Best known as a medical contributor to Fox News, Nesheiwat graduated from Umatilla High School before becoming a medical professional. Nesheiwat’s sister, Julia Nesheiwat, served as Trump’s Homeland Security adviser in 2020 during the President-elect’s first term in the White House. Julia Nesheiwat is now married to U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, who Trump recently named as National Security Adviser.
News Briefs
Daytona State College Women’s Soccer Team Wins National Championship
The Daytona State College Women’s Soccer team made history Saturday, capturing the 2024 NJCAA Division I National Championship in their debut appearance with a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over Arizona Western. Freshman midfielder Sienna Gillespie earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player award, while freshman goalie Julianna Trujillo, who secured the winning penalty kick in the semifinal match, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Salvage Operator Charged as FWC Recovers 37 Stolen Coins from 1715 Shipwrecks
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has successfully recovered 37 gold coins stolen from the 1715 Fleet shipwrecks, valued collectively at over $1 million. The recovery marks a major milestone in a long-standing investigation into the theft and illegal trafficking of these priceless historical artifacts. Eric Schmitt was charged with dealing in stolen property.
Primary to Replace Mike Waltz Set for Jan. 28 as Confederacy of Candidates Emerge
A special primary election for Congressional District 6 will take place on Jan. 28 and a special general election will be held on April 1. The qualifying period for the race will run from Dec. 6 at 8 a.m. through noon on Dec. 7. State lawmakers face a Tuesday deadline — a day after Byrd formally announced the election dates — to resign to run for the seat, which is made up of all or parts of Flagler, Lake, Marion, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties.
Hot Diggity Dogs & Shakes in Bunnell Has a New Top Dog: David Zummo
Hot Diggity Dogs & Shakes, a Bunnell icon known for serving classic comfort food, including specialty hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, milkshakes and more, has been purchased by David Zummo.
Qualifying for Gaetz Seat Ends Dec. 6, Primary Is Jan. 28
The special primary election for Congressional District 1 will take place on Jan. 28 and a special general election will occur on April 1, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced Friday. The qualifying period for the race will run from Dec. 5 at 8 a.m. through noon on Dec. 6.
Help FDLE Find Samantha Fiddler
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) continues to pursue leads into the 2016 disappearance of Samantha Fiddler and hopes the public can help solve the mystery. Fiddler was last seen in Bartow on November 19, 2016. She was 29 years old when she vanished.
Palm Coast Fire Department Wins Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant
The Palm Coast Fire Department is now better equipped to keep community members safe thanks to a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant. The $34,881 grant was used to purchase Polaris Ranger Crew XP1000 with Light Kit, Siren, PA System, Skid, Poly sport roof, and accessories fulfilling a critical need within the department.
St. Johns Clerk Hosts National Adoption Day Celebration on Nov. 22
The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s office will host a special ceremony on Friday, Nov. 22, at 10 a.m. to celebrate National Adoption Day. The event will be held at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, marking the culmination of a long adoption process for six local children joining their forever families.
Craig Flagler Palms Hosts 20th Annual Candlelight Service of Remembrance
Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home, Memorial Gardens & Crematory hosts the 20th annual Candlelight Service of Remembrance on Sunday, December 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Garden of Memory Mausoleum. The event is held to help those that have lost loved ones cope with the loss during the holiday season.
Florida Universities Are Cutting Ties to 7 ‘Countries of Concern’
The state university system’s Board of Governors next week is scheduled to receive a report about the law, which targeted ties to China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela and Syria. The law, in part, largely prevented state universities and colleges from participating in agreements or partnerships with schools based in the countries of concern.
House Speaker Opposed to Releasing Matt Gaetz Ethics Report on Alleged Sexual Misconduct
The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives is trying to put the brakes on a document that could harm Donald Trump’s pick for Attorney General by preventing a report on Matt gaetz’s alleged sexual misconduct from being released to the Senate. before Gaetz’s confirmation hearing.
Palm Coast Hosts Countywide Capital Improvement Project Summit
The City of Palm Coast today hosted the fourth annual Countywide Capital Improvement Project Summit, uniting leaders from Flagler County, the cities of Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, and the town of Beverly Beach. The meeting took place at Palm Coast City Hall in the Community Wing.
Florida Supreme Court Lets Stand Lower Court Ruling on Granting Early Release to Some Sex Offenders
After hearing arguments last year, the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday said it would not rule in a dispute about whether a man convicted of attempted sexual battery on a child is eligible to be considered for early release from prison.
8 Arrested, 3 from Flagler, in Sting Operation Targeting Men Soliciting Minors on Web
The Flagler County Sheriff today announced the arrest of eight men as a result of a four-month-long undercover sting, Operation Heartbreaker 2, focused on adults trying to solicit underage children for sexual encounters. The initial undercover operation was conducted from July 11 to July 14 but the investigation continued for 4 months and focused on individuals that were identified chatting online trying to solicit undercover agents they thought were juvenile females for sex.
Trump Readies Mass Deportations with Noem Pick at Homeland Security
President-elect Donald Trump is set to nominate South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which will carry out Trump’s plan to conduct mass deportations of millions of people in the country without proper legal status.
Rotary Club of Flagler County Hosts 988 Suicide Awareness Walk Nov. 15
The Rotary Club of Flagler County is hosting a 988 Suicide Awareness Walk on Nov. 15 in Palm Coast. The walk will promote the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Hotline, which provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources. The event aims to bring awareness to mental health issues in Flagler County.
Alan Lowe Drops Lawsuit Against Palm Coast in Debt Referendum
Alan Lowe, the former candidate for mayor who sued the Palm Coast City Council over the proposed ballot referendum to loose the city’s restrictions on borrowing and leasing, dropped his lawsuit the day after the Nov. 5 election, which saw the ballot measure decisively defeated.
Marco Rubio Pushes Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader
Big news in the Senate leadership race on Sunday afternoon, as Marco Rubio is all in behind his Florida colleague in the latest sign of momentum. Scott continues to make his pitch to lead the Senate Majority, in a turn of events few foresaw when he got 10 votes in 2022 against outgoing GOP Leader Mitch McConnell.
Federal Prosecutors Preparing to Drop Jan. 6 Case Against Trump
Special counsel Jack Smith, the prosecutor in the federal criminal cases against President-elect Donald Trump, asked a D.C. federal judge on Friday to suspend deadlines in the election interference case that centered on Trump’s supporters’ Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. To allow the government time to mull the “unprecedented circumstance” of a former president under indictment returning to the White House after Tuesday’s election, Smith’s team, writing in an unopposed motion to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, called for upcoming deadlines in the case to be cleared.
Jane Mealy and James Sherman Will Run Again in Flagler Beach
Jane Mealy, the 18-year incumbent, may have had to attend the odd commission meeting with oxygen in tow lately, and James Sherman in his first term has made an art of hesitating about running again, but both are readying for another three-year term.
Republicans Retain Super-Majority in Florida Legislature
Miami Republicans and House Speaker-designate Daniel Perez released a statement late Tuesday night announcing the GOP maintained its super majority in the Florida House of Representatives.
Stetson Poll Finds Americans Uneasy That A Peaceful Transfer of Power Is Ahead
As Americans cast their votes on Election Day 2024, the Center for Public Opinion Research (CPOR) at Stetson University surveyed the public on their confidence in a peaceful transition of power in January 2025.
Daytona State College Graduates from School of Nursing Achieved Near-100% Pass Rate
The results from the most recent NCLEX (the National Council Licensure Examination) have been published, and Daytona State College graduates from the Bob & Carol Allen School of Nursing have achieved an outstanding 99.24% pass rate.
Majority of Muslim Voters Favor Stein Over Harris, Punishing Democrats for Gaza Genocide
According to polling conducted the last two days of October by the Council on American Islamic Relations of “1,449 verified Muslim voters,” Green Party candidate Jill Stein is marginally ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris with America’s 2.5 million voters of the Islamic faith.
Flagler Cares Seeks Donors to ‘Keep the Holiday Lights On’ Program
Flagler Cares, a one-stop health and social care organization, is launching a fundraising campaign in celebration of its 10-year anniversary called “Keep the Holiday Lights On.” Flagler Cares is seeking donors to sponsor 100 homes at $100 per home to cover the cost of December’s electric bill for struggling families. While $100 sponsors a single home, supporters can contribute any amount to participate and make a difference.
Trump and Harris Featured in New Ad Touting Recreational Pot Legalization Amendment in Florida
Smart & Safe Florida, the group behind the effort to pass the adult use of marijuana initiative next week, is counterprogramming Gov. Ron DeSantis’s anti-amendment blitz by touting the active support of fellow Republican Donald Trump in a new ad.
Gambling Compact Dispute Ends with Settlement
The Seminoles, West Flagler Associates, and the Bonita Fort Myers Corp. reached a deal that puts an end to the legal wrangling and creates a partnership that allows Jai Alai waging on the tribe’s Hard Rock Bet app.
An Invitation to Mobility Week Nov. 1 at Lehigh Trailhead
The City of Palm Coast, in partnership with Flagler County Government, the River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), invites residents to join us for a Mobility Week Trail Walk, with staff, elected officials, and local partners to promote active transportation and community connectivity.
Rubio Claims ‘Anti-Trump’ Generals Are Lying to Get Paid
Florida’s Senior Senator (and potential Secretary of State if Donald Trump is elected) is disputing claims by Generals Mark Milley and John Kelly that the GOP candidate is a “fascist” and that Adolf Hitler did “some good things” by questioning their motivations.
Portions of East Drain Street in Bunnell Will Be Renamed in Honor of Former Commissioner Daisy Henry
Following a vote by the Bunnell City Commission in July, Bunnell government will rename a portion of East Drain Street in the south part of the city after Daisy Henry, the long-time city commissioner and a local icon who was all but synonymous with life around and beyond Drain Street. The street will be called Daisy Henry Street. That ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 1 at 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of East Drain Street and South Pine St. in Bunnell, with ample parking near Carver Gym.
Trump Doubles His Support Among Florida’s Cuban-Americans
The Cuba Poll asked 1,001 Cuban Americans in South Florida about a variety of issues between Sept. 25 and Oct. 9, including preference atop the ticket in November. The survey finds Donald Trump is riding high with the traditionally right-of-center cohort, leading Kamala Harris 68% to 23%.
DSC Partners with Florida Surf Film Festival in Showings Nov. 15-16
Three-time World Surf League Champion Tom Curren will make a special appearance at the East Coast premiere of “Tom and I”, a film directed by Nilton Baptista and Jeremy Pfeiffer. The premiere will be held during the Florida Surf Film Festival, taking place November 15-16 at Daytona State College’s News-Journal Center.
Stetson University Named a Green College by Princeton Review for 9th Time
Stetson University has been recognized for the ninth time as a Green College by The Princeton Review, which cited the institution’s strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship on the DeLand campus.
AI-Driven Technology Changing Heart Care at AdventHealth Palm Coast
The new tool, called CathWorks, is enhancing the way doctors at AdventHealth Palm Coast and AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway detect and treat heart blockages, making procedures safer and more precise for patients. CathWorks uses advanced computer-based software to help cardiologists accurately pinpoint areas of concern within the heart’s arteries.
Early Voting Kicks Off in 51 Florida Counties
Monday marked the earliest date Floridians could vote in person, as all but 16 counties in Florida started early voting. Nine counties will open voting on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday and the remaining seven will open on Saturday.
Disney Donates $3 Million for Hurricane Milton relief
As Floridians recover from the recent strike of Hurricane Milton, Disney World is giving $3 million to several organizations to help with relief efforts. The money is going to Feeding America, the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and local nonprofits, including the World Central Kitchen and Second Harvest Food Bank.
Civil Rights Groups Drop Challenge of DeSantis ‘Anti-Riot’ Law
The lawsuit civil rights groups filed against Gov. Ron DeSantis over the 2021 law imposing harsher penalties for protesters inciting violence is officially over.
Storm Debris Collection Begins Today in St. Johns County
Beginning today–Oct. 18–emergency debris removal contractors, AshBritt and TetraTech, will join FCC Environmental in the ongoing efforts of collecting storm debris post Hurricane Milton. This is an additional service to support the recovery efforts in St. Johns County.
Miami Circuit Judge Alberto Milian Reprimanded
An investigative panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission recommended a reprimand for Circuit Judge Alberto Milian, according to documents posted on the Florida Supreme Court’s website in June.
Hurricane Milton’s Estimated Losses Statewide Near $1.9 Billion
Six days after Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida, estimated insured losses increased Tuesday to $1.865 billion, according to data posted on the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation website.
Maxie Puritis of Flagler Palm Coast High School Wins Cultural Council’s Creekside Photo Contest
Winners Maxie Puritis (1st Place), Rylee Draper (2nd Place), Lana Rogers (3rd Place), Michelle Kozinski (Honorable Mention), and Liliana Delbuono (People’s Choice) were presented with certificates and cash awards, sponsored by the Flagler County Cultural Council.
The Gathering Place, a New Flagler Beach Venue, Offers a Shamanic Journey and Other Events
The music duo Wandering Spiral, featuring Michelle Davidson and Rick de Yampert, FlaglerLive’s arts and culture writer, will perform during a Full Moon Sound Bath and Meditation from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at The Gathering Place.
Singer Laniece Fagundes in Concert at City Repertory Theatre on Oct. 18
Laniece Fagundes, one of City Repertory Theatre’s most beloved performers and a member of CRT since its first season, is in concert on Oct. 18 at CRT. Along with CRT’s Music Director, Benjamin Beck, and drummer Denise Elisha, Fagundes will sing Broadway and popular favorites as well as original music in an evening that shows how her theater life has influenced her as a performer and a composer.
Federal Judge Refuses to Block Cultivated Meat Law
A federal judge Friday rejected a request by a California-based company for a preliminary injunction against a new law banning the sale and manufacturing of “cultivated” meat in Florida. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, who held a hearing Monday, issued a 21-page decision denying the preliminary-injunction motion.
Tolls Suspended Until Oct. 14 on Roads in Gulf and Orlando Area
The state Monday suspended tolls on highways in the Gulf Coast and Orlando regions, including on a large portion of Florida’s Turnpike, to help residents evacuate before Hurricane Milton hits this week.
County Commission Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month and ‘Red Ribbon’ Week
In a pair of proclamations that shed light on some of society’s grimmer realities, the Flagler County Commission on Monday recognized National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the county’s Family Life Center as well as “Red Ribbon Week,” an annual effort to bring attention to alcohol and drug abuse–or misuse, as professionals in the field prefer to call it–which has nevertheless only grown since the inception of Red Ribbon Week in 1988.
DeSantis Appoints Hofberger to a County Commission Seat For Which She Is a Candidate in November
DeSantis appointed Ashlee Hofberger to the open the Escambia County Commission seat Friday, roughly four weeks before voters get to pick her on a more permanent basis, and on the heels of her getting 37% in a closely-contested, three-way primary for the seat vacated by former Commissioner Robert Bender in District 4.
Trump Calls Troops’ Traumatic Brain Injuries Mere ‘Headache’
Former President Donald Trump said Tuesday that U.S. troops who suffered traumatic brain injuries after Iranian rocket fire in Iraq in 2020 only experienced a “headache,” dismissing the experiences of dozens of American soldiers who were later awarded the Purple Heart. Trump’s comments came after a reporter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, asked whether he should “have been tougher on Iran” after that nation launched ballistic missiles on Al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq in January 2020, during Trump’s presidency.
Flagler County Jail Reaccredited Is Reaccredited, One of Just 37 in the State to Have Distinction
The Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility–the county jail–became an accredited correctional facility on October 2, 2018. It was reaccredited on October 6, 2021, and most recently reaccredited again on October 2. Accredited facilities are required to be assessed and reaccredited every three years to ensure they maintain the requirements of accreditation.