Wednesday Briefing: Singer's First Court Appearance, Leadership Flagler Graduation, Jail v. Treatment

army specialist Hilda Clayton — U.S. Army Specialist Hilda Clayton, a photographer with the military, took this picture during a training exercise in Afghanistan, when a mortar tube exploded accidentally–and killed Clayton and three other people. The image surfaced recently. See the story here.

Today: Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s inland…in the mid 80s coast. Southwest winds 5 mph shifting to the south in the afternoon. Tonight: Clear. Lows in the lower 60s. South winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the west after midnight. Details here.
Drought Index is at 442.
Today’s tides: at the beaches, at the Intracoastal Waterway.
Today’s document from the National Archives.
The OED’s Word of the Day: precarious, 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

“American conservatism depends for its continued dominance and even for its very existence on people never making certain mental connections about the world, connections that until recently were treated as obvious or self-evident everywhere on the planet. For example, the connection between mass culture, most of which conservatives hate, and laissez-fair capitalism, which they adore without reservations. Or between the small towns they profess to love and the market forces that are slowly grinding those small towns back into the red state dust – which forces they praise in the most exalted terms.”

–Thomas Frank, from What’s the Matter with Kansas?: How Conservatives Won the Heart of America.

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.

The Public Safety Coordinating Council meets at 8:45 a.m. at the Emergency Operations Center, Training Room B, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 3, Bunnell. Anna Temple will make a presentation on Project WARM, a program for expectant mothers, at the Vince Carter Sanctuary, a crisis-intervention program in Bunnell.

Dorothy Singer, the 52-year-old West Flagler resident facing a first-degree murder charge in the shooting death of her husband, has her first court appearance, before County Judge Melissa Moore-Stens, in Courtroom 404 at the Flagler County Courthouse, at 10 a.m. Singer is expected to be conferenced in by video from the county jail.

The Palm Coast Leisure Services Advisory Committee meets at 5:30 p.m. It will discuss a revised application for the city’s cultural arts grant program and hear a presentation on art instructors for the community center currently under reconstruction.

Youth Leadership Flagler/Leadership Flagler Graduation Dinner: The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals Group host the joint graduation celebration of the fourth class of Youth Leadership Flagler and the 24th class of Leadership Flagler. YLF, a program developed by a past class of Leadership Flagler, intended to provide students the same opportunity to learn about their community is made up of students from Matanzas, Flagler Palm Coast High School and i3 Tech Academy. 6 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, Palm Coast.

Announcements:

Seminole Woods Park entrance, parking area closure again on May 9

The entrance and parking area of Seminole Woods Neighborhood Park – located at 350 Sesame Blvd. – will again be closed Tuesday, May 9, as a contractor performs work at the park entrance area as part of a City of Palm Coast Utility water main project. The park itself will be open, but will not be accessible by vehicle. Additionally, there will be periodic, brief lane closures at the entrance to the park, and along Sesame Boulevard, Sleepy Hollow Trail and Slate Wood Court, while the work is being performed. The City of Palm Coast apologizes in advance for this inconvenience, but also appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents and motorists during this important utility project. The park entrance and parking area are expected to reopen Wednesday, May 10. For more information, call Customer Service at 386-986-2360.

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.

The Florida Commission on Hurricane Loss Projection Methodology is scheduled to start three days of meetings to review computer models. (8:30 a.m., 1801 Hermitage Blvd., Tallahassee.)

The Institute for African American Health will hold a news conference to announce an education summit that will be held May 19 and May 20 in Tallahassee. (10 a.m., Florida Press Center, 336 East College Ave., Tallahassee.)

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will hold an event in his hometown to kick off his 2018 campaign for governor. (11 a.m., Polk County Courthouse, 255 North Broadway Ave., Bartow.)

The state Constitution Revision Commission will hold a public hearing in Lee County as it prepares to put proposed constitutional amendments on the November 2018 ballot. (Wednesday, 5 p.m., Florida SouthWestern State College, Suncoast Credit Union Arena, 13351 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers.)

FINANCE REPORTS DUE: State candidates and political committees face a Wednesday deadline for filing reports showing updated finance activity through April 30.

–Compiled by the News Service of Florida and FlaglerLive

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

♦ 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: Love Can Move the World, at Ocean Art Gallery in Flagler Beach, 206 Moody Blvd., Flagler Beach, at 6 p.m. A program on the topic of Love, combining music, visual art and the spoken word. Renowned vocalist and inspirational speaker David Stork offers an opportunity to experience the multi-faceted array of love. Music captures the emotional impact of love in ways that words alone cannot express. As a picture paints a thousand words, music conveys the vibration of a thousand sentiments, moving the heart, invoking memories, inspiring dreams, impelling positive action. Seating is limited to the first 40 people; advance reservations are required. Reservations may be made by credit card at flagleroceanartgallery.com/events or by calling 386-693-4882.
♦ 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: 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. More info: www.palmcoast.gov.com/foodtruck or call 386-986-2323.
♦ 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 18: Go Natural Thursday Nature Walk – Thursday, May 18, 8:30 a.m. at Long Creek Nature Preserve, 1050 Palm Harbor Pkwy., Palm Coast. As part of the Mayor’s Healthy Community Challenge, join Palm Coast Environmental Planner Denise Bevan for a guided nature walk through the nature preserve. Free, but please sign up at www.palmcoastgov.com/healthy. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ May 19: Kayaking College Waterway, 8:30 a.m. at Long Creek Nature Preserve, 1050 Palm Harbor Pkwy., Palm Coast. As part of the Mayor’s Healthy Community Challenge, join Palm Coast Digital Communications Coordinator Jason Giraulo on a kayaking trip along College Waterway. Free, but please sign up at www.palmcoastgov.com/healthy. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ May 19: Lunch N’ Lecture Series, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Palm Coast City Hall, 160 Lake Ave: Palm Coast Astronomy Club member and volunteer NASA Solar System Ambassador Lee Bentzley will talk about the total solar eclipse coming Aug. 21. Lee will define what an eclipse is and tell how to protect your eyes while viewing this once-in-a-lifetime event. The lecture and lunch are free, but pre-registration is required (while space available) by 11 a.m. May 17: www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ May 20: Walk with the Mayor, 9 a.m. at Central Park, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast. As part of the Mayor’s Healthy Community Challenge, join Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland for a walk around Central Park and Town Center. Meet at the main stage area at the Central Avenue front entrance. Free, but please sign up in advance at www.palmcoastgov.com/healthy. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ May 20: First Aid and CPR/AED Class, 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. May 18. Sign up at www.palmcoastgov.com/cpr. More info: [email protected] or 386-986-2300.
♦ May 25: Go Natural Thursday Birding Walk, 8:30 a.m. at Linear Park, 31 Greenway Court, Palm Cosat. As part of the Mayor’s Healthy Community Challenge, join Palm Coast Digital Communications Coordinator Jason Giraulo for a guided bird walk. Free, but please sign up at www.palmcoastgov.com/healthy. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ 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:

"It is a little disturbing to see the Trump White House displaying traits similar to a 1970’s junta." https://t.co/0P78y2iNl3

— Daniel W. Drezner (@dandrezner) May 9, 2017

The UK has now entered a draconian era of porn prohibition, says @ameliargh https://t.co/3k5I84jyqf pic.twitter.com/71U1LJde0p

— The New Statesman (@NewStatesman) May 8, 2017

Just a reminder that the top aide to the president of the United States is a white supremacist. https://t.co/xBZ9gNrrCd

— Radley Balko (@radleybalko) March 4, 2017

In early 2000, about half of Americans were already online. Today, roughly nine-in-ten use the internet. https://t.co/ApGnKP82uN pic.twitter.com/dxsYs4ZitB

— Pew Research Internet (@pewinternet) May 9, 2017

These are the real costs of retreating from the #ParisAgreement: https://t.co/1a6Mrf3Ov8 pic.twitter.com/zuwzDKXjOb

— The Brookings Institution (@BrookingsInst) May 9, 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: