The 100th International Women’s Day, islamophobe Brigitte Gabriel, Mike Huckabee’s bigotries, Duke Ellington’s wonders, a Palm Coast company on TLC, pretend abortions in Oklahoma, and more.
All Else
In Your Backyard: Public Discussion on Where to Plunk Desalination Plant Wednesday
The $200 million, Palm Coast-led desalination project is holding an open house and public comment period on the project’s location beginning at 6 p.m. at the Whitney Laboratory in Marineland on March 9.
Room for Debate: Do You Let Your Teen Drink At Home?
A new study shows that 5.9 percent of adolescents 12 to 14 drank at home in the past month, almost half of them getting their drink from family. Do you let your teen drink in hopes of teaching responsibility?
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 8
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 8: Sleeping in the Woods, Raising the Dead, Exploring the Island, Finding Jim; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 7
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 7: Laying for Him; Locked in the Cabin; Sinking the Body; Resting; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
St. Johns Raises Impact Fees on Residential Construction, Decreases Them on Commercial
St. John’s decision to raise impact fees on residential construction contrasts sharply with discussions in Flagler, where developers and some elected officials want a moratorium on fees. Flagler’s fees are considerably lower than St. John’s.
Enough Nickel and Diming: How to Cut $1.5 Trillion From the Budget Without Really Trying
Voodoo economics is back, this time with Obama sprinkling the wrong salts. His plan to reduce the deficit is irresponsible. Here’s one way to do it now, with everyone contributing. The alternative is French status in 10 years.
Florida Constitution, Article IX: Education
The Florida Constitution, Article IX: Education.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 6
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 6: He Went for Judge Thatcher; Huck Decided to Leave; Political Economy; Thrashing Around; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 5
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 5: Pap starts on a new life; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
High-Speed Chase Ends in Serial Wreckage Near Town Center Publix (Updated)
The suspect crashed into three police cruisers. He is believed to have robbed three pharmacies, two in Volusia one in Flagler. He was taken to Florida Hospital Flagler with injuries.
End of the Line for Rail Brawl As Supreme Court Ruling Sends $2.4 Billion Elsewhere
The Florida Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Gov. Scott could not be bound to spend $2.4 billion in federal high-speed rail money. That money will now go to New York or California.
Obama’s Facebook Feed, Glenn Beck’s Decline, Teens Down on Sex, Subversive Seuss: The Live Wire
Murder of a repo man in St. Augustine, the Walk for Tibet-Florida ends, matutiry and military deployments, condom fumblings, the United States of Gore Vidal, Dr. Seuss as subversive, and more.
Economy Adds 192,000 Jobs, Unemployment Dips to 8.9%, Best in 2 Years
The U.S. economy added 192,000 jobs in February, the strongest private-sector job gain in two years, and the unemployment rate fell below 9 percent for the first time since April 2009, when it was at 8.9 percent and rising.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 4
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 4: the Hair-Ball Oracle; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
Obstacles Cleared: Flagler Beach’s Iconic Pier Restaurant Will Have a New Owner
Every previous deal-breaker dissolved as prospective owner Raymond Barshay and city commissioners relented in turn on various issues. Neither side was an outright victor. But the city’s iconic restaurant will have new life.
Governor and Senators’ High-Speed Rail Brawl Crashes a Skeptical Florida Supreme Court
Judging from Justices’ questions, the legislators’ case to force the governor to accept $2.4 billion in federal funding for the bullet train looked slim after Thursday’s arguments before the high court.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 3
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 3: A good going over, grace triumphant and one of Tom Sawyer’s lies; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
In 8-1 Ruling, Supreme Court Upholds Rights Of Bigoted Protesters at Military Funerals
Justice John Roberts’ majority opinion is his court’s strongest endorsement of First Amendment rights to date. “Such speech cannot be restricted simply because it is upsetting or arouses contempt,” Roberts wrote.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 2
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 2. With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
Dog Park Renovations, Florida Laziness, Love’s Cynics and Romantics: The Live Wire
Renovations for dogs at Holland Park, the William Gregory trial, JFK and the Peace Corps 50 years ago, Mickey’s possibilities for Orlando transit, the case for Israel, and more.
Senators File Supreme Court Challenge To Gov. Scott’s $2.4 Billion Rail Spurn
The central Florida senators–one Republican, one Democrat–say Scott had no authority to cancel an act of the Legislature and cash appropriations former Gov. Crist had already approved for the $2.4 billion Orlando-Tampa high-speed rail link.
Flagler Reads Together, Year 10: March Is the Month of Huckleberry Finn
It’s the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, and this year’s choice is Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. Join the Friends of the Library for a series of events–Twain reenactments, movies, book chats and even a river tour. And read the book.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 1
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 1. With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
Epcot’s Flowers, Chocolate Science, Shaffer’s Equus: Culture Worth the Miles
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.
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.