From truffles to crepes at the Orlando Science Center’s Chocolate festival, the Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s one-man Beowulf, the Orlando Ballet’s ¡Bailamos! and Peter Shaffer’s Equus at the The POINTE Performing Arts Center.
All Else
I-95 and U.S. 1 Both Re-Open, Traffic Crawls as Firefighters Battle 1,000-Acre Fire in St. Johns
All northbound lanes of I-95 have been closed since 2 p.m. at U.S. 1 near the Flagler-St. Johns County line because of thick plumes of smoke wafting over the highway in St. Johns, where firefighters are battling a large brush fire.
Un-American Activities: US Rep. Peter King’s Coming Demonization of American Muslims
Ina column, Michael Keegan warns against U.S. Rep. Peter King’s misusing congressional hearings on preventing domestic terrorism to stoke fears about the alleged radicalization of U.S. Muslims.
Gerald D. Tucker, 58, Killed As He Walked In Silver Springs Shores
Gerald Dwain Tucker, 58, of Ocala, was walking north on County Road 464 in Silver Spring Shores when he was killed by a pick-up truck the morning of Feb. 26.
Labrent T. Douglas, 21, Killed in Single-Car Wreck on U.S. 441 Near Reddick
Labrent Trevor Douglas, 21, of Reddick in Marion County, was killed just after 2 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, in a single-car wreck on U.S. 441 in Marion County.
Corey Nichols, 34, Found Dead Near Walmart in Palm Coast from Likely Drug Overdose
Deputies are investigating the suspicious death of a 34-year-old man found this morning in a wooded area on the westside of Walmart on Cypress Point Parkway in Palm Coast.
Why To Kill a Mockingbird Is a Triumph for Flagler, And Especially for FPC’s Drama Club
They endured, they persevered, and now they’re finally in their element, on stage. You won;t be disappointed by the FPC student production of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Flagler Auditorium.
Last Mile for Tibet, Army Propaganda, Avarice, Bach and Al-Qaeda’s Piglets: The Live Wire
The late Jigme Norbu’s walk for Tibet reaches Palm Beach, the military goes psy-ops on Senators, conservative and liberal America, Rostropovich plays Shostakovich, and more.
Defense of Marriage Act: A Crack in the Crock
The Obama administration came to its senses and called the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. The homophobic law passed in 1996. We’re still a long way from equal rights for gays and lesbians. Pierre’s radio commentary.
Marineland’s Future: Dividends in Waiting After Acquisition by Georgia Aquarium
David Kimmel, President of the Georgia Aquarium, the new owner of Marineland’s dolphin attraction, and others assess the future of the marriage between town and attraction.
U.S. Citizenship Test: When Even the Federal Government Doesn’t Know the Right Answers
The writer, a Canadian who just became a citizen, realized she would not pass the U.S. Citizenship test unless she kept the correct answers to herself. She investigates the big differences between the citizenship test’s presumed answers and the real answers.
As Politicians Mull School Cuts, FPC Lights 10 Candles to Excellence: The IB Class of 2012
While Tallahassee and the local school district prepare to cut school budgets, FPC students lit 10 candles in a ceremony Wednesday symbolizing the very best that local education offers, and produces, in Flagler County.
Depression-Era Art, Piano Extravaganzas, Bands, Brews, BBQ: Culture Worth the Miles
A New Deal for Artists: works from the Depression at the Mennello Museum of American Art at Loch Haven Park, SHOUT! The Mod Musical, Tzimon Barto and Laurent Boukobza in their ‘Double Piano Extravaganza,’ and more.
From Raves to Shock: Flagler Playhouse’s Artistic Director and President Both Resign
John Sbordone and Diane Ellertsen had been associated with the transformation of the erratic Little Theater of Palm Coast into the successful Flagler Playhouse, including unparalleled sell-out shows this season. They resigned over differences with the Playhouse board of directors.
Meeker on Economic Development: Mountains Of Questions Before the Next Summit
Frank Meeker, the Palm Coast city councilman, frames the next countywide economic development summit in a set of questions–and a few answers of his own.
Florida Tackles Bra Straps, Privatization on Steroids, Boys in Pink: The Live Wire
Why politicians should be professorial, why Obama is so 70s, women re-gaining just 1 job in 20, Bertrand Russell’s message to the future, and more.
63-Year-Old Man Lost in Palm Coast’s P-Section Since Morning Found at 2:30p
Jan Jablonski and his dog, lost from their home on Patrick Place in Palm Coast’s P Section since 8 a.m. today, were found at 2:30 p.m. in good condition behind the Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club at 73 Patricia Drive.
Tense Community Meeting on Homeless in Bunnell Yields to Problem-Solving
Businesses had complained that the shelter was a magnet for problems while advocates disputed turning their mission into a scapegoat for problems beyond the shelter. The meeting diffused tensions as both sides agreed to keep talking.
As County Health Departments Brace For Cuts in Vital Services, Flagler’s Makes Its Case
The Flagler County Health Department sees an average of 136 people a day, providing clinical, dental and maternal services, among other things, that no other agency provides. That safety net is in jeopardy.
Despite Successes, Flagler Auditorium Loses Out on at Least $15,000 in Tourism Funding
The first $10,000 were lost when the tourism council’s logo did not appear in a TV ad. Another $10,000 are in jeopardy because of a missed deadline, though the auditorium is having a successful year, with three sold-out shows so far.
My Favorite Republican: A Look Back at Eisenhower’s Otherworldly Farewell Address
On the 50th anniversary of Eisenhower’s farewell address, what’s striking about the speech today, Donald Kaul argues, is its tone of balance and moderation. It sounds like a speech not merely from another era but from another planet.
Florida to Jobless: Tough Luck.
Benefits To be Cut. Businesses To Get a Bye.
Driven by Florida businesses, the Legislature is preparing to cut eligibility for the jobless and making it harder to claim benefits. Flagler’s unemployment rate is hovering around 16%, Florida’s around 12%.
Hopeless Mrs. Clinton, Boobs on Facebook, Toni Morrison’s 80th: The Live Wire
Florida’s primary schedule snippiness, the Death of Calyx Schenecker, industrial chicken factories, our Soviet security state, a Medicare primer, Christopher Hitchens answers your questions, and more.
N-Word Reckonings: Wrestling With An Incendiary Word In and Out of Context
This essay on the history of the n-word as weapon is a postscript to the Mockingbird controversy and an introduction to next weekend’s performances. It is presented in the spirit of education, discussion—and, hopefully, debate.
A Nation of Bullies: Our Children Are Watching. And Waiting.
From Columbine to Tucson, Americans have been watching and waiting for the nation to take bullying seriously. Heather Beaven argues that as victims keep falling, the nation is still waiting.
President Bill Clinton’s Speech on the Columbine High School Massacre
Full text of President Bill Clinton’s speech to the Columbine High School community in Littleton, Colo., on May 20, 1999, following the Columbine High School massacre on April 20, 1999, in which senior students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold murdered 12 students and a teacher before killing themselves.
Reality Check: Rick Scott vs. Florida
It’s become one of Governor Rick Scott’s favorite clichés: “Government has no resources of its own. Government can only give to us what is previously taken from us.” He’s in the wrong country.
Gallery Whales: Rick Cannizzaro’s Giants Opening at Ocean Publishing
The third in a series of gallery shows that tie art to books (and a cause), Rick Cannizzaro’s “Ocean Giants” features 11 new paintings of whales, along with a few works from previous shows.
A Morning Memorial on A1A for Jigme Norbu Before His Walk Resumes By Other Steps
The Dalai Lama’s nephew’s body was flying back to his home in Indiana as a group of friends and supporters gathered at the accident site in the Hammock before resuming his Walk for Tibet-Florida, ending in West Palm Beach later this month.
Cops Recoil Over Florida Pension Reforms; Deferred Retirement (DROP) Slated to End
Senate plans introduced Wednesday would replace traditional state pension plans with 401(k)-style systems, and would end the deferred retirement option plan known as DROP.
Dalai Lama’s Nephew’s Last Day: Jigme Norbu Remembered, and His Mission Honored
Jigme Norbu’s Florida walk for Tibet will continue, starting with a prayer ceremony on A1A in the Hammock Thursday morning in honor of Norbu, the Dalai Lama’s nephew killed there Monday evening.
Despite Potential for 14,000 Jobs, Scott Rejects $2.4 Billion in High-Speed Rail Money
SunRail in Volusia and the passenger rail line between Jacksonville and Miami are also in jeopardy as Gov. Rick Scott announces focus on roads and seaports.
Leon Redbone, Anne Frank and Orlando’s Art & Living Expo: Culture Worth the Miles
Winter Park’s Morse Museum is expanding, Orlando’s Downton Art Living Expo, Leon Redbone at the Plaza Theatre, and the “Diary of Anne Frank” at the Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park.
Medicaid Changes For 2.9 Million Floridians: Fewer Choices, More HMOs
A Florida Senate proposal would vastly increase the role of managed care in Florida’s $20 billion Medicaid program, and pull out of the federal system if the federal government doesn’t approve it.
Behind the Story: Jigme Norbu’s Death–and Flagler’s Responsibility to His Last Steps
Flagler County is a small world, often too impressed by its own smallness. It would be compounding loss upon loss if Jigme Norbu’s death had a greater effect elsewhere than in what will always be the grounds of his very last steps.
Dalai Lama’s Nephew Killed by a Car While Walking for Tibet on A1A in the Hammock
Jigme Norbu, nephew to the Dalai Lama, had walked or biked 7,800 miles for Tibet on several continents, and had just started his 20th walk, and first in Florida, when he was struck and killed near Palm Coast.
Chamber Survey: 21% of Floridians Would Leave; Business, Government Equally Blamed
The annual Sunshine State Survey finds 65 percent of Floridians saying the state is worse or the same as five years ago, and 69 percent saying business leaders do the right thing only some of the time or never, about as much as government leaders. The full results.
State Attorney Larizza on Bunnell’s Ghetto Spy-Cams: Should Be a Cost-Benefit Thing
State Attorney R.J. Larizza echoed comments by Public Defender Jim Purdy and Bunnell Commissioner Elbert Tucker on the economics of spy cameras, though a majority of the commission appears sold on the idea.
Florida’s War on the Jobless, Obama’s Budget, Russian Gun Porn: The Live Wire
Journalists, Anderson Cooper and “objectivity, rethinking education, when parents kill their adolescents, the end of sex in movies, Stan Drescher’s latest poem, and more.
Don’t Be Alarmed: Smoke-Testing in Palm Coast’s P-Section Sewers Feb. 21-25
Some residents may see smoke rising from yards, streets or drains, signaling faulty sewer lines or plumbing. Residents may experience caughing, but the city says the smoke is not hazardous to health and dissipates within 15 minutes.
Memories of River City: “The Music Man” Then and Now
Caren Umbarger, artistic director of the Flagler Youth Orchestra, grew up in Mason City, the real setting for “The Music Man”‘s River City, and both her grandfather knew Meredith Willson, the musical’s author, personally. She recalls her youth–and previews the show.
More Charter Schools, Less District Oversight: Where Rick Scott and Jeb Bush Merge
Gov. Rick Scott and former Gov. Jeb Bush’s education foundation are teaming up for a concerted push to open more charter schools while reducing or eliminating local school district approval and oversight, among other plans under the school “choice” umbrella.
Gumbo Humanitarian: Sauce Boss
Crusade for the Poor Blues Up Flagler
Sauce Boss Bill Wharton: a blues-singing, gumbo-cooking humanitarian for the needy feeds the homeless Friday and performs at the Florida Agricultural Museum Saturday in a fundraiser for the museum and the needy. A profile.
Two Down. Twenty To Go.
It’s a great day for Egypt, a great day for the Middle East. It’s only a beginning. American-backed dictatorships are still the rule in the region. It’s time for a wholesale reckoning.
FPC’s Delegates Win 2nd Place and Score Hat Trick at Tallahassee Model UN
FPC’s Model United Nations team took on the world and brought home a batch of awards at a conference hosted at the State Capitol Feb. 11. Kyle Russell live-blogged the entire day.
Premature Celebrations: Scott Silent on Park Closures. Legislature May Still Ax Some.
State parks such as Washington Oaks Gardens appear to have been spared closure in Gov. Rick Scott’s budget, but they’re far from safe as the Legislature begins to look for ways to close a $4 billion deficit.
John Rogers Election: Johns towing ad:
In Your Face: Palms and Heads Color Hollingsworth Gallery Opening
Opening Feb. 11, the portraits of New Smyrna Beach artist Patricia Zalisko and the landscapes of Ormond Beach artist Karlene McConnell, and both their adventures with color and space, are the subject of their show at Hollingsworth gallery through March 1.
Ronald Reagan Fetish, Rick Scott Bully, Stoning Valentine Couples: The Live Wire
Setting the Reagan legacy straight, setting the Muslim Brotherhood straight, setting American manufacturing straight, setting overly despicable Valentine’s Day couples straight, and more.
Who’s Afraid of the Muslim Brotherhood?
The biggest bogeyman in Egypt is the Muslim Brotherhood, whose influence extends across the Arab and Islamic world, and whose name sheds fear and misconception in the United States. Analyst Mohammed Khan dispels myths.