Beau Falgout’s resignation was not a surprise, as he’d vied for the top job and fallen a vote short when the council chose to hire Matt Morton last March. Most of the city’s top ranks have since turned over, after the 11-year administration of Jim Landon.
All Else
Tiny A1A Subdivision Sees Wells Fail As a Big Development Churns Nearby. Now County Wants To Charge Residents $1,700 a Year for a Fix.
Willow Woods residents sandwiched between Washington Oaks State Park and Matanzas Woods developments would be charged $1,700 a year for 20 years to hook up to city water to replace failing wells, though residents say they’re not at fault: the development is.
Weekend Briefing: Peace Prize, Creekside Festival, Pink Army Run-Walk, AAUW Census Lunch, Harry Potter
The Creekside Festival Saturday and Sunday at Princess Place Preserve, a lunch focused on the coming Census, walk to end Alzheimer’s, Bring Your Sing Competition at the Auditorium, the Pink Army 5K and 1 Mile Pet-Friendly Fun Walk in Town Center, and much more.
Is the Whiteview Parkway Narrowing Project Going Forward? Depends on Whom You Ask.
The narrowing of Palm Coast’s Whiteview Parkway from four to two lanes has raised questions but the $4 million project is fully designed and now depends on state grants to move forward, which means it could wait many years. Still, the project has been cause for mixed messages and inaccuracies.
$500 Ethics Fine Against Dennis McDonald Now Upped to $10,000, With Governor’s Reprimand and Censure
A three-year-old ethics case against former county commission and senate candidate Dennis McDonald could have ended last June with a $500 fine to which he had agreed. Instead, and for lack of answering a few questions and correcting the record, McDonald now faces a $10,000 fine and a public censure and reprimand by the governor.
Don’t Let Breast Cancer Awareness Gimmickry Detract from the Essentials: Screenings and Exams
In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Florida Department of Health in Flagler encourages all women to receive regular screenings to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Florida Will Use $116 Million in Pollution-Settlement Money from VW to Buy Alternative-Fuel Buses
New public-transit and school buses that run on electricity and alternative fuels would get much of Florida’s share of a federal payout from a Volkswagen emissions scandal.
Dry September Creating Drought Conditions in North Florida
Typically one of Florida’s wettest months of the year, this September was drier on average, according to data collected by the St. Johns River Water Management District, and drought conditions are developing in north Florida, with Baker County experiencing severe drought.
Fish and Wildlife Commissioners Move to Protect Florida Shoal Bass
A draft rule would suspend harvest and possession of shoal bass in the Chipola River and its tributaries. This draft rule would replace an executive order issued in June, when initial population sampling indicated the shoal bass population there had been negatively affected due to the impacts of Hurricane Michael.
Vaping Illnesses Continue to Climb in Florida
Florida had 13 vaping-related pulmonary illnesses reported last week, bringing the number of cases to 52 as of Saturday, according to data from the Florida Department of Health. While the number of cases continued climbing, the number of vaping-related deaths remained at one. The counts reflect the number of cases of lung injury that were […]
Thursday Briefing: Literature Nobel, Turtle Quilty, Waltz at Tiger Bay, Diabetes, “Lion in Winter”
Two Nobels for literature are announced this morning (for 2018 and 2019), Mike Waltz at Daytona’s Tiger Bay, Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s sixth addition to its turtle trail, a free diabetes management class.
A “Highly Effective” Teacher Loses His Job at FPC. He Says It Was Retaliation for Whistle-Blowing. District Disagrees.
Robert Sprouse is claiming in a whistleblower action that his contract was not renewed because of the way he reported on a male senior’s repeatedly inappropriate and harassing behavior toward several girls–to school officials, the sheriff’s office and the Department of Children and Families.
Crash Involving 3 Semis Shuts Down I-95 Southbound, Snarls Northbound at Palm Coast Parkway
Three semi trucks were involved in a crash on I-95 just south of Palm Coast Parkway at 12:10 p.m. today, snarling northbound traffic, while southbound traffic was diverted onto the Parkway. There were no injuries.
Wednesday Briefing: IB Pinning Ceremony, Free Legal Clinic, Domestic Violence Survivor, Chemistry
Juniors in the IB Program get pinned at FPC, the Public Safety Coordinating Council talks human trafficking, Wills and Estates, a free legal clinic, Firehouse Subs donates defibrillators to the sheriff, Stetson University School of Music Jazz Ensemble.
Calling It an “Administrative Nightmare,” Federal Judge Urges Lawmakers to Revamp Felon Voting Law
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle made the comments as he finished a two-day hearing in a challenge to the law, which was passed along partisan lines by the Republican-dominated Legislature this spring and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Bear Management Strategies in Florida Forests Include Shooting and Trapping
The 209-page draft from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers ways to keep the state’s bear population of about 4,000 above the 3,000 mark.
Talk of Reparations for Slavery and Jim Crow Moves to State Capitols, Including Florida
Four centuries after the first African slaves landed on Virginia shores, state lawmakers across the country are taking up the debate over how to atone for what’s been called “America’s Original Sin.”
Flagler Jail Joins Growing List of Counties Adding Full-Body Scanning of Inmates
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office installed a $149,000 full-body scanner at the jail (the cost includes training) to better control contraband and improve inmate and deputy safety, joining a growing list of counties in the state and the country doing likewise.
Firehouse Subs Donating 16 Defibrillators to Flagler Sheriff’s Deputies
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will celebrate $20,153 worth of lifesaving equipment awarded, thanks to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, during a dedication event on Wednesday (Oct. 9) at 3:00 p.m. at Firehouse Subs, at 1475 Palm Coast Parkway.
Tuesday Briefing: Delgado on medical Marijuana and the Law, Suicide Loss, Financial Aid Night, Physics
The school districts hosts a Community Resource Showcase and Financial Aid Night at the Wadsworth/Buddy Taylor cafeteria, attorney Aaron Delgado talks medical marijuana and the law, a suicide loss group meets.
Bernie’s Heart. And Ours.
Bernie has a huge and eternally healthy heart, filled with the lifeblood of empathy and dedication. In essence, that’s what the 2020 Sanders campaign is all about. Not him. Us.
62 More Hepatatis A Cases in Florida, for Total of 2,738
Florida had 62 newly reported cases of hepatitis A last week, bringing the total number of cases for the year to 2,738 as of Saturday, a state Department of Health report shows. Pasco, Pinellas and Volusia counties continued to lead the state with 397, 369 and 244 cases, respectively.
After 8-Year Moratorium, Flagler County Will Get Back To Taxing Development for Roads and Possibly More
Flagler County government today hired a firm to study impact fees, or one-time levies on new development, to pay for roads, parks, libraries, fire rescue and public buildings in what could be a significant addition to county revenue by 2020.
Monday Briefing: Snelgrove in Court, AdventHealth Adding 7th Operating Room, Dunes Rebuilding
The Flagler County Commission approves a formal agreement with Flagler Beach on dunes reconstruction, double-murderer David Snelgrove is in court for a status hearing, Advent Health adds an operation room.
PCAF’s “Quilty,” Turtle #6 Unveiling Thursday at Waterfront Park
The Palm Coast Arts Foundation invites the public to the unveiling of Turtle #6 on their public sculpture Turtle Trail project Thursday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. at Waterfront Park, 150 Waterfront Park Rd, Palm Coast, off Colbert Lane.
Daytona State College Awarded Scholarship Grant for Military Veterans
Daytona State College has received a grant from the Margaret McCartney & R. Parks Williams Foundation to benefit military veterans and their families.
The County Issued a Press Release About a Donation By Commissioner Joe Mullins. Then All Hell Broke Loose.
County Commissioner Joe Mullins had County PIO Julie Murphy write a press release about a donation he made to an addiction-recovery program in Bunnell. What followed exposes a series of serious issues between commissioners and within county government.
Rabbi Shapiro Makes Legal Case Against Flagler School Board Reviving Invocations at Meetings
Palm Coast’s Merrill Shapiro, a member of the national board of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, presented legal arguments at a talk Thursday against the Flagler County School Board’s potential return to starting meetings with invocations.
Economy Adds 136,000 Jobs, Streak at 108 Months of Growth, Unemployment Down to 3.5%
The national economy added 136,000 jobs in September, and figures for July and August were revised upward by 45,000 jobs, sending the unemployment rate to 3.5 percent, matching a level last seen in December 1969.
Weekend Briefing: First Friday in Flagler Beach, Cycling for Health, Country Fest, Inside CRT Studio
The annual Country Fest at the county fairgrounds, a Cycling for Health fund-raiser for the Flagler County Free Clinic, the “Nearly New” Thrift Store at Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church, First Friday in Flagler Beach and more.
Wall Street Is Killing Newspapers
This is a crisis. This country lost more than a fifth of its local newspapers between 2004 and 2018, while newspapers lost almost half of their newsroom employees between 2008 and 2018.
Underground Power Lines Plan Moves Forward, But Residents and Businesses Will Pay More
The Florida Public Service Commission approved proposed rules to carry out the law, which is expected to lead to residents and businesses paying more in their electric bills for storm-protection projects.
Rick Staly, Unusually Popular for a Flagler Sheriff, Announces Re-Election Run as Challengers Have Yet To Appear
Sheriff Rick Staly, riding continued popularity, announced his run for a second term by pointing to more work and new initiatives ahead. In 2016 he broke campaign finance records. He says he’s ready to do what’s necessary to win, but it is unlikely that he will face the challengers he did in 2016, when nine candidates ran.
Flagler Beach’s US Army Corps Dune Restoration Project: Public Workshop and Hearing on October 22
Flagler County in coordination with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on October 22 will host a workshop followed by a public hearing to address the creation of an Erosion Control Line along the upcoming 2.8 mile Army Corps of Engineers project within the city limits of Flagler Beach.
UNF’s Palm Coast Medical Hub Clears 1st Hurdle With Board of Governors Committee Approval
UNF’s Palm Coast medical hub was unanimously recommended to the full Board of Governors in a committee meeting Thursday morning, winning plaudits for UNF president David Szymanski overt enthusiasm.
Thursday Briefing: Shapiro on Church-State Separation, UNF in Palm Coast, Diabetes Management, Elias Canetti
Rabbi Merrill Shapiro discusses the Flagler school board’s consideration of starting its meetings with prayers, committees of the university system’s board of governors meet to discuss, among other things, UNF’s proposed plans for Palm Coast.
Zero Tolerance For Threatening Students? Not Exactly: Flagler District Enacts More Reasoned Approach
Even though one law calls for zero tolerance regarding threats on campus, another requires local districts to use a “threat assessment tool” that opposes zero tolerance and applies more careful, less drastic responses to students or anyone making threats.
Flagler School Board Attempts Weird Science of Conjuring Its Perfect Next Superintendent
The Flagler County School Board moved up the date of its nomination of the next superintendent to March 10, and drew up a blueprint for the sort of leader it seeks to replace the retiring Jim Tager.
New Round of Medicare Penalties Hits 2,583 Hospitals, Including All Local Hospitals in 3 Counties
Although Medicare began applying the penalties in 2012, disagreements continue about whether they have improved patient safety. On the positive side, they have encouraged hospitals to focus on how their patients recuperate, and some now assist them in procuring medications and follow-up appointments.
Wednesday Briefing: Coffee With a Cop Day, Flagler Democrats and Republicans Rally, Free Family Law Legal Clinic
Attorney Marc Dwyer presents a free family law legal clinic, it’s Coffee With a Cop at the Palm Coast Community Center, Flagler’s Democrats and Republicans get hot and bothered, separately.
Palm Coast Sewer Line Through Hammock Would Reduce Reliance on Septic, But Raises Development Fears
A Palm Coast sewer line up the spine of the barrier island would help stop a reliance on septic tanks and has been a priority for local governments, but Hammock residents are concerned that it would also spur more intensive development.
Flagler County Rainfall and Climate Report for September 2019
September 2019 rainfall figures were close to or a little above normal for September. However year to date numbers remain close to average with some locations higher or normal.
Pink Army Month Proclamation and Raising of Flag at Flagler Beach First Friday Oct. 4
In anticipation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and their Pink Army 5K and 1 Mile Pet Friendly Fun Walk, the Pink Army 5K committee, will raise the Pink Army 5K flag at Flagler Beach First Friday on Oct. 4th at 6:00 p.m. located at Veterans Park.
“Misunderstanding” Causes Suicide Prevention Signs to Disappear From Some Fire Stations, But Campaign Continues
The new Palm Coast non-profit called Find Your Peace By Pieces launched a suicide prevention and awareness campaign with yard signs for homes, businesses and fire stations. There was sudden concern when some signs appeared to have been taken down.
Tuesday Briefing: Merit Scholars, Superintendent Search, Hammock Development, Homeless Task Force
The school board holds its monthly superintendent search meeting, The Flagler County Homeless & Housing Taskforce meets, Chess on the Porch at the humidor, Maya Angelou on ethics.
Pair of Flagler Palm Coast High School Students Semifinalists for National Merit Scholarships
Flagler Palm Coast High School’s Elizabeth Wolcott and Liying Wu now compete for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered next spring.
In 39 Minutes, Jury Rejects Insanity, Finding Bova Guilty of Murdering Zuheily Rosado; He Faces Life in Prison
A jury of six women and six men found Joseph Bova II, 31, guilty of murdering Zuheily Roman Rosado at a Palm Coast convenience store in 2013. Bova’s insanity defense proved unconvincing.
Cities and Counties Step In With Vaping Bans, Where the State Doesn’t
In the absence of a statewide ban — and as the number of people getting sick or dying from vaping mounts — California cities and counties are stepping in, including major population centers such as San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Monday Briefing: Bova Trial’s Final Day, Rosh Hashanah, Cleaning Up the Beach, Moderation to the Winds
Three dozen AdventHealth volunteers clean up the beach, Joseph Bova’s trial is expected to conclude with a verdict, Rosh Hashanah closures here and there, Julliard students do Couperin.
Daytona State College Ranked Number One in the Nation for Most Affordable Online Engineering Degrees
For the second time in as many weeks, Daytona State College has earned a No. 1 ranking for affordability in online education. This time that honor goes to the college’s online Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program.