Vac-Con Trucks, Kimmel's Verklempt, Palm Coast Democrats, Josh Crews Book Launch

One of Palm Coast's so-called 'Vac-Con' trucks gets a little preventive maintenance at the city's Public Works grounds last week. Vac-Con trucks (the word is actually a registered trademark) are industrial vacuum sewer cleaners. (Palm Coast) — One of Palm Coast’s so-called ‘Vac-Con’ trucks gets a little preventive maintenance at the city’s Public Works grounds last week. Vac-Con trucks (the word is actually a registered trademark) are industrial vacuum sewer cleaners. The city owns three such trucks, two for the Utility Department, used for sewer, one for Public Works, used for stormwater. The trucks, which cost between $340,000 and $360,000 new, are heavily used by the two departments, the city says. (Palm Coast)

Today: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s inland… In the mid 80s coast. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent. Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then chance of showers and slight chance of thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent. Details here.
Drought Index is at 413.
Today’s tides: at the beaches, at the Intracoastal Waterway.
Today’s document from the National Archives.
The OED’s Word of the Day: verklempt, adj..
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
Announcements
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

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.

Phillip Haire, the 19-year-old London Drive resident of Palm Coast accused of shooting at a Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy and in the direction of his own house and parents Monday has his first appearance, by video conferencing, before Flagler County Court Judge Melissa Moore-Stens in Courtroom 403 at 8:30 a.m. As is the routine for all first appearances, Haire will be conferenced in by live video from the Flagler County jail.

Bunnell government marks the National Day of Prayer at the Coquina City Hall, 201 Church Street, starting at 10:30 a.m. with live inspirational music and prayers given by guest pastors from the local community. Pastors of all faiths have been invited. At noon a special prayer authored for the National Day of Prayer will be recited at the local event and at every other event celebrating the National Day of Prayer across the nation.

The Palm Coast Democratic Club meets at the African American Cultural Center on Rt. 1 in Palm Coast. Look for the white pyramid in front. Meet and greet at 6:30 p.m., meeting at 7.”Be there and bring friends and family,” says Club President Mike Cocchiola. “We’ll have speakers on our important Florida environmental issues. We like it here. We don’t want anyone polluting our air and water, killing our wildlife of flooding our shorelines because they don’t understand, don’t believe, or worse, don’t care. You all know who we’re talking about. We need to talk about this and take action as a club.”

Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: “John and Jen,” the musical, at City Repertory Theatre in Palm Coast, is the story of a brother and sister’s relationship over time. The first act portrays Jen and her brother John growing up in the 1950s and ’60s, and their increasing estrangement: As Jen falls under the spell of the counterculture and the Summer of Love, she morphs into a drug-dabbling hippie chick. John yields to the dominance – and abusiveness – of their stern father and joins the Navy, and he’s promptly shipped off to Vietnam. The second act flashes forward in time: Jen is a 20-something single mother raising her newborn son, whom she has named John after her brother. As son John grows up, Jen’s suffocating parenting threatens to alienate him and drive him away. The play closes out City Repertory’s season: at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday May 6, and at 2 p.m. Sunday May 7. Performances will be at City Marketplace, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite 207B, Palm Coast. Tickets are $25 adults and $20 students with ID, available by calling 386-585-9415 or online at crtpalmcoast.com.

The Josh Crews Writing Project holds a Book Launch at Belle Terre Elementary at 6 p.m.

Bunnell Elementary School Spring Choral Concert at the school’s cafeteria, 6:30 p.m.

Critic’s Choice Dinner Club, 5:30 p.m. This month’s location is Dahlia’s Mexican Kitchen, 422 Beach Village Drive, Flagler Beach. Food and transportation are the participant’s responsibility. This monthly event invites “foodies” to visit a new restaurant to enjoy casual dinner while rating food and service. New members welcome. More info: 386-986-2323.

Announcements:

County Road 13 Roadwork Begins, Single-lane Closures Begin Monday

Crews have started roadwork to widen and resurface County Road 13 between U.S. 1 and County Road 205. The work is scheduled to finish before September 28. There will be brief, single-lane closures to accommodate the work. “It shouldn’t present too much of an inconvenience in the area, and we ask for your patience to keep the workers safe,” County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “In the long run, the upgrades to the roadway will benefit the residents of Espanola and those who use it to get to western Flagler County.”

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.

Legislature: The Senate holds a floor session at 10 a.m., the House at 10:30 a.m.

The Florida Public Service Commission will hold a special meeting related to carrying out a Gulf Power Co. rate settlement and then will hold a regular commission meeting. (Special meeting starts at 9 a.m., followed by the regular meeting, Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.)

The Florida Supreme Court is expected to release its weekly opinions. (11 a.m.)

–Compiled by the News Service of Florida and FlaglerLive

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

♦ May 5: Join members of the Flagler Beach City Commission and staff in the dedication of the city’s new Lifeguard Towers. The labor and material for these towers came through donations of labor from Keystone Homes and material from Builders First Source. It should also be noted the donations and design were through the efforts of Commissioner Rick Belhumeur. 2 p.m. under the Pier A-Frame at 215 S. Ocean Shore Boulevard, Flagler Beach.
♦ May 5: First Friday in Flagler Beach, 5 p.m. at Veterans Park and thereabout.
♦ May 5: Cinco de Mayo Celebration: Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach will host its 9th annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration beginning at 5 p.m. The celebration of Mexican heritage and pride will include food, live entertainment, dancing and a progressive tequila tasting.
♦ May 5: The Little Theater of New Smyrna Beach presents “The Girls of the Garden Club,” May 5-8 and May 11-14 at 8 p.m. (2 p.m. Sundays). A hilarious new play by one of our theatre is leading writers of comedies that, as the title suggests, deals with the indomitable women whose lives revolve around the often-outlandish doings of the local garden club. 726 Third Avenue, New Smyrna Beach. (386) 423-1246.
♦ May 6: Palm Coast Arbor Day Celebration and Root Run 5K, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (race at 8 a.m.) at Central Park, 975 Central Ave.. Feed a Mouth, Get a Tree, Grow a Community is the theme for Palm Coast’s 2017 Arbor Day celebration, featuring tree give-away in exchange for non-perishable food items, environment-related exhibits, entertainment including children’s musician Patty Shukla, and many free children’s activities. Tree Tent will feature master certified arborists Chuck and Danny Lippi. Free paper shredding service offered. Native Butterfly release planned for 11 a.m. Kickoff for Mayor’s Community Health Challenge will be at 10 a.m. Arbor Day 5K Root Run will begin at 8 a.m. Free.
♦ May 6: Kickoff for Mayor’s Healthy Community Challenge, 10 a.m. at Central Park, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast. While enjoying the Arbor Day Celebration, join Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland in kicking off her two-month health challenge.
♦ May 6: Canal Street Historic District Craft Beer Walk and Gallery Walk, New Smyrna Beach. Sample craft beers along historic canal street. Tickets are $20 and include a six-ounce Canal Street souvenir glass and 12 sampling tickets that can be redeemed at 10 locations in the district. The walk is held on the first Saturday of each month. Artistic vendors set up along the historic Canal Street from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Musical artists play from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Christmas Park, 101 Live Oak Street. Galleries feature solo and group exhibitions and artist talks in the Douglas Avenue area of the district and at the Hub from 4-8 PM. Admission is free.
♦ May 9, 16, 23: Women’s Self Defense: Three-week class on consecutive Tuesdays, May 9, 16 and 23, 6-8 p.m., at Palm Coast City Hall, Community Wing, 160 Lake Ave., 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. May 7 (while space available) at www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ May 10: Discover Trip to Old Florida, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. to and from Palm Coast City Hall, 160 Lake Ave. Take a look at “Ole Florida” on a road trip to Clermont with three stops: the Lake Ridge Winery, to sample seven different wines; the Presidents Museum; and the Florida Citrus Tower. Cost is $50; lunch at participant’s expense at local BBQ restaurant. Pre-registration is required by May 3: www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ May 11-15: New Smyrna Beach Blues Festival. This much-anticipated returning event will feature scores of bands playing at multiple locations around town. Rich with history, tradition and diversity, the New Smyrna Beach Blues Festival will be THE place to get your groove on this summer. Admission is FREE unless otherwise stated; some locations are 21 and up. Details here.
♦ May 12: Movies in the Park, 8:20 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: Zootopia (PG). 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.
♦ May 15: The Flagler Beach Police Department and the local 7-ELEVEN store have partnered to host another edition of “Doughnuts with Doughney” from 8 to 10 a.m. The Flagler Beach 7-ELEVEN convenience store is at 408 South Oceanshore Boulevard. The two hours in that it provide the public an opportunity to meet and speak openly with Chief Doughney about issues or concerns in Flagler Beach. The location of the meeting provides citizens easy access to both the 7-ELEVEN and Chief Doughney, in a relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere.
♦ May 15: Free legal clinics: The Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller in partnership with the Flagler County Bar Association is proud to present a four part series of legal clinics free of charge. Come out and speak to attorneys who are experts in their respective field of law for free. These clinics will be held at the Flagler County courthouse in the 1st floor jury assembly room, 1769 E. Moody Blvd. building #1, Bunnell, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Today’s class: Family Law: Divorce, Name change, Adoption, Domestic Violence Injunctions etc. See the flyer here.
♦ May 16: The Flagler County School Board holds a workshop at the Government Services Building’s Training Room 3B (third floor) on the contract with its new superintendent, James Tager.
♦ May 16: The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission holds a hearing the the case of Circuit Judge Scott DuPont, who faces several charges of misconduct during his 2016 re-election election campaign. He has admitted wrongdoing. The 9 a.m. hearing is taking place in courtroom 406-7 at the Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, before a six-member panel: Eugene Pettis, Steven P. DeLuca, Robert Morris, Michele Cummings, Harry Duncanson (a lay member of the commission) and Jerome S. Osteryoung.
♦ May 18: The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office holds a candlelight vigil at 7:30 p.m. at the Flagler County courthouse, followed by a walk to the Sheriff’s Operations Center at 7:45 p.m.
♦ May 26-28: Country 500 2017, also called “The Great American Music Fest at Daytona,” featuring the biggest stars in country music spread over three days and nights, programmed on three huge performance stages-all specially designed and built for the festival. Country 500 will take place on the infield of the world-famous Daytona International Speedway, allowing fans to actually camp out in the infield.
♦ May 27: Wine Walk: Explore interesting wines inside and outside host locations and walk Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach from 1-7 p.m. During the progressive event, taste your choice of more than 100 showcased wines. Wine tasting passports are $25 and are available at the corner of Flagler Avenue and Peninsula Avenue, at the corner of Flagler Avenue and Cooper Street, or at the corner of S. Atlantic and Flagler Avenue. Passports include 20 tasting tickets and a keepsake wine glass. Some locations feature both one- and multi-ticket wines to sample. Those who want to share their 20 tasting tickets with a friend may get an additional wine glass for $5.
♦ June 3: Sample craft beers along historic canal street. in New Smirna Beach from 1 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include a six-ounce Canal Street souvenir glass and 12 sampling tickets that can be redeemed at 10 locations in the district. The walk is held on the first Saturday of each month. For more information, go here.
♦ June 3: Art Stroll and Gallery Walk, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Artistic vendors set up along the historic Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach. Musical artists play from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Christmas Park, 101 Live Oak Street. Galleries feature solo and group exhibitions and artist talks in the Douglas Avenue area of the district and at the Hub from 4-8 p.m. Admission is free.

The Day’s Best Reads:

Don’t believe the Liberals – there is no real choice between Le Pen and Macron | Slavoj Zizek https://t.co/GScJ9mze0s

— Independent Voices (@IndyVoices) May 3, 2017

The Red Sox are considering a possible lifetime ban for anyone caught making racist remarks at their ballpark. https://t.co/wajhtCOm5f

— NPR (@NPR) May 3, 2017

A Free Course from Yale on the U.S. Civil War: Because Trump Just Gave Us Another Teachable Moment https://t.co/u4MtlwL3Nd pic.twitter.com/CLTWXfxmkR

— Open Culture (@openculture) May 3, 2017

Facebook to hire 3,000 to monitor for suicide, murder videos https://t.co/31oEjHD0NR pic.twitter.com/YS2aOhYBst

— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) May 3, 2017

Duke Energy wants to push coal basin cleanup costs onto its customershttps://t.co/zLcNWGmit5 pic.twitter.com/I39FyBOLhv

— ThinkProgress (@thinkprogress) May 3, 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 April 26 (the city administration’s full week in review is here):

Click to access developments-april-28-2017.pdf

Road and Interstate Construction: