Wednesday Briefing: Closed-Circuit Traffic Cameras, Scenic A1A, Grand Living, Underachievers, Wind Energy

Red-light cameras may soon be history, but in Palm Coast they're being replaced with a different form of surveillance, if a less punishing one: closed-circuit cameras, enabling city traffic engineers to monitor roads, part of a $500,000 'optimization' system the city council approved last June. (Palm Coast) — Red-light cameras may soon be history, but in Palm Coast they’re being replaced with a different form of surveillance, if a less punishing one: closed-circuit cameras, enabling city traffic engineers to monitor roads, part of a $500,000 ‘optimization’ system the city council approved last June. See details here. (Palm Coast)

Today: Cloudy. Chance of showers in the morning, then showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent. Tonight: Showers likely and slight chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 60s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent. Details here.
Drought Index is at 390.
Today’s tides: at the beaches, at the Intracoastal Waterway.
Today’s document from the National Archives.
The OED’s Word of the Day: fogou, n..
The Live Community Calendar
Today’s jail bookings.

Today’s Briefing: Quick Links

First Light
In Flagler and Palm Coast
Flagler Jail Bookings and Sheriff’s Crime Reports
In State Government
In Coming Days in Flagler, Palm Coast and Beyond
The Day’s Best Reads
Fact-Checking the Knaves
Palm Coast Construction and Development
Local Road and Interstate Construction
Cultural Coda

“I would have considered silence as cowardice, or as some laziness, which is very similar.” (“J’aurais regardé le silence comme une lâcheté, ou comme une paresse, ce qui se ressemble beaucoup.”)

–George Sand in a letter to Flaubert, Jan. 28, 1863, from Correspondance III (1859-68).

In Flagler and Palm Coast:

Note: all government meetings noticed below are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. Many can be heard or seen live through each agency’s website.

The Sheriff’s daily incident reports and jail bookings are posted here.

Take the Flagler County School Superintendent Survey: The school district is inviting residents, including students and faculty, to fill out this survey, letting school board members know what kind of superintendent you want to replace Jacob Oliva, who is leaving in June. This survey will be live until early March. It takes about 10 minutes. It’s anonymous. Fill it out here.

The Flagler County Economic Opportunity Advisory Council meets at 9 a.m. in board chambers at the Government Services Building, Bunnell. The panel will hear from Heather Shurbirg, Vice President of Competitive Intelligence and Research for Enterprise Florida, the embattled public-private state agency the House Speaker wants to kill, but that Gov. Scott wants to preserve, despite its checkered past and questionable achievements as an economic development agency.

The Flagler County Parks and Recreation advisory board meets in the 1st floor conference room of the Government Services Building, Bunnell, 10 a.m. No agenda was posted online.

Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway committee meets at 2 p.m. at St. Augustine Beach City Hall to elect its new officers. The agenda is here.

Ribbon-cutting: Grand Living Realty/Florida Green Construction Model Home Opening, 24 Eastland Lane, Palm Coast, 4 p.m.

Mostly useless information: Arthur Schopenhauer, one of the bleakest of bleak German philosophers–he was the Otto Dix of philosophers–is born on this day in 1788. Bertrand Russel found him “eculiar” for being a pessimist, in a profession where “almost all the others are in some sense optimists.” He’s all about the will. Or rather, the Will. But the Will as an evil: it is the source of all our suffering. We live. We suffer. We die. Along the way we may achieve this and that, but it’s all useless. We go on “as we blow out a soap-bubble as long and as large as possible, although we know perfectly well that it will burst.” Even sex is pointless: all it does is birth more suffering. That’s Schopenhauer. He was no smiley face. He favored chastity, poverty and even self-torture, but not in a monastic sense. He was not fon;d of religion. It’s all about vanquishing the will. To what end is not exactly clear, just as a lot of the threads of Schopenhauer’s thinking end in not-quite dead ends (since he did not see death as a solution to anything), but as inexplicable resignation. It’s enough to make you very glad to know that he shares a birthday, albeit a few years removed, with the likes of Drew Barrymore (1975), who once danced on David Letterman’s desk and flashed him, and Julius Erving, Dr. J. of the Philadelphia 76ers, who often said of Schopenhauer–or so it is assumed, because he said it often when he was willing himself to greatness on court–“pass.”

In Florida and in State Government:

Note: Some proceedings below can be followed live on the Florida Channel. Most legislative proceedings can be followed through the Senate or House websites.

Land management: The House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee will receive presentations about land-management activities by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (8 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

Abortion lawsuits: The House Health Quality Subcommittee will consider a proposal (HB 19), filed by Rep. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, that would create a new avenue for women to file lawsuits against doctors who perform abortions. Such lawsuits could be filed by women who have been injured because of abortions or who have suffered emotional distress because doctors failed to obtain what is known as “informed consent” before performing the procedures. (8 a.m., Mashburn Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

Stand Your Ground changes: The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee will take up a bill (HB 245), filed by Rep. Bobby Payne, R-Palatka, and Rep. Jason Fischer, R-Jacksonville, that would shift the burden of proof in “stand your ground” self-defense cases to prosecutors during evidentiary hearings. The bill stems from a Florida Supreme Court ruling in 2015 that said defendants have the burden of proof to show they should be shielded from prosecution under the “stand your ground” law. (8:30 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

Local funding requests: The Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee, the Senate Pre-K-12 Education Appropriations Subcommittee, the Senate Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee, the Senate Health and Human Appropriations Subcommittee and the Senate Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee will consider local funding requests. (Criminal and Civil Justice, 9 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol. Also, Pre-K-12, 9 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol. Also, Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development, 9 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol. Also, Health and Human Services, 12:30 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol. Also, Higher Education, 12:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

Tampon tax: The Senate Finance and Tax Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a bill (SB 176), filed by Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, that would create a sales-tax exemption for feminine hygiene products such as tampons, sanitary napkins and panty liners. (10 a.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

United Way poverty report: Sen. Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, and Rep. David Santiago, R-Deltona, are expected to take part in a news conference in which the United Way will release a report about the number of people who earn more than the federal poverty level but have a hard time affording basic necessities. (12:15 p.m., fourth-floor rotunda, the Capitol.)

Craft breweries: The Senate Regulated Industries Committee will consider a proposal (SB 554), filed by Sen. Dana Young, R-Tampa, that could help craft brewers through changes in distribution laws. (12:30 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

High-speed rail: The House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee will hold a workshop on high-speed passenger rail in Florida. (1:15 p.m., 116 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

Death penalty juries: The Senate Rules Committee will take up a bill (SB 280), filed by Sen. Randolph Bracy, D-Orlando, that would require unanimous jury recommendations before defendants could be sentenced to death. (3:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

Autism training: The House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee will consider a proposal (HB 39), filed by Rep. Evan Jenne, D-Dania Beach, and Rep. Cynthia Stafford, D-Miami, that would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to set up a training program focused on autism spectrum disorder. (3:30 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

Cell phone searches: The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in a Duval County case that focuses on whether police improperly searched a suspect’s cell phone without first obtaining a warrant. (10 a.m., Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.)

–Compiled by the News Service of Florida and FlaglerLive

In Coming Days in Palm Coast, Flagler and the Occasional Beyond:

♦ Feb. 23: County Administrator Craig Coffey is the speaker at the Flagler Chamber’s Common Ground Breakfast Series at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Palm Coast. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m., breakfast is at 8 a.m. $20 for members in advance. Email [email protected] or go here for more information. Details here and here.
♦ Feb. 23: Emmanuel’s Closet’s 2nd Annual Fashion Show and fund-raiser. All proceeds benefit Emmanuel’s Closet, a local mission that helps clothe children, single parents, families, seniors and homeless men and women in Flagler County. The fundraising event includes dinner, dessert, raffles, a silent auction, a fashion show, dancing, photography and more. From 6 to 9 p.m. at Channel Side, at 1 Yacht Club Dr. in Palm Coast (the old Yacht Club). Details here.
♦ Feb. 25: Third Annual Flagler Schools Flagship Showcase, when you can visit Flagship Program (or school-to-work program) at Wadsworth Elementary and Buddy Taylor Middle School, including early registration for kingerdarten. At the two schools’ cafeteria, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
♦ Feb. 27: Flagler County Stamp and Coin Club holds its monthly meeting at the VFW Post 8696 47 N. Old Kings Road. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., the meeting starts at 6. The 90 minutes before the meeting is for anyone wishing to buy, sell or trade stamps and coins. The club’s meeting is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There is a live auction of coins and stamps at the end of the meeting. The club is open for members and the general public who are interested in stamp and coin collecting and investing. Free stamp and coin evaluations at all our meetings. For more information visit the web site here.
♦ Feb. 28: Join the Flagler County Education Foundation’s 14th annual Mardi Gras gala at Halifax Plantation, 3400 Clubhouse Drive, Ormond Beach, at 6 p.m. This is one of the foundation’s annual fundraisers. Tickets are $100 per person. Click here to register or call today at 386/437.7526 for event details. Get a chance to talk to Joe Rizzo, the new executive director, and learn more about Flagler county schools.
♦ March 3: It’s the kick-off of the annual Flagler Reads Together, the Friends of the Library’s annual communal reading event that focuses on a single book and encourages everyone in the county to read it. This time it’s as local as it gets: the book is the late Jack Clegg’s “The History of Flagler County,” in conjunction with Flagler County’s centennial celebrations. The month-long Flagler Reads Together kicks off on March 3 at 2 p.m. at the Flagler County Public Library’s main meeting room with a presentation by the Flagler County Historical Society’s Sisco Deen. It’s free.
♦ March 3: Fourth annual Flagler County Job Fair, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Palm Coast Campus of Daytona State College, 3000 Palm Coast Pkwy SE, Building 3. There are more than 40 businesses registered, with more signing up daily, offering over 360 jobs. Last year over 400 job seekers attended the event, which was hosted by the Flagler County Department of Economic Opportunity, CareerSourceFV, Daytona State College and the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce. A full listing of companies is available at www.flaglercountyjobfair.com or by accessing the mobile app by searching the app store for Flagler Volusia Job Fair Plus.
♦ March 3: Flagler Beach’s 10th Annual Pinewood Derby Race, as part of Flagler Beach’s First Friday. Awards will be presented for the fastest and most creative designed cars in the adult and children’s categories. Get your kit and then… Design it, build it, race it. Rules are here, and your registration form is here.
♦ March 4: 13th Annual Stamp and Coin Show and Chinese Auction, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Elk’s Lodge #2709 53 N. Old Kings Road, Palm Coast. Flagler County Stamp and Coin Club, Inc. will hold its 13th Annual Stamp and Coin show This show is open to the general public and everyone interested in stamps and coins. There will be dealers to give free evaluations of your stamp collections and silver and gold coins. Come early and bring your friends. Door prizes every 30 minutes, beginning at 10:30 a.,m. and ending at 2:30 p.m. All proceeds from the Chinese Auction support the FCS&CC youth programs. Hugh variety of items to submit bids. The club is a 501(c)(3) non profit and is the only non profit stamp and coin club in Flagler County. Free parking and admission. Visit the web site for more information and contact.
♦ March 4: First of two kayaking trips organized by Flagler County’s Centennial Committee, this one, the Haw Creek paddle, is scheduled for launch at 9 a.m. from Russell Landing County Park. Registrations are needed in advance and registrations for the trip close on February 20th. The registration is $15 and each person registering will get a competition style tee shirt commemorating the County’s Centennial. When kayakers arrive at Bull Creek Park a special lunch will be offered for participants who opt for the $11 lunch. Registration for both trips, instructions and detailed directions can be found on the www.flaglercounty.org website or on facebook at www.facebook.com/FlaglerCountyCentennial. Interested kayakers can contact the committee at [email protected]. The second trip is planned for a 9 a.m. launch Saturday April 22 from Longs Landing City Park.
♦ March 7: Bunnell and Flagler Beach hold their municipal elections.
♦ March 10: Flagler Reads Together event (the Friends of the Library’s annual communal reading event that focuses on a single book and encourages everyone in the county to read it: the late Jack Clegg’s “The History of Flagler County,” in conjunction with Flagler County’s centennial celebrations). The March 10 event, at 2 p.m. in the Doug Cisney Room at the Flagler County Public Library on Palm Coast Parkway, is a presentation by Bob Stone addressing the Cattle industry in Florida. Folklorist and media producer Bob Stone’s multi-media presentation explores and celebrates the history and culture of the nation’s oldest cattle ranching state from the colonial period to the 21st century. You will see and hear all aspects of Florida cattle ranching traditions including material culture such as Cracker cow-whips and unique ranch gate designs, swamp cabbage and other foodways, cowboy church and Cracker cowboy funerals, Seminole ranching past and present, occupational skills such as roping and branding, our vibrant rodeo culture, side-splitting cowboy poetry, feisty cow-dogs, and much more.

chess tournaments jacksonville — (Liz West)

♦ March 10-12: 2017 Florida State Scholastic Chess Championship, at the Wyndham Hotel on International Drive in Orlando. This is also the qualifier for the Denker, Barber and National Girls Tournament Champions. This year each of these 3 events are awarding a $5,000 scholarship good for any university or college in the Country to the top finisher in each event. The top finishers will also get qualifying spots in the World Youth Tournament. Online entry and more information are available at www.floridachess.org.
♦ March 22: The boy Scouts Council holds its Golden Eagle Dinner at 6 p.m. at Hammock Beach Resort, honoring Bob Cuff, now a Palm coast City council member.
♦ March 28: The Flagler Forum, the discussion group organized by Ed Fuller, hosts a panel discussion featuring Flagler County’s local media, including Palm Coast Observer Editor Brian McMillan and FlaglerLive Editor Pierre Tristam, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Palm Coast, at 6:30 p.m.

The Day’s Best Reads:

Special report with @ProPublica: How schools game the system by dumping underachievers into alternative programs. https://t.co/perq2AYHVz pic.twitter.com/0dIeBvlUGX

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) February 21, 2017

Systematic racism is literally killing black babies. https://t.co/B3NIIzdSov pic.twitter.com/J1aWYwliUl

— The Nation (@thenation) February 20, 2017

How Mike Pence used Obamacare to halt Indiana's HIV outbreak https://t.co/q8FyJJULKi pic.twitter.com/ro1Nz9VTU3

— POLITICO (@politico) February 21, 2017

https://twitter.com/pierre/status/834098602175717376

The south has been slow to harness its wind energy, but that's changing, @sarahmccammon reports. https://t.co/JifUPNAXV0 pic.twitter.com/98lS4ts24A

— Morning Edition (@MorningEdition) February 21, 2017

A Twitter List by PierreTristam

Palm Coast Construction and Development Progress Reports

The following is an update of ongoing permitting, construction and development projects in Palm Coast, through Jan. 13 (the city administration’s full week in review is here):

Click to access developments-feb-3-2017.pdf

Road and Interstate Construction: