Essential Elements Spa at 214 Moody Blvd. in Flagler Beach is a natural healing, therapeutic, aesthetic and relaxation spa offering dry salt therapy, infrared sauna treatments, an oxygen bar experience, massage and aesthetician services.
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2 Homeless Deaths in 24 Hours: Bunnell Police Investigating Death of Man Found By Branch Library
A homeless man who was known often to frequent the Bunnell Branch Library was found dead outside the building early Monday morning by the library’s branch manager. The death is not believed to be a homicide, but an investigation is ongoing.
Homeless Person Found Dead as Firefighters Battle Small Blaze Near Car Wash on Palm Coast’s Cypress Edge
A homeless person was found dead in suspicious circumstances as firefighters battled a small fire in the wooded, vacant land between Superwash Express and the construction zone for a new assisted living facility off Cypress Point Parkway in Palm Coast Sunday night.
Monday Briefing: Youth Orchestra’s Suite Indulgences Concert, Stamp and Coin, PCAF’s Blown Tent
The Flagler Ypouth Orchestra’s 350 musicians present their “Suite Indulgences” winter concert at the Flagler Auditorium, the Arts Foundation moves its Shakespeare in the Park, Stamps and Coin Club.
Palm Coast’s Brian McCracken, 42, Is Killed in Ormond Beach Crash
Brian McCracken, a 42-year-old resident of Palm Coast, was killed Saturday night in a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Broadway Avenue in Ormond Beach, just south of the interchange with I-95.
Attorneys Urge Florida Supreme Court to Rethink Decision Making Unanimous Verdicts Unnecessary
Pointing to “evolving standards of decency,” attorneys for a Death Row inmate have asked the Florida Supreme Court to reconsider a major ruling that said unanimous jury recommendations are not necessary before death sentences can be imposed.
Lessons from the Border
Even if people know a little about the border with Mexico, many Americans simply have no idea about the U.S. policies that have created the displacement crisis, including American support for a criminal Honduran president.
Jason Minton, a Sex Offender, 43, Accused of Kidnapping and Raping Flagler Beach Woman, 23
Jason Minton, 43, a DeLand registered sex offender, is accused of kidnapping and raping a Flagler Beach woman after allegedly drugging her at River Grille restaurant in Ormond Beach Wednesday.
Personalities and Civility More Than Differences Define 4 Candidates for 2 Seats on Flagler Beach City Commission
Ken Bryan, Paul Harrington, Deborah Phillips, and Marshall Shupe, the only incumbent, are candidates for two seats in the March 17 Flagler Beach municipal election. Their appearances at two forums were defined by thoughtfulness, mutual respect and a general consensus on most pressing issues, including development.
Vacation Rental Bill Restricting Local Regulation and Opposed by Flagler County Heads to House Floor
The Flagler County Commission included opposition to such pre-emption among its goals this year, as it has for the past three years. Flagler’s and other counties’ and cities’ opposition in previous years defeated deregulation attempts. The momentum this year appears to be with deregulators, however.
Weekend Briefing: Native American Fest, ‘The Witness’ at Playhouse, Mardi Gras Pet Parade
“The Witness,” a Story of Racism in 1960s St. Augustine, at the Flagler Playhouse, the Flagler County Humane Society presents the 1st annual Mardi Gras Pet Parade at Central Park, Linda Cole Sunday Jazz Rendezvous.
City Planners Urge Significantly Scaling Back 300-Home Matanzas Golf Course Development to Preserve Views
Palm Coast city planners’ response to a planned 300-home development along the disused Matanzas golf course cites rules that prevent building on fairways and blocking existing residents’ backyard views. That would eliminate swaths of planned homes within the 278-acre project.
‘This Will Not Stand’: Flagler Commission Prayer Draws Hint of Lawsuit as County Attorney Adamantly Defends Practice
As Mike Cocchiola, a member of the local ACLU chapter, suggested legal action may follow, County Attorney Al Hadeed “absolutely” defended the Flagler County Commission chairman opening sessions with a prayer. Hadeed overstated the actual legality of the practice, which courts are still contending.
In a First for Flagler’s Black Heritage, Espanola Schoolhouse Is a Step Closer to National Register Listing
The Espanola Schoolhouse will be the first piece of Flagler County black history to be recognized nationally for its historical significance to education and black ethnic heritage.
Thursday Briefing: The Inspired Mic at Hidden Treasures, Candidate Forum in Flagler Beach, Mrs. California
It’s time for another edition of the Inspired Mic at Hidden Treasures in Flagler Beach, a candidate forum for Flagler Beach City Commission, “Mrs. California” at DeLand’s Second Stage Theater.
Jury Doesn’t Buy “Outlandish” Conspiracy Theory and Convicts 54 Year Old Mondex Man of Sex With Minor
Tonda Royal was 52 when a 16-year-old Mondex girl accused him of raping her. He claimed the only way his DNA was in her is because another woman took his used condom and handed it to her to implicate him.
Rebuking DeSantis, Federal Appeals Court Rules Florida Can’t Bar Felons From Voting Over Unpaid Fees
The Florida law enacting Amendment 4 “unconstitutionally punishes a class of felons based only on their wealth,” the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a unanimous decision. But it applies only to 17 felons named in the suit for now.
DeVantell Cooper, Wanted in Shooting at U.S. 1 Roundabout, Is Arrested in Daytona Beach
DeVantell Rashaun Cooper, a 27-year-old resident of Flagler and Volusia counties with an extensive criminal history, is accused of firing a gun twice at an individual in another car while circling the roundabout on U.S. 1 on Jan. 12.
Jerrard Moore, Felon Several Times Over, Arrested Over Threatening Ex and Another Woman With Shotgun
Jerrad Moore’s 26-year-old ex-girlfriend had asked him to leave their house. He showed up at her workplace and allegedly pulled a shotgun on her and the woman she was working for in Palm Coast.
Wednesday Briefing: Constance Berry Newman at Tiger Bay, Defusing Threats, Paws to Read
Former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Constance Berry Newman is the Flagler Tiger Bay Club, the Blue Power Group discusses how to defuse confrontational situations in political meetings, the Tonda Royal trial is in its third day.
Hearts and Rainbows v. Satan and Lies as LGBTQ Advocates and Opponents Hold Neighboring Demonstrations
The two demonstrations by advocates and opponents of LGBTQ rights outside the Government Services Building in Bunnell preceded the Flagler County School Board meeting Tuesday night, which again was dominated by transgender rights issues.
Charged With Statutory Rape, Man’s Defense Invokes Racial Allusions and Lies, But DNA Says Otherwise
Tonda Royal, 53, is on trial this week on an accusation of unlawful sex with a 16-year-old girl in the Mondex. Despite uncontested DNA evidence, the defense claims the girl is lying and was part of a plot to damage Royal’s reputation.
Cold-Weather Homeless Shelter May Move to Church on the Rock, But Weekly Outreach Remains at 1st United
The Flagler County Commission approved the first step in a county-city agreement to underwrite cold-weather homeless shelter operations at Bunnell’s Church on the Rock, though the Sheltering Tree’s outreach operations will remain at First United Methodist, also in Bunnell.
Flagler Airport Advisory Board Chairman Resigns After One Last Sally, Criticizing Land Buy
Daryl Hickman had been critical of airport Director Roy Sieger, citing noise and planned construction issues, before he resigned Monday, telling the county commission that a $250,000 land buy was poorly executed and may have been unnecessary.
Tuesday Briefing: Tonda Royal Trial, Flagler Beach Candidate Forum, Food Truck Tuesday
Four candidates for Flagler Beach City Commisison are at a forum hosted by the Flagler Beach Woman’s Club, the trial of Tonda Royal on illegal sex with a minor is in its second day, the Palm Coast council and the school board meet.
New Proposed Laws Would Make It Harder for Citizens to Submit Constitutional Amendments
The proposals come as the Republican-controlled House and Senate also are moving forward with other bills that would place additional restrictions on the petition-signature process.
Facts Vs. Fears: Five Things To Help Weigh Your Coronavirus Risk
Scientists have more questions than answers about important issues surrounding the coronavirus, now officially named COVID-19. Here’s some help in understanding the unknowns and evaluating the risks.
16-Year-Old FPC Autistic Girl in Sheriff’s Explorer Program Arrested for Threatening Shooting
The Flagler Palm Coast High School 16 year old allegedly made several Instagram statements threatening murder and serial killing, and may have been upset over academic issues.
1st-Degree Felony Charges for 2 Palm Coast Men Accused of Beating up 70-Year-Old Man Over Road Incident
Alex Fregulia, 18, and Leonardo Silva, 20, of Palm Coast, each faces first and third-degree felony charges following an alleged assault on a 70-year-old man that may have been triggered by a road-rage incident Friday.
Issuing Superintendent Preferences, ESE Committee Is Sharply Critical of Process and Local Candidates
The Exceptional Student Education Parent Advisory Council, a group of volunteers recognized but not sanctioned by the Flagler County School Board, issued its own recommendations for superintendent–a list of six candidates, none of them local, while pointedly excluding or sharply criticizing four of the local candidates who’d made a different short list.
‘Shocked and Gravely Concerned,’ Domestic Violence Leaders Support Investigations and Seek to Reassure Donors
Trish Giaccone, who heads Flagler County’s shelter for victims of domestic and sexual violence, issued a pair of letters supporting the ongoing investigations in the state domestic violence agency’s spending and pledging transparency.
Monday Briefing: Teen Spot Dedication, Tonda Royal Trial, Homeless Shelter, Airport Land Buy
The county commission votes on moving and supporting the cold-weather homeless shelter at Church on the Rock in Bunnell, the public library dedicates its newly built Teen Spot.
That Old “Socialism” Slur
For decades, Republicans have painted anyone left of Barry Goldwater as a “socialist.” Why? Because for a generation raised on the Cold War, “socialist” just seemed like a damaging label.
Florida League of Cities Recognizes Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson
Mayor Robinson began serving the people of Bunnell in 1994 when she won one of 4 available seats on the City Commission. Serving for 8 years as the Vice Mayor. Then in 2008 was elected Mayor by an overwhelming majority of votes.
Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s “Exorbitant Compensation Payouts” Under Fire
The governor asked state Inspector General Melinda Miguel to investigate the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s “exorbitant compensation payouts” and “abuse of state dollars” to determine if any criminal wrongdoing has occurred at the organization.
The Quiet Rooms: How School Employees in Illinois Used Isolation Timeouts Illegally
The investigations found public schools throughout the state overused seclusion, routinely breaking the law that allowed children to be placed in isolated timeout only when there was a safety issue.
Jim Tager Lands Superintendent Job in Vermont, But Not Before End of Local ‘Marathon’
A 1,700-student school district in northeast Vermont voted unanimously this week to appoint Jim Tager its next superintendent as the Flagler School Board’s search for his replacement approaches its conclusion.
Courtroom Intimacy, Music and Pomp at Valentine’s Day Mass Wedding as 15 Couples Marry and Renew Vows
Seven couples renewed their vows at the annual Flagler courthouse’s mass wedding officiated by Clerk Tom Bexley, and eight were married, this time in a courtroom rather than on the courthouse steps as weather threatened.
Retreating from HPV Vaccine in Flagler Schools, Health Department Expands Its Own After-School Hours for Access
The second Tuesday of every month starting May 12 the Flagler Health Department will make all vaccines for all ages available free to accommodate parents who can’t take advantage of the department’s morning immunization schedules.
Weekend Briefing: Mass Valentine Wedding, Donor Fair, FPC Cheer Fundraiser, Renes King, LGBTQ Gathering
The third annual mass Valentine’s Day wedding on the courthouse steps, a fund-raising clinic for FPC’s cheerleaders, the Woman’s Culb’s rummage sale, FPC’s Moon Over Buffalo, and way too many more events to list.
Flagler Politicians, Take Note: Brevard Taxpayers Just Paid $490,000 to Settle Illegal Christian Prayers at Meetings
Just as Flagler County commissioners started proffering prayers at public meetings, as the school board almost did, the Brevard County Commission paid out $490,000 in a settlement for doing so illegally for years.
Rezoning of Long-Gestating Mega Development on Old Kings Road Stirs Residents’ Anxieties Anew
The Bulow Creek development starting just south of State Road 100 on both sides of Old Kings Road would consist of 2,250 houses and apartment units and 1.7 million square feet of commercial and office space, built over four phases stretching over 20 years or more.
Flagler Emergency Management Chief Jonathan Lord Elected to 7th Term to State Emergency Association Board
Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord was elected to a seventh term on the Board of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association.
It’s Bat Mating Time Again: Check Your Home Before Maternity Season
Florida is home to 13 resident bat species, including threatened species such as the Florida bonneted bat. Some bat species roost in artificial structures, including houses and other buildings. It is illegal to harm or kill bats in Florida, so guidelines have been developed to ensure bats are removed safely and effectively outside of the maternity season.
Supreme Court Denies Styrofoam Appeal: Law Banning Local Governments From Regulating Pollutant Stands
Coral Gables approved an ordinance to ban Styrofoam in February 2016, and the Florida Retail Federation and Super Progreso, Inc., later filed a lawsuit challenging the ordinance’s legality.
Thursday Briefing: Upper 80s, FPC’s “Moon Over Buffalo,” Household Debt, Flagler Beach Citizens’ Academy
Flagler Palm Coast High School’s Thespians stage their winter play, Ken Ludwig’s “Moon Over Buffalo,” the Flagler Beach City Commission meets, household debt reaches $14 trillion.
In Flagler Beach, Swale-Digging Triggers Flood of Grievances and Few Answers Satisfying to Residents
The swales will continue to be dug. The project is contracted and paid for. The contractors digging swales may be more sensitive to some of the residents’ concerns, but that’s a subjective possibility.
It’s Not Just Noise: Airport Advisory Board Tensely Questions Lack of Planning as County Administrator Probes Board’s Role
Tension continues between members of the Flagler Airport Advisory Board and Airport Director Roy Sieger over planning and noise issues. Administrator Jerry Cameron said he’ll look into the board’s bylaws to better define its role and relationship with the County Commission, which appoints it.
Sen. Hutson Joins 3-2 Party-Line Vote to Further Advance Short-Term Rental Bill Ending Local Control
A long-running dispute over vacation rentals is heating up, as a Senate panel Tuesday approved a proposal that would give the state — not local officials — control over regulation of short-term rentals.
Wednesday Briefing: Swales in Flagler Beach, Navy Bombing in Ocala Forest, Women’s Suffrage Everywhere
A community meeting on Flagler Beach swales, the Public Safety Coordinating Council meets, Navy bombing that rattles windows in Flagler is scheduled at the Ocala forest, women’s suffrage is celebrated in the state capital.