General-revenue tax collections topped expectations by about $100 million in May, while state economists pointed to “subpar” savings by Floridians.
News Briefs
Flagler Schools’ Bob Nocella Dies at 72
Flagler Schools mourns the loss of educator and coach Robert A. “Bob” Nocella who passed away June 25, 2023. He was 72.
Palm Coast Issues Certificate of Occupancy to AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway
The City of Palm Coast is excited to announce that the Certificate of Occupancy was signed on Thursday, June 29, for AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway, a 100-bed, four-story state-of-the-art hospital.
Malaria Cases Triggers Health Department Alert Across Florida
Today, Florida Department of Health (Department) is issuing a statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory following four confirmed and recovered local cases of malaria in Sarasota County. All individuals have been treated and have recovered. Malaria is transmitted through infected mosquitoes.
Palm Coast’s Brandt Herron Part of Blind Soccer Clinic for Angel City Games
he U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) is hosting two blind soccer clinics on Sunday, July 2, as part of the 2023 Angel City Games. The clinics will be conducted by members of the USA Blind Soccer Men’s National Team, including sighted goalkeeper Brandt Herron of Palm Coast, Fla.
Driver Arrested After Fleeing from Hit-and-Run and Trespassing on School Property
The vehicle entered the property of Old Kings Elementary School and drove around the running track before exiting the school and continuing to flee down Old Kings Road. The vehicle then entered the Flagler County Landfill and into the wooded area between the landfill and I-95.
New Podcast Launches from AdventHealth and Orlando Business Journal
Inspiring Wholeness, a new podcast series from AdventHealth and the Orlando Business Journal, debuted this week with a conversation between Randy Haffner, CEO of AdventHealth Florida, and Alex Martins, CEO of the Orlando Magic.
Flagler County and Cities Receive Nearly $100 Million in State Appropriations
Between the $24.76 million Flagler County will receive from the Legislative Priorities list to support four projects and another $64.42 million combined that the cities will receive, the State of Florida will be allocating nearly $89.18 million countywide as the result of the Legislative Session and the budget recently approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Florida Union Leader Mike Williams Dies in Water Accident
Mike Williams, the longtime president of the Florida AFL-CIO and a giant in the labor movement, died Saturday, June 17.
Flagler Jail’s Inmate Medical Savings Program Posts Results
This fiscal year to date, using Prime Corrections to review and adjudicate offsite inmate medical bills, Prime has processed a total billed amount of $1,413,133.02. Prime retains a portion of the savings: $719,906.02, or 51% of the total costs this fiscal year.
Surveying Why Visitors Choose Florida
A University of Florida survey examined the various factors involved in visitor decision-making and found that social media plays a huge role in why people visit Florida.
Large Dog Park at Holland Park Set to Reopen on June 26
The repairs to the large dog park at James F. Holland Memorial Park are nearing completion, and it is scheduled to reopen on Monday, June 26, 2023.
City of Palm Coast Budget Procurement Office Wins FAPPO Excellence Award
The City of Palm Coast Financial Services Department’s Budget Procurement Office was awarded the Excellence in Public Procurement Award by the Florida Association of Budget Procurement Officials (FAPPO).
Palm Coast Encourages Involvement in Budget Process
The City of Palm Coast is excited to announce the release of an informative budget video designed to provide residents with a comprehensive understanding of the city’s annual financial plans.
Walking with Warriors: A Project Rebirth Training to Provide Vital Support for Veterans and First Responders
In response to the unique needs of our brave Military Veterans and First Responders, Walking with Warriors: A Project Rebirth Training is coming to the Florida National Guard Armory in Palm Coast on Friday, June 23 from 9:30am – 4pm EDT with lunch included. The Armory is at 100 Fin Wy 100 Fin Way, Palm Coast.
Marketing 2 Go’s Cindy Dalecki Leads Series on AI and Content Creation for Businesses
VMA is excited to announce the launch of an upcoming two-part social media series designed to help not only manufacturers, but any business learn the fundamentals of content creation, analyzing your efforts, and how AI can help increase efficiency, effectiveness and ROI.
Recorded Executions in 2022 Skyrocketed to Highest Total in 5 Years
Recorded executions in 2022 reached the highest figure in five years, as the Middle East and North Africa’s most notorious executioners carried out killing sprees, Amnesty International said as it released its annual review of the death penalty.
Flagler Sheriff’s Chief Welker Graduates from Prestigious FBI National Academy
FCSO Community Policing Division Chief Jonathan Welker graduated from the 286th session of the FBI National Academy (FBINA) in Quantico, Virginia on June 8th.
Appeals Court Will Decide Whether DeSantis Violated Public Records Law in Migrant Flights Case
A state appeals court Tuesday will hear arguments in a dispute about whether Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration violated Florida’s public-records law by not properly providing documents about a controversial plan to fly migrants from Texas to Massachusetts last year.
Flagler Sportfishing Club Donates $5,000 to Disabled American Veterans
The Flagler Sportfishing Club is proud to announce its recent donation of $5000 to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), a renowned organization dedicated to assisting veterans in accessing the benefits they deserve.
Hernando Superintendent Bill Goes to DeSantis Amid Calls for Ouster
Amid calls by some Republican lawmakers to remove the Hernando County superintendent of schools, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday received a bill that could lead to the superintendent’s job becoming an elected post.
AdventHealth Names Clifton Scott COO for Both Hospitals in Palm Coast
AdventHealth has named Clifton Scott as chief operating officer (COO) at AdventHealth Palm Coast and AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway, effective June 18.
Palm Coast’s Annual Photo Contest Is Accepting Submissions
Capture the people, the landscape, and the lifestyle of Palm Coast in the City’s annual photo contest. The six categories are: Pets, Recreation, Wildlife, Landscapes, Events and Residents.
Five Florida Law Enforcement Officers Inducted Into Hall of Fame
Five former law enforcement officers from throughout Florida were honored this morning at the Florida Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. They are: John E. Brooks, Gary W. Hester, Douglas F. Muldoon, Anthony L. Peterson and Dorene E. Thomas.
Palm Coast Fire Department Dedicates Fire Engine to Raheen Tyson Heighter
The Palm Coast Fire Department hosted a Gold Star Dedication ceremony in which they dedicated a Fire Engine 24 in memory of Army Corporal Raheen Tyson Heighter this past weekend.
FCC Environmental Begins Trash Pick-Up in Palm Coast
FCC Environmental Services Inc. begins providing trash and recycling services to the City of Palm Coast today, June 1, 2023. Residents should have received a mailer from FCC with more information about services, pickup dates, and more.
Two-Week Sales Tax ‘Holiday’ for Disaster Preparedness
The State of Florida is offering disaster preparedness financial assistance through two programs: the 2023 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday and the UNITE Florida Sheltering at Home for Recovery Continuation (SHRC) Program.
Fishing on Florida’s Historic Coast Heats Up This Summer
From fishing piers and kayak fishing to deep sea charters, fly fishing, and everything in between, there is never a shortage of fishing opportunities when you visit St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and The Beaches – making it a top destination for anglers from around the world.
Florida Man Vandalizes 13-Foot Bunny Sculpture With His Car
A 49 year old man last week intentionally drove his car into Thunderbunny, a 14 ft blue mosaic bunny sculpture, just days after it was erected at Justin Flippen Park in Wilton Manors, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale.
World’s Tallest Digital US Flag Lights Up Miami Skyline for Memorial Day
The world’s tallest digital American flag coupled with the world’s most enormous electronic “Uncle Sam” image are lighting-up the South Florida skyline this Memorial Day weekend, at the 60-story Paramount Miami Worldcenter skyscraper, in downtown Miami.
Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services Receives Recovery Leadership Award
Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services (Flagler OARS) is pleased to announce that the organization was recognized with a Recovery Leadership Award this month in St. Pete Beach at the Floridians for Recovery Leadership Summit 2023.
State Urges Justices to Reject Arguments Seeking to Blocking Duane Owen Killing
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office Thursday urged the Florida Supreme Court to reject arguments aimed at blocking the scheduled execution next month of Death Row inmate Duane Owen.
Sheriff Increases Motors Unit Staffing to Address Traffic Violations
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has increased its Motors Unit staffing from five to eight deputies in an effort to address the traffic quality of life in the community.
Detention Facility Wins 2023 American Jail Association’s Innovation Award
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility (SPHIDF) has been awarded the 2023 Innovation Award for medium-sized facilities by the American Jail Association.
Daytona Area Home Sales And Prices Are Falling
Home sales continued to cool down across the Daytona Beach area during April, along with the median home sales price.
General Surgeon Jessica Marshall Joins AdventHealth in Palm Coast
General surgeon Dr. Jessica Marshall has joined AdventHealth Medical Group and will perform procedures at AdventHealth Palm Coast.
Juneteenth Florida Arts and Film Festival in Lakeland
The Juneteenth Committee Lakeland will host the 31st Annual Observance beginning Saturday, June 17, culminating with its Inaugural Florida Arts and Film Festival in Lakeland on July 1st, 2023. This highly anticipated event commemorates Juneteenth, a significant milestone in African American history, marking the 158 years of emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
Joe Jacquot Latest DeSantis Acolyte Appointed to New College Board
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday appointed Joe Jacquot to the New College of Florida Board of Trustees, after the Florida Senate failed to confirm a previous trustee tapped by the governor.
FPL’s Monthly Bills Could Fall by $4 by July
Florida Power & Light customers could see a slight reduction in their bills starting in July, under a request to reduce charges due to a decrease in natural gas costs.
State Board of Education Will Consider Book-Ban List
The state Board of Education is slated next week to consider a new rule that would lead to Florida’s education commissioner publishing an annual list of library books and instructional materials that people have objected to, carrying out part of a controversial 2022 law.
U.S. Army Col. Peggy Hengeveld Is Featured Speaker at Memorial Day Ceremony
Join Flagler County at its Memorial Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, May 29, featuring special guest speaker Peggy Hengeveld, Colonel, U.S. Army (retired).
AdventHealth Offering Physicals for Flagler County Students May 23-24
The annual Flagler County Schools Sports Physicals event will be on May 23 and 24 from 5 – 9 p.m. at Flagler-Palm Coast High School located at 5500 East Highway 100 in Palm Coast.
Jeannette Simmons on Mental Health Month
The City recently collaborated with Jeannette Simmons, a Licensed Mental Health counselor and Chief Innovation Officer of local non-profit organization Flagler Cares, to highlight some of the most important mental health issues in our area.
Sky’s The Limit Touch-a-Truck Event Set for May 27 in Palm Coast
The third annual ‘Sky’s the Limit’ Touch-a-Truck event will be on May 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. along Park Street in Central Park featuring more than 75 vehicles from multiple agencies.
Sheriff’s SWAT Team Members Place in Top 10 at National Sniper Competition
This is the second year in a row FCSO’s SWAT Snipers have placed in the top 10 during the annual national sniper competition. This year’s competition and training was held in St. Petersburg/Clearwater
Haircuts and 10,000 Pounds of Food: Flagler Spring Fling Outreach Delivers to 90 Families
Flagler County Health and Human Services Department delivered up social services agencies and associated vendors at its May ‘Flagler Spring Fling Outreach’ that, in turn, provided haircuts, meaningful information, and 10,000 pounds of food.
From REACT to Flagler County Assist: Crucial Volunteers Rebrand
For the past four decades, Flagler County Assist REACT volunteers have supported and responded to events and emergencies in Flagler County. The organization recently discontinued its affiliation with REACT International to develop a partnership with Flagler Volunteer Services.
Palm Coast Attempts to Control Canal Weed With Grass Carp
The City of Palm Coast Stormwater & Engineering department is implementing an eco-friendly alternative method to aquatic weed biological control in the canals in Palm Coast by rehoming triploid grass carp to several locations throughout the community.
Finalists Named for Florida Supreme Court Seat
Four judges serving on the 6th District Court of Appeal — Chief Judge Meredith Sasso and Judges Joshua Mize, Jared Smith and John Stargel — are among the finalists selected by the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission.
Flagler County Works with Agencies for Larger Combined Dunes Project from Pier to Gamble Rogers
Flagler County Engineering has been working with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Transportation to combine two projects to expedite restoration of a larger section of dunes south of the Pier in a more cost-effective manner.