There are still two active wildfires in Flagler County–Espanola and Opossum–but they’ve lost their bite, and rains have dropped the drought index closer to normal for the rainy season. Still, it was a costly few months.
All Else
Flagler 911: The Live Crime Blotter, July 1-7, 2011
A pasta and sauce theft, a fight over a cup of coffee, a fire demolishes an empty Bunnell house, a brazen heist at a public works yard, thefts, burglaries and more.
Approaching His 8th Birthday, Nate Truelove Continues Remarkable Wreck Recovery
Nate Truelove was 7 when he almost died in a debilitating wreck on Old Kings Road last September. His recovery has been long, difficult and remarkable. An update from his great-grandmother Charlene.
Introducing Google+: Why Facebook’s Monopoly and Twitter’s Heyday May Be Over
Kyle Russell walks you through Google’s latest Big Thing, how it beats Facebook, and why it may put Twitter and LinkedIn out of business. Your invitation is in Gmail.
Cell Phone and Texting While Driving Bans: Laws in the 50 States
Texting while driving bans, hand held cell phone while driving bans: laws state by state with age breakdowns, school zones, teens and novices.
Obama Veers Right, Murdoch Veers Down, Bachmann Promises No Porn: The Live Wire
Michelle Bachmann signs the marriage pledge, Baba Brinkman raps on evolution, Google+ takes on Facebook, Rupert Murdoch’s vileness uncovered (again), Obama loses his way, and more.
A Quartet’s Steely Encore at Hollingsworth, a Summer Sale at the Flagler County Art League
Joe Thompson’s balancing acts of whimsy and rule-breaking anchor Hollingsworth Gallery’s encore with Jean Banas, Betty Parker and Karin Stover, while the Flagler County Art League holds a two-month art sale of 120 works at very reasonable prices.
City Marketplace in Receivership; Public Sale of the Palm Coast Development Set for August
City Market Place, where Palm Coast has its municipal offices, has been mired in foreclosure proceedings since 2009. The changes aren’t expected to affect tenants except, perhaps, for the better.
Flagler Sheriff’s Office Offers Free Web App To File Reports Or Glimpse Incidents
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Department web application creates mobile-friendly access to its website’s most popular features, including real-time 911 calls and search of jail inmate bookings.
Flagler Beach Bids Last Shuttle a Wistful Farewell as It Soars Invisibly Beyond Clouds
Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off on schedule, but no one could see it on Flagler’s beaches or at the pier, though imagination was enough to sense the end of a 30-year journey.
Space Shuttle Launch Schedule: Atlantis’s Last Voyage
Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral’s Kennedy Space Center at 11:26 Eastern Daylight Time on Friday, July 8. Weather may delay it. Watch video of the countdown.
“Colors of the Sea,” A New Cannizzaro Show, Opening at Ocean Publishing July 14
Rick Cannizzaro, Ocean Publishing’s commissioned artist, exhibits paintings of loggerhead turtles while the publishing house showcases a new book on the Southeast National Marine Sanctuaries and Jean-Michel Cousteau.
USA Today’s Dirty Mind, Tour de Palm Coast, Plutocratic Scott: The Live Wire
Rick Scott’s plutocratic brotherhood of governors, why exercise beats depression,debt limit hypocrites, USA Today’s suggestive graphics, 14th amendment memories, and more.
Adagio for Scott: Governor’s Net Worth Drops by Half, to $102 Million
Scott reported 2010 income of $11.5 million, up 46 percent from the $7.9 million he posted in 2009, and almost all investment income. His wealth topped that of all other Cabinet officials combined.
Involuntary Tows: Flagler’s Wreckers Get 25% Rate Increase, Their First in 8 Years
The county’s three wrecking companies–John’s Towing, Roger’s Towing and Saxon’s Wrecker–are significantly regulated, in this case by the Flagler County Commission, which raised the base rate 25 percent for most tows.
Bunnell’s Challenges: Lawsuits, Layoffs, Deficits, and That $900,000 Police Department
Bunnell entered this year’s budget season facing a $900,000 deficit (about the cost of its police department) and the potential loss of a $1.3 million state contract, among other steep challenges.
Energy-Wasting TV-Top Boxes, Stephen Fry on Unbelief, Frida Kahlo’s Birthday: The Live Wire
David McCullough on today’s version of patriotism, Frida Kahlo’s birthday, Nudist Recreation Week, your energy-wasting TV-set-top boxes, Stephen Fry on God and religion, and more.
Why Help at Your Nursing Home Will Be More Scarce, and Other Elderly Care Retreats
Florida just rejected a federal grant that would have allowed elderly patients to get care at home instead of in nursing homes, where staffing levels may begin to drop this month, thanks to a new Florida law.
Fireworks Blaze Over Flagler Beach In a Thundering Display of Color and Pomp
Anticipation gave way to an explosive display of colors and sounds as Flagler Beach’s July 4th celebration culminated with its traditional fireworks show.
When the New York Philharmonic Played the Star Spangled Banner in North Korea
In February 2008, the New York Philharmonic was invited to play in the North Korean capital. It was a remarkable concert. The rendition of the American national Anthem was one of its most moving moments.
Parades of Radiance From Heroes Park To Flagler Beach on America’s 235th
Solemnity and celebration at Heroes Park was followed by Flagler Beach’s July 4th parade at the start of a day and evening of revelry. A full image gallery of the celebrations.
Drawing Widespread Criticism, Rick Scott Discovers the Joys of SunRail, and CSX
Gov. Rick Scott’s approval of SunRail triggered criticism from Republicans and Scott’s tea party base while sharpening a contrast with his earlier rejection of a federally funded high-speed rail initiative.
How CSX Bought Mica, Funerals for Space and Symphonies, Internet Dating: The Live Wire
The Times’ John Mica-SunRail expose, the best TV ad ever, John Lennon as a Reagan fan, teabagger etymology, Gmail’s new G-spots, a history of the English language in 10 minutes, and more.
They’re On: County Repeals Ban On Flagler Beach Fireworks in 4-1 Vote
Eleven days after cancelling the county’s Independence Day fireworks shows, the Flagler County Commission this afternoon voted to allow the Flagler Beach show to go on.
Unveiling “Flagler Beach First!”: A Common Market for an Uncommon Island City
The idea of Flagler Beach First!, its founders say, is to enable Flagler Beach businesses to promote each other and educate residents and visitors about the importance of buying products and services from Flagler Beach businesses.
County Likely to Reverse Fireworks Ban in Flagler Beach In Special Meeting Friday
A majority of county commissioners are now in favor of overturning the ban on Flagler Beach’s Independence Day fireworks. They’ll decide at a special meeting 4 p.m. Friday.
Hospital Donation Helps Campers Find Adventure at Palm Coast Summer Camp
Palm Coast summer camp for elementary and middle school children runs through August 12, at $75 a week. Scholarships are available. Children may attend as many (or as few) weeks as they choose.
Executive Overreach? Supreme Court
Considers Rick Scott’s Rule-Making Powers
In oral arguments today, justices seemed unconvinced by the case of a blind woman on food stamps. The case speaks to Scott’s rule-making power–and where the Legislature’s power ends.
Despite Rains and Fire Chief’s OK, Flagler Beach Fireworks Won’t Be Reignited
Thanks to recent rains, Fire Chief Don Petito OK’d the Flagler Beach fireworks, but the county commission stuck to its decision to cancel, citing several reasons–including the fireworks company’s inability to switch gear again at this late date.
$460,000 And Counting: With Federal Aid Unlikely, Flagler Will Bear Fires’ Entire Costs
The still-rising costs don’t help the county’s budget, which is acing a $5.5 million revenue loss from dropping property values. Gov. Scott could have minimized the impact, but he refused to ask for a federal emergency declaration, though previous, lesser fires had gotten such a declaration.
Stetson Picks Ex-Princeton Coach to Revive Football Program, Dormant Since 1956
Roger A. Hughes had a 47-52 record in 10 years in Princeton, including one Ivy League championship season. Stetson likes him for his fund-raising prowess, too.
FlaglerLive Idle As We Switch To a More Powerful Server. Meanwhile, Please Help.
In a letter to readers, FlaglerLive.com Board Chairman Merrill Shapiro says the switch is compelled by growing volumes of readers. He asks you to pledge regular financial contributions to FlaglerLive to ensure the kind of reporting you’ve come to depend on.
Miss Junior 2011 Flagler County Contestants, Ages 12-15
A complete, click-through chart and photo galleries of the Miss Flagler County Junior 2010 Contestants, Ages 12-15.
Miss Flagler County Pageant 2011 Contestants, Ages 16-23
A complete, click-through chart and photo gallery of the 2011 Miss Flagler County Scholarship Pageant contestants, Ages 16-23.
Little Miss Flagler County 2011 Contestants, Ages 5-7
A complete, click-through chart and photo gallery of the 15 Little Miss Flagler County 2011 Contestants, Ages 5-7.
Little Miss Flagler County 2011 Contestants, Ages 8-11
A complete, click-through chart and photo gallery of the 19 Little Miss Flagler County 2011 Contestants, Ages 8-11.
54 Girls (and Women), 4 Trophies, One Miss Flagler County Title in Sunday’s Pageant
It must be summer: it’s time for the Flagler County Scholarship Pageants. Meet them all, the 54 contestants in each category, as they vie for the crowns in Sunday’s pageants at the Flagler Auditorium.
Four New Fires Saturday Afternoon, Totaling 16 New Ones Since Friday; More Likely
The four new lightning-triggered fires declared themselves between 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon, including one in Favoretta and one across from Shell Bluff, on State Road 100, with more lightning and fires expected today.
Lily Ann Alford
Little Miss Flagler County Contestant (2011)
Lily Anne Alford is a Little Miss Flagler County contestant in the 8 to 11 year old category of the 2011 Flagler County Pageant.
Jillian Hooper
Little Miss Flagler County Contestant (2011)
Jillian Hooper is a Little Miss Flagler County contestant in the 8 to 11 year old category of the 2011 Flagler County Pageant.
Danielle Thompson
Little Miss Flagler County Contestant (2011)
Danielle Thompson is a Little Miss Flagler County contestant in the 8 to 11 year old category of the 2011 Flagler County Pageant.
Brianna Seay
Little Miss Flagler County Contestant (2011)
Brianna Seay is a Little Miss Flagler County contestant in the 8 to 11 year old category of the 2011 Flagler County Pageant.
Alyssa Brianna Diaz
Miss Junior Flagler County Contestant (2011)
Alyssa Diaz is a Miss Junior Flagler County contestant in the 12 to 15 year old category of the 2011 Miss Flagler County Pageant.
Dakota Sexton
Miss Junior Flagler County Contestant (2011)
Dakota Sexton is a Miss Junior Flagler County contestant in the 12 to 15 year old category of the 2011 Miss Flagler County Pageant.
Sydney Olsen
Little Miss Flagler County Contestant (2011)
Sydney Olsen is a Little Miss Flagler County contestant in the 8 to 11 year old category of the 2011 Flagler County Pageant.
Haley Watson
Miss Flagler County Contestant (2011)
Haley Watson is a Miss Flagler County Scholarship Pageant contestant in the 16-23year old category of the 2011 Flagler County Pageant.
Mia Pagliaricci
Miss Flagler County Contestant (2011)
Mia Pagliaricci is a Miss Flagler County Scholarship Pageant contestant in the 16-23year old category of the 2011 Flagler County Pageant.
Alexa Linn Gardner
Miss Flagler County Contestant (2011)
Alexa Gardner is a Miss Flagler County Scholarship Pageant contestant in the 16-23year old category of the 2011 Flagler County Pageant.
Elizabeth Broomfield
Miss Flagler County Contestant (2011)
Elizabeth Broomfield is a Miss Flagler County Scholarship Pageant contestant in the 16-23year old category of the 2011 Flagler County Pageant.
Alexa Miller
Miss Flagler County Contestant (2011)
Alexa Miller is a Miss Flagler County Scholarship Pageant contestant in the 16-23year old category of the 2011 Flagler County Pageant.