnecessary.
This Week in Flagler and Tallahassee: An Election and the Gun to Governments’ Heads
A relatively quiet week if not for the Palm Coast mayoral primary, which is shaping into quite a contest. “The Laramie Project” opens at the Repertory Theatre, and the Palm Coast City Council will talk guns.
Back from the Dead, Carver Gym Is Rededicated By Those Who Nearly Killed It
Flagler’s governments gathered at South Bunnell’s Carver Gym Saturday to celebrate the rebirth of what, just 15 months ago, looked to be the end for the community center. Some of the applause was deserved, much of it was self-serving.
Jets Cut Mardy Gilyard Five Days After Picking Him Up, Leaving His Future Uncertain
The St. Louis Rams cut Mardy Gilyard on Sept. 3, the New York Jets picked him up on the 4th, then cut him five days later. The former Flagler Palm Coast High School and University of Cincinnati star has had a checkered few years.
Flagler County Tentatively Adopts Highest Tax Rate in 12 Years at Subdued Hearing
Only one person, a tea party representative, addressed the Flagler County Commission as it adopted, in the first of two votes, a $65.3 million budget and a 12 percent increase in its tax rate, though most property owners will pay less in taxes.
Flagler Beach Touts Taut Budget With 14.6% Tax Rate Increase and 3% Employee Raise
Though Flagler Beach’s tax rate is again increasing, most property owners will see their tax bills decrease. For Acting City Manager Bruce Campbell, budget season closes a crucial part of his on-going job interview.
County Approves Tourist Council’s $800,000 Marketing Budget, Minus Raises for Staff
A proposal to raise TDC executive Peggy Heiser’s salary by 7.7 percent was pulled from consideration shortly before the meeting, eliminating what would have been a contentious debate over the council’s budget.
Armed Robbery, Then Car, Foot and K-9 Chase Ends With Arrest of 3 in Seminole Woods
Three suspects who allegedly robbed an Ormond Beach pharmacy at gunpoint were caught by Bunnell police and sheriff’s deputies around noon after a car and foot chase that ended in the woods near Belle Terre and Citation Blvd.
Small Government’s Price: No Sidewalk Money, City Says in Wake of Boy’s Death on Seminole
Just as the county cut out a helicopter pilot to save money, Palm Coast has been delaying planned sidewalk projects, including sidewalks along Seminole Woods Boulevard, for lack of money.
Flagler Beach Restaurant Owners Vow To Fight City’s Ban on Dog-Friendly Dining
For years, and with more frequency recently, several Flagler Beach restaurants allowed patrons to bring their dog as long as they sat in outside-dining areas. Commissioners never heard of a problem–until they heard of the state requirement that the city formalize the practice by ordinance, which they killed, 3-2.
Taking Note of Flagler, Gov. Rick Scott Speaks Economics and Listens to Local Leaders
Gov. Rick Scott arrived early at a breakfast meeting with government and business leaders this morning, briefing the group on his business-centered agenda while holding an informal Q&A with the assembly.
This Week in Flagler and Tallahassee: Scott at the Chamber, Early Voting and Pills Again
The Palm Coast City Council discusses next steps as its pill-mill moratorium approaches its end, early voting for the mayoral primary begins Monday, many agencies are in slow-motion mode ahead of Labor Day.
Man Drowns North of Flagler Beach, Near Condos Where Family Had Recently Moved In
James Palmer, 55, who was staying at the Oceanside condominiums in Beverly Beach with his family, drowned just before 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon. A 55-year-old surfer also died in New Smyrna Beach three hours earlier.
Campaign Notes: Defacing Moorman, Excluding Ericksen, Unseating Kim Weeks
Palm Coast City Councilman Holsey Moorman reacts to his vandalized sign, Democrats explain why they invited Jon Netts and not Charlie Ericksen, and the complete list of candidates thinking (or not) of challenging Kimberle Weeks, the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections.
Native Sons: Remembering Josh Crews One Young Writer at a Time, With a Ball
Josh Crews, the long-time manager at Woody’s and voracious reader, was killed last year in a car crash. The Josh Crews Fund is created in his memory to underwrite writing scholarships in Flagler schools. A fund-raising masquerade ball is scheduled for Oct. 28.
County’s Economic Board Would Exclude Cities and Bank on $400,000 a Year in Tax Dollars
The county commission’s latest direction was surprising and divided, as a 3-2 majority settled on an economic development board with just one government represented–the county–and eight seats filled by business representatives with economic development experience.
Bonuses or No Bonuses, Supervisor of Elections and Commissioners Brawl in Ugly, 70-Minute Spectacle
The Flagler Supervisor of Elections could not explain to commissioners’ satisfaction bonus checks cut at the end of 2010 or answer questions about her employees’ rates of pay and recent raises. Commissioners refused to grant her request for a 7 percent budget increase pending answers.
This Week in Flagler and Tallahassee: Budgeting Mysteries, Spy Cameras, Dogs in Restaurants
The Flagler County Commission tries again (and again, and again) to figure out what to do about economic development, the Palm Coast City Council awaits its manager’s latest budget presentation, Flagler Beach talks dogs in restaurants, Bunnell talks spy cameras.
Tourism Council Approves $800,000 Budget Over Objection to Exec’s 7.7% Raise
The publicly funded tourism council approved a 7.7 percent raise for the Flagler Chamber of Commerce’s VP for tourism and the council’s administrative head, and 6 percent raises for two staff members. The Flagler County Commission must give final approval.
Coalition of Cities Meets in Wake of One Agency’s Death and Its Own Uncertain Life
The Flagler County Coalition of Cities held its second meeting only for its Flagler Beach, Bunnell and Beverly Beach members to confirm what’s already known: that much remains unknown about the future of the county’s plan to fight unemployment.
Sheriff Fleming on Palm Coast and Bunnell Gambling Halls: “I Have Bigger Fish To Fry”
Sheriff Don Fleming’s stance on internet cafes and other such gambling halls has wide implications for Palm Coast and Bunnell, both of which are wrestling with ordinances that would regulate the establishments.
Enterprise Flagler Is No More
After 11 years, Enterprise Flagler voted unanimously on Thursday to disband, a vote reflecting resignation to financial realities (Palm Coast and Flagler County are no longer funding the agency) rather than enthusiasm from Enterprise Flagler members. There is no clear plan in place to replace the agency’s work.
Flagler School Board and County Commission Narrow Redistricting Options to Three
The Flagler School Board and the Flagler County Commission took less than an hour in a joint meeting Tuesday to eliminate three of six redistricting options. The public weighs in next, at two hearings in September. See all plans.
In a Case With Implications for Palm Coast and Bunnell, Polk Sheriff Shuts Down Internet Cafe
The Internet cafe–or gambling parlor–shut down in Davenport Monday is similar to those in Palm Coast and Bunnell, where local officials and residents are debating whether and how to regulate (or ban) the businesses.
Publix and Winn-Dixie Recall Ground Beef Sold in Flagler and St. Johns Over E. Coli Alert
The E. coli-contaminated ground chuck was produced by a Dodge City, Kansas-based meat packer and distributed to Publix and Winn-Dixie. Publix stores in four states and 17 Florida counties are affected.
Blaming County, Elections Supervisor Closes 3 Outlying Precincts for Special Election
Some Flagler County voters will have to travel 21 miles to cast a ballot in the special election for State Senate, District 1, others will have to travel 7 miles because of precinct closures.
Manic Mondex: Love Triangle and Drive-By Shooting Land a Woman in Jail
Kara Buckner is accused of firing a .22-caliber rifle at two people smoking on a porch Saturday night, while a 4-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl were inside. No one was hurt.
This Week in Flagler and Tallahassee: The Cost Of Elections, Garbage and Redistricting
The County Commission has another close encounter with Supervisor of Elections Weeks, the Palm Coast City Council talks garbage, the school board talks redistricting, Bunnell talks special events, and in Tallahassee, the governor and the cabinet meet while several redistricting hearings are held around the state.