The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office warns the public to think twice before responding to unsolicited text messages or phone calls after a local resident received a text message and subsequent phone call on May 20 from an individual posing as a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office employee who claimed the victim had an active misdemeanor arrest warrant for Failure to Appear.
News Briefs
Pasco Sheriff Ordered to Pay Legal Fees After Suppressing Public Records
A three-judge panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal sided with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Florida, which filed a lawsuit in September 2022 seeking to force the sheriff’s office to provide records related to what was known as the “Intelligence Led Policing” program. The program included analyzing various types of information and compiling lists of “problem people” and “at-risk youths” who would get increased law-enforcement attention, according to Wednesday’s ruling.
Palm Coast’s Golden Chopsticks Buffet Open Again 2 Days After Sanitation Inspection Ordered It Closed
Two days after it was ordered closed due to several sanitation violations, Golden Chopsticks Buffet, the less-than-one-year-old Chinese restaurant on Palm Coast’s Cypress Edge Drive, was bustling with business again today at lunch, its neon “open” sign burning red.
Flagler Cares Recognized for 10 Years of Treating ‘Every Individual with Dignity and Compassion’
The Flagler County Commission on Monday recognized through a proclamation the 10th anniversary of Flagler Cares, the social service non-profit that provides its own services, coordinates many others and houses independent organizations at its Flagler County Village at City Marketplace in Palm Coast. The proclamation is making the rounds of local governments.
Ex-Sen. Travis Hutson Joins St. Johns Clerk of Court as Government Affairs Adviser
The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office announced that former Florida State Senator Travis Hutson will be joining the team as Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Affairs, effective today.
Flagler Free Clinic Earns National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Award
The Flagler Free Clinic earned a 2025 Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) Quality Standards Program. This achievement reflects the clinic’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare to uninsured individuals in Flagler and Volusia counties.
Statewide Dangerous Dog Registry Now Depends on DeSantis Signature
On Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis received a bill (HB 593) intended to protect people from crazed canines. The “Pam Rock Act,” named after a former Putnam County mail carrier who was killed by a group of dogs while on her route, requires dangerous dogs to be penned. It also requires animal control to quarantine dogs that are investigated for being menaces, including those that have killed or seriously hurt humans.
The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach Launches Life-Saving ‘Drown Zero’ Initiative
The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach is announced the launch of Drown Zero, a life-saving initiative designed to help prevent drowning incidents in Flagler Beach.
Indian Trails Middle School’s Brandy Nicole Anderson Is a Finalist for Florida Teacher of the Year
Today, the Florida Department of Education announced Brandy Nicole Anderson, a teacher at Indian Trails Middle School in Flagler County, as one of five finalists for the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year. The state finalists were chosen from 76 district teachers of the year. The 2026 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year winner will be announced in July.
AdventHealth Palm Coast Named one of Top 100 Community Hospitals in the Country
AdventHealth Palm Coast has been named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the U.S. by Premier, a national health care improvement organization. This recognition highlights hospitals that deliver standout care, earn high marks from patients, and operate efficiently, all without sacrificing quality. AdventHealth Palm Coast was recognized in the Small Community Hospital category, which includes facilities that serve smaller populations but still make a big impact.
‘Minerals in Space’ Exhibit Launches at Stetson’s Gillespie Museum
A Stetson student, inspired by her grandfather’s work on the space shuttle program, has curated a new exhibit, “Minerals in Space: Building Blocks to the Stars,” on display at the university’s Gillespie Museum through the end of May. The free exhibit, created and curated by Stetson junior Mary DeNote, Class of 2027, explores the crucial role of minerals in the space program. It spans the story from the excitement of the 1960s Space Race to today’s cutting-edge exploration technologies.
Florida Orange Production On Pace to Be Lowest Since Great Depression
The new estimate for oranges is about 35 percent lower than the 18.06 million boxes filled during the 2024-2025 season, which was the lowest since the 1935-1936 season. Orange production is on pace to be lowest since the 1931-1932 season.
County Judge Lauren Peffer Faces Charges Over Fabricated Phone Call
A judicial panel filed a “notice of formal charges” against Broward County Judge Lauren Peffer, who used a deepfake phone call, fabricated with artificial intelligence, to claim that the judiciary was in crisis. She did not verify the recording before using it during her campaign.
Bill to Help Domestic Violence Victims Dies
Legislation that aimed to provide more resources to domestic violence victims was permanently shelved this Regular Session after failing to progress through its assigned committees. The legislation would have established an app that allows a victim to reach law enforcement without alerting the perpetrator. Boynton Beach Democratic Sen. Lori Berman sponsored the measure (SB 240).
Black Bear Kills Man 100 Yards from His Home, 1st Ever Fatal Attack in Florida
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has concluded its initial investigation into what is confirmed to be the first fatal Florida black bear attack in state history this week in Jerome, Florida.
Flagler County Middle Schoolers Qualify for International Competition for 2nd Year in a Row
BTMS seventh-grade students James Webb and Alexander Mangal turned their most recent performance into a berth into the International SeaPerch Competition being held at the University of Maryland on May 31 and June 1. Their second place finish at the Greater Jacksonville SeaPerch Regional Competition April 13 earned “Team Swift Sharks” one of the coveted spots. BTMS student Luke Chrzanowski will also be attending as an alternate.
Palm Coast and Flagler County Burn Ban Issued in April Is Extended Through May 14 Despite Rain
The Flagler County burn declared on April 23 and in effect countywide has been extended through May 14, the county announced today even though some areas of Flagler County started receiving rain Wednesday.
Sustainable: Palm Coast Marks 20 Years of Arbor Day
Sunshine, smiles, and sustainability took center stage as Palm Coast’s 20th Annual Arbor Day celebration drew hundreds of residents from across the community this past Saturday. This milestone event marked two decades of environmental awareness and community connection, blending eco-conscious fun with family-friendly festivities.
AdventHealth Hospitals Hire More than 800 Nurses in Flagler, Volusia and Lake Counties in Past Year
Amid a national nursing shortage, the AdventHealth East Florida Division is taking action by expanding its nursing workforce, enhancing hands-on training programs, and reinforcing its commitment to exceptional patient care across its seven hospitals in Flagler, Lake, and Volusia counties. In the past year, the division hired more than 800 new nurses and opened a second center for education and simulation to help nurses gain hands-on experience before they step into a hospital room.
Randy Fine’s Bill Banning Pride Flags at Public Buildings Fails, as Does Preferred-Pronoun Ban
LGBTQ advocates are celebrating several bills — including one that could have banned Pride flags flown at government buildings — stalling out this Session. Some of the dead bills including HB 75/SB 100 that would have banned government buildings, schools and universities, from flying flags that represented a “political viewpoint.” The proposal was sponsored by outgoing state Sen. Randy Fine before he left for Washington, D.C.
Daytona State Rocket League Esports Team Wins NJCAAE Championship for DSC
Daytona State College’s No. 1 seed Rocket League Esports team claimed its second national championship Wednesday night, winning the 2025 NJCAAE Spring Premier Series National Title. The team defeated the No. 4 seed Columbia Basin College Hawks 3-0 in the Grand Finals matchup.
State Prison Inmate on a Work Crew in Palm Coast Is Arrested for Burglary
An inmate from the Putnam Correctional Institution, assigned to a prison inmate work crew contracted by the City of Palm Coast, faces charges of burglary stemming from when he was working in a Palm Coast neighborhood. He had previously been convicted on burglary- and theft-related charges and sentenced by a court to state prison.
Need To Be Background-Checked? Flagler Sheriff Offers Service for $60 to $105
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is now offering comprehensive, nationwide background check services to Flagler County residents through ACCESS Background Check Services.
Hammock Dunes Charity Donates $100,000 to Flagler Free Clinic
The Flagler Free Clinic received a $100,000 donation from Hammock Dunes Cares, matching last year’s contribution. (The charity is not connected to Flagler Cares, the countywide social service agency and nonprofit.) The funds were raised during Hammock Dunes Cares’ Rally Auction, a two-week event in late February featuring activities such as tennis, croquet, bocce, a creek porch party, live music, and pickleball. The check presentation occurred on Tuesday, March 18, at Hammock Dunes.
Florida House Backs Off Later School Start Times
The Florida House on Tuesday gave final approval to a bill that would back away from a requirement aimed at starting high-school classes later in the morning. The Legislature in 2023 passed a law that would prevent high schools from starting earlier than 8:30 a.m. to help teens get more sleep.
2025 Tunnel to Towers 5K Raises Over $15,000 For 1st Responders and Troops
The City of Palm Coast proudly hosted the 4th Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Central Park in Town Center, marking its largest turnout yet. With over 500 registered participants ranging in age from 4 to 89, the event brought the community together in a powerful show of support for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission to honor first responders and military service members.
Senate Refuses to Confirm DeSantis’s Moms for Liberty Appointee to Ethics Commission
The Senate is again declining to take up two of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Ethics Commission appointees, including Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich.
Bill to Lower Minimum Wage in Florida Dies
Senate President Ben Albritton said a controversial bill that sought to pay some workers below the minimum wage is dead. “To tell you the truth, I think if somebody works, whether they’re being an apprentice or whatever, minimum wage is actually in the Constitution for a reason,” Albritton told reporters.
Sheriff’s Court and Detention Division Chief Engert Graduates from Florida Health Policy Leadership Academy
On April 25, Court and Detention Services Chief Daniel Engert graduated from the Florida Health Policy Leadership Academy during a ceremony at the University of Florida/Institute of Food Agricultural Sciences extension in Bunnell.
Senate Moves To Restore ‘Customary Use’ Access of Private Beaches By Public, Repealing 2018 Law
Amid noisy battles in Walton County about beach access, the Florida Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would repeal a controversial 2018 law about “customary use” of beaches.
Palm Coast Invites Residents to Participate in City Manager Selection
The City of Palm Coast will host the two finalists for the City Manager position this week and invites residents to take part in a day of public engagement on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Florida’s GOP Legislature All But Kills Financial Literacy Bill
A bill requiring students to learn about financial literacy and career readiness at public school doesn’t seem destined to pass this Legislative Session. Under current law, students are required to learn about nutrition, personal health, Internet safety, substance abuse and other life skills. A pair of Democrats sought to amend the law to add financial literacy, home economics and career readiness to the list. However, SB 816/HB 737 hasn’t been called to a vote in committee with an important deadline looming ahead.
Landing Strip Restaurant (Former Hijackers) Prepares to Re-Open May 1
After nearly 300 days of being grounded, The Landing Strip Tavern is officially ready for takeoff. The restaurant is inviting the public and local media for the grand re-opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.. Doors open for business at 11:00 a.m.
(Located Safe) Public’s Help Sought Finding Autistic Child Missing in Palm Coast’s P Section
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding 8-year-old David Zuniga, an autistic child and resident of Poppy Lane in Palm Coast, who went missing this morning.
U.S. Supreme Court Will Hear Arguments on Ending Birthright Citizenship
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Thursday it will hear oral arguments next month over President Donald Trump’s efforts to restructure birthright citizenship, though the justices won’t decide on the merits of the case just yet.
House Unanimously Passes Bill Banning Pickleball and Golf Courses in State Parks
The Florida House made clear Wednesday it doesn’t want golf courses and resort-style lodges in state parks. House members unanimously passed a bill (HB 209) that stemmed from a public outcry last year about a now-shelved plan that would have put golf courses, lodges and pickleball courts in state parks.
Natalia Aleksiun Delivers Holocaust Lecture on Hidden Survivors of Nazi Occupation at Stetson
Historian and Holocaust Studies scholar Natalia Aleksiun delivers the Stetson University 2025 Holocaust Memorial Lecture on Tuesday, April 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Stetson Room, located inside the Carlton Student Union building on Stetson’s DeLand campus.
DeSantis Claims Florida Could Handle Disasters Without Federal Aid
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday during a press conference in Kissimmee that Florida could handle emergencies without federal funds but still believes the federal government will grant states money to deal with disasters without oversight. The governor has advocated for states to receive block grants to operate all aspects of emergency preparation and response over getting assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Clothing Under $75 May Get Permanent Sales Tax Exemption
Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed support during a Thursday press conference for Senate President Ben Albritton’s plan to permanently exempt sales taxes on all clothing worth $75 or less. DeSantis said he agreed with a narrower sales tax cut over Perez’s plan to permanently cut sales taxes by .75%, which is estimated to lower tax collections by $5 billion.
Miami-Dade Mayor Vetoes County Measure Banning Fluoride
More than a dozen local governments in Florida have banned fluoride in their public water drinking systems since state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo’s recommendation in November that they do so. Miami-Dade County won’t be one of them, though, after Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced Friday that she would veto a resolution approved by the Board of County Commissioners on April 1 directing that fluoridation of the county’s water end within the next 30 days.
Palm Coast Man, 34, Arrested Over the Death of a Cat
On March 7, Atticus Robert, a 34-year-old resident of Pittston Lane in Palm Coast, was arrested on a third-degree felony charge of false imprisonment following a heated argument with his live-in girlfriend of three years. On Tuesday, Robert was re-arrested, this time in DeSoto County, and charged with aggravated animal cruelty over the death of his girlfriend’s cat.
2 Matanzas High School Students Accused of Burglarizing Cars on Campus
On April 9, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested two Matanzas High School students, MLR, 15, of Palm Coast, and AO, 14, of Palm Coast, for burglarizing vehicles on the school campus.
Brendan Depa Appeal Again Delayed as Court Warns No Further Extensions Will Be Granted
The Fifth District Court of Appeal is tiring of lawyers requesting extensions to file the appeal of a Flagler County judge’s decision last August to sentence former Matanzas High School student Brendan Depa to five years in prison for his brutal attack on a teacher aide in 2023. The appeal court has granted three extensions so far, the third one granted on April 4 with a caution against further requests for delays.
Micro-Surfacing Begins April 14 on A Dozen Palm Coast Streets
The City of Palm Coast is notifying residents about an upcoming High-Performance Micro-Surfacing project on several local residential roadways. Work will begin April 14 and is expected to last approximately three weeks.
U.S. Rep. Wilson Seeks to Visit Miami Immigrant Detention Center Amid Reports of Mistreatment
Democratic U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson wants to examine conditions at a Miami immigrant detention center, saying she’s concerned about reports of people sleeping on concrete floors. Wilson, who represents part of Miami-Dade County, sent a letter Monday to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem requesting her help in arranging a congressional visit this month to the Krome North Service Processing Center.
2nd Round of Palm Coast Cultural Arts Grant Funding Open Through April 30
The City of Palm Coast and the Flagler County Cultural Council (FC3), the official local arts agency for Flagler County, are excited to announce that a second round of grant funding is now available through the Cultural Arts Grant program. The application portal is open now through April 30, 2025.
Team Wins $4,000 in MedNexus Challenge on ‘Becoming a Mental Health Influencer’
Bright minds, bold ideas, and a passion for mental health advocacy took center stage at the 2025 MedNexus Innovation Challenge, held April 3 at the Palm Coast Community Center. This year’s theme, “Becoming a Mental Health Influencer,” invited students to explore how social media can be used for positive change in adolescent mental health.
17 Named Storms Predicted for Hurricane Season
Colorado State University researchers Thursday forecast 17 named storms during this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, with nine reaching hurricane status and four becoming major storms. That would make the 2025 season close to the 2024 season, which included three hurricanes making landfall in Florida.
Palm Coast’s Arbor Day Celebration Marks 20 Years on May 3
Palm Coast’s favorite eco-friendly event is back! Get ready to dig in, branch out, and celebrate two decades of environmental stewardship at the 20th Annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center (975 Central Avenue, Palm Coast.)
Florida Agency Wants Emergency Management to House Migrants Awaiting Deportation
The executive director of the new State Board of Immigration Enforcement is pushing for the Florida Division of Emergency Management to house and transport immigrants awaiting deportation.