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Florida & Beyond, and All Opinions

Supreme Court Refuses to Clear the Way for Felon Voting Rights in Florida

July 17, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

Jim Crow lives. (Florida Memory)

Hundreds of thousands of Florida felons won’t be able to cast ballots in next month’s primary elections, after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to vacate an appellate court’s order in a closely watched legal battle over voting rights.

Education Commissioner Corcoran’s Call to Reopen Schools Sparks Criticism from State Board

July 15, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran in Flagler last November. c(© FlaglerLive)

More than a week after Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran ordered schools to reopen in August, members of the State Board of Education on Wednesday said his order has sparked confusion, fear and angst.

Field Hospitals for Covid-19 Surge a No-Go in Hurricane Season But Florida’s Alternative Is Wanting

July 14, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

The National Guard sets up a field hospital in Connecticut last March. (National Guard)

The state is focusing efforts on expanding hospital surge capacity and not on creating alternate sites to accommodate any overflows of patients, but hospital executives are questioning the state’s lack of direction.

Cut Pentagon’s $740 Billion Budget by 10% and Invest in Public Health

July 14, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

The money pit. (DOD)

At more than $740 billion this year, the Pentagon budget is more than 100 times the budget of the CDC — and more than 1,800 times the U.S. contribution to the World Health Organization that the president has promised to cut.

Judge Weighs How Far Marcy’s Law Protecting Victims May Go to Shield Cops’ Identities

July 13, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

A lawsuit has exposed a broader conflict between two Florida constitutional amendments: Marsy’s Law and a decades-old government-in-the-sunshine amendment that established one of the nation’s broadest public-records laws. (© FlaglerLive)

The city of Tallahassee and media organizations on Monday tried to persuade a circuit judge that a 2018 constitutional amendment aimed at protecting victims’ rights does not allow police officers involved in use-of-force incidents to keep their identities secret.

Trump and the GOP’s Handling of Covid-19 Is Sheer Lunacy

July 10, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 68 Comments

Not quite. (White House)

Just over half of working-age Americans have jobs now, the lowest ratio in over 70 years. What’s roaring back is Covid-19. Until it’s tamed, the economy doesn’t stand a chance, argues Robert Reich.

As Covid Testing Soars, Wait Times For Results Jump To A Week Or More

July 9, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

Testing for Covid-19 has soared across the country, but so have delays in getting results. (National Guard)

While hospital patients can get the findings back within a day, people getting tested at urgent care centers, community health centers, pharmacies and government-run drive-thru or walk-up sites are often waiting a week or more. In the spring, it was generally three or four days.

Trump Waffles on GOP Convention in Jacksonville as Duval Sees 510% Increase in Cases Since Phase 2

July 8, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

Still waters. (James Hawley)

Duval had a cumulative total of just 1,690 coronavirus cases when Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered Phase 2 reopening on June 5. It had 10,308 today, a 510 percent increase.

Social Media Image About Mask Efficacy Right In Sentiment, But Percentages Are ‘Bonkers’

July 6, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 12 Comments

covid masks

A popular social media post that’s been circulating on Instagram and Facebook since April depicts the degree to which mask-wearing interferes with the transmission of the novel coronavirus. It’s mostly false.

Make Masks Mandatory Anywhere Public

July 4, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 146 Comments

universal masks

As Covid-19 infections continue to surge, Palm Coast, Flagler County and all other local governments should do what Orange and Osceola counties have already done: make masks mandatory anywhere public, including shops and restaurants.

DeSantis Signs Abortion Parental Consent Law 31 Years After Court Struck Down Similar Measure

July 1, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

abortion rights six week limit florida

The Republican-dominated Legislature has passed a series of bills over the years aimed at placing more restrictions on abortions. For example, lawmakers in 2015 passed a measure that required a 24-hour waiting period before women could have abortions. That law has been tangled in a legal battle.

Supreme Court’s Endorsement of Taxpayer-Funded Vouchers for Parochial Schools Undermines Rights

June 30, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 13 Comments

Tax-dollar eligible. (Amorette Dye)

Public dollars should fund public schools, which educate 90 percent of our nation’s students, argues Rachel Laser of Americans United for Separation of Church and State in response to the Supreme Court’s decision clearing the way for taxpayer vouchers for private, parochial schools.

DeSantis Signs Bill Banning Local Governments from Regulating Sunscreens, Cosmetics and Drugs

June 30, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

Go wild. (Alex Livett)

Opponents criticized the bill as an attack on local home-rule authority, while also raising concerns about coral reefs. It was one of 18 bills DeSantis signed in to law Monday.

The Fight for LGBTQ Equality Just Won a Huge Victory

June 24, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

lgbtq rights

This historic decision achieved by an astonishing 6-3 vote in a conservative court, written and delivered by Trump appointee Justice Neil Gorsuch, codifies that LGBTQ individuals deserve human and civil rights.

Florida Universities Cleared to Open Even as Infections Spike Among Young Adults

June 24, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

Back to school, but with more masks. (Facebook)

Board of Governors Chairman Syd Kitson acknowledged it is likely schools will see new cases pop up as students and employees return to campus in the fall.

Federal Court Rejects Attempt to Stop Removal of Confederate Monument in Lakeland

June 23, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

The Confederate monument in Munn Park in Lakeland in a 1915 photo. (Florida Memory)

A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that opponents did not have legal standing to challenge the monument’s move, saying they did not allege “a concrete, particularized injury.”

DeSantis Will Not Mandate Use of Masks

June 22, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 32 Comments

masks covid 19

DeSantis said people need to abide by local mask-wearing requirements. But that’s as far as the governor was willing to go, as he reiterated a position about personal freedoms.

Easy To Say ‘Get Tested.’ Harder To Do. Here’s How.

June 22, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

The testing site at the Flagler Health Department on Dr. Carter Boulevard in Bunnell. (© FlaglerLive)

The challenge is to get tested for Covid-19 in a way that will yield useful information. And if you’re tested too early in the course of infection, the test might not detect it. That could give false reassurance.

Ruth Kae Hellerman, April 17, 1941 – May 17, 2020

June 22, 2020 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

Ruth Kae Sandidge Hellerman, April 17, 1941- May 17, 2020, an obituary.

Florida’s ‘Dreamers’ Hail Supreme Court Decision Barring Immediate Deportation

June 19, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

Simple. (Susan Ruggles)

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 majority found that Trump failed to adequately justify the decision to shut down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, but the door remains open for him to do so.

Protesting for Black Lives in Trump Country

June 17, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 20 Comments

black lives matter trump country

“It was surreal following a police cruiser to our destination, considering my drive to attend came from anger about the police brutality black people face. This was a recurring theme in the other protests I attended in nearby DeLand, Ormond, and Daytona.”

DeSantis Promises Big Cuts from $93.2 Billion Budget to Account for Revenue Shortfall

June 17, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaking about the budget and other matters Tuesday. (© FlaglerLive via Florida Channel)

A late May report from the Legislature’s Office of Economic & Demographic Research said revenue collections in April were more than $878 million below estimates, with a large chunk of the drop due to the decline in tourism.

Landmark Ruling Spurs Calls for LGBTQ Protections in Florida, Where No Law Bans Discrimination

June 16, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

Charlene Cothran, right, a pastor in Flagler, successfuylly lobbied the Flagler County School Board to keep the words v"gender identity" out of an anti-discrimination policy earlier this year. Cothran is seen above during demonstrations for and against protections for LGBTQ students Nathaniel Wilcox, a member of Cothran’s board

Florida is one of more than two dozen states that do not have laws banning discrimination based on gender, and Republican legislative leaders during the past several years have thwarted efforts to pass such measures.

Rocco Joseph Grassi, Obituary

June 16, 2020 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

Rocco J. Grassi passed away Friday afternoon at his home in Crozet, Virginia. He was 91.

Still Unsigned, Florida Budget Is Eyed for Cuts as Virus Hits Revenues

June 15, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

Concerns have been raised that DeSantis might have to cut planned increases in teacher salaries or trim spending on programs such as Florida Forever. DeSantis has made a priority of teacher pay hikes and spending on environmental issues. (Jeff Futo)

Florida TaxWatch wants more than $136 million in projects cut from the proposed state budget, but the fiscal-watchdog group acknowledges that might be far less than what is needed because of the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on state revenues.

Don’t Let Bogus Claims Fool You: Voting By Mail in Flagler County Is Safe and Secure

June 14, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 27 Comments

Flagler County Elections Supervisor Kaiti Lenhart at her office this week. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Kaiti Lenhart counters bogus claims and misinformation by explaining the safety, reliability and accuracy of voting by mail.

With Coronavirus Cases Climbing, Texas Gov. Abbott Says ‘No Real Need’ to Scale Back Business Reopenings

June 14, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

U.S. Army Spc. Jesus Rodriguez of the 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, set up food packages at the Alton Recreation Center in Alton, Texas, April 24, 2020. Texas Military Department service members team up with volunteers to provide assistance to local food banks across Texas supporting support local families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Leyda Ocasio-Kanzler)

In Texas as in Florida, new cases of Covid-19 have been breaking records as the two states have continued reopening, but the Texas governor says available hospital beds make the trend less than alarming.

Statewide Elections Take Shape as Qualifying Ends, With 387 House and Senate Candidates

June 14, 2020 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

Democrats are seeking to gain more seats in the GOP_dominated Florida Legislature. (Steven Martin)

As Florida Democrats hope to dent Republican majorities in both legislative chambers, the major parties will clash in 96 of 120 state House seats and 17 of 20 Senate contests.

Public Health Officials Are Facing a Wave Of Threats and Firings Amid Coronavirus Response

June 13, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

A screen capture from a WFLA story on Rebekah Jones, a former data manager at Florida's Department of Health who says she was fired for refusing to manipulate data.

Rebekah Jones, a top Florida Department of Health data manager Gov. Ron DeSantis fired last month, is just one of many officials in 27 states who have been fired or been forced to resign over Covid-related matters.

In Georgia, Voter-Suppression Becomes Systematic

June 11, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 11 Comments

Endless lines in Georgia Tuesday. (Facebook)

What Georgia did Tuesday was criminal, a racist crime against our democracy, and it’s time to criminalize voter suppression once and for all, argues Thom Hartman.

Critics of Riots Are Forgetting their American History

June 10, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 12 Comments

From riots, rebellions, and acts of insurrection in the early days of the Republic to race riots, anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic “Know-Nothing” riots, to name a few, make the practice as American as apple pie, argues Ricky Riley.

DeSantis Seeks Fast-Track Appeal to Stop Hundreds of Thousands of Felons from Voting

June 10, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 19 Comments

In Flagler County, Elections Supervisor Kaiti Lenhart says voter registration is continuing apace without any specific issues related to felons who may now register. If any irregularities arise, the state has 21 days to let a registrant know. Otherwise, that person may vote. (© FlaglerLive)

Lawyers for Gov. Ron DeSantis have made a rare move of asking a full appellate court to consider a challenge to a voting-rights ruling that would pave the way for hundreds of thousands of felons to cast ballots in the November elections.

Gregory Charles Jelm, May 11, 1960 – June 4, 2020

June 10, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 6 Comments

Gregory Charles Jelm passed away peacefully from cancer at his home, in the company of his loved ones.

Society Is Reopening. Prepare To Hunker Down At Home Again.

June 9, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 11 Comments

Caution as a new norm. (Gilbert Mercier)

So while it may seem counterintuitive as people finally come out of the woodwork, now is an opportune moment to talk about doubling down on preparations for the duration of the pandemic.

Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations Vary Unpredictably From County to County

June 8, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

Awaiting guests. (Thomas Payne)

Some counties are mandating a 24-hour wait between bookings, while others are requiring “sufficient” or “adequate” time for cleaning and disinfecting.

Expect Gas Prices Again to Top $2 A Gallon as Tanks Fill and Tankers Cruise

June 8, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

gas prices

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Florida is $1.90, up 2 cents from last week and 14 cents from a month ago, and at the highest level in nine weeks.

Tear-Gassing Protesters During An Infectious Outbreak ‘A Recipe For Disaster’

June 6, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 15 Comments

A protester in Seattle on May 30. (Hongao Xu)

There are strong calls for police to stop using these chemical irritants because they can damage the body in ways that can spread the coronavirus and increase the severity of Covid-19.

Today, Again, I am Overwhelmed With Grief and Rage

June 4, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 36 Comments

“Day by day, protest by protest, vote by vote — it is my honor to join you in this struggle for a better world,” writes Ian H. Solomon. “We need each other now more than ever.”

206,000 Unemployment Claims Filed in Florida Last Week, On Eve of Phase 2 Reopening

June 4, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

Restaurants have been among the hardest hit businesses in the Covid recession. (Masaaki Komori)

Phase 2 reopening includes allowing bars, movie theaters and other entertainment venues to partially operate in all but three South Florida counties.

Teachers Union Offers Proposal for Reopening Schools With Several Changes

June 2, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 6 Comments

Crying for students. (© FlaglerLive)

Widespread testing of students, staff and visitors for the virus, adjustments to class sizes and student transportation, changes to the school calendar, promoting hybrid instruction and pushing to hire more school counselors and psychologists to help students’ social and emotional well-being are among the proposal.

A Post-Graduation Letter of Thanks for an Extraordinary Graduation from Superintendent Jim Tager

June 2, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

Superintendent Jim Tager, right, with Chip Wile, president of Daytona International Speedway, Sunday. (Flagler Schools)

We would never be able to make up for missed moments, but for the biggest moment in their K-12 journey, Flagler Schools was able to showcase these graduates on one of the biggest stages, says Superintendent Jim Tager.

Yes, the Looting Must Stop

June 1, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 17 Comments

President Reagan signing the Fiscal Year 1989 Appropriations Bills at his desk in the Oval Office in October 1988. (White House)

Looting is the word of the day, on the lips of every newscaster, the president, and elected officials across the country. And, indeed, looting is a major problem in America. But how.

Protests Rage and Reactions Abound Over Killing of George Floyd, But DeSantis Maintains Silence

June 1, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 19 Comments

Protesters in Tallahassee, where the driver of a pickup truck plowed through a street packed with demonstrators, just blocks from the state Capitol building. (NSF)

In Miami, squad cars were damaged and police fired tear gas at a crowd of protesters. In Tallahassee, the driver of a pickup truck plowed through a street packed with demonstrators, just blocks from the state Capitol building.

County Elections Supervisors Ordered to Comply With Order Enabling Felons to Vote

May 31, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 21 Comments

Ballot boxes will be more accommodating. (© FlaglerLive)

The state’s elections director advised county supervisors of elections to be in line with a federal court decision overturning major parts of a 2019 law requiring felons to pay fines, fees, costs and restitution associated with their convictions to be eligible to vote.

The “Chinese Virus” Slur

May 29, 2020 | Pierre Tristam | 44 Comments

Trump in China in 2017, when he behaved. (White House)

Calling Covid-19 the “Chinese virus” has nothing to do with geographical correctness and everything to do with ideological motives tapping into a century and a half of anti-Asian bigotry.

Florida’s Government Revenue Takes a Nearly $1 Billion Hit in April

May 29, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

fallen revenue

State revenue was off $878.1 million in April from an earlier estimate as tourism and hospitality-related industries, along with car sales, were grounded by the coronavirus, according to economists.

Commissioner Nikki Fried Says DeSantis Is Leaving Cabinet ‘In the Dark’ During Pandemic

May 28, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 12 Comments

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried at today's cabinet meeting. (NSF)

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried asserted Thursday the governor and state Cabinet members should have been jointly coordinating the response to the coronavirus pandemic, as a new report showed another 173,731 first-time unemployment claims were filed last week in Florida.

Child Vaccination Rate Drops Sharply, Worrying Pediatricians of Public Health Consequences

May 27, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

Signs in exam rooms at a local doctor's office. (© FlaglerLive)

While a growing number of people are refusing to vaccinate their children in Florida, Some attributed the precipitous drop to the cancellation of pediatrician appointments during the pandemic.

DeSantis Picks Jamaican-American Renatha Francis and Cuban-American John Couriel for Supreme Court

May 26, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 6 Comments

John Couriel and Renatha Francis at today's press conference where Gov. Ron DeSantis, center, announced the Supreme Court picks. (© FlaglerLive via Florida Channel)

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday appointed John Couriel and Renatha Francis to the Florida Supreme Court, choosing two justices expected to cement the court’s conservative majority for years to come.

Florida Colleges and Universities Wrestling With When and How to Reopen

May 26, 2020 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

The University of Central Florida, whose student body is heavily made up of commuters, is among the universities pondering questions on reopening. (© FlaglerLive)

Some of the questions gnawing at school leaders are: Who will need to be tested for the virus? Will temperature checks be required before entering classrooms? What will student housing look like? What restrictions will at-risk students and faculty face? What’s the plan for people who get sick mid-semester?

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