Today’s weather: partly cloudy, high of 81, low of 65.Details here.
Today’s fire danger is Moderate. Flagler County’s Drought Index is at 172
The weather in Kathmandu, Nepal: High of 78, low of 56. Details.
The OED’s Word of the Day: perfervid, adj..
The Live Community Calendar
Today’s jail bookings.
Today’s Briefing: Quick Links
- In Flagler and Palm Coast
- In Court
- In State Government
- Beyond
- In the Press
- Local Road and Interstate Construction
- PR Releases
- Blood Donations Needed
- In Coming Days in Flagler and Palm Coast
Note: all government meetings noticed below are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.
Flagler County government’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. in the first floor conference room of the Government Services Building. No agenda was posted.
Skywarn Storm Spotter Program Class: This class is also great for first responders, dispatchers, anyone who works outside, school staff, coaches, etc. Meteorologists aren’t the only ones who can recognize potentially disastrous weather. After participating in a free nationally acclaimed weather class hosted by the National Weather Service and Flagler County Emergency Services, anyone can become a trained storm spotter. The Skywarn Storm Spotter Program recruits volunteers to help protect people and property during tornadoes or severe thunderstorms. There are already over 1,000 storm spotters in Flagler County. “Skywarn is essential to the National Weather Service as weather radars cannot see everything,” said Bob Pickering, Flagler County Emergency Management Technician. “Spotters play a key role not only in advanced warnings, but also storm verification.” During a class taught by Ben Nelson, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Jacksonville, participants will learn to recognize signs of impending dangerous weather and how to report perilous conditions so warnings can be issued faster. The class will take place on Tonight, April 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center, 1769 East Moody Blvd., Bunnell. To sign up for the class, please call Pickering at 386-313-4250 or send an email to: [email protected].
Online Auction for George Washington Carver Foundation: The annual auction, raising money for the Carver Center in Bunnell, is on through April 27. Make your bids here. The auction is the primary fundraising event for the Carver Center. In the past, money raised has been used for big-ticket items like ceiling insulation, furniture for the library, a scoreboard, bleachers, as well as money for scholarships and summer camp. “At this point, we are gearing up to assist the county with an addition to the center,” said Flagler County Commissioner Barbara Revels. “Flagler County is applying for a community development block grant to build additional classrooms and meeting space. If that happens, we’d like to be ready to help with what we can to furnish it.” Revels is a member of the George Washington Foundation and was part of a team instrumental in bringing the center up to sustainable level, saving the center from an uncertain fate. The Carver Center is a recreational facility that also offers tutoring, after school study, internet access and also serves the community with GED classes, employment counseling and other services. On April 20, Revels wrote: “I am reaching out to each of you as a reminder the G. W. Carver Center Auction will close at 7:00 p.m. Next Monday night the 27th. There is something for everyone to bid on. I want to thank those of you that have donated items and may have already bid. Please take the time to go to: http://gwcarvercenter.com/auction/auction/ and place your bid on one or more great items. I know I am tracking quite a few I want. Please help up make this year’s event the most successful yet. Remember all funds go to our Foundation that is a tax exempt charitable organization and NOTHING goes to administration or salaries. All funds go to the direct support of programs, equipment, supplies, scholarships or other needs of the Community Center’s patrons.”
Getting Started with QuickBooks: Jim Bradshaw, an Accounting and Management Consultant and Intuit Pro Advisor certified in QuickBooks, will instruct this course. From 6 to 8 p.m. at Palm Coast city offices, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B-106. Cost: $25. Register here.
Flagler Chamber’s Flagler Day in Tallahassee today.
Circuit Judge Michael Orfinger holds three non-jury trials starting at 11:45 a.m., courtroom 301. A foreclosure sale for one property is scheduled in the civil department lobby of the county courthouse at 11 a.m.
At the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Cox Enterprises, Inc. v. News-Journal Corporation is again on the oral argument docket, as is a dispute about the constitutionality of a system that tied Florida teacher evaluations to student performance.
Note: Most proceedings below can be followed live on the Florida Channel.
The House holds a floor session today starting at 9 a.m. It will take up a bill (HB 7109), filed by Rep. Mike La Rosa, R-St. Cloud, that would make changes at the Florida Public Service Commission, including limiting commissioners to three consecutive terms. Also during the session, the House is expected to approve a bill (HB 633), filed by Rep. Jennifer Sullivan, R-Mount Dora, that would require a 24-hour waiting period before women could have abortions. Another bill (HB 7137), filed by Rep. Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, would make a series of changes involving the Florida High School Athletic Association.
The Senate holds a floor session in which it could pass a long-discussed proposal (SB 172), filed by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island and Sen. Jeremy Ring, D-Margate, that would seek to shore up local pension plans for police officers and firefighters. The Senate also could take up a measure (SB 1106), filed by Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, that would continue the state’s efforts to curb human trafficking. The bill, in part, would increase criminal penalties for people who solicit prostitutes. Among the other bills on the Senate agenda is a proposal (SB 268), filed by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, that deals with amusement games offered at businesses such as Dave & Buster’s and Chuck E. Cheese’s. The bill seeks to clear up questions that stem from a 2013 law that shut down Internet cafes because of allegations of illegal gambling. (10 a.m.)
“Walk in My Shoes” rally will be held to mark the end of the annual “Walk in My Shoes” trek across Florida by sexual-abuse survivor Lauren Book. The rally is expected to include Gov. Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and other state leaders. The Walk in My Shoes campaign is aimed at helping stop child sexual abuse. (4:30 p.m., steps of the Old Capitol.)
–Compiled by the News Service of Florida
President Obama is in the Everglades today to talk climate change. Details here.
The U.S. Senate has finally scheduled a vote on the nomination of Loretta E. Lynch as attorney general–for Thursday.
In the last Champions League quarterfinals, Real Madrid plays Atlético Madrid, Monaco faces Juventus. (Fox Soccer Plus, 2:45 p.m.)
How reporters covered that super secret House GOP meeting on Medicaid: “For more than an hour, House Republicans met to discuss Medicaid expansion and how it relates to the Low Income Pool, the two issues that have made the legislative session screech to a halt. But Republicans decided to ban the public from the meeting, claiming they wouldn’t talk about pressing legislative matters. So reporters had to stand outside and wait for lawmakers to come out and recap what they couldn’t discuss in public. Yes, this is Florida, which prides itself on its open meetings law. And yes, despite that pride, legislators can lock out the press so they can discuss matters like Medicaid expansion. […] [A]fterward, [Speaker Steve] Crisafulli pointed out that Medicaid expansion is not legislation that is before the House. It is, however, in front of the Senate, which Fineout said would subject the meeting to the open meetings law.” Michael van Sickler in the Tampa Bay Times.
Gov. Rick Scott calls for special session, says tax cuts may be sacrificed to end stalemate: “Blaming the federal government for Florida’s financial woes, Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday said he was prepared to call Florida lawmakers back for a special session to complete the budget — and even encourage them to pass a bare-bones budget if necessary. Scott also suggested one of his top priorities was in jeopardy: $673 million in tax cuts. […] Senate President Andy Gardiner, meanwhile, received a standing ovation from the entire Senate — and applause from lobbyists and activists in the audience — when he said the Senate would continue its fight for expanded coverage.” From The Tampa Bay Times.
Jon Stewart announces last show will be Aug. 6: “Mr. Stewart made the announcement at the end of Monday’s broadcast of “The Daily Show.” When the fateful day comes, Mr. Stewart said: “I will be wearing a suit. I will more than likely be showered.” Reacting to the disappointment of his studio audience, he added: “I’m sorry, I will be wearing overalls and I won’t shower. So I hope that you will join us for that program.” From The Times. Watch:
Road and Interstate Construction:
Palm Coast: Palm Coast Parkway between Cypress Point Parkway and Florida Park Drive. IMPACTS: Lane shifts and closures will occur and this may cause traffic congestion on this already busy roadway. Most construction work will occur between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. though weather and unforeseen issues may adjust the schedules. This project will be complete by December 2015.
Flagler County: County Road 305 between CR 2006 and Tangerine. IMPACTS: Closure in force 3/17/2015 for the 2nd box culvert replacement. Detours detour via CR 110 to CR 95 to CR 2006. Truck Detour via Bunnell (SR 100 – SR 11)
Volusia: I-4 Widening from SR 44 to east of I-95, Monday and Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Eastbound/Westbound shoulder closing. Sunday through Thursday, Eastbound and Westbound lane closures as needed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should be aware of traffic shifts near Canal St./SR 44.
- Palm Coast Parkway Project Website
- Florida Department of Transportation Road Project List
- County Road 304 Project Map and Description
“Palm Coast is proud of its beautiful trees and tree canopies, parks and trails, environmental education programs, and overall commitment to environmental sustainability, so we are honored to again be named a Tree City USA and to receive the Tree City USA Growth Award,” Mini said. “We plant many trees in the City every year as part of our City landscape beautification, and we work hard to protect trees during both residential and commercial construction.” Palm Coast was recognized as a Tree City USA for promoting environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care for citizens by enforcing a specific tree care ordinance, offering a comprehensive community forestry program, establishing a Green Team and sponsoring an annual Arbor Day observance. The City was also named a Tree City USA Growth community based on its community education program.
Blue Knights Memorial Motorcycle Ride: Sheriff Jim Manfre, Commissioner George Hanns, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s Honor Guard, members of the FCSO Motor Unit, St. Johns County Motor Unit, Flagler Beach Police Department, Daytona Beach Police Department and Volusia County Sheriff’s Office participated in the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Memorial Motorcycle ride Saturday, April 18 in Palm Coast. Some 125 riders participated in the ride which began at the Government Services building on East State Road 100 in Bunnell. The motorcyclists rode approximately 70 miles, concluding at the Bulow Campground on S. Old Kings Road, Palm Coast. “The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is committed to serving our community and we enjoy participating in these events. It was an honor to be selected as this year’s guest speaker” said Manfre. The non-profit fraternal organization is comprised of active and retired law enforcement men and women who enjoy riding motorcycles. The local Blue Knights Chapter was chartered 15 years ago and actively participates and sponsors numerous fund raising programs for local charities including; Feed Flagler, Angel Flight Southeast, the Flagler Board of Education Scholarship Fund, Christmas with a Deputy and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Throughout the year, the Blue Knights organize fund raisers and assist other organizations and help support them. All proceeds go to various charities adopted by the Blue Knights.
Matanzas High School National Honors Society Initiation: The National Honors Society (NHS) is the nation’s most prestigious organization to recognize outstanding high school students. National Honors Society is not just honor roll based, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character. These pillars of National Honors Society have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1921. Matanzas High School National Honors Society would like to congratulate the 2015 new inductees: Veronica Arrascue, Michaela Benvenuto, Kylie Dahlberg, Brendan DiCerbo, Adrian Dos Santos, Allayna Duffy, Megan Dukes, Edgardo Gonzales, Kobi Kane, Ashton Kato, Elizabeth Kirkconnell, Andrew Klopman, Simon Krassner, Nicholas Kubiet, Micayla Lavaglio, Bryan Lemus, Kaylee Mandt, Bianca Robinson, Storm Schalit, Abiel Souverain, Erin Tice, Payton Tucker, Jailyn Van Horn, Max Wolf and Shana Wolf.
Concluding the Induction Ceremony the Society recognized each 2015 senior with their graduation stole and NHS tassel. In order to receive their stole each senior needed to be in good standing, with their dues paid and all mouthy volunteer hours submitted. We are so proud of our seniors for their contribution to the Matanzas High School National Honors Society. With heavy hearts and hopeful thoughts we present the NHS Class of 2015: Fernando Arrascue, Mikayla Bazell, Daniel Cerdeira, Nicole Corder, Alexia Denton, Jonathan Guilbe, Alexis Haines, Partick Hile, Kristen Hutson, Nicholas Jahn, Gracen Kent, Zack Klopman, Monica Lao, Michael Manning, Jarlene Peralta, Bailey Pickering, Nicholas Robinson, Thomas Rocco, Ian Pingshaw, Juan Salcedo, Lindsay Sanchez, Ashley Savage, Angelo Schibeci, Stefano Schibeci, Alivia Shelby, Mikayla Short, Morgan Stinchcomb, James Stup, Jeremy Tuggle, Nicholas Weber, Allie Wisniewski and this year’s Club President Brianna Evans, Secretary Jonette Gonzalez and Historian Brooklyn Jimeson. (Contributed by Susanna van de Graaf 2015-2016 NHS Historian).)
April 23: Sheriff Jim Manfre will be the guest speaker for the Flagler County Chamber upcoming Eggs & Issues breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Grand Haven Golf Club, 500 Riverfront Drive in Palm Coast. The chamber hosts Eggs & Issues breakfasts five times a year to bring local and business-related issues and topics to light. Guest speakers include elected officials, thought leaders and high profile executives/business professionals. Cost to attend is $15 with advance payment for members or $20 at the door. Future members pay $20 with advance reservations or $25 the day of the event. Seating is limited; reservations are requested by Friday, April 17 at 5 PM.
Flagler County Job Fair on April 24: A limited number of spaces are still open for businesses interested in reserving a free booth at the second annual Flagler County Job Fair. The event will take place on Friday, April 24, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Palm Coast Campus of Daytona State College, 3000 Palm Coast Pkwy SE, Building 3. Last year nearly 400 jobseekers attended the inaugural fair, which was hosted by the Flagler County Department of Economic Opportunity and CareerSource Flagler Volusia. This year Daytona State College and the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce joined the effort to positively impact Flagler County’s economic vitality. Among the businesses that have already registered are CoastalCloud, Edwards Jones Financial Service, Beutlich Pharmaceuticals and Target. A complete list of attending companies is available here. Businesses wishing to secure a place at the fair and job seekers interested in registering for preparation workshops should visit the job fair website. For additional information about the fair, please contact Casey Scott at 386-313-4098 or by email here.
April 25: Law Enforcement Torch Run For Special Olympics: The torch run is the largest annual public relations and fund-raising event amongst Special Olympics Florida and law enforcement agencies. Local Flagler County agencies are getting their sneakers laced up for the event on Saturday, April 25. The run will start promptly at 10 a.m. in the front parking area of 5400 East Highway 100 next to Flagler Palm Coast High School. Registration is $12 and each runner will receive a Law Enforcement Torch Run t-shirt. In addition to the torch run, the City of Palm Coast, Frank Celico Foundation and the Bike Doctor are hosting their annual Family Bike Rodeo which promises to enhance your family’s bicycle riding experience and safety. Children can participate in a bike safety course and have an opportunity to win a brand new bike helmet. There will be bike clinics, safety checks and a skills obstacle course. The Run/Walk/Ride will be escorted by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office as runners carry the torch, also known as the “Flame of Hope,” westbound on State Road 100 to northbound Belle Terre Parkway and proceed to the Town Center Publix Shopping Plaza. There will be a break area in front of Mezzaluna Pizzeria before heading back out to Belle Terre Parkway southbound to the Target Plaza with another break area proudly sponsored by Hibbett Sports. The final leg will travel back to the start line were there will be pizza from Mezzaluna Pizzeria. “Year after year, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office supports this important event and continues to raise money and awareness for a good cause,” said Sheriff Jim Manfre. This is a family event and there will be vendors and activities for children even if you do not run/walk. All activities will last until 1 p.m., so come on out and enjoy the Bounce House by Jump for Joy, Balloon Art by Bruce Bryant, and Face Painting by Doreen Lazzano. For more information, please call 386-586-2655.
Matanzas Inlet Beach Clean-up: In celebration of Earth Day, Fort Matanzas National Monument is hosting a beach clean-up on Saturday, April 25, from 9am to 12pm. Join us in removing not only man-made trash but invasive plant life. The event will begin with a safety briefing and an introduction to the park at the ocean-side parking lot on the east side of A1A, just north of the Inlet bridge. Trash bags, gloves, and water will be provided. Please bring sunscreen, appropriate beach wear (including a hat), and your own reusable water bottle. If you would like to participate, please call 904-829-6506 ext. 233 or email [email protected] by April 23.
April 28, Matanzas Woods Interchange Construction Public Meeting: The Flagler County Engineering Department will host a public meeting to inform residents of the planned beginning of construction of the Matanzas Woods Parkway Interchange Project at I-95 and the future Old Kings Road Extension project. The interchange project is a long planned project providing interstate access to residents in the northern part of Flagler County and is slated to start this summer. This project will require the temporary closure of Matanzas Woods Parkway during the 2015 summer months when school is out of session. The future Old Kings Road Extension project will provide a direct route for commuters to the Matanzas interchange at I-95 and minimize traffic impacts to Matanzas High School. The Old Kings Road Extension project is slated to begin construction later this year. The meeting will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 28th at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast, Florida 32137. The residents of the area and the public are invited to attend this informational meeting. For more information call 386-313-4039.
Volunteers needed for invasive plant removal at Betty Steflik Memorial Preserve, April 29: Bring a friend, bring a kid, bring gloves and a water bottle to Betty Steflik Memorial Preserve on April 29 to help rid it of invasive species like the Brazilian pepper trees along the entrance road. The entrance road will be closed from dawn to 1 p.m. as Land Management and Parks and Recreation staff, with the help of volunteers, remove the plants. Normal park access will be available after 1 p.m. “We appreciate the help,” said Mike Lagasse, land manager. “Non-native plants are displacing the native plants.” Flagler County has a dedicated group of volunteers who have worked at other preserves, like the River to Sea Preserve, protect the native ecosystem. Laura Ostapko is one of those volunteers and a member of “The Pepper Pickers,” a group that started at Gamble Rogers and has recently expanded its scope of work. “We have a sign that says, ‘Restoring paradise one tree at a time,’ because that’s what we are doing,” Ostapko said. “It’s very rewarding when you see what you have done.” Betty Steflik Memorial Preserve is situated on 217 acres along the eastern side of the Intracoastal Waterway south of State Road 100. Those interested in volunteering are asked to contact Lagasse at 386-313-4064 or at [email protected].
Arbor Day 5K Root Run/Walk and Free Fun Run May 2 in Palm Coast’s Town Center: Register now for the Arbor Day 5K Root Run/Walk, which starts at 8 a.m. May 2, followed by the Free Fun Run at 9 a.m. The run/walks will start and finish on Lake Avenue in Central Park at Town Center, 975 Central Ave. in Palm Coast. Awards will be given out at Central Park Main Stage after the race. This race will close out the 2014-2015 season in the Palm Coast Running Series. Register for the 5K Root Run/Walk at www.palmcoastgov.com/ArborDay. (Pre-registration is not required for the children’s Fun Run.) Participants of the 5K Root Run/Walk are guaranteed a race T-shirt and goody bag if they register by April 24. Entry fees and pre-registration deadlines are as follows:
· $25 Online registration closes at 5 p.m. April 30 at www.palmcoastgov.com/ArborDay.
· $25 Mail-in registration closes April 24 (Mail-in registration is available through April 24. Mail registration form available online with check or money order made out to City of Palm Coast to: City of Palm Coast, c/o Arbor Day Race Pre-registration, Attn: Carol Mini, 160 Cypress Point Parkway Suite B106, Palm Coast, FL 32164.)
· $25 In-person registration closes May 1. Register in-person 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway, NE. Checks, money orders, cash and credit cards accepted.
· $30 Race day entry fee – cash or checks only – at Central Park (along Lake Avenue).
· Veterans with military ID receive free entry
Packet Pick Up will be held at the Community Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 1, or at 7 a.m. on race day at Central Park (on Lake Avenue). Prizes will be awarded to the overall male and female runners, as well as the top three men and women in 15 age groups. The race will be chip-timed. Children participating in the Fun Run will receive a ribbon. A ceremony honoring the overall winners for the Palm Coast Running Series will immediately follow the 5K Root Run awards. After the races, enjoy the free Arbor Day celebration from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central Park. Bring canned food or pet food items and exchange them for a three-gallon native hardwood tree (while supplies last). Feed a Mouth, Get a Tree, Grow a Community is the theme. The event will also feature a butterfly tent, zoo exhibits, green vendors, a fire prevention activity, entertainment and kite flying/building. The popular Native Butterfly release is set for 11 a.m. Complete details are available here. For more information, contact City of Palm Coast Urban Forester Carol Mini at 386-986-3722.
Calling All Chiuhuahuas: The City of Daytona Beach’s Cultural Services Division is looking for 200 Chihuahuas in full costume to help set a Guinness World Record as part of Chihuahua De Mayo. This fun-filled, family event will take place at the world’s most famous bandshell May 2nd from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Chihuahua owners need to bring a copy of the pedigree registration or a birth certificate to verify that their dog(s) are pure breed, so they can take part in this record attempt.
- Registration….12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
- Guinness Book of World Records Attempt for most Chihuahuas in costumed attire (minimum 2 piece costume)….2:00 p.m.
- Bandshell to Boardwalk Parade After Record Attempt
- Parade Prizes – King & Queen Chihuahua Winners, Best Costume, Best Temperament, Best Hat, Best Duo, and Best Trio
- 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. – Mariachi Band – “Charros De Mexico” from Orlando
- Mexican Hat Dance Off – Pinatas – Candy
- Pet Rescue – Food – Vendors (vending space available)
- $5 Admission Fee – a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Halifax & Flagler Humane Societies and the Arnie Foundation
Come watch these Chihuahuas strut their stuff for the cutest Cinco De Mayo costume parade and enjoy an afternoon filled with a variety of things to do for the entire family.
Blood donations are urgently needed. Patients in our local hospitals are in need of blood transfusions, and the need for blood does not take a holiday. That’s why OneBlood is asking people to donate immediately.
Big Red Bus schedule in Flagler-Palm Coast:
Monday April 20th & Tuesday April 21st 9:00AM -2:00PM Daytona State College- Flagler/Palm Coast Campus, 3000 Palm Coast Parkway, Palm Coast
Saturday April 25th 1:00PM – 6:00PM Epic Theatre, 1185 Central Ave, Palm Coast
Monday April 27th 11:30AM – 4:00PM Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway
Tuesday April 28th 11:00AM – 3:00PM Knights of Columbus Council 7845, 51 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast
Wednesday April 29th 1:00PM – 5:30PM CVS Pharmacy, 1 Old Kings Road South, Palm Coast
