It is the latest in a series of sweeping measures gradually closing down much of the state’s economic, political, social and cultural activities as the coronavirus has caused 520 confirmed Florida cases so far, with a colossal wave of new cases expected ahead.
Palm Coast City Council
Easing Financial Strains on Families and Businesses, Palm Coast Suspends Utility Late Fees and Shut-Offs
In an attempt to do its part to ease expected financial strains on families and businesses resulting from the coronavirus emergency, Palm Coast government is suspending late fees levied on utility bills effective immediately, and will not cut off service to customers who are behind on their payments.
Palm Coast Broadens and Extends Cancellations of Activities Through End of April as Florida Cases Rise to 155
Palm Coast was taking a more aggressive coronavirus-mitigation approach as measures against “community spread” of the virus were affecting all levels of local governments even as cases of Covid-19 remained, for now, at bay.
Palm Coast Cancels All City-Sponsored Activities and ‘Non-Essential’ Meetings and Restricts Access to Fire Stations
Palm Coast government Saturday afternoon announced that all city-run activities at city facilities are cancelled from Sunday, March 15, at least through Saturday, March 21. The city will reevaluate scheduled events on a weekly basis.
Misplaced Inquisitions: Mayor Holland, Coastal Cloud and the Palm Coast Observer
Mayor Milissa Holland and Coastal Cloud Co-owner Tim Hale repeatedly–and unfairly–invoked Palm Coast Observer Editor Brian McMillan’s name in poor light during a 90-minute city council segment devoted entirely to refuting critical allegations about the city’s contract with the company.
Debate Over Restricting Dollar-Type Stores Divides Palm Coast Planning Board as Moratorium Advances
Palm Coast government is moving toward a 120-day moratorium on permitting new dollar-type stores out of concern that the stores’ proliferation may damage the availability of quality grocery stores.
City Planners Urge Significantly Scaling Back 300-Home Matanzas Golf Course Development to Preserve Views
Palm Coast city planners’ response to a planned 300-home development along the disused Matanzas golf course cites rules that prevent building on fairways and blocking existing residents’ backyard views. That would eliminate swaths of planned homes within the 278-acre project.
Rezoning of Long-Gestating Mega Development on Old Kings Road Stirs Residents’ Anxieties Anew
The Bulow Creek development starting just south of State Road 100 on both sides of Old Kings Road would consist of 2,250 houses and apartment units and 1.7 million square feet of commercial and office space, built over four phases stretching over 20 years or more.
Palm Coast Unveils UNF’s Futuristic MedNex Foothold in Town Center as Officials Lobby Lawmakers
Renderings of UNF’s MedNex project in Palm Coast’s Town Center, along with a new infographic about the innovative plan, are part of a lobbying offensive planned for next week by Palm Coast officials to advocate for the initiative.
Not Waiting on State Law, Palm Coast Will Ban Vaping Sales to Under-21 and Regulate Marketing
Palm Coast’s e-cigarettes and vaping regulation ordinance mirrors a proposal in the Legislature to ban vaping products to anyone younger than 21 and limit its visible marketing, but the city is not interested in waiting for legislative vagaries to sort themselves out.
City Tells Anxious Matanzas Woods Golf Course Community ‘The Fix’ Is Not In, Nor Is a Proposal
Residents surrounding the Matanzas Woods golf course have been critical of the city’s silence on a proposed development of 300 homes there, but city officials say their hands are tied as long as they don;t have a concrete proposal to discuss–and none has been submitted yet.
When a Local Government Trespasses a Citizen from Public Property: Palm Coast Is Adopting New Rules
The Palm Coast City Council will approve a new ordinance codifying trespassing procedures and the due-process appeals process as it applies to members of the public who may be barred from public property, including city parks.
Six Months In, Michael Schottey Resigns as Head of Palm Coast’s Communications Division
Michael Schottey had been part of City Manager Matt Morton’s sweeping revamp of the city’s top administrative posts, and is the first high-profile hire from that class to resign.
Palm Coast’s Inaugural Tech Beach Hackathon Glimmers With Stress-Tested Innovations
Palm Coast’s first “Tech Beach Hackathon” at City Hall was a weekend cramming session of tech developers connecting their just-designed apps to local healthcare problems looking for a solution.
Palm Coast’s War on Dollar Stores and Their Customers Contradicts City’s Inclusive Plan
The Palm Coast City Council imposed a 120-day moratorium on new dollar-type discount stores, citing vague fears of “long-term effects” on the community, a decision that runs counter to free-market ideals.
Palm Coast Prepares for $20 Million Sewer Plant Expansion in Anticipation of Growth
The Palm Coast City Council is supporting the city’s next-largest utility expansion–a $20 million project that will add 2 million gallons a day of capacity to its second sewer plant on U.S. 1. The expansion will be financed through a loan and is not expected to affect customers’ rates.
Ex-Palm Coast Deputy Manager Beau Falgout Lands Similar Job in Mooresville, N.C.
Beau Falgout, who resigned as deputy manager in Palm Coast in mid-October, six months after being passed over for the manager’s job in favor of Matt Morton, was named assistant town manager in Mooresville, N.C., on Tuesday.
Proposed 300-Home Development in Place of Matanzas Golf Course Draws Public Doubt and Ire
A neighborhood meeting about the planned developer of some 300 homes along the disused Matanzas golf course drew considerable protests and doubt from some 200 people Thursday evening.
It’s All About Landing UNF as Palm Coast Rallies Cities and County in Show of Unity Before Legislative Delegation
Local cities and the county joined Palm Coast in an unprecedented show of unity and common goals at Thursday’s annual legislative delegation meeting, to press Rep. Paul Renner and Sen. Travis Hutson for support in bringing the University of North Florida to Palm Coast’s Town center.
Dave Sullivan Is New County Commission Chairman, McDonald Retains School Board Chair
The titles don’t necessarily mean as much as they imply. No chairman or vice-chairman has more power than he or she would have had without the title, though some try to use more heft than they have.
UNF’s MedNex Plan With Palm Coast as Hub Creating “A Lot of Buzz” as Committee Deliberates
University of North Florida President David Szymanski this morning briefed a committee of the university system’s Board of Governors on UNF’s plans for an innovative “medical nexus” that would include Palm Coast and AdventHealth as key partners.
New Cell Tower At Frieda Zamba Pool Will Improve Coverage for P and W Sections Starting Next Year
The Palm Coast City Council Tuesday is expected to approve leasing yet another site for a tall cell tower, the fourth in the past year and a half, to improve cell coverage in the city. AT&T is signed up for the 150-foot tower at Frieda Zamba pool, behind Wadsworth Elementary School.
Waste Pro Taps Home Grown Talent to Head Its Palm Coast Operation in Latest Reinvigoration
Waste Pro, the garbage hauler on contract to provide garbage and recycling service for residents in Palm Coast and unincorporated Flagler, appointed DSC graduate and long-time local resident Heather Badger-Felmet as division manager in Palm Coast.
Flagler’s Permissive Rules on Dog-Chaining Draw Loud Calls for Revision as Palm Coast Takes Note
Some 65 people turned up at a “town howl” on dog tethering at the Flagler Humane Society Tuesday evening, where County Commissioner Joe Mullins pledged he would be revisiting a controversial county ordinance. The debate may have consequences beyond county government as Palm Coast is in the midst of revising its own animal ordinance, and Flagler Beach may follow suit.
Truck Ban Among Proposals to Calm Florida Park Drive Traffic, But Don’t Expect License Plate Reader Enforcement
Florida Park Drive may soon see a heavy-truck ban and other traffic calming measures as the Palm Coast City Council prepares to ratify the most substantial changes addressing residents’ concerns about the road in years. But contrary to this morning’s council discussion, License Plate Readers will not be part of the enforcement.
From Boutique Owner to HR Boss: Palm Coast Government’s Debbie Streichsbier
For Palm Coast government human resources director Debbie Streichsbier, joining the city nearly five years ago as a Compensation Analyst marked the beginning of her journey in local government.
For Milissa Holland, Latest Challenge of a Lifetime Is at Daughter Tori’s Bedside as Community Rallies
Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland’s colleagues and friends have rallied as her daughter Tori had a liver transplant 17 days ago but remains critical in a Miami hospital, where her mother has been at her bedside for weeks.
2 Big Developments Would Change Complexion of Palm Harbor Neighborhood; City Would Take Over Marina
Two proposed developments–along the Palm Harbor golf course and at the Palm Coast marina–would total 120 hotel rooms and 318 multi-family units–town houses and condos, as the city prefers to describe them.
Palm Coast Assistant Manager Beau Falgout Resigns in Latest Reflection of City’s Re-Direction Under Morton
Beau Falgout’s resignation was not a surprise, as he’d vied for the top job and fallen a vote short when the council chose to hire Matt Morton last March. Most of the city’s top ranks have since turned over, after the 11-year administration of Jim Landon.
Is the Whiteview Parkway Narrowing Project Going Forward? Depends on Whom You Ask.
The narrowing of Palm Coast’s Whiteview Parkway from four to two lanes has raised questions but the $4 million project is fully designed and now depends on state grants to move forward, which means it could wait many years. Still, the project has been cause for mixed messages and inaccuracies.
13 Palm Coast Organizations Split $30,000 in Cultural Arts Grants from City Government
The amount is $4,000 less than last year, but remains around the same total amount the city has handed out annually since 2013, when it increased the sum from $20,000.
UNF’s Palm Coast Medical Hub Clears 1st Hurdle With Board of Governors Committee Approval
UNF’s Palm Coast medical hub was unanimously recommended to the full Board of Governors in a committee meeting Thursday morning, winning plaudits for UNF president David Szymanski overt enthusiasm.
Palm Coast Sewer Line Through Hammock Would Reduce Reliance on Septic, But Raises Development Fears
A Palm Coast sewer line up the spine of the barrier island would help stop a reliance on septic tanks and has been a priority for local governments, but Hammock residents are concerned that it would also spur more intensive development.
“Misunderstanding” Causes Suicide Prevention Signs to Disappear From Some Fire Stations, But Campaign Continues
The new Palm Coast non-profit called Find Your Peace By Pieces launched a suicide prevention and awareness campaign with yard signs for homes, businesses and fire stations. There was sudden concern when some signs appeared to have been taken down.
Old Kings Road’s Bottleneck Intersection With Palm Coast Parkway Will Be Widened Starting in May
The widening of Old Kings Road at Palm Coast Parkway, one of the more chronically congested segments of city streets, has been planned for since before 1999. The city finally has the money for the $8.2 million project.
UNF Pitches Medical Hub in Palm Coast’s Town Center in Major Partnership With City, Schools and AdventHealth
The University of North Florida is submitting a $23 million request to the State Board of Governors that includes Palm Coast’s Town Center as a hub of an innovative concept of medical higher education that ties directly to medical-sector jobs in Northeast Florida, a concept UNF calls MedNex.
Facts Dissolve in Antifreeze In Largely Misinformed Protest of Palm Coast’s Taxes and Budget
Palm Coast’s 2020 tax rate and the size of its budget drew some protesters at a hearing Wednesday, but many residents addressing the council were misinformed or mis-characterized the numbers.
Palm Coast Pursuing Felony Charges Against Ex-Palm Harbor Golf GM Over Alleged Thefts
Tim Spangler, the former general manager of the Palm Coast-owned Palm Harbor Golf Course, faces two felony charges of fraud following an investigation into allegations he was taking payments for private lessons on city time.
A Fence Goes Up at Palm Coast’s Dog Park as Owners Take Sides On Caution Over Danger of Algae
A temporary fence has reduced Palm Coast’s dog park at Holland Park to a quarter its size as city officials test a retention pond for dangerous blue-green algae that could be toxic to dogs, though no such cases have been reported locally.
Palm Coast Makes Candidates’ Campaign Finance Reports Accessible Electronically
Palm Coast candidates for office’s campaign finance reports will finally be accessible to the public through the web, free of charge, through the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections’ website.
Disciplined Twice, Sued For Defamation, Trespassed, Arrested 5 Times, Builder Now Wants to Be on Contractor Review Board
Dan Priotti, a general contractor in Palm Coast, is seeking an appointment to the Contractor Review Board months after his licenses were suspended (and stayed) and he was fined $10,000 for violating contracting laws.
Palm Coast Assistant Manager Beau Falgout and Flagler Ex-Administrator Coffey Vying for Gainesville Job
Beau Falgout and Craig Coffey are among 55 applicants for the Gainesville city manager job in a municipal government that’s been in turmoil for much of the past year, with numerous resignations and firings.
Palm Coast Fire Department Promotes and Hires 8, With Gary Potter Replacing Retired Valentik
The Palm Coast Fire Department on Wednesday promoted Capt. Gary Potter to battalion chief, succeeding Mark Valentik, who retired after 25 years of service, and Lt. James Neuenfeldt to captain, part of a series of promotions and new hires.
Complaints of Poor Cell Reception in Palm Coast Shift to Complaints About New Towers’ Health Risks, But on Slim Evidence
Palm Coast residents addressed the city council today regarding the new cell towers going up in the city, claiming they pose a cancer risk. But evidence that they do, while not zero, is scant.
Soccer and Lacrosse Tournaments May Quit Indian Trails Complex as 2 Fields Are Converted for Palm Coast Little League’s Uses
The Indian Trails Sports Complex’s 10 multi-purpose fields, often used for soccer or lacrosse, would be reduced to eight, with two fields being converted to baseball and softball use to accommodate Palm Coast Little League.
Flagler’s 4 Mayors and a Commission Chairman Boast of Renewed Energy and Problem-Solving
Mayors and the county commission chairman speak as if clouds have lifted and new sources of energy are driving their organizations–resolving chronic controversies and problems, reinvigorating economic plans, even cleaning house, especially in Palm Coast’s administration.
Palm Coast Manager Challenges Sheriff’s ‘Nebulous’ Evidence In Request For More Cops
Palm Coast City Manager Matt Morton is challenging Sheriff Rick Staly’s request for six more deputies in palm Coast–a 20 percent cost increase–questioning the methodology of the request as lacking a basis of evidence.
City Council Unconvinced as it Hears Pitch For 6 Additional Deputies in Palm Coast
The Palm Coast City Council in 2017 had approved the addition of five new deputies, but this time it’s been more skeptical that more are needed as the city focuses on other priorities.
Benjamin Allen, 16, Arrested In Shooting of Elijah Rizvan Over a $125-Drug Deal
Benjamin Allen, 16, was arrested and charged in the murder of Elijah Rizvan, 17, Friday night on Palm Coast’s Westford Lane, the consequence of what had been planned as a deal for marijuana.
Palm Coast Proposal Would Raise Property Taxes 9%; Sheriff’s Request for 6 New Deputies Not in the Budget
Though Palm Coast government is proposing to keep its property tax rate flat, a valuation increase of 9 percent will equate to a tax increase, though homesteaded property owners won’t feel it.