Participants will learn about beach dynamics, the role of sand dunes, and how to identify many of the species of plants that grow on our dunes. We will also be sharing information about the participatory science dune monitoring pilot program starting soon along Flagler County beaches and how you can get involved with monitoring the growth of newly planted sea oats.
News Briefs
19th Annual Creekside Festival on Oct. 5 and 6 at Princess Place Preserve
The 19th Annual Creekside Music Arts & Food Festival takes place at Princess Place Preserve, Palm Coast on October 5, and 6. Non-stop country music all weekend. The First Responders’ 4th Annual Chili Challenge and the Sheriff’s Fast Draw competition return.
FPL Restores Power for 85% of Helene-Affected Customers
The company said 85% of accounts were restored within 12 hours of work following the storm, per a Friday news release. FPL’s latest publicly released numbers show 100,000 of its customers were without power. But that’s likely to change soon, per a roadmap the company released for restoring power to those who still need it.
Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord Leads Assist Team to Dixie County
Flagler County on Friday sent five team members – Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord, Communications and Engagement Manager Karen Callahan, Emergency Management Specialist Lovie Haley, as well as Fire Rescue Lt. Tony Guerin and Firefighter Paramedic Savannah Loertscher – to one of the hardest hit areas, Dixie County.
State Adds More Than 1,300 Acres to the Little Big Econ State Forest
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announces the completion of the Yarborough Ranch Florida Forever Project with the recent purchase of a 1,361-acre property. Located in southeastern Seminole County, this property provides an important linkage in the Florida Wildlife Corridor to existing conservation lands, including the Little Big Econ State Forest.
Harris Within Margin of Error in Florida, New Poll Shows
The presidential race in the Sunshine State is still too close to call. That’s the take of Morning Consult polling, showing that although Donald Trump has stretched his lead over Kamala Harris, it’s not by much. Harris is running close to Trump despite the state having roughly a million more registered Republicans than Democrats, in part because of a marginal 47% to 44% edge with independents.
All the Incendiary Comments Mark Robinson Made
Republican Lt. Governor of North Carolina Mark Robinson made offensive comments between 2008 and 2011 under the username “minisoldr,” which CNN linked to him extensively through personal details and other identifying information, on “Nude Africa,” a pornographic website. Many of the comments, which Robinson denies posting, are in stark opposition to his public political stances against LGBTQ+ rights, his unrelenting opposition to abortion access and his culture warrior persona protecting public school children from left-wing indoctrination.
Stetson Receives National Recognition for Promoting Student Voter Engagement
The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge has recognized Stetson University for excellence in its nonpartisan democratic engagement efforts that fostered high levels of student voter engagement in the 2022 midterm elections.
Bunnell Marks Progress of Its City Hall Complex with ‘Graffiti Hour’ Contest
About 50 City employees, representing the various City departments, gathered for a friendly competition in which they created chalk murals, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and creativity within the City. This event allowed all current employees with the City to leave behind a mark on this legacy project for the City of Bunnell and be a part of the on-going growth and changes occurring in the City of Bunnell.
Tonight’s Palm Coast City Council Budget Meeting Postponed as 2 Members Have Covid
The City of Palm Coast’s final budget hearing, scheduled for Wednesday evening, September 18, has been postponed to Wednesday, September 25, at 5:05 p.m. due to the illness of two City Council members who have tested positive for Covid. Without their presence, the Council is unable to reach a quorum and therefore cannot proceed with the meeting.
2nd Lawsuit Filed Against State Meddling in Abortion Amendment
The ACLU of Florida and Southern Legal Counsel filed a joint lawsuit Thursday against the Agency for Health Care Administration, seeking an order for it to cease efforts on its agency website and other media to persuade voters to oppose Amendment 4.
WTF Presents: Inside Project 2025: A Blueprint for America’s Future?
Work Together Flagler, an emerging grass-roots organization by women formed to discuss the issues confronting voters in 2024–also known by its acronym, WTF–is sponsoring “Inside Project 2025: A blueprint for America’s future?” a free presentation by Dr. Michael Butler, Kenan Distinguished Professor of History at Flagler College, at 6 p.m. Oct. 2 at the VFW Post 8696 at 47 Old Kings Road in Palm Coast.
Democrats Want More Transparency as Vouchers Subsidizing Private Schools Hit State Budget
Florida House Democrats are calling for the state to make public school choice scholarship data and budget plans–the private school vouchers paid with public tax dollars–as the programs grow. A similar issue arose in Flagler County, where School Board member Colleen Conklin complained about the district’s finance administration not disclosing the local number of taxpayer vouchers diverting tax dollars from the district budget, which this year exceed $10 million.
Bunnell Police Detective Jeff Traylor Is CrimeStoppers’ Flagler County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Bunnell Police Detective Jeff Traylor was named the Flagler County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Thursday at the 24th Annual CrimeStoppers of Northeast Florida awards banquet. The occasion was held at the Daytona 500 Club at the Daytona International Speedway before a gathering of law enforcement personnel and officials from across the Seventh Judicial Circuit that includes Flagler, Volusia, St. Johns and Putnam counties.
Palm Coast Urges Residents to Reduce Water Usage as Treatment Plants Are Overwhelmed By Heavy Rain
The City of Palm Coast is asking residents to limit water usage after receiving an unprecedented 7-10 inches of rain over the past five days. This heavy rainfall has caused our wastewater plants to process an additional 6 million gallons of water in a single day—equivalent to 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The system is under significant pressure, with 23 lift stations nearing capacity, especially in areas south of Palm Coast Parkway.
Supreme Court Expediting Case Alleging DeSantis Interference with Abortion-Rights Amendment
The Florida Supreme Court agreed Wednesday to fast-track a lawsuit filed by a South Florida attorney alleging that Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state officials are interfering with the campaign for the abortion-rights amendment.
Douglas Emhoff Campaigns for Harris in Central Florida Friday
Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband, Douglas Emhoff, plans to make a campaign stop in Central Florida on Friday, with the campaign announcing the event as part of a battleground tour. The stops scheduled for Emhoff days after the first debate between Harris and former President Donald Trump also include Henderson, Nevada, and Tucson, Arizona. However, the campaign did not announce where the Florida stop would take place.
Gov. DeSantis Showcases LINE Funding Successes for Nursing Programs at Daytona State College
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke at Daytona State College last week (Sept. 3) to highlight Nursing program achievements made possible through funding provided by the State and community partners.
Flagler County Fire Rescue’s Andrew Shook Receives Sons of American Revolution Medal
Members of the Sons of the American Revolution on Tuesday awarded Flagler County Firefighter Paramedic Andrew Shook with the Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal during the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.
The Problem with DeSantis’s ‘Election Police’ Intimidation
Is Gov. Ron DeSantis going too far in trying to defeat an amendment to restore abortion access? “Gov. DeSantis is using his election police to intimidate voters who dare to have beliefs that differ from his. This opens the door towards making voters and all Floridians feel unsafe for voicing their constitutionally protected opinions on important issues like abortion,” says All Voting is Local Action’s Florida State Director Brad Ashwell.
Biden Administration Appeals Ruling Blocking Rule Barring Gender-Based Discrimination
The Biden administration has gone to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after a federal judge blocked a new health-care rule about discrimination based on gender identity.
Flagler Tiger Bay Host U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg on Sept. 18, and Candidate Forum on Sept. 25
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Roger B. Handberg will be the keynote speaker at Flagler Tiger Bay on Sept. 18, and all the local candidates on the Nov. 5 ballot, including write-ins, have been invited to a Sept. 25 forum. The forum is open to the public.
BP’s Flagler County Rainfall and Climate Report for August 2024
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.
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.