August 2024 rainfall figures were quite variable this past month. Normal year to date numbers are overall healthy with a few a below and above normal expectations. Normal rainfall for August is 6.40”. Normal year to date (YTD) rainfall is 33.13”. Localized rainfall has caused some areas to get more while others less which is typical of rainy season showers and storms.
News Briefs
Waterfront Park Nominated for Prestigious Great Places in Florida Award: Vote Now to Help Palm Coast Win
The City of Palm Coast announced today that Waterfront Park has been nominated as a finalist in the 11th Annual Great Places in Florida People’s Choice Award contest. This prestigious nomination highlights the park’s serene beauty, diverse amenities, and its special place within our community. We invite all residents, visitors, and supporters to cast their vote and help Waterfront Park win the title of Florida’s “Greatest Place.”
Flagler County’s Jonathan Lord Graduates FEMA’s National Emergency Management Executive Academy
Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord on Thursday (August 15) graduated from the FEMA Emergency Management Institute’s National Emergency Management Executive Academy. The program hones strategic leadership thinking for senior leaders involved with multi-jurisdictional, national, international, public health, private industry, and institutes of higher education homeland security and emergency management policy development responsibilities.
5 Flagler County Schools Get Apple Distinction
Belle Terre Elementary School, Buddy Taylor Middle School, Indian Trails Middle School, Old Kings Elementary School and Rymfire Elementary School have been recognized today as Apple Distinguished Schools for the 2024–2027 program term.
DeSantis Blames Trump and Others for His School Board Endorsements’ Failures
Gov. Ron DeSantis was too busy to help conservative School Board candidates this year, and the man who beat him in this year’s presidential race may be partially to blame. That’s one takeaway from comments he made in Titusville, when he said assisting Donald Trump was one reason he couldn’t help his endorsements get over the finish line.
Florida Death from Sliced Meat Contaminated With Listeria Brings Total to 8
One person in Florida died this month after eating Boar’s Head sliced deli meat contaminated with listeria, bringing the number of deaths related to the recalled products to eight. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in its latest food safety alert on Wednesday that 57 people have gotten sick and been hospitalized from the foodborne bacterial illness, which is the largest outbreak in 13 years.
A Shark-Injured Dead Dolphin Is Recovered from St. Augustine Beach
St. Johns County Beach Services and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission worked together to remove a dead dolphin from St. Augustine Beach after a beachgoer reported it to a toll worker.
Princeton Review Names Stetson Among ‘Best 390 Colleges’ for 10th Straight Year
For the tenth straight year, Stetson University has been named as one of The Princeton Review’s Best 390 Colleges in America for 2025, a distinction awarded to only about 15% of four-year institutions.
Bunnell Police’s Micheal Fansler Gets Second Life Saving Award in 5 Months
At the regular city commission meeting Monday evening, Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon presented Officer Micheal Fansler with the agency’s Life Saving Award. In attendance at the meeting was the patient Officer Fansler saved along with several of the patient’s family members.
New Device Will Help Flagler Sheriff’s Deputies Detect Drugs and Explosives Faster and Safer
The MX908 enables deputies to safely analyze trace amounts of substances without exposing themselves to potentially lethal amounts of fentanyl or other deadly drugs or explosives. FSCO investigators have already used the device multiple times in the field, including during undercover operations, and assisted the Special Investigations Unit in identifying illegal narcotics without the risk of exposure.
DSC and Florida Surf Film Festival Host ‘An Evening with Shaun Tomson,’ World Champion Surfer, Sept. 4
World champion surfer, documentarian and best-selling author Shaun Tomson will be the keynote speaker at “An Evening with Shaun Tomson,” Wednesday, Sept. 4 at Daytona State College’s News-Journal Center. The event includes a showing of the classic 2008 surf film “Bustin’ Down the Door.”
K-9s Odin and Baro Retire from Flagler Sheriff’s Office
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announces the retirements of K-9s Odin and Baro after five and six years of service with the Agency, respectively. K-9 Odin, a 7-year-old German Shepherd, was born on June 15, 2017. He began with FCSO in 2019 when he was 2 years old.
Flagler Cares Adds Sunshine Psychiatric Care to Village
Flagler Cares, a one-stop health and social care organization, welcomed Sunshine Psychiatric Care to the Flagler County Village in Palm Coast, on August 1 as a community partner.
Stetson University Breaks Ground on 4-story Residence Hall
Stetson University broke ground Wednesday on a four-story residence hall that will enhance the residential living experience for students in the heart of campus with an amphitheater and more places to gather and study.
Richard Hamilton Pays Tribute to Mike Lagasse, Folksy Land Manager Who left Flagler Government for St. Johns
About a month ago Mike Lagasse, who’d headed Flagler County government’s environmental projects and been its land manager since 2011, left the county for a job in St. Johns County government as its environmental division manager. On Monday, Lagasse got a tribute from the floor of the County Commission by Richard Hamilton.
Education Department Disputes Teachers Union’s Vacancy Rate Claims
Opening day teacher vacancies dropped by 13.3% in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the Florida Department of Education. A news release from the department did not include the total number of vacancies, nor did officials respond to a request for the number.
Flagler’s U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz Stumps for J.D. Vance in Pennsylvania
Flagler County Representative Mike Waltz was one of two Florida Congressmen known for their military service to be stumping for J.D. Vance, the Republican nominee for Vice President in Pennsylvania. Both U.S. Reps. Brian Mast and Mike Waltz are telling Pennsylvanians the differences between Vance and Tim Walz.
Florida House Democrats Urge DeSantis Not to Pass Up 2025 Summer Food Assistance Program for Kids
The Sunshine State was one of 13 states that passed up millions in federal funds for the summer EBT program that gave low-income families $120 for school-aged children this year.
Palm Coast Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Series of Events
Incorporated in 1999, Palm Coast is one of Florida’s youngest cities, and we are excited to celebrate 25 years of being Florida’s city on the rise. We invite all Palm Coast residents to commemorate this milestone through a series of special events highlighting our community’s vibrant spirit and history.
Senator Proposes Banning Smoking in All Florida Public Places
While he supports a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow recreational use of marijuana, state Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, said Thursday he will propose legislation that would ban smoking of all types in public places.
Kamala Harris Gains with Hispanics Extend to Florida
New multistate polling of Latino voters shows that the substitution of Kamala Harris for Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket plays well nationwide and in Florida. Equis Research conducted surveys of 2,183 registered voters who identify as Hispanic or Latino in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas. The group says the polling between July 22 and Aug. 4 suggests a “Latino reset.”
Stetson Honored Again as a National College of Distinction and for Equity and Inclusion
For a second year in a row, Stetson University has received national recognition as a College of Distinction with additional awards for its Business and Education programs, and initiatives for Equity & Inclusion, and Career Development.
FAA Grants Flagler County Authority to Fly Long-Range Monitoring Drones Along Coast
Flagler County received long-awaited word from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Tuesday (August 6) that it was awarded a “Certificate of Waiver” – effective through July 2028 – for its “small, unmanned aircraft system,” or drone, operations that afford the county the ability to fly long-range monitoring missions of the coastline and other public safety monitoring missions.
Appeals Court Backs DeSantis School Board Appointment, Rejecting Election
Calculating a vacated seat by the moment when a resignation becomes effective rather than when it is announced, a three-judge panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal rejected arguments by James Golden that an election should be held in November for the Manatee County school-board seat that will be vacated by Rich Tatem.
Fake Endorsements Roil St. Johns County Republicans
St. Johns County Republican Party Chair Denver Cook says the party “learned that a fraudulent voter guide has been mailed to many Republican voters across the county.”
Appeals Court Rejects Unanimous-Jury Argument in Death Penalty Case
A three-judge panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal overturned Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Lyann Goudie’s decision that a unanimous jury recommendation would be needed to sentence defendant McKinsie Lyons to death.
State Attorney Larizza and Four Superintendents Launch Seventh Circuit Initiative
For almost a year, superintendents in Putnam, Flagler, Volusia and St. Johns counties, the State Attorney’s Office and members of their staff have been working on a proactive, collaborative approach, which focuses on three pillars: education, awareness and accountability. Stakeholder meetings were also held in May with parents and students from each school district to get their feedback.
Forecasters Reduce Hurricane Season Forecast of Named Storms from 25 to 23
The university’s Department of Atmospheric Science reduced from 25 to 23 the number of named storms it expects during the season, which started June 1 and will end Nov. 30. The department, however, did not change its prediction of the season producing 12 hurricanes, with six reaching Category 3 or higher status to qualify as major storms.
Hurricane Debby Cancelled Early Voting on Monday in Numerous Counties
Although originally scheduled to begin Monday, there was no early voting in Alachua, Bradford, Duval, Gadsden, Jefferson, Levy, or Taylor counties. As of Monday morning, most of those counties said they would begin early voting on Tuesday.
Dr. Jodi Long Selected as DCS’s Vice President for Academic Affairs
Jodi Long in her role as Vice President for Academic Affairs will oversee all academic divisions and be responsible for the curriculum process, budgeting and scheduling for all academic offerings, as well as continuing education, adult education, and specialized business training.
DeSantis Campaign Book Is Now on an AP English Course Reading List
The Ron DeSantis campaign tract, “The Courage to Be Free,” released ahead of his 2024 presidential campaign, is on the summer reading list for AP Language and Composition at Lawton Chiles High in Leon County. Lawton Chiles would not have approved.
Abortion Rights Bus Tours Florida Ahead of Convention
The national abortion rights advocacy group Free & Just brought its “Ride to Decide” bus tour to the Sunshine State this week, making appearances in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. The bus tour kicked off in Milwaukee during the Republican National Convention last month and is hitting states up and down the East Coast and South for the next few weeks before concluding at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later in August.
AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway Serves 29,000 People in Its First Year
One year ago today, AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway officially opened its doors to patients. With Flagler County’s population continuing to grow, AdventHealth invested $167 million to build the new hospital and grow alongside the community. The new hospital served 29,000 people in its first year.
Daytona State College Receives $15,000 Grant from BofA to Support Students Earning Teaching Credentials
Daytona State College has received a $15,000 grant from Bank of America that will be used to help students in the College’s Education program as they prepare to take State-mandated teaching certification tests.
Trump-Appointed Federal Judge Rejects Florida’s Claim That Biden Administration Overstepped on Gender Rules
Florida and three other states alleged in part that the Biden administration overstepped its legal authority in extending Title IX regulations to apply to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Judge Axon, who is based in Alabama, said the plaintiffs had not provided adequate arguments to obtain a preliminary injunction.
Sea Turtles Are Crawling Out of New Dunes in Flagler Beach and Wandering on A1A
Flagler County government has received reports that some wayward sea turtles have been able to crawl up onto the top of the new dunes in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction project area in Flagler Beach and there is worry that they may wander onto State Road A1A. Efforts are under way to provide a solution.
ElderSource Launches Campaign for Hunger Relief Among Older Adults
Nonprofit ElderSource this month launched its Suppers for Seniors campaign, working to raise $50,000 that will be matched by the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds to help move low-income people off the waitlist for desperately needed food assistance.
Florida Schools May Not Return to Pre-Pandemic Enrollment for 10 Years, Economists Forecast
A state forecast indicates Florida schools will experience declining enrollment in five of the next six years, with the one positive year representing less than a 0.1% increase. The student enrollment forecast from the state Office of Economic and Demographic Research predicts that 12,379 fewer students will attend traditional public schools during the 2024-2025 school year, a 0.5% drop from 2.366 million to 2.354 million.
Federal Judge Permanently Blocks Part of ‘Stop Woke’ Act
A federal judge Friday permanently blocked restrictions that Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican lawmakers placed on addressing race-related issues in workplace training — part of a controversial 2022 law that DeSantis dubbed the “Stop WOKE Act.”
Local Responders Invade FPC for Active Assailant Training
“This is an exercise.” That was the beginning and end of every communication on July 24 during a full-scale active assailant exercise held at Flagler-Palm Coast High School to ensure that anyone within earshot or sight of the message would be clear it was about a training exercise. And, while a realistic training exercise, no one was injured or killed.
Sheriff Staly Elected Treasurer of the Florida Sheriffs Association, a First for Flagler
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly was elected by his fellow Sheriffs to be an officer of the Association and serve as its Treasurer. This is the first time in the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s 107-year history that a Flagler County Sheriff has been elected as an officer of the Association.
Organized Fraud Involving Florida’s Osceola Turkey Leads to Charges Against 4
On July 24, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement announced charges against four individuals involved in a fraudulent scheme to defraud hunters seeking Osceola turkey hunts. Larry William Collins, David Preston Mills, Paul Neil Beckham and Vernon Robert Flowers were charged with multiple felonies, including organized fraud, conspiracy to commit organized fraud, cheating and the unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Florida Has the Highest Rate of Heat-Related Illnesses, Report Finds
More than 5.7 million Floridians are vulnerable to extreme heat, according to a report from the Florida Policy Institute, which called upon state lawmakers to repeal a new law that prohibits local governments from enacting heat protections for outdoor workers.
Recreational Pot Amendment Backers Raise $61.5 Million as DeSantis Attacks
The political committee sponsoring a ballot initiative that would allow recreational marijuana collected nearly $314,000 in new donations, according to its latest campaign finance filing. Smart & Safe Florida has now raised nearly $61.5 million in its effort to pass the initiative.
Palm Coast and Flagler Schools Collaborate at Annual Principals Breakfast
The City of Palm Coast and Flagler Schools joined forces on Wednesday for the annual Principals Breakfast, a collaborative event aimed at fostering a stronger partnership between the city’s leadership and the educational community.
Ben Sasse Resigns University of Florida Presidency to Care for Wife’s Health
Former Nebraska U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse announced Thursday he was stepping down as president of the University of Florida to help his family cope with his wife’s worsening health.
Flagler Cares and One Voice for Volusia Merge Safety Net and Substance Use Prevention Services
Flagler Cares and One Voice for Volusia announce that the two organizations have merged into one corporate structure under Flagler Cares. Flagler Cares will remain committed to providing social safety net, behavioral health and outpatient counseling, and prevention services for Flagler County. One Voice for Volusia is doing business as the Substance Use Prevention Coalition and neutral community facilitator in Volusia County, focusing on addressing risk factors and building protective factors to prevent initiation of youth substance use.
Flagler County Jail Wins Health Care Accreditation as Sheriff’s Office Becomes 5-Diamond Agency
The Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility has earned accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care by demonstrating compliance with NCCHC’s nationally recognized standards of care for correctional health services in jails. Accreditation recognizes the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to providing quality health services for inmates.
More than 1 Million Floridians Couldn’t Afford to See a Doctor in 2022
Approximately 28% of Florida adults can’t afford to see a doctor when they need to, according to newly published data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The data for 2022, the latest available, put Florida among the states with the highest rates of people who skipped medical visits because of high costs. Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi — other states that haven’t expanded Medicaid — were also listed, according CDC Disability and Health Data System data published Tuesday.
Flagler Photographers Wanted to Showcase County’s ‘Stormy Skies’ in State Association’s Calendar Contest
Flagler County is seeking photographers who would like to submit their images for the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) 2024-2025 calendar contest “Stormy Skies.”