The water off South Florida is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) in mid-July, and scientists are already seeing signs of coral bleaching off Central and South America. Particularly concerning is how early in the summer we are seeing these high ocean temperatures. If the extreme heat persists, it could have dire consequences for coral reefs.
All Else
Father Arrested After Taking Children, 3 and 4, Without Custody
Derek Jordan, the biological father of a 3-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy, forcefully took the children though he did not have custody, and drove away from palm Coast. He was stopped and arrested on I-10.
Flagler Beach Offers City Manager’s Job, By Acclamation, to Dale Martin of Fernandina Beach
The Flagler Beach City Commission today voted to hire Dale Martin, the city manager in Fernandina Beach for seven years until last March, as its next city manager. If each commissioner could vote twice for him, that’s what would have happened: he was that acclaimed.
Verdict in Teron’s 2nd Trial Means Life in Prison or Acquittal as Judge Prods Lawyers Toward Last Plea Attempt
Weeks after a hung jury and days from Monserrate Teron’s second trial on capital charges of raping his 7-year-old granddaughter, a judge today spurred lawyers on both sides to give a plea deal one more go, but chances of such a deal are slim. The trial begins July 24.
Yes, There Is a Free Lunch
Step back a moment and take stock of the paradox. On one hand a community can and should take pride in its willingness to rally for those in need. On the other hand, there should not be such things as food drives–not in a country that presumes itself wealthy and civilized. There should not be food insecurity, period. Basic nutrition is a human right, as ought to be universal food assistance where necessary and free school meals whether necessary or not.
Mayor David Alfin and Dr. Steven Bickel’s Arm-Wrestling Match Will Launch $1 Million Food-A-Thon
Dr. Stephen Bickel, the medical director at the Flagler Health Department and the county’s leading philanthropist, will arm-wrestle in a best-of-three match with Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin to launch this year’s $1 million Food-a-Thon, an effort to raise $200,000 that will e leveraged into $1 million worth of food for needy families, through Grace Tabernacle Food Pantry.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, July 14, 2023
The second annual Food-a-Thon is today, a status hearing is scheduled in the case of Monserrate Teron, LGBTQ+ Night at Flagler Beach’s Coquina Coast Brewing Company, a journalism festival in France kicking off on Bastille Day, Charles Portis.
Finally, an Over-the-Counter Post-Pill Paradise
On July 13, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a drugmaker’s application for the first daily over-the-counter birth control pill for people seeking to prevent pregnancy, to be available next year. This expanded access could be a significant development in the post-Roe era as individual states further restrict women’s access to abortion.
Disney’s Bob Iger Calls ‘Preposterous and Inaccurate’ DeSantis Claims of ‘Sexualizing’ Children
Disney CEO Bob Iger dismissed as “preposterous” arguments by Gov. Ron DeSantis that the company is “sexualizing children” or experiencing a drop in attendance at its Florida resorts because of a long-running fight with the governor.
Public Meeting Set for July 20 on Re-Paving of SR A1A in Flagler Beach
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is to hold a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. July 20 (Tuesday) about the resurfacing project plans for State Road A1A from South 8th Street to North 18th Street in Flagler Beach.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, July 13, 2023
Public Meet and Greet with finalists for Flagler Beach City Manager at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, the Palm Coast Democratic Club meets, remembering Milan Kundera.
Ugly as Tin, the Glaring, $12 Million Bridge Over SR100 Is Radiating Concerns–and Publicity
The just-completed A-frame pedestrian bridge over State Road 100 has turned into a recurring joke and a legitimate traffic concern that the county is addressing. But some officials see an opportunity in the bad publicity the bridge is attracting, because with it comes tourist interest and a potential marketing coup.
The Shooting of Ralph Yarl and the Myth of a Colorblind America
In the United States, any Black person outside of what someone else determines is his or her socially designated physical or social location is presumed to be out of place, with repercussions ranging from what some might call benign amusement to death.
Seminole Woods and Quail Hollow Get New Palm Coast Fire Department Engine Company
The Palm Coast Fire Department (PCFD) has added a sixth engine company to expand services to the southern end of Palm Coast, including the Seminole Woods and Quail Hollow neighborhoods. PCFD’s Engine 29 has been redeployed from reserve status as the primary fire protection coverage for the area previously protected by Flagler County Fire Rescue Engine 92.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Separation Chat, Open Discussion, a pre-trial for Brendan Depa, Social Security heists, did Paul Renner whitewash an allegation of sexual harassment against one of his freshman House members?
Courts Are Striking Down Anti-LGBTQ Laws for Limiting Speech of Drag Queens and Doctors
Nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in state legislatures in the U.S. in 2023. Most have not become law, and many of those that have did not survive legal scrutiny when challenged in court.
Sheriff Staly Buries Two Time Capsules Commemorating Agency Milestones
The “FCSO Centennial Time Capsule” is set to be opened on July 9th, 2067, the agency’s 150th anniversary. The second time capsule is to be opened on November 7th, 2072, the 50th anniversary of the Dedication Ceremony for the new Sheriff’s Operations Center.
Cancer Will Have New Foe in Town as AdventHealth Palm Coast Announces $30 Million Center on SR 100
AdventHealth Palm Coast officials and benefactors unveiled the latest expansion of the State Road 100 campus: the Freytag Health Plaza, a $30 million, 30,000 square foot, two-level cancer and rehab center that will open with the newest technology at the beginning of 2025.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, July 11, 2023
The Palm Coast City Council talks about a new franchise fee (or tax) on your utility bills, the Flagler County School Board meets (bring Dramamine), To Kill a Mockingbird’s birthday.
Group Aiming for Abortion-Right Ballot Initiative Raises $1.94 Million in June
As of June 30, the Floridians Protecting Freedom committee had collected about $4.719 million since being formed in April. It had spent almost $4.59 million, including about $2.52 million in June.
Your Anti-Apartment Prejudice Is Contributing to Housing Problems
The ability of small suburban municipalities to limit multifamily housing is more the rule than the exception. As proposals for new housing are deflected away from smaller communities, housing either doesn’t get built, thus raising rents by limiting residential supply, or it gets pushed to far-flung exurbs that are distant from most jobs.
Flagler County Approves 1st Step to Doubling Levy in the Mondex, Angering Residents
The Flagler County Commission today voted 4-1 to potentially double the special assessment rate residents of Daytona North pay for some road maintenance and other infrastructure improvements. Residents attending the meeting were not happy. Nor was County Commissioner Leann Pennington.
Flagler County Whirs Closer to Buying $5.4 Million Replacement for FireFlight Helicopter
In a busy pair of meetings today, the Flagler County Commission got closer to buying a new emergency helicopter, set the maximum tax rate for next year, and set proposed rates that would increase garbage pick-up costs by 45 percent.
Flagler County Library’s Budget, Hours and Staffing Shrunk as Population Increased 25%
Flagler County’s population has increased 25 percent since 2010, but the budget of the county library has shrunk 3 percent when adjusted for inflation, the library’s hours have been cut, it’s lost staffing and its materials budget has declined.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, July 10, 2023
The County Commission sets its maximum property tax rate after a budget discussion, the Flagler Playhouse is holding auditions for Hello Dolly, Donna Tartt on Charles Portis, why people love their Donald.
Harsher Drug Penalties Aren’t Helping Addicts Recover
A former drug addict who now helps others overcome their addiction describes his experience: Compassionate treatment and care make it possible to recover. Putting punishment before healing does not. But state laws are getting harsher, at addicts’ expense.
Can You Give Your Children Too Much Attention?
While secure attachment is important, ever rising levels of attention won’t necessarily increase it proportionally. Instead, it is important to carefully consider the degree of engagement and balance this with supporting children to reach appropriate stages of resilience and independence.
Dale Luther Greene, 1940-2023
Dale Luther Greene, founder of Hollar and Greene, was born on March 2, 1940 in Stony Fork, North Carolina. He died on Saturday, July 1, 2023.
‘Word!’ South Florida Book Festival Celebrates 50 Years of Hip-Hop Culture July 13-15
“Word! Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop Culture” brings together literature and visual and performing arts, featuring leaders, authors and scholars of Florida’s hip-hop community, from July 13 to 15 at Broward County Library’s African American Research Library & Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale.
Privacy Right v. Abortion Ban at Heart of Florida Supreme Court Case Set for September
The court issued an order scheduling a hearing in a challenge to a 2022 law that prevented abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The outcome of the case also will affect a law passed this year that would bar abortions after six weeks of pregnancy — and could determine whether a privacy clause in the Florida Constitution will protect abortion rights.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, July 9, 2023
Palm Coast Farmers’ Market at European Village, Grace Community Food Pantry distribution, the debate over cluster bombs and the US refusal to sign a treaty against their use.
Threads, the Biggest Threat to Twitter Yet
Meta’s launch of social media app Threads as a competitor to Twitter is a game-changer. It was welcomed almost immediately – especially by hordes of Twitter users that have watched in dismay as their beloved platform crumbles in the hands of Elon Musk.
The Apostle Ron DeSantis
Is anyone surprised Ron DeSantis said recently he wished he could have been one of the Apostles? Here’s the Good News, Ron. You don’t have to sigh moonily in a TV interview about what could’ve been.
Court Revives One-Handed Man’s Disability Case Against Universal’s Volcano Bay
A federal appeals court Friday cleared the way for a lawsuit filed by a man who was barred from a ride at an Orlando water park because he has only one hand.
Families Flee Florida and Other States Thwarting Transgender Care
Missouri, Florida, and Texas are among at least 20 states that have limited components of gender-affirming health care for trans youth. Those three states are also among the states that prevent Medicaid — the public health insurance for people with low incomes — from paying for key aspects of such care for patients of all ages.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, July 8, 2023
The Saturday Flagler Beach Farmers Market, Gamble Jam, The god-awful Ziegfeld follies, from the Narrative of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw.
Biden’s Immoral, Indefensible Decision to Send Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The Biden administration’s decision to send cluster bombs to Ukraine is a deeply controversial move given the munition is prohibited by more than 120 countries because of immense risks to civilian populations. The U.S. is still inexplicably holding out from joining an international ban on cluster bombs.
Hurricane Forecast Increases from 13 to 18 Named Storms This Season
A new forecast for this hurricane season predicts 18 named storms, with winds of at least 39 miles per hour; nine hurricanes, with winds of at least 74 mph; and four major hurricanes, with winds of at least 111 mph.
District Looks to Get Past Turmoil at Wadsworth Elementary with Amy Neuenfeldt as New Principal
A month after the termination of Paul Peacock’s principalship at Wadsworth Elementary School, Interim Superintendent LaShakia Moore today appointed a new principal for Wadsworth, the third in as many years: Amy Neuenfeldt, the county’s 2021 assistant principal of the year.
No Criminal Charges Against Sheriff’s Sergeant in Bar Incident; Internal Investigation Begins
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Breckwoldt will not face criminal charges following an investigation of an incident at Finn’s bar in Flagler Beach late the night of May 26, in which a man alleged Breckwoldt had battered him and abused his authority. Breckwoldt now faces an internal investigation at the agency where he’s served 20 years.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, July 7, 2023
The arm-wrestling challenge between Mayor David Alfin and Dr. Stephen Bickel, launching the Food-a-Thon, a growth moratorium in Zephyrhills, Roger Angell’s martinis.
Employers Should Accommodate Working from Home
Three years after the switch to remote work, there is little sign people are growing tired of it. Evidence points to one conclusion: employers should focus more on managing new hybrid work models and less on trying to force employees back into their cubicles.
Child Vaccination Is Casualty of Debt-Ceiling Deal as CDC Reduces Funding to States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reducing funding to states for child vaccination programs. Agency officials linked the reduction to the debt ceiling deal recently struck by the Biden administration and Congress. The cut may result in less complete reporting on vaccinations, the CDC said.
Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence for Christian Cruz in Volusia Murder
The court, in a 5-1 opinion, rejected arguments by Death Row inmate Christian Cruz that stemmed from his co-defendant, Justen Charles, receiving a life sentence in the murder of Christopher Jemery.
County’s Heidi Petito Gets Strong to Glowing Evaluations, at Least From Those Turned In
County Administrator Heidi Petito got glowing evaluations from Commissioners Greg Hansen and Dave Sullivan, and a less glowing but strong one from Andy Dance. Donald O’Brien didn’t bother turning one in, and Leann Pennington wasn’t allowed to fill one out, being told that the evaluation window didn’t coincide with her tenure on the commission.
Complex 4-Week Trial Over Splash Pad Set for Late 2024 as Parties Duel and Pad Remains Barren
The length of the civil trial is a reflection of the immense technical and legal complexities of the case and the number of parties involved. Each named party has responded to the suit, rejecting the city’s allegations and pointing fingers either back at the city or at other contractors.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, July 6, 2023
Heat index values up to 109 today, a relatively quiet day on the local beat, thoughts on artificial intelligence and Night of the Living Dead.
AI Is an Existential Threat. But Not the Way You Think.
Existing AI applications execute specific tasks rather than making broad judgments. The technology is far from being able to decide on and then plan out the goals and subordinate goals necessary for shutting down traffic in order to get you a seat in a restaurant, or blowing up a car factory in order to satisfy your itch for paper clips.
We’re the Mommies for Liberty, and the Future Belongs to Us
I am a Mommy. A Mommy for Liberty. I will use my personal liberty to shield my precious children (and yours) from gays. And history. And Black people. And sex.
Citing Florida’s ‘Latest Assault on the Right to Vote,’ Judge Blocks Parts of Election Law
Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, in a 58-page decision, issued a preliminary injunction against parts of the law that would prevent non-U.S. citizens from “collecting or handling” voter-registration applications and make it a felony for voter-registration group workers to keep personal information of voters.