Wednesday Briefing: Judge Melissa Distler, Bowling Trial, Azure Assisted Living, Harlem Renaissance, Hidden Treasures

Today:: Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Tonight: Mostly cloudy with chance of showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the lower 60s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent. Details here.
Today’s document from the National Archives and the Astronomy Picture of the Day.
Today’s tides: at the beaches, at the Intracoastal Waterway.
Drought Index: 92
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: prestigious.
The Live Community Calendar
Today’s jail bookings.

Today’s Briefing: Quick Links

• First Light
• In Flagler and Palm Coast
• Flagler Jail Bookings and Last 24 Hours of Incident Reports
• Flagler Beach A1A Construction Updates
• US 1-Old Dixie Highway Roundabout Construction Updates
• Announcements
• In State Government
• In Coming Days in Flagler, Palm Coast and Beyond
• Fact-Checking the Knaves
• Palm Coast Construction and Development
• 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.

In Court: A new trial enters its third day in the case of Michael Bowling, the 47-year-old Palm Coast man accused of molesting a 15-year-old girl in a closet during a sleep-over, as the girl was visiting her friend–Bowling’s step-daughter. The prosecution likely concludes its case today, starting at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 401 at the Flagler County courthouse. Bowling also faces accusations of raping his step-daughter, but those charges are to be tried separately. Bowling was tried on just the molestation charges in December. The trial ended in a mistrial.

The Flagler County Technical Review Committee meets at 9 a.m. in the First Floor Conference Room of the Government Services Building, Bunnell.

The Tourist Development Council meets at 10 a.m. in board chambers at Government Services Building, Bunnell.

The Flagler County Contractor Review Board meets at 5 p.m. in board chambers at the Government Services Building, Bunnell.

The Palm Coast Planning Board meets at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in Town Center. The board reviews the technicalk site plan for a new assisted living facility, called Azure, consisting of 111 units with 116 beds. The project is proposed for construction on a vacant 5-acre site at 144 Cypress Point Parkway, which is about 400 feet east of Pine Cone Drive on the south side of Cypress Point Parkway and directly west of the City Market Place. This assisted living and memory care facility will be constructed as a three-story building comprising 94,620 square feet. City staff recommends approval.

The Flagler Beach Economic Development Task Force meets at 4 p.m. at City Hall, 105 S 2nd St.

Harlem Renaissance, a program presented by the African American Entrepreneurs Association as part of Black History Month, featuring speaker George Fraser, chairman and CEO of FraserNet, a company he founded over 30 years ago to lead a global networking and economic development movement for people of African descent. He spent 20 years in leadership positions with Procter & Gamble, United Way and Ford Motor Company before starting FraserNet in 1987. He’s written 6 best-selling books. He has been named as one of the best speakers in America and 5 of his speeches have been selected for global distribution by the prestigious Vital Speeches of the Day magazine, a first for any professional speaker in America. In 2016 President Obama awarded Dr. Fraser “The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.” 6 p.m. at the African American Cultural Society, 4422 N. US HWY 1, Palm Coast (just north of Whiteview Parkway). Members, $25, guests, $35, students, $10. Call 386/234-2014.

Ribbon Cutting: Hidden Treasure Restaurant: Celebrate Hidden Treasure Restaurant’s three-year Anniversary from 5 to 7 p.m. With three locations in Florida our very own Flagler Beach is home to this true Hidden Treasure located in the Intracoastal Waterway under the Highway Bridge 100. They have daily food and drink specials with a tropical atmosphere and live music daily.

The Blue Power 2020 Action Forum, 12:30 p.m. at the Fair Trade Cafe at Palm Coast’s City Marketplace, 160 Cypress Point Pkwy. Come and join other progressive Democrats to discuss local, state and national issues, and propose actions to influence elected leaders. The Forum is open and informal and all opinions and ideas are welcomed. This is your opportunity to meet and lend your voice and knowledge to people who share your values. For more information, contact Mike Cocchiola, [email protected]. The Blue Power forum meets every Wednesday.

COMMUNITY INPUT SOUGHT ON HEALTH ISSUES: Flagler county residents are being asked to speak up and voice their opinion on a variety of health-related topics through an online survey. The input from the community will be used to create health improvement plans to address community concerns and improve quality of life. The survey is online here countyhealthsurvey.com and is available in English and Spanish. Results of the survey provide the foundation of Community Health Needs Assessments, which are a collection of data used to inform communities and develop goals to improve health outcomes. Once the assessments are complete, they will be used to create three-year Community Health Improvement Plans for both Volusia and Flagler counties. The assessments are being conducted in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health in Flagler and Volusia counties, Flagler Cares, local hospitals and Volusia and Flagler county government. Residents, employers and community partners are encouraged to share this link and ask others to take the survey as well. The survey will close February 28, 2019. Please take the survey here.

Blood Donations: The Big Red Bus will be at the following locations this week (schedule your donation by going to the website and entering a Palm Coast zip code, then locating one of the venues below):

• Tuesday: Sea My Home Realty, 4750 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday: Palm Coast Ford, 1150 Palm Coast Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Wednesday: St. Thomas Episcopal Church Of Flagler County, 5400 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Thursday: Metro Diner, 250 Palm Coast Parkway, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday: Walmart, 174 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jail Bookings and Last 24 Hours' Incidents in Flagler, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell

Jail Bookings, June 19-22 Sheriff's night shift incident reports, June 21 Sheriff's day shift incident reports, June 21 Flagler Beach's night shift incident reports, June 21 Flagler Beach's day shift incident reports, June 21 Bunnell police's night shift incident reports, June 21 Bunnell police's day shift incident reports, June 21
Previous and archived reports

Sources: Flagler County Sheriff's Office, Flagler Beach Police Department, Bunnell Police Department. This is Flagler County's only comprehensive, one-stop compilation of all local law enforcement's daily day and night shift commanders' reports.

 

Flagler Beach Is Open For Business: A1A Construction Update:

FlaglerLive is providing weekly updates to year-long construction on and near State Road A1A in Flagler Beach as the Florida Department of Transportation rebuilds a 1.5-mile segment from South 9th Street to South 22nd Street, and builds a sea wall at the north end of town. These updates are provided through DOT or local officials. If you have any relevant information or images, you’re welcome to email them to the editor here.

Segment 2 (South 22^nd Street to South 9^th Street) Project Update

 Lane and Road Closures:

• Residents are advised that several side streets will be closed at S.R. A1A to accommodate removal of barrier wall on Thursday, Feb. 14, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • The contractor will close all side streets from South 19^th Street to South 13^th Street at S.R. A1A. Traffic will not be able to turn onto or off of S.R. A1A at those side streets.
  • Local traffic will be able to access driveways on the side streets between Central Avenue and S.R. A1A.
• Single lane closures with flagging operations will continue on this segment. Motorists are asked to use caution and be prepared to stop.

Dune Walkovers:

The project team has announced that reconstruction of the walkovers is tentatively scheduled to begin in fall 2019. This timeframe is based on the current work schedule. Please note the schedule may be affected by weather or unforeseen circumstances. All walkovers impacted by construction will be restored to their pre-construction condition. The project team is taking care to store materials for each walkover separately, and is taking photographs to ensure walkovers are reconstructed to the way they were before work began.

 Please note that the walkovers must remain closed during construction for safety reasons. The walkovers had to be removed to accommodate the temporary pavement for the northbound travel lane that will be used during construction. Walkovers remain open to the north and south of the project.

Segment 3 (North 18^th Street to Osprey Drive) Project Update

New Traffic Pattern Starting Friday, Feb. 15:

• The contractor will be shifting the travel lanes along S.R. A1A slightly to the west to accommodate work on the buried seawall.
  • The new pattern will maintain one lane in each direction along S.R. A1A between North 18^th Street and Osprey Drive.
• Single lane closures with flagging operations will be in place on Thursday.

Dune Walkovers:

The contractor will continue to remove dune walkovers as needed to accommodate construction of the buried seawall. The affected dune walkovers include both public and private walkovers between North 18^th Street and Osprey Drive. By contract, all affected dune walkovers will be reconstructed once work is complete to their pre-construction condition. The contractor is carefully removing and storing separately the existing materials for each walkover. Photographs also are being taken to document existing conditions and will be used to assist with reconstruction.

 Please note that the walkovers must remain closed during construction for safety reasons.

The project team has announced that reconstruction of the walkovers is tentatively scheduled to begin in fall 2019. This timeframe is based on the current work schedule. Please note the schedule may be affected by weather or unforeseen circumstances.

The contractor has 300 days to complete the work.

See Also:

• In Flagler Beach, A1A Shops and Restaurants Hope Their ‘Open For Business’ Signs Are Louder Than Road Construction
• $22.4 Million A1A Rebuilding and Sea Wall Construction in Flagler Beach Starts in January
• A New, Not Much Improved A1A in Flagler Beach: Median, 30MPH, Drainage, But No Added Protection
• Council Endorses Raising Flagler’s Tourism Tax to 5% to Pay For Beach Repairs
• FDOT’s Regional Construction Page

U.S. 1 and Old Dixie Highway Roundabout Construction Updates:

FlaglerLive is providing weekly updates to the planned 15-month, $4.1 million construction of a roundabout at U.S. 1 and Old Dixie Highway. The project started in late January and is scheduled for completion by spring 2020.

This week southbound U.S. 1 will be reduced to one lane and be shifted slightly west onto new pavement. Southbound U.S. 1 traffic heading to Old Dixie Highway will be directed to stay on southbound U.S. 1 and make a U-turn to return to Old Dixie Highway using northbound U.S. 1. Old Dixie Highway drivers heading to southbound U.S. 1 will have to turn onto northbound U.S. 1 and make a U-turn to access southbound U.S. 1. Later this week, northbound U.S. 1 will be reduced to one lane and shifted west onto the existing southbound side of the roadway. Once this shift is made, U.S. 1 will have one lane in each direction through the project area. The speed limit will be reduced along U.S. 1 through the construction zone, and drivers are asked to be alert and use caution when traveling through the work area.

More details here.

See Also:

• Roundabout Construction on US1 and Old Dixie Begins: Be Prepared For Traffic Shifts and Single Lanes
• Roundabout Construction at U.S. 1 and Old Dixie Begins in Weeks; Expect Detours
• Strident Opposition to Roundabout at US1 and Old Dixie Even As Another Crash Results In Critical Injury
• FDOT’s Project Page

Announcements:

Flagler Beach Citizens Academy: Eight consecutive Wednesdays beginning on March 6, 2019, running through April 24, 2019, from 2 to 5 p.m. Learn all there is to know about the history of your city, how your government works and is financed, and the responsibilities of staff and elected officials. Tour your city’s recreational, first responder, library, and public works facilities. Discover plans for the city’s future and opportunities for resident involvement. These sessions are open to anyone residing within the City of Flagler Beach. There will be a limit of 20 participants. Registration applications are available at City Hall, Building Department, Library, Police Department, Fire Department and on our City’s website (www.cityofflaglerbeach.com). All applications must be received by February 22, 2019. Jane Mealy, Commissioner City of Flagler Beach PO Box 70 Flagler Beach, FL 32136 You will then receive a detailed schedule of the sessions and where each will be held. If you have any questions, contact Jane Mealy at: 439-4811 [email protected].

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.

DOG RACING BAN ON AGENDA: The House Gaming Control Subcommittee will receive an update from the state Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering about implementation of a newly passed constitutional amendment that will ban greyhound racing in Florida. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

PANEL CONSIDERS SCHOOL BOARD TERM LIMITS; The House Oversight, Transparency & Public Management Subcommittee will take up a proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 229), filed by Rep. Anthony Sabatini, R-Howey-in-the-Hills, that would ask voters to place eight-year term limits on county school-board members. If approved by lawmakers, the proposal would go on the 2020 ballot because it is a proposed constitutional amendment. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

WARDENS WEIGH IN: The Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee will hold a panel discussion in which prison wardens will discuss a series of issues in the corrections system. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

HOSPITAL TAX EXEMPTIONS PRESENTED: The House Health Market Reform Subcommittee will receive a presentation about hospital charity-tax exemptions for property and tangible personal property. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

STADIUM FUNDING TARGETED: The Senate Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a bill (SB 414), filed by Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa, that would eliminate an unused pool of sales-tax dollars intended for building and improving professional sports facilities. The bill would repeal a controversial 2014 program that — despite never being used — lays out steps for the stadium money to become available. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

‘MEDICALLY ESSENTIAL’ ELECTRIC SERVICE DISCUSSED: The House Energy & Utilities Subcommittee will take up a proposal (HB 651), filed by Rep. David Smith, R-Winter Springs, that would place additional requirements on utilities about serving customers who rely on electric-powered equipment for medical reasons. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

IMPACT FEES AT ISSUE: The House Local, Federal & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee will take up a bill (HB 207), filed by Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Naples, that would place additional restrictions on local impact fees. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

MARIJUANA SMOKING CONSIDERED: The Senate Rules Committee is expected to take up a bill (SB 182), filed by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, that would eliminate a ban on smoking medical marijuana. The ban was included in a 2017 law that was designed to carry out a constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana. But the ban has drawn a legal challenge and opposition from Gov. Ron DeSantis. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

WILDLIFE COMMISSION EYES SHARKS: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will begin a two-day meeting with topics that include new rules for shore-based shark fishing and final approval for the Gulf recreational red snapper season. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. Best Western Gateway Grand, 4200 N.W. 97th Blvd., Gainesville.)

SUPREME COURT TAKES UP DUI BLOOD CASE: The Florida Supreme Court will hold oral arguments in a Palm Beach County case involving questions about whether a warrant was needed to draw blood from a drunken-driving suspect who was unconscious. Byron McGraw, who was injured in a car accident in 2016, argues that the results of the blood test should be thrown out because he did not give consent. The 4th District Court of Appeal ruled against McGraw. (Wednesday, 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:

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Keep Up with Donald Trump’s attacks on the press through the ACLU’s running tab here.

Keep Up with mass shootings in a running database here.

Palm Coast Construction and Development Progress Reports

Here’s a summary of the latest city developments as of Feb. 15, 2019, with a link to the full week in review here.

Click to access week-in-review-feb-15-2019-developments.pdf

Cultural Coda

J.S. Bach: Trio Sonata in E-Flat Major, BWV 525, Doug Marshall, Organ

Previous Codas:

• Willie Nelson and His Sons Discuss Growing up on Tour and Performing as a Family
• Sulkhan Tsintsadze: Miniatures for String Quartet
• Joseph Marx: Trio-Phantasie (1914)
• George Antheil: Violin Sonata Nr. 2
• Elgar’s Serenade for Strings, Op. 20
• Vaughan Williams: Rhosymedre (US Marine Band)
• Maurice Ravel: La Valse
• George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, Maja Babyszka, piano
• Abel Carlevaro: Tamboriles
• Leonora Spangenberger (13) plays Heitor Villa Lobos’s Etude No 9
• Michel Sardou: Le France
• Smetana: Má Vlast / Kubelík Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
• Leontyne Price: the Interview
• Florence Price’s Fantaisie Negre, Performed by Elijah Stevens
• Jean Sibelius, Tapiola: Schlosstheater Schönbrunn, Orchestra of the Slovak Philharmony