Regular unleaded gas prices fell to near $3 a gallon in places even in the wake of Hurricane Ian, reaching the lowest levels since January. But the drop is the result of a one-month suspension of the 25.3-cent state gas tax, timed by the Republican-dominated Legislature to coincide with the final month ahead of the 2022 mid-term election.
All Else
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, October 4, 2022
The Nobel Prize in Physics is announced at 5: 45 a.m., the school board and the Palm Coast City Council will look back on Ian, Neanderthal Man, Robert Graves.
How Clarence and Virginia Thomas Are Changing America
With the opening of the U.S. Supreme Court’s new session on Oct. 3, 2022, Clarence Thomas is arguably the most powerful justice on the nation’s highest court. He’s the longest-serving sitting justice and on track to have the lengthiest court tenure ever.
Emergency Management’s Kevin Guthrie Outlines Longer Sheltering Plan for Ian Refugees
State emergency responders are beginning the daunting task of finding temporary housing for people displaced by Hurricane Ian, Florida Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said Monday.
Rep. Paul Renner Headlines Flagler Humane Society’s 40th Anniversary as Hanneke Frederick’s Name Looms
There was a constellation of stars at Sunday afternoon’s 40th anniversary celebration of the Flagler Humane Society at the Florida Agricultural Museum in Palm Coast, not least among the Paul Renner, the soon-to-be Speaker of the Florida House and Palm Coast resident.
Flagler’s Ian Tally: 132 Homes With at Least 20% Damage, FEMA Aid Coming, So Are More Floodwaters
A tally of Hurricane Ian’s impacts on Flagler County reveals damage to 132 homes, with only seven experiencing severe damage or flooding from rainfalls totaling 15 inches in places. Flagler County is qualifying for three levels of aid from the Federal Emergency Management Administration, including aid to individuals. But there may yet be more flooding as the St. Johns River’s surge continues flowing north through Flagler.
Catastrophic Loss: Dunes All But Gone Along Flagler’s 18-Mile Shore, Leaving A1A and Properties Dangerously Exposed
While Flagler County was spared the brunt of Hurricane Ian’s fury, its shoreline was ravaged, and what remained of its already battered dunes and rock revetments sacrificed themselves to protect A1A and properties. There is no more protection should another storm strike. The disappearance of the dunes is stunning in Flagler Beach north of the pier, and in many other places along the 18 miles of beach.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, October 3, 2022
Flagler schools and courts reopen, the Flagler County Commission recognizes Ryan Belhumeur, the Beverly Beach Town Commission meets, the two Paul Renners: Policy Paul and Ideological Paul.
Liz Truss: Are Britain’s Conservatives Facing a Meltdown?
Conservative Party members who chose Liz Truss as prime minister are wondering whether their choice (and the abrupt change of direction in economic policy it enabled) will cost them the next election. And they are right to be worried.
Hurricane Ian’s Death Toll in Florida Is Up to 67 as Lee County Grapples With Delayed Evacuation
Gov. Ron DeSantis defended officials in Lee County, who delayed evacuation orders until Tuesday, while several other counties had issued evacuation orders and the National Hurricane Center was warning of a storm surge regardless.
Spradley’s Beachside Blog: Closing the Book on Ian
Scott Spradley, a long-time resident of Flagler Beach, a photographer and an attorney who remained on the the barrier island throughout the storm, continues documenting the effects of Hurricane Ian.
Flagler Recovery Roundup: Curfew Lifted, Latest Power Update, Storm Numbers, Schools’ Reopening Plans
Here’s a roundup of the latest conditions in Flagler County and its cities, status of closures and openings, where to seek help for repairs, when to expect schools and colleges to reopen, and what the latest power cut numbers are.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, October 2, 2022
“Oliver!” the musical, at Flagler Playhouse and “Assassins” at City Rep. It’s Gandhi’s birthday and it’s World Communion Sunday, which lends itself to a few reflections about the eucharist.
Iranian Women’s Enduring Resistance to ‘Islamic Revolution’
Shouts of “death to the dictator” and “woman, life, freedom” are reverberating throughout the streets of Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, while in custody of the “morality police” in Tehran.
85% of Flagler Customers Get Their Power Back as FPL Stages at Airport
Marineland has had 100% of its power restored, while Beverly Beach has only had 25% of its power restored. Flagler Beach and unincorporated Flagler County are each 86% restored. Bunnell is 91% restored. Palm Coast, which has the most customers, is 80% restored.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, October 1, 2022
It’s back to life for life’s sake: “Assassins” at City Rep Theatre, “Oliver!”” at the Flagler Playhouse, Americans spending like drunken sailors despite inflation, Happy Birthday Jimmy Carter.
The Supreme Court Is Back in Session. Cue the Controversial Cases that May Change Your Life.
The Supreme Court’s new supermajority overturned abortion rights and expanded gun rights in 2022. Upcoming cases focus on the future of affirmative action, equal treatment of LGBTQ people, and the control of election laws.
In Palm Coast’s Woodlands, Water Is Still Rising and Sandbags Are Being Distributed
In Palm Coast’s Woodlands, the Hurricane Ian emergency is not over, and may not be over for another 48 hours: waters are still, literally, rising in parts of the neighborhood as Graham Swamp overflows. City officials are worried that the water may not stop rising in time to keep it from intruding into some homes.
Biden to Battered Florida: ‘We’re Going to Do Everything We Can for You’
Biden did not take questions from the press or say if he would visit Florida, but stressed the importance of the country coming together to help those affected by the hurricane. He mentioned he was in continuous contact with Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, as well as other coastal governors.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, September 30, 2022
Post-Ian recovery in earnest as schools and courts remain closed, but a breezy, cool fall day ahead. The vaporization of Lake Mead behind Hoover Dam, Nina Totenberg’s name-droppings.
Understanding Storm Surge and Why It Can Be So Catastrophic
Of all the hazards that hurricanes bring, storm surge is the greatest threat to life and property along the coast. It can sweep homes off their foundations, flood riverside communities miles inland, and break up dunes and levees that normally protect coastal areas against storms.
Pier’s End Collapses, More Flagler Areas Evacuated, 70% of County Without Power, Dunes Damaged
The severity of tropical Storm Ian continues this afternoon, demolishing parts of the Flagler Beach pier, inundating larger areas of Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, and downing trees and power lines as 57 percent of residents are without power.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, September 29, 2022
Your windiest, rainiest, floodiest day of the year, Louis C.K. before his issues, H.L. Mencken on art.
When Electricity Goes Out, Could Solar and Batteries Power Your Home?
Even a modest system of solar plus one battery can power critical loads in a home for days at a time, practically anywhere in the country. But providing backup for cooling and heat can be a challenge, though not an insurmountable one.
Toddler’s Father Faces Kidnapping Charge After Fleeing with Child; He Is Tased and Bitten in Arrest
Brandon Leohner, 27, of Palm Coast, was arrested on charges of kidnapping after taking the toddler he has in common with his girlfriend and driving off against his girlfriend’s wish. He drove recklessly through Palm Coast and was arrested after a violent encounter with deputies and a police dog at McDonald’s.
Cat 4 Hurricane Ian Slams Florida, Local Night Curfew Declared, Flagler Rains Up to 20 Inches Possible
Hurricane Ian crashed into Charlotte County with catastrophic force as a nearly Category 5 hurricane and was crossing the state slowly on its way to the Volusia-Flagler area. Gov. Ron DeSantis outlined a massive rescue and recovery effort involving 7,000 National Guards personnel and 41,000 linemen, among thousands of others.
If You’re Sheltering In Place in Hurricane Ian’s Path, Fill Out This Survey For Your Safety
If you’re sheltering in place and your home is in the path of Hurricane Ian or Tropical Storm Ian, the state wants you to fill out a survey that may help in rescuing you should you need it in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
Don’t Expect Flagler To Be At Top of FPL’s List for Power Restoration After Ian
Flagler County has an unhappy history of finding itself near the bottom of the list of counties to have their power restored in previous hurricanes. That may yet again be the case in the wake of Hurricane Ian’s devastation as more populous counties get attention first.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Schools, courts, government offices and many businesses are closed or closing today in anticipation of the increasing intensity of Hurricane Ian’s local impacts. Stormy antidote: the Berlin Philharmonic in Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony, the Pastorale, NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test video.
Stetson University Cancels Classes Through Friday and Issues Advisory to Students
Stetson University announced that undergraduate classes are canceled Wednesday-Friday, and issued an advisory to students, faculty and staff.
What Happens When Hurricane Hunters Plunge Into the Eyewall of a Storm
The leader of NOAA’s hurricane field program and a University of Miami meteorologist describes the experience aboard a P-3 Orion as it plunges through the eyewall of a hurricane and the technology the team uses to gauge hurricane behavior in real time.
‘Extremely Dangerous’ Hurricane Ian Landfall, Then Path Through Flagler; Local Evacuations Readied
Hurricane Ian forecasts continue to worsen for both sides of Florida, with a Category 3 or more landfall in Tampa Bay and a path bringing a tropical storm to Flagler by Friday. Evacuation orders for parts of Flagler are imminent, schools are closed starting Wednesday.
Sheriff Preparing to Mobilize Over 200 Deputies and Air Boat, Courts Ramping Down Ahead of Ian
Courts are ramping down, law enforcement is ramping up in Flagler County in preparation for Hurricane Ian’s impact, now projected to be more serious than projected even as late as Monday evening. Curfews could become a possibility in the days ahead.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Eight people, including Brennan Hill (attempted second degree murder) are scheduled for trial starting today but Hurricane Ian may have different ideas for them. A startling view into our limited water resources, Mo Amer at the airport.
Hurricane Ian’s 2-Day Stall Off Tampa Could Bring Flooding Rains and Wind to Flagler
Hurricane Ian is expected to nearly stall as a major hurricane off the coast of Tampa Bay, lashing the northeast of Florida with torrential rain and raising the potential for floods in addition to some tropical storm-force winds. Flagler governments are beginning to shut down regular operations and declare states of emergency.
3 Reasons Hurricane Ian Poses a Major Flooding Hazard for Florida
While Ian travels up the Florida coast, these outer bands will stretch over much of the peninsula and produce heavy rain for many locations, beginning as early as Monday night for South Florida and late Wednesday for northern parts of the state.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, September 26, 2022
The Bunnell City Commission considers its Charter Review Committee’s recommendations, Richard Dawkins tells us why we’re lucky to die, Yeol Eum Son reminds us that when all is gloom, there’s always a Mozart piano concerto.
Fiona Strikes Canada? Blame Global Warming.
The huge storm had a very low atmospheric pressure (931.6 mb) — which is the lowest ever recorded for a tropical storm that made landfall in Canada. Low pressure weather systems are associated with strong winds and heavy rains.
Anti-Poverty Measures Work. Census Data Proves It.
The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that poverty dropped notably in 2021. Amid a pandemic and widespread economic pain, this is a significant accomplishment. After Social Security, refundable tax credits like the expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) and stimulus payments were the biggest contributors to reducing poverty.
2nd Annual Flagler Open Arms Recovery Music Festival Draws Hundreds in Flagler Beach
The event included live music from Dakota & Hurley with special guests Jay Wirth, Haley Chase, David Lane Band, Musical Chairs, and Ferris Deluxe.
Flagler Making Sandbags Available Starting Today as Flooding Is in Forecast
Flagler County officials are starting sandbag operations Sunday as the one certainty about Tropical Storm Ian is that it will bring plenty of rain with it and a high likelihood of flooding in some areas. Two locations will open about noon today – one on the barrier island and the other in western Flagler County.
Tropical Storm Ian: Intensity of Coming Hurricane Certain, Landfall Location Less So
The models are in largely in agreement about Tropical Storm Ian’s path over the next three days as it becomes Hurricane Ian: a slight arc around western Cuba and into the Gulf of Mexico. But the models diverge after that, with some projecting a more westerly path and some having Ian strike Florida at Tampa Bay.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, September 25, 2022
Matinee day at local theaters, with Sondheim’s “Assassins,” at City Repertory Theatre, “Oliver!” at Flagler Playhouse, marking William Faulkner’s birthday and keeping an eye on Ian.
Desalination Sounds Easy. There Are Better Ways to Meet Water Needs.
Evidence shows that even in coastal cities, ocean desalination may not be the best or even among the best options to address water shortfalls. It’s expensive. It kills aquatic life. It negates better options.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, September 24, 2022
Free Health Clinic at Hidden Trails Community Center, keeping an eye on Hermine, a weekend of theater and disaster preparation continues, George Orwell at the public library, the John Marshall legacy.
Those Massive Vehicles You’re Buying Are Negating Carbon Reductions from Electric Cars
Plug-in vehicles are making great progress, with their share of U.S. car and light truck sales jumping from 2% to 4% in 2020-2021 and projected to exceed 6% by the end of 2022. But sales of gas-guzzling pickups and SUVs are also surging. This other face of the market subverts electric cars’ carbon-cutting progress.
County Approves BJ’s Wholesale Club Despite Unresolved Jam of Traffic Problems Ahead
A traffic nightmare may be developing on State Road 100 and on Seminole Woods Boulevard as several new commercial developments are crunching their way through the county’s regulatory steps. But the biggest development, a BJ’s Club and five satellite businesses, is moving along despite lacking a full analysis of traffic issues ahead.
As Hurricane Hermine Ian Gestates, King Tide Flooding Is More Immediate Concern in Flagler
What is expected to become Hurricane Hermine is now Tropical Depression 9. But Flagler County residents should be more immediately concerned about the effects of a king tide combining with remnants of Hurricane Fiona and the approach of Hermine, all of which will create significant flooding conditions along the Intracoastal and low-lying areas of Palm Coast and western Flagler.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, September 23, 2022
It’s a weekend of theater: Sondheim’s “Assassins,” at City Repertory Theatre, “Oliver!” the musical, at Flagler Playhouse, “Pippin,” at the Daytona Playhouse, Brahms v. Radiohead, and The Inside Joke That Became Trump’s Big Lie.
Candidates Grab Headlines With Name-Calling. But Voters Don’t Like It.
Uncivil messages by politicians have become more and more common in the last decade. Political attacks are now a regular occurrence in an increasingly polarized political environment, encouraging voters to get mad and plan to vote ahead of Election Day in November. But that doesn’t mean these kinds of advertisements and personal attacks actually work.