Artist Paul Baliker donates to the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation, Jane Mealy and Rick Belhumeur are sworn-in after winning re-election to the Flagler Beach commission, the Flagler Playhouse’s “Glass Menagerie” begins its run.
Florida & Beyond, and All Opinions
Claiming Indoctrination, Florida Lawmakers Want To Survey University Students and Faculty’s Political Views
The Board of Governors would compile and publish the results each year. It remains unclear, however, what the Legislature would do once the data comes in.
Wednesday Briefing: Public Safety Council on Homelessness, Sunrail Ridership Up, Health Survey Countdown
Flagler’s Public Safety Coordinating Council discusses the county’s homeless issues, three days left on the Flagler Health Department’s survey, SunRail ridership over 6,000 a day, House takes up smokable marijuana.
Judge Rules School Boards Must Provide Security Officers to Charter Schools Just As They Do Their Own
In a decision that could have statewide implications, an administrative law judge Tuesday ruled that the Palm Beach County School Board is required to assign safety officers to charter schools under a law passed last year. Judge John Van Laningham sided with Renaissance Charter School Inc., which operates six schools in Palm Beach County and […]
Tuesday Briefing: Manager Decision Time in Palm Coast, Peyton Lescher’s Win, A1A Construction Update, DSC’s Veterans
The Palm Coast City Council convenes this morning to vote on a new city manager, DSC again ranks among top online bachelor’s degree programs for veterans, lawmakers discuss anti-Semitism, sanctuary cities and school board term limits.
Bats Roosting In Your Attic? You Can’t Kill, Harm Or Relocate Them, But You May Exclude Them
Although it is illegal to harm or kill bats in Florida, rules have been developed stating that legal exclusion of bats has to occur outside of the maternity season. Bats cannot legally be captured or relocated.
Monday Briefing: Library Code of Conduct, Live Bombing, Citizens’ Academy, A Censor’s Confession, Remembering Jacques Loussier
The public library board of trustees meets to discuss a code of conduct with its eyes on the homeless, A return visit by The Presbyterian College Chorus, remembering jazzist Jacques Loussier, who died at 84.
Palm Coast Watering Restrictions for Daylight Saving Time
Watering restrictions during Daylight Saving Time begin March 10 and run through Nov. 2 in 2019. Here’s the landscape irrigation policy for Palm Coast, aligning with the restrictions issued by the St. Johns River Water Management District.
If Your Ancestors Took Part in Flagler’s 1920 Election, AAUW Wants To Hear From You
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Flagler wishes to extend an invitation to the descendants of the women of Flagler County who were recognized and listed, by the Flagler Tribune, on October 21, 1920, as “Qualified Voters” for the November 2, 1920 General Election.
Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel Calls Suspension ‘a Political Power Play’ By DeSantis
In a court filing, Broward Sheriff Scott Israel’s lawyer argued the suspension “is an affront to the Florida Constitution and the fundamental right of voters to choose their elected officials.”
Weekend Briefing: Richlin Ryan’s ‘Encode,’ Thomas Binkley Sentencing, Palm Coast Interviews, ‘Florida Is A Land Remembered’
Palm Coast artist Richlin Ryan’s “Encode,” a new show, the Palm Coast council conducts day-long public interviews of manager candidates, AAUW Flagler Celebrates Women’s History Month, Thomas Binkley is sentenced.
Everything From Impact Fees to Franchise Fees Could Be Called ‘Taxes’ Under Proposal Worrying Cities and Counties
On the local government level, the proposal would identify as a tax any new or increased special assessment or non-ad valorem assessment, impact fee or mobility fee, and franchise fee.
Criticizing Israel Isn’t Anti-Semitic. Here’s What Is.
In light of accusations of anti-semitism being leveled against U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, what is anti-semitic is the cacophony of mainstream media and politicians saying that criticizing U.S. policy toward the state of Israel is the same as attacking Jewish people.
Florida’s House and Senate Are Nearing a Deal on Allowing Any Form of Smokable Pot
Under the revised plan, dispensaries could sell any form of smokable marijuana, and patients could buy devices to smoke cannabis at state-licensed medical marijuana treatment centers or other retail outlets, such as head shops.
Back From “A Prison Known As the US House of Representatives”: DeSantis’s State of the State Address
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State address, as prepared and provided to media, on the first day of the 2019 legislative session. The text does not reflect improvised asides and added personal stories.
Sen. Hutson Pauses on His Bill Banning Local Regulations of Straws, Opting For a ‘Study’ For Now
The study would look into the environmental impact as well as the quality of life of people with disabilities who “may rely on single-use plastic straws for feeding and hydration,” but opponents of the measure say the matter has been studied enough.
Monday Briefing: Girls and Boys State Delegates, Community Health Fair, Health Survey Extended, Fracking, Plastics and Drones
The Girls State and Boys State delegates have been selected, Flagler County hosts a community health fair at Hidden Trails, the Flagler Health Department has extended its health survey, lawmakers take on fracking, drones and plastic straws.
Halifax Health Among Hospitals Paid Less By Medicare Over High Rates of Infections and Patient Injuries
The penalties pit hospitals against one another in a race to prevent the most infections, blood clots, cases of sepsis, bedsores, hip fractures and other complications. Each year, the quarter of general hospitals with the highest rates are punished, even if their records have improved from the previous year.
What National Emergency?
American leader not only genuflecting to autocrats from Turkey to Russia to Saudi Arabia, but behaving like them is a more serious national emergency than what few migrants are still crossing the border illegally.
DeSantis Blames Broward Sheriff For Murder of 22; Attorney Charges ‘Scandalously False Allegations’
A bill of particulars Suspended Sheriff Scott Israel’s case includes allegations related to the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland and an attack at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Weekend Briefing: DSC Job Fair, Stamp and Coin Annual Show, Youth Orchestra Concert, Martini Madness, Hair Cuts From the Heart
The Flagler Youth Orchestra’s top performers are in concert at Bunnell’s First Baptist Church, the Stamp and Coin Club has its annual meeting, Daytona State hosts a job fair, Haircuts From the Heart.
Thursday Briefing: District Band Festival at FPC, “Patriot” Show at Bethune-Cookman, Luna-tics Win, Flagler Beach Land Sale
The District Band Festival kicks off three days at Flagler Palm Coast High, Flagler County’s all Girl Scout Team, The Luna-tics, win in the Northeast regional Robotics Championship.
DeSantis Pushes Hard Line Against Sanctuary Cities, Calling For Collaboration With ICE
DeSantis is urging Florida sheriffs to participate in a federal immigration enforcement program in which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, deputizes local law officials.
Wednesday Briefing: Bing’s Landing Meeting Cancelled, Compassionate Friends, Stetson Jazz Ensemble, Health Survey
The County Commission cancels a meeting to decide whether, where and how to build an expanded Captain’s BBQ at Bing’s Landing, the Stetson Jazz Ensemble performs, Compassionate Friends meet..
Trump Administration Finalizes Rule Expelling Planned Parenthood From Family Planning Program
The program provides contraceptives, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and other primary health services to 4 million patients each year, many of them low-income or uninsured, at more than 4,000 clinic sites.
From Pot to School Safety to Deregulation: 10 Issues To Watch In 2019 Legislative Session
Led by Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, and House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, lawmakers this year will deal with myriad issues, ranging from passing a state budget to deciding whether to allow patients to smoke medical marijuana.
Tuesday Briefing: Rosado Murder Civil Suit, Entrepreneur Night, Kids’ Town Hall Meeting, Stetson University Concert Band
A case management hearing is scheduled in the civil case against the Mobil station where clerk Zuheili Rosado was gunned down in 2013, Flagler Beach Mayor Linda Provencher hosts a kids’ town hall meeting, Entrepreneur Night at the Hammock Wine and Cheese Garden.
Supreme Court Impanels Grand Jury to ‘Investigate Crime’ and ‘Return Indictments’ on School Safety
Chief Judge Jack Tuter, of the 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County, will preside over the panel, which will meet for one year and will be comprised of jurors drawn from Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, according to the order.
Monday Briefing: Fruehan Arraignment, Happy Hour Fundraiser for Free Clinic, Cameron’s Contract, Bunnell’s Special Events
The County Commission is expected to ratify a contract with its interim administrator valued at $237,000 in total compensation, the Free Clinic has a fund-raiser at the Brown Dog, Florence Fruehan is arraigned on felony battery charges.
Let Marijuana Help Fight Opioid Abuse
It’s time for lawmakers and health officials to recognize the well-established power of medical marijuana to treat chronic pain — and to acknowledge its emerging role in combating the opioid abuse crisis.
Shop Local, But Under Tallahassee Rules: Lawmakers Seek to Restrict County and City Regulations
A broad proposal aimed at curbing local business regulations advanced in subcommittee despite criticism that it could block ordinances that prohibit “puppy mills” or the regulation of fertilizer use near waterways.
Weekend Briefing: Bowling Verdict, Shakespeare in the Park, Flagship Showcase, Great Pianists
The Taming of the Shrew in Town Center, a flagship and technical education showcase at Buddy Taylor, a symphonic band and a great pianist at Stetson, the Michael Bowling verdict.
Thursday Briefing: Belle Terre’s African-American Read-In, School Safety at Tiger Bay, Inspired Mic, Taming of the Shrew
Belle Terre Elementary hosts its popular annual African-American Read-In, the county commission holds a pair of meetings, including on the Sheriff’s Operations Center, the Tiger Bay Club hosts a panel on school safety.
Take It From Me: Addiction Doesn’t Start At the Border
As the sister of a brother lost to an opioid overdose, Trump’s claim that we need a border wall in order to keep drugs out is offensive to me on multiple levels. We should treat the root causes of addiction instead.
126.1 Million Visitors To Florida in 2018 Sets Another Record; Almost 90% From U.S.
The increase was bolstered by 7.1 percent growth in U.S. travelers, who accounted for 88.6 percent of the state’s visitors, according to the Visit Florida numbers. Overseas visitors declined by 1 percent, to 10.818 million, after falling by 2 percent a year earlier.
Constitutional Amendment Proposal for School Board Term Limits Easily Clears House Hurdle
The proposal was approved in an 11-4 vote that was largely along party lines. Voters would be asked in 2020 whether they want to impose eight-year term limits on school board members.
Wednesday Briefing: Judge Melissa Distler, Bowling Trial, Azure Assisted Living, Harlem Renaissance, Hidden Treasures
Speaker George Fraser is at AACS, County Judge Melissa Moore-Stens becomes Melissa Distler, the Michael Bowling trial is in its third day, Hidden Treasure Restaurant marks its third year.
Cecil C. Sowell, 1931-2019
Cecil C. Sowell, 87, of Flagler Beach, died February 17, 2019 at the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House. A veteran of Korea and Vietnam, he was a builder, a deacon and a family man.
Florida Takes Center Stage In Controversy Over Citizenship Question On Census Form
Including the citizenship question could hurt Florida and other states with large immigrant populations in the decennial reapportionment process, a federal judge wrote.
Tuesday Briefing: Meet the Candidates in Flagler Beach, Suicide Prevention, Bowling Trial, Palm Coast Manager
Four candidates for Flagler Beach commission answer questions in a public forum, Michael Bowling is on trial again after December’s mistrial, Palm Coast narrows its list for manager.
Monday Briefing: Interim Administrator Interviews, Sheriff’s Storage Options, Bunnell’s Historic Registry
The Flagler County Commission is in marathon session starting at 8:30 a.m. with interviews of interim administrator candidates, ending with an evening meeting to discuss storage options for sheriff’s units.
Anthony Fennick’s Death and The Sheriff’s Green Roof Inn Smear
Much is unknown in the death of inmate Anthony Fennick, but much is known, including the sheriff’s responsibility for hiring trouble-ridden Armor Health–and for showing inmates contempt from the outset with his “Green Roof Inn” sign.
Discharged, Dismissed: ERs Often Miss Chance To Set Overdose Survivors On ‘Better Path’
It’s an opportunity that’s being missed in emergency rooms everywhere: the next step — a means to divert addicted patients into treatment — remains elusive once an addict is released from an emergency room.
Federal Appeals Court Hammers Florida For Imposing ‘Serious Burden’ on Right To Vote
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a Florida law requiring voters’ signatures on mail-in ballots to match the signatures on file with elections officials imposes “a serious burden on the right to vote.”
DeSantis Calls For Statewide Grand Jury Investigation of Local School Districts’ Safety
Gov. Ron DeSantis is asking the Florida Supreme Court to impanel a statewide grand jury to investigate whether school districts are complying with mandatory safety measures designed to protect students.
Weekend Briefing: Dance of Love, Walk For Shaunti Stafford, Cat Adoption, Brian Hammond at Salvo, Bing’s, Solisti
Valentine’s Dance at AACS, a walk in memory of Shaunti Stafford, cat and kitten adoption at Sable Palms, Brian Hammond at Salvo Art House, an art opening, Daytona Solisti Baroque Orchestra romances strings.
Renner Wants ‘Objectivity’ To Drive Felons’ Voter Restoration, But Hurdles Are Multiplying
Elections officials could face a Herculean task trying to verify whether people who’ve registered to vote have met all the conditions required to make them eligible to cast ballots.
Thursday Briefing: Valentine’s Mass Wedding, Anthony Fennick Vigil, Linda Cole at the Library
The Flagler Clerk of Court presides over the second annual mass wedding at the courthouse, a candlelight vigil for Anthony Fennick, who died Saturday at age 23, Linda Cole’s traditional Valentine’s recital at the public library.
Lieselotte Martha Beilke, 1933-2018
Lieselotte Martha Beilke died at Palm Coast’s Windsor. She was married to Max Beilke in 1959 until Max’s death on September 11, 2001 in the terrorist attack on the Pentagon.
Wednesday Briefing: Opioids Crisis, Community Cats, Leadership Flagler, Hansen’s Hammock
The Public Safety Coordinating Council meets for the first time in almost a year in joint session with the county commission to talk opioids, community cats advocates gather.
