Beer Day, Facts, Maya Angelou, Disney's "Exclusively Gay Moment"

It's Beer Day in Iceland, which means iot's Beer Day everywhere. Celebrate with great Belgian beers. (© FlaglerLive) — It’s Beer Day in Iceland, which means iot’s Beer Day everywhere. Celebrate with great Belgian beers. Preferably in Brussels. (© FlaglerLive)

Today: Partly cloudy. Patchy fog in the morning. Highs in the mid 80s inland…in the lower 80s coast. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Details here.
Drought Index is at 342.
Today’s tides: at the beaches, at the Intracoastal Waterway.
Today’s document from the National Archives.
The OED’s Word of the Day: ozoner, 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

“Some of the workers would leave their sacks at the Store to be picked up the following morning, but a few had to take them home for repairs. I winced to picture them sewing the coarse material under a coal-oil lamp with fingers stiffening from the day’s work. In too few hours they would have to walk back to Sister Henderson’s Store, get vittles and load, again, onto the trucks. Then they would face another day of trying to earn enough for the whole year with the heavy knowledge that they were going to end the season as they started it. Without the money or credit necessary to sustain family for three months. In cotton-picking time the late afternoons revealed the harshness of Black Southern life, which in the early morning had been softened by nature’s blessing of grogginess, forgetfulness and the soft lamplight.”.

–Maya Angelou, from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

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 Palm Coast Code Enforcement Board meets at 10 a.m. at City Hall in Town Center.

Thrive Business Summit: Business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, community leaders and elected officials will all benefit by attending the summit, one of the region’s most compelling professional development opportunities. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, 9505 N Oceanshore Blvd, St Augustine.

Mostly useless information: Not a moment too soon, March is National Ethics Awareness Month, if government workers and officials are listening. It is also National Colorectal Cancer Month, though the two appear to be unrelated. From a story in today’s New York Times: “The vast majority of colorectal cancers are still found in older people, with nearly 90 percent of all cases diagnosed in people over 50. But a new study from the American Cancer Society that analyzed cancer incidence by birth year found that colorectal cancer rates, which had dropped steadily for people born between 1890 and 1950, have been increasing for every generation born since 1950. Experts aren’t sure why.” And just in time for former Flagler Chamber of Commerce President Rebecca DeLorenzo, who takes up a new post at the Red Cross in Volusia County, it’s National Red Cross Month. To celebrate, it is Beer Day in Iceland. The reason? Iceland, too, had a few decades’ stupor, like the United States, with its Prohibition years lasting from 1915 to 1935, and lasting even longer, to 1989, on beer with more than 2.25 percent alcohol content. That ended on March 1, 1989. Hence, Beer Day. Now go celebrate with a good German or Belgian beer. Or join the Peace Corps: President Kennedy signed the executive order establishing the organization on this day in 1961. That was back when American presidents signed executive orders in the first days of their tenure for great, positive things the world admired. Things do change in a country also well known for the Salem witch trials. Speaking of which, today in 1692 marks the anniversary of the beginning of the Salem witch hysteria at Massachusetts Bay Colony.

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.

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is scheduled to speak to the Economic Club of Florida. (Noon, Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee.)

–Compiled by the News Service of Florida and FlaglerLive

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

♦ March 2: Critic’s Choice Dinner Club – Thursday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m. This monthly event invites “foodies” to visit a new restaurant to enjoy casual dinner while rating food and service. New members welcome. March’s location is Thai by Thai Restaurant in Island Walk, 124 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE, Palm Coast. Food and transportation are the participant’s responsibility. Pre-register by 5 p.m. Feb. 28: ww.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ 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 6: Teddy Bear Picnic – Monday, Feb. 6, 10-10:30 a.m. at Palm Coast Linear Park, 31 Greenway Court. Children ages 2-5 will bring their favorite teddy bear for story time, game playing or craft and a snack. This month’s theme: St. Patrick’s Day Gold Hunt and Leprechaun Fun. This monthly program offers a unique experience for toddlers and their parent. Free, but must pre-register by 10 a.m. March 4: www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.

♦ March 6, 13, 20: Women’s Self Defense – Three-week class on consecutive Mondays, March 6, 13 and 20, 6-8 p.m. The March 6 class will be at Palm Coast City Hall, 160 Lake Ave., and the other two classes will be at Frieda Zamba Pool classroom, 339 Parkview Drive, Palm Coast. Women, ages 12+, learn effective methods to ward off attackers from Sgt. Michael Lutz of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Become more aware of your surroundings and the methods to protect yourself. Classes are free, but pre-registration is required by 6 p.m. March 4 (while space available) at www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.

♦ 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.
♦ March 10: Movies in the Park – Friday, March 10, 7:45 p.m. in Central Park at Town Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast. Families will enjoy a family friendly movie on the park’s giant outdoor movie screen. This month’s feature: The Jungle Book. Bring your blanket, lawn chairs and snacks and invite your friends and neighbors to join you at this free, monthly family activity offered by Palm Coast Parks & Recreation and Flagler Schools. More info: 386-986-2323 and www.palmcoastgov.com/movies.

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 11: First Aid and CPR/AED – 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Frieda Zamba Swimming Pool classroom 339 Parkview Ave., Palm Coast. This class is a 7-hour course (one hour for lunch) designed to meet OSHA regulations and teach administering CPR to children and adults, using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), using a mask or barrier device, assisting with bleeding, broken bones. $5/person with pre-registration required by 9 a.m. March 9. Sign up at www.palmcoastgov.com/cpr. More info: [email protected] or 386-986-2300.
♦ March 11: The Women’s Missionary Society of First Church of Palm Coast, pastored by the Rev. Gillard S. Glover, has scheduled the food giveaway from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church, 91 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast. For further details, call the church at 386-446-5759.
♦ March 17: Lunch N’ Lecture Series 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Palm Coast City Hall, 160 Lake Ave. This month’s topic: “Can I recycle this?” The lecture and lunch are free, but pre-registration is required (while space available) by 11 a.m. March 15: www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ March 18: NCCAA Youth Sports Clinic, 9 a.m. check-in, with clinic from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Indian Trails Sports Complex, 5445 Belle Terre Pkwy. and Palm Harbor Golf Club, 100 Cooper Lane. 6-16 year olds will enjoy free soccer, baseball, volleyball, basketball and golf instruction offered by professional coaches and collegiate athletes representing the National Christian College Athletic Association. Register online at www.palmcoastgov.com/register . More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ March 21: Food Truck Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Ave, Palm Coast. Purchase and enjoy delicious cuisine available from food trucks situated along Park Street next to Central Park. Free entertainment is also provided. Proceeds this month will benefit the Parks & Recreation summer camp scholarship fund. More info: www.palmcoast.gov.com/foodtruck or call 386-986-2323.
♦ 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:

Why facts don't change our minds: https://t.co/93VLZf0LrK pic.twitter.com/k2iahhgBXH

— The New Yorker (@NewYorker) February 28, 2017

More states introduce bills to interfere with science education https://t.co/pudg79tiIv by @j_timmer

— Ars Technica (@arstechnica) February 28, 2017

President Trump has the lowest approval of any president since Eisenhower https://t.co/MVKya5Xl0T (1/3) pic.twitter.com/WABFdfQllI

— NYT Graphics (@nytgraphics) February 28, 2017

My review of Mohsin Hamid's compelling, very timely new novel "Exit West" about war and refugees and globalization:https://t.co/EK2ZxmiaXs

— Michiko Kakutani (@michikokakutani) February 27, 2017

Disney launches its first 'exclusively gay moment' in Beauty and the Beast https://t.co/ICfapffuUd

— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) March 1, 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 Feb. 24 (the city administration’s full week in review is here):

Click to access development-february-22-2017.pdf

Road and Interstate Construction: