A Florida appeals court Friday sided with a now-retired Duval County math teacher who argued his speech rights were violated when he was disciplined for personal Facebook posts. A three-judge panel of the 5th District Court of Appeal overturned a decision by the Duval County School Board to suspend Thomas Caggiano without pay for three days and to issue a reprimand.
News Briefs
GOP Lawmaker Wants Working Caps and Mandatory Breaks for Minors Ended
Republican Sen. Jay Collins of Hillsborough County has filed a bill allowing employers to schedule minors to work at any time and for more than 30 hours per week.
DeSantis Signs 3 More Collusion Agreements with ICE
DeSantis on Wednesday signed three additional memos with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, deputizing state agents to interrogate people about their immigration status and detain them if they lack proper documentation.
Iris Scanners Will Now Identify Inmates at Flagler County Jail
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announces the implementation of the Inmate Recognition and Identification System, known as I.R.I.S., at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. This cutting-edge technology (similar to point-of-entry technology now used at Universal Orlando Resort) is designed to enhance public safety and ensure the identification of individuals booked into the jail.
Randy Fine, in Bigoted Motive Against Muslims, Wants to Let College Students Carry Guns on Campus
Brevard County Republican state Sen. Randy Fine has filed legislation (SB 814) that would extend concealed carry rights to Florida colleges and universities. The state lawmaker — now running for a seat in Congress — has said over the past year that such legislation is necessary to protect students from “on-campus Muslim terror.”
DeSantis Wants to Move Ringling Circus Museum to New College
In his budget proposal released earlier this month, DeSantis included language that would transfer the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Ringlings’ Ca’d’Zan mansion, and the Ringling Circus Museum, located less than a mile from the New College campus in Sarasota.
Paul Renner Is Appointed to Universities’ Board of Governors
Gov. Ron DeSantis named former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner to the Florida Board of Governors, supervising the State University System, his office announced. Renner joins former Speaker Jose Oliva and former lawmaker Manny Diaz Jr. as former legislators on the board.
DeSantis Wants Florida Universities to Join War on Undocumented Migrants
Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Friday that the state’s universities and colleges shouldn’t admit students lacking permanent legal status. Come July 1, university and college students who attended Florida high schools but live in the state without legal permission will have to pay out-of-state tuition under a law, SB 2-C, DeSantis signed Thursday.
Lawmakers Considering Making Elected Officials’ Home Addresses Secret
A Senate committee next week will consider a proposal that would shield from release the home addresses of state and local elected officials. The proposal furthers an accelerating trend toward government secrecy in numerous forms, without documented evidence that th secrecy is necessary or beneficial to the public.
Palm Coast Accepting Art Grants Through Flagler County Cultural Council
Management of the Palm Coast Cultural Arts Financial Assistance Grant program has transitioned to the Flagler County Cultural Council (FC3), the Official Arts Agency for Flagler County. This partnership represents a significant opportunity to expand and enhance the arts and cultural landscape in our community.For many years, the City of Palm Coast has provided grants to Flagler County-based nonprofit organizations to support cultural arts programs and events within the city. By shifting management to FC3, the city frees up staff resources while ensuring continued investment in the local arts community.
Lawmakers Balk at DeSantis Ask for $350 Million to Transfer Migrants
The Republican leaders of the Legislature made some concessions to Gov. Ron DeSantis in the immigration bills announced Monday, but the governor still isn’t getting the hundreds of millions he wanted to deport immigrants with a program under his purview.
Flagler Fire Rescue’s Gil Aspinwall Graduates from Emergency Services Leadership Institute
Flagler County Fire Rescue Division Chief of Training Gil Aspinwall recently graduated from the Emergency Services Leadership Institute (ESLI), sponsored and hosted by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. The program was designed to address the present-day leadership issues that affect mid-level through chief fire officers.
Federal Office on Violence Against Women Removes Grant Opportunities from Website
The Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has removed from its website all information on current funding opportunities and directs visitors not to finalize any applications. This adds to the fear of nonprofits that work to help victims of gender-based violence [like Flagler County’s Family Life Center] that a major funding source may dry up.
Senate Confirms Pam Bondi as US Attorney General
The U.S. Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as the new U.S. Attorney General on Feb. 4. Bondi was confirmed in a 54-46 vote, with senators mostly breaking along party lines. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, a Democrat, joined Republicans in voting to confirm Bondi.
$8.2 Million Will Pay for National Guard Used as Florida Prison Guards
A legislative budget panel Wednesday approved transferring $8.2 million to pay for the continued deployment of Florida National Guard members at state prisons until June. National Guard members have worked at prisons for more than two years as the correctional system has struggled with high job-vacancy rates and an increase in the number of inmates.
Flagler’s Jonathan Lord Elected President of Florida Emergency Preparedness Association
Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord was elected and then sworn in as President of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA) last week, during the its Annual Meeting.
Sheriff’s Newest K-9 Can Sniff Out Hidden Flash Drives and Cell Phones
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office introduced K-9 Birdie, the Agency’s first Electronic Storage Detection K-9. Birdie will serve alongside Detective Corporal Mark Moy in the Digital Forensics Unit. Birdie is trained to seek out electronic devices believed to contain evidence of a crime, including flash drives, hard drives, and cell phones.
Volusia/Flagler Boys & Girls Club Honors Its Outstanding Club members
The Boys & Girls Club of Volusia/Flagler Counties hosted its annual Youth of the Year Luncheon on Saturday, February 2, 2025 at The Center of Deltona, celebrating the achievements and inspiring stories of local youth who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and academic excellence. The event brought together community leaders, donors, and supporters to honor these remarkable young individuals and recognize their contributions to their clubs and communities.
In a First for Flagler, Palm Coast’s Southern Recreation Center Wins Energy and Environmental Design Award
The Palm Coast Southern Recreation Center has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification for its design and construction. This marks the first building in Flagler County to receive this prestigious ranking. The Southern Recreation Center off Belle Terre Parkway, near Fire Station 25, achieved all 64 points during the review process, underscoring the City’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices and thoughtful development.
Replacement Concealed Weapon Licenses Now Provided at Local Tax Collector’s Office in Flagler Beach
Local residents who may have lost their statewide concealed weapon license and still want one may replace it for $27 at the office of the Flagler County Tax Collector’s Office Flagler Beach Branch. For out of state residents, the replacement fee is $99. Until recently, replacement licenses were available only through the Department of Agriculture in Tallahassee.
Nearly 1 Million People Visited Flagler County in 2024
According to independent research, the county welcomed 948,800 total visitors and generated $4,321,126 in tourist development tax in Fiscal Year 2024, down from the $4,587,725 collected in 2023.
Two FPC Students Arrested for Texting Joking Death Threats Against Each Oher
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two students at Flagler Palm Coast High School for sending threats toward each other in a text group chat. The threats were not meant seriously. The felony charges are.
14-Year-Old Palm Coast Girl Arrested After Sending Hate-Filled Video Targeting Trans and Other Students
L.H., a 14-year-old resident of Seminole Woods in Palm Coast was arrested last Friday (Jan. 24) on a felony charge of written threats to kill after she allegedly sent a racism-laced rant and threats directed at a transgender student through Snapchat, on a “story” connected to the Ohio high school L.H. attended last year.
Diane Rado Appointed Executive Editor of Florida Trident, Barbara Petersen Will Serve as Publisher
Statewide investigative news outlet, The Florida Trident, published by the Florida Center for Government Accountability, announced today two significant changes. Co-founder and CEO, Barbara Petersen will now serve as Publisher and Diane Rado has joined the team as Executive Editor. Rado is an award-winning journalist who has covered government, education, policy and politics for over 30 years.
Palm Coast Connect, City’s Customer Service Portal, Adds New Features Allowing Residents to Manage Cases
The City of Palm Coast has enhanced its customer service portal, Palm Coast Connect, by introducing new features designed to deliver a more streamlined and efficient user experience. The system, utilized by nearly 32,000 residents, aims to improve creating and managing cases.
U.S. News Ranks Daytona State’s Online Bachelor’s Programs Among Best in U.S. for 13th Straight Year
U.S. News & World Report has ranked Daytona State College’s online Bachelor’s programs among the best in the nation for the 13th straight year. And DSC is again the top-ranked non-university college in the United States.
Republicans Hold Huge Registration Advantage in Special Elections, But Turnout Is Tepid
Heading into special elections to replace former U.S. House members Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz, Republicans hold major voter-registration advantages in the two districts, according to newly released numbers. But turnout has been tepid. Republicans are holding a two-to-one advantage over Democrats turning up at the polls in Flagler County, with 4,859 registered Republicans casting a ballot, to just 2,592 Democrats doing so.
Palm Coast’s Disc Golf Course in W-Section Wins Private Public Partnership Award
The City of Palm Coast was awarded the “Outstanding Private and Public Partnership” award by the Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA) Surfcoast Chapter. This award recognizes the City’s collaborative work with Mesa Capital Group to bring the Palm Coast Disc Golf Course to life.
Flagler-Palm Coast Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Is Seeking New Members: Please Apply
The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC), which makes recommendations to the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Palm Coast, is seeking to fill open vacancies.
Rotary Club of Flagler Beach Equips Lifeguards with Lifesaving AEDs
The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach presented three lifesaving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the Flagler Beach lifeguard captains at their club meeting last month. These AEDs, acquired through a successful grant, will be mounted on the lifeguards’ ATVs, ensuring rapid response to cardiac emergencies along the beach.
Suzanne Johnston Is Flagler Sheriff’s Citizen of the Year
Suzanne Johnston will be recognized as Citizen of the Year at an upcoming Sheriff’s gala. Johnston recently retired after serving as Flagler County Tax Collector since 2005. In total, Johnston dedicated 55 years of service to the community prior to her retirement. Deputy Christian Harrison will be recognized as Law Enforcement Deputy Sheriff of the Year.
Exhibit Features May Pang’s Intimate Photos of John Lennon’s ‘Lost Weekend,’ at Ocean Art Gallery
Few people knew John Lennon as intimately as May Pang. Pang was Lennon’s lover during the infamous “Lost Weekend” which lasted 18 months during late 1973 through 1975. During this highly creative time for Lennon, Pang took candid photos of Lennon in a comfortable, relaxed environment. A collection of these private photographs including several taken at Disney World, will be on display and available for purchase at Ocean Art Gallery in Ormond Beach on Jan, 21 and 22. Admission to the exhibit is free to the public. All works are available to purchase – See John Lennon as May saw him.
Traffic-Calming Speed ‘Cushions’ Coming to Cimmaron and Florida Park Drive
A traffic-calming study’s first phase will begin on January 22, with the installation of speed cushions on Cimmaron Drive and Florida Park Drive.
Flagler Cares Offers One-Stop Help Night on Range of Social, Medical and Legal Services
Join Flagler Cares and other community partners for this one-stop Help Night offering a range of social, medical, legal and other services from 3 to 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at Flagler County Village, City Marketplace, 160 Cypress Point Parkway in Palm Coast. Help Night is on the third floor of Building B, Suite 304.
Ag Commissioner Sees No Harm to Florida Farms from Migrants’ Deportations
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson advocated for a more simplified agriculture working visa program Tuesday, but played down prospects that mass deportations under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration would harm Florida farms.
Vincent’s Clubhouse Enrichment Center Sets Grand Opening at European Village
The Vincent’s Clubhouse Enrichment Center will host the Grand Opening of its new location at 101 Palm Harbor Parkway, Unit B120, in European Village. The celebration will take place on Jan 21, from 4 to 7 p.m., with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
DeSantis Signs Death Warrant for James D. Ford, 64, Killer of Greg and Kimberly Malnory in 1997
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a death warrant for a man convicted of brutally murdering a couple at a Charlotte County sod farm in 1997. James D. Ford, 64, is scheduled to be executed Feb. 13 at Florida State Prison in the murders of Greg and Kimberly Malnory. It would be the first execution this year in Florida and would come after one inmate was executed in 2024.
Howard Holley Presses Legislators for Money for Florida Museum of Black History
Howard Holley, a board member of the Museum of Black History and member of the state task force establishing the museum, pressed the St. Johns County legislative delegation to fund the new Florida Museum of Black History.
Palm Coast Government Wins Regional Council Award for Its Imaginative Comprehensive Plan
The City of Palm Coast has been honored with a prestigious Regional Award for Excellence for Planning and Growth Management from the Northeast Florida Regional Council for its visionary work on the “Imagine 2050: City on the Rise” Comprehensive Plan Update. This recognition highlights the City’s commitment to proactive planning, innovative community engagement, and strategic initiatives to shape Palm Coast’s future.
Florida Legislators Cold to DeSantis Call for Special Session
Two days after Gov. Ron DeSantis said he wanted the Florida Legislature to call a special session to be “prepared to act” on immigration and tackle soaring condominium assessments lawmakers on both side of the aisle are questioning why the rush.
Matanzas High Senior Beats the Buzzer in a Game to Remember
Pirates Senior Haley Olson entered a varsity game for the first time ever. Although a foul by visiting Trinity Christian (Deltona, Florida) sent Haley to the line late, her first points ever would actually come moments later in buzzer-beater fashion.
Funeral for Former Florida Gov. Buddy MacKay Set for Jan. 15 in Ocala
A celebration honoring former Florida Gov. Buddy MacKay will be held next Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 1 p.m. at Fort King Presbyterian Church in Ocala. That’s according to the Ocala Star Banner.
Deputy Strikes Michael McDermott, 38, with Patrol Car After Cyclist Is Seen Pulling Gun During Traffic Stop
Christopher Murphy observed Michael McDermott, 38, pulling a firearm out of his pants. Dep. Murphy, fearing that McDermott would engage him with the firearm, struck McDermott with his vehicle, ejecting him from the bicycle and causing him to drop the firearm.
Doctor Faces $10,000 Fine for Violation Abortion Waiting Period
After the state Department of Health called for revoking the doctor’s license, the Florida Board of Medicine this week issued a final order imposing a $10,000 fine and reprimanding a physician who did not comply in 2022 with a law requiring 24-hour waiting periods before abortions can be performed.
Lawsuit Proceeds After District Allowed Christian, But Not Satan, Banners at Schools
A federal judge this week allowed a lawsuit to move forward against the Broward County School Board over its refusal to allow banners that said “Satan Loves the First Amendment” at two schools.
Flagler County Wins Public Safety Award from Northeast Florida Regional Council
Flagler County is the recipient of an Annual Regional Awards for Excellence from the Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC). The honor was awarded for “Public Safety” because the county was presented with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificate of Waiver for Drones Beyond the Line of Sight
Court Sides with Prison Guards Accused of ‘Deliberate Indifference’ in Restrained Inmate’s Death
A panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision, upheld a district judge’s ruling granting summary judgment to 10 Lake Correctional Institution officers. The estate of inmate Jose Gregory Villegas filed the lawsuit, but a district judge and the appeals-court majority found that the officers were entitled to what is known as qualified immunity.
Friends of GTM and the GTM Research Reserve Say Thank You
DaleAnn Viger, executive director of Friends at the GTM Reserve, the conservation organization, summed up the organization’s achievements in 2024 in a letter to members and friends.
Waste Pro Posts $900 Million in New Contracts in 2024
Waste Pro closes out 2024 as a record year for new and renewed municipal contracts and acquisition growth. This includes 32 new and 32 renewed exclusive long-term municipal contracts.
Yet Another Florida House Member Dumps Democrats for GOP Supermajority
Broward County Rep. Hillary Cassel announced her decision to leave the Democrats and join the GOP, becoming the second state lawmaker to do so this month. Cassel, who ran unopposed for her second term in November, in a post on X bashed the Democratic Party over what she called a lack of support for Israel and said she believes Republicans offer a better vision for Florida.