At least 205 individuals arrested as part of the Trump administration sweep of undocumented migrants have been detained at the Flagler County jail so far this year, based on a day-by-day analysis of jail bookings by FlaglerLive. Records remain heavily redacted despite state public records laws. Local deputies now act as federal agents through the 287(g) program, with significant activity continuing daily. The jail reportedly offers better conditions than federal holding centers, but verification and transparency remain difficult to impossible.
Economy
DeSantis Labels Sheriff Proposal for Undocumented Immigrant Path To Citizenship As ‘Incoherent’ and Ill-Advised
Governor Ron DeSantis rejected a proposal from Florida sheriffs seeking a citizenship path for noncriminal undocumented immigrants. DeSantis labeled the plan incoherent and urged law enforcement to remain aligned with strict state and federal enforcement policies. Despite this rebuke, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd maintains that a solution is necessary for those contributing to society. The disagreement highlights a growing rift within the Republican party.
Palm Coast Council Approves $2.5 Million Purchase of Temporary Buildings to Resolve Utility Office Crisis
Palm Coast City Council members unanimously approved spending $2.5 million from the utility fund to purchase modular buildings. This decision replaces a failing administrative facility at 2 Utility Drive. Staff members evacuated the site recently due to severe plumbing and pest issues. Leaders chose purchasing over leasing to ensure better long-term value. The city intends to repurpose or sell these structures once operations eventually relocate.
County Commission Rejects Hammock Restaurant Parking Plan Amid Skepticism Over Staffing and Size
Flagler County commissioners rejected a parking variance for a proposed 90-seat restaurant in the Hammock, in place of the defunct Fusion 386. Owners Michael Goodman and Bruce Garrison sought 31 spaces instead of the required 41. Commissioners and the public are skeptical that the 3,000-square-foot building will use only five employees per shift. The project was tabled and the owners directed to submit revised plans.
What Makes Art Art? City Repertory Theatre Hangs the Question with Yasmina Reza’s Comedy
City Repertory Theatre presents Yasmina Reza’s comedy “Art” in Palm Coast from March 20-29, featuring an all-female cast that explores tensions triggered when a friend buys an expensive white painting. The play examines the subjective nature of aesthetics and the hidden complexities of long-term friendships. Director John Sbordone leads the troupe in this unique interpretation for Women’s History Month.
Palm Coast Council Rejects Rezoning For Concrete Plant on Hargrove Grade, Opposing Heavy Industry Precedent
The Palm Coast City Council voted 4-1 to deny a rezoning request from Hard Rock Materials today, preventing a concrete batch plant from opening in the Hargrove Grade industrial park on a 10-acre parcel Hard Rock paid $2.1 million for last year. Local business owners argued that heavy industrial operations would degrade the light industrial area. The council prioritized maintaining zoning consistency and protecting existing property interests over what would have been 20 jobs and modest tax revenue.
Palm Coast Council Stops Short of Lowering Residential Speed Limits to 25, Deterred By Cost
The Palm Coast City Council declined to lower residential speed limits from 30 to 25 miles per hour due to prohibitive costs. Replacing 2,400 signs would cost between $550,000 and $1.3 million. Officials decided to pursue state and federal grants to fund the safety initiative. Mayor Mike Norris suggested stricter enforcement by deputies as a more cost-effective way to manage local driver behavior.
Florida Sheriffs Led by Polk’s Grady Judd Sharply Criticize Federal Mass Deportation Efforts
Florida law enforcement leaders on the State Immigration Enforcement Council now advocate for a path to legal status for undocumented residents without criminal records. Council chair Grady Judd expressed concerns that federal agents are sweeping up productive individuals who contribute to the economy. The group suggests a 5-year process involving civil fines and English proficiency. This shift contrasts with previous support for aggressive deportation.
Florida Gas Average Up 29 Percent In Two Weeks
Pump prices in Florida increased 27 cents over the past week and have grown 82 cents since the on-going war with Iran began. In Palm Coast, gas on Monday was selling for $3.75 at Wawa and $3.99 at RaceTrac on State Road 100, with different stations offering $3.75, $3.79, $3.89 and $3.99 along Palm Coast Parkway, according to GasBuddy.
As New, Larger Captain’s BBQ at Bings Landing Has Yet to Break Ground, County Extends Lease, with Questions
Flagler County commissioners are preparing to extend the lease for Captain’s BBQ through 2031 to provide more time for the owners to build a new, 5,000-square-foot facility at Bings Landing. Commissioners are frustrated by vague contract language regarding construction deadlines and the absence of a performance bond. The county intends to revise the agreement to ensure accountability. Construction is expected to begin this September.
Another Pass-Fail Session of the Florida Legislature: Here’s What Happened To Ten Key Issues
Significant gridlock between the Florida House and Senate left the state budget, property tax reform, and education voucher fixes unfinished. Legislators plan to reconvene in April to resolve fiscal disputes. Key successes included utility data center regulations and expanding armed campus security. Most high-profile proposals regarding medical malpractice and artificial intelligence rights failed to advance.
Small Private Schools Cleared to Open in Malls and Other Commercial Zones
Legislators added a provision eliminating zoning requirements for small private schools into a Democratic-led bill in the waning hours of the 2026 legislative session. Both GOP-led chambers of the Florida Legislature passed SB 182, allowing private schools with 150 or fewer students to operate in commercially zoned buildings.
FPL Scores Highest Profit Margin of Almost All Investor-Owned Utilities in the Country in 2025
Florida Power and Light, which serves around 6 million customers in Florida and serves all of Flagler County, far exceeded the 13 to 15 percent average in profit margin for American investor-owned utilities, ranking atop the list in profit margin for 2025, and second on the list between 2021 and 2024. FPL’s profit margin in 2025 was 27.44 percent, followed by MidAmerivan Energy with 27.16 percent.
Flagler Beach City Commission Tables A1A Vacation Rental Project Over Alleyway Access and Design Concerns
The Flagler Beach City Commission unanimously tabled a proposal for a three-story, eight-unit vacation rental at State Road A1A and South 17th Street. Commissioners generally favor the project. But they’re concerned about parking and the use of a dirt alleyway for primary access. Developer Ted Barnhill must now revise plans with the planning board to address traffic flow and neighborhood impact.
Data Center Secrecy Clears Florida Legislature
The Senate on Friday voted 31-6 on a bill (SB 484) that imposes restrictions on proposed data centers, including reinforcing the ability of local governments to refuse them. But the House previously amended the measure to allow local governments to enter into non-disclosure agreements with tech companies for up to 12 months that would hide data center proposals from the public.
Hammock Community Association Sues County and Developer Over 204-Boat Storage Plan
The Hammock Community Association and neighbor Kathy Viehe filed a lawsuit against Flagler County and developer Bob Million. The complaint seeks to quash a site plan for a 204-boat storage facility at Hammock Harbour on State Road A1A in the Hammock. It alleges the county violated land use regulations and lacked substantial evidence. This follows a $550,000 settlement between the county and the developer over another lawsuit last month.
Florida Legislature Clears Latest Measure Aimed at Union-Busting
The Florida House approved SB 1296, a bill significantly increasing requirements for public sector union recertification. Unions must now secure votes from 50% of all eligible employees, rather than a simple majority of participants. Public safety unions remain exempt. The measure faces intense criticism from Democrats and labor leaders. They argue it is designed to dismantle organizations representing teachers and other government workers.
Flagler Airport Director Roy Sieger Cleared Again As Ethics Commission Tosses Resident’s Retribution Claims
The Florida Ethics Commission dismissed a second complaint against Flagler County Airport Director Roy Sieger within three months, citing legal insufficiency. The latest complaint, filed by resident Anna Jones, alleged Sieger favored flight schools and retaliated against critics. The commission found no evidence of personal benefit or corruption, noting that many allegations fell outside its jurisdiction or lacked documented evidence of actual wrongdoing.
Palm Coast Council Considers Ending Decades Old Ban on Electronic And Digital Business Signs
The Palm Coast City Council is considering lifting a 26-year-old ban on digital signs to boost economic development, particularly in Town Center. The administration is proposing allowing electronic displays on major roads with strict brightness and transition rules. Some council members worry about safety, sightliness and light pollution in residential areas.
Rob Deininger, Head of AdventHealth’s East Florida Division, Addresses Flagler Tiger Bay March 24
Rob Deininger, president and chief executive officer of AdventHealth’s East Florida Division will headline the March 24 Flagler Tiger Bay Club luncheon at Hammock Dunes Club, focusing on the future of healthcare and the trends shaping the next decade.
Dennis Bayer Out as Marineland Attorney After Nearly 30 Years, Replaced by Firm that Represents Palm Coast
Marineland Town Attorney Dennis Bayer resigned after nearly 30 years following friction with the town commission over marina contracts and other issues The commission appointed Douglas Law Firm as his replacement. The town faces financial pressure after losing property tax revenue from Marineland Dolphin Adventure’s transition to a nonprofit. Commissioners now seek to renegotiate a 10-year marina contract, despite Bayer’s warnings regarding the lack of legal grounds.
Disagreements Over Education, Affordable Housing and Florida Forever Money Force Extended Legislative Session
Florida legislative leaders are at a stalemate over the state budget, requiring an extended or special session. House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton remain divided on total spending, with a $1.4 billion gap between their proposals. Key disputes involve K-12 education funding, state worker pay raises, environmental conservation programs like Florida Forever, and millions in funding for affordable housing initiatives.
Flagler County Commission Votes To Drop Legal Challenge Against Veranda Bay Annexation In Flagler Beach
The Flagler County Commission voted against challenging the City of Flagler Beach’s annexation of Veranda Bay. Two commissioners cited concerns regarding the legality of homeowner signatures in property covenants, but not a single Veranda Bay resident turned up to challenge the annexation, while the developer and a real estate broker spoke of the risks of losing deals. Developer Ken Belshe reaffirmed his commitment to existing infrastructure and conservation agreements.
Online Chess with Kids: Focus, Patience and Smart Play
Discover how Chess Online helps kids turn screen time into focused learning, building patience, memory and confidence through safe, playful online chess games.
Palm Coast’s Development Derangement Syndrome
Palm Coast often luxuriates in development derangement syndrome as residents of established communities and neighborhoods move to block new housing projects. This hypocrisy ignores that existing homes also replaced native wilds. Developers are not faultless. But Florida’s property tax system forces local governments to chase growth because homestead exemptions prevent existing residents from paying their fair share. Consequently, infrastructure decays while impact fees rise to subsidize the sprawl.
Worsening School Voucher Tracking Issues Ahead, a Senator Warns as Reform Bill Fails
Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez announced the House will not consider legislation lacking previous committee hearings, effectively killing Senate President Ben Albritton’s Rural Renaissance bill and Don Gaetz’s school voucher reform. While policy changes are stalled, a $144.8 million rural appropriation remains active in budget negotiations. Gaetz warned that failing to address voucher accounting shortfalls found in state audits will lead to further mismanagement.
Florida House Passes Bill Granting Immunity to Gun Manufacturers Amid Sig Sauer Lawsuit Concerns
The Florida House passed HB 1551, a bill providing gun manufacturers immunity from certain products liability lawsuits. The 75-29 vote follows over $500,000 in campaign contributions from Sig Sauer, which faces litigation over its P320 pistols. While the House approved the measure, the Senate version remains stalled in committee with only 1 week remaining in the current legislative session.
Flagler Cares And Local Radio Stations Join in Neighbors Helping Neighbors Help-A-Thon For Families in Crises
Flagler Broadcasting will host the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Help-A-Thon this Friday to raise $25,000 for the Flagler Cares Barrier Fund. The event, simulcast on four local stations, encourages businesses to donate in-kind services and funds to help residents overcome sudden life-derailing obstacles. By providing “hand up” assistance rather than permanent welfare, the initiative seeks to stabilize families and foster a self-sustaining local community.
Flager Cares Impact: How Care Coordination Helped a Person in Need Move From Silence to Connection
Flagler Cares provides essential one-on-one support to community members facing complex barriers. When a deaf client struggled to complete mandatory interviews for food assistance, a care coordinator facilitated the process through lip-reading and secured her benefits. The support extended further as the agency helped her obtain free assistive phone-captioning technology, restoring her independence and ensuring she remains connected to vital services and family.
Palm Coast Council Approves $226,000 Design Plans to Transform Historic Fire Station 22 Into Museum
The Palm Coast City Council approved a $226,000 design contract to transform historic Fire Station 22 into a museum and home to the Palm Coast Historical Society and possibly a welcome center. Saved from demolition by the Palm Coast Historical Society and Council member Theresa Pontieri’s advocacy, the 1977 building will feature exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, and an art studio. Funding comes from fire impact fees as the city seeks grants to cover future construction costs for the site.
AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation’s Events Raise More than $150,000 to Support Surgical Care
The AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation raised more than $150,000 during its annual Gala Golf Classic on Feb. 27 and Moonlit Gala dinner on March 1, welcoming more than 275 attendees. Proceeds will support surgical services and nursing initiatives at AdventHealth Palm Coast and AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway.
Potential Litigation Over Flagler Beach’s Annexation of Veranda Bay Isn’t Over Until Kim Carney Says It Is
Flagler County officials are reconsidering a previously assumed universal settlement regarding the Veranda Bay annexation. Commissioner Kim Carney, citing missing resident petitions, contends the annexation is illegal. Despite warnings from the county attorney about losing mitigation funds and a 153-acre conservation deal, the commission will hold a workshop to discuss legal action. The move, with guarded support from Commission Chair Leann Pennington, pending further deliberations, threatens to reignite conflict between Flagler Beach and the county.
Florida Gas Prices Set To Spike Following Attacks On Iran
Florida gas prices, currently averaging $2.88, are expected to rise following U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran. Analysts predict crude oil costs could increase by 10 percent, affecting global shipping and production. While local increases may happen in daily increments, the national average has already reached $3, with further spikes anticipated as military operations continue to impact the Strait of Hormuz.
New $4 Million, 52,000 Square Foot Aviation Complex At Flagler County Airport Doesn’t Preclude Flight Schools
The Flagler County Commission approved a 30-year lease of 3.5 acres–for $1,000 an acre–at the county airport to Upstate Companies of St. Augustine. The firm will spend $4 million to construct a 52,000-square-foot complex featuring four hangars and offices. While officials hope to attract avionics and repair shops, the lease does not explicitly ban flight schools, despite concerns from residents and some commissioners regarding noise: FAA regulations preclude excluding aviation-related businesses.
Survey: Florida Voters Squeezed by Costs
A recent statewide survey by the James Madison Institute reveals that Florida voters are increasingly burdened by rising living costs, with insurance and property taxes driving housing unaffordability. While expressing concern over national divisions, a strong majority of Floridians support significant policy reforms, including property tax levy caps, expanded energy generation, and education unbundling. In the 2026 governor’s race, Byron Donalds currently leads the Republicans.
Florida Senate Approves Data Center Legislation To Shield Local Communities From Massive Utility Costs
The Florida Senate unanimously passed a bill imposing new restrictions on large-scale data centers to prevent local utility ratepayers from shouldering the immense electricity and water costs associated with the booming artificial intelligence industry. Spearheaded by Governor Ron DeSantis, the legislation mandates public disclosure when data center plans are filed and requires the Public Service Commission to ensure these facilities cover their own utility expenses.
Flagler Beach Commission Finalizes Historic Annexation of Veranda Bay, Increasing City’s Size by Almost a Third
The Flagler Beach City Commission finalized the historic annexation of Veranda Bay Thursday night, after previously approving that of Summertown, expanding the city’s land mass by nearly a third. Passed in a 4-1 vote, the twin developments will add over 2,200 housing units and extensive commercial space in the coming decades. Despite prior opposition and threatened lawsuits from the county, the final approval proceeded smoothly with only minor public dissent currently remaining.
Flagler Beach’s $2.6 Million Beachwalk Project at the Pier Is Dead; City Returns $745,000 Grant to the County
Flagler Beach is officially abandoning its $2.6 million Beachwalk project, opting to return a $745,000 tourism grant after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection required a costly new dune system to proceed. The city will now simply refurbish the existing A-frame structure instead of expanding it. The returned grant money will most likely be reallocated to a field lights project located in Palm Coast.
Florida Patients and Doctors Scramble As Proposed AIDS Drug Program Cuts Threaten Care And Public Health
Proposed budget cuts by the Florida Department of Health threaten the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program, which helps low-income residents access vital HIV medications and insurance coverage. Tightened eligibility requirements and restricted drug options could leave thousands without lifesaving treatment, likely increasing transmission rates and public health costs. Advocacy groups have filed lawsuits to block these changes while the legislature debates additional program funding options.
Palm Coast Approves Two-Building $22 Million Medical Complex For Town Center
The Palm Coast Planning Board unanimously approved a $22 million, 54,000-square-foot medical office complex at the intersection of Town Center Boulevard and Town Court. Developed by Paul Hassan, the two-building project will feature 198 parking spaces and may expand in future phases. Project manager Charlie Faulkner noted the new development aligns perfectly with the original vision for Town Center and fills a necessary community void.
Palm Coast Council Advances Key Charter Amendments on Vacancies, Borrowing Limits, and Disciplinary Powers
The Palm Coast City Council approved several charter amendments for the November ballot, prioritizing rules for filling council vacancies, updating borrowing limits, and defining disciplinary powers. Seeking to prevent voter fatigue, the council narrowed down recommendations from the Charter Review Committee. Key debates centered on the cost of special elections, candidate qualifying fees, and maintaining the majority-vote requirements to place these amendments before the voters.
Florida Senate Unanimously Backed Black History Museum in St. Johns, But Will House Meet The Moment?
Florida’s Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 308, sponsored by Sen. Tom Leek, to establish a state-funded Museum of Black History in St. Johns County, correcting a historical omission. The proposed museum would offer space for education and heritage tourism on land holding deep personal and historical significance. While the Senate acted decisively, the companion bill currently stalls in the House, leaving lawmakers to choose between symbolic gestures and meaningful action.
County Votes 4-1 to Resolve Annexation Dispute Over Veranda Bay and Summertown, Ending Lawsuit Threat Against City
Flagler County has officially voted to settle its annexation dispute with Flagler Beach, ending the threat of a lawsuit. The 4-1 decision resolves ongoing conflicts over the Veranda Bay and Summertown developments, ensuring the developer pays transportation impact fees and grants the county a three-year window to purchase conservation land. The settlement clears the path for Flagler Beach to finalize the annexations this week.
Florida Sugarcane and Citrus Growers Face Losses of Over $3 Billion Following Two Winter Freezes
A pair of severe winter storms in early 2026 caused an estimated $3.17 billion in agricultural damage across Florida, according to preliminary state reports. The freezing temperatures devastated crops that were not yet ready for harvest, severely impacting sugarcane, citrus, strawberries, and other vital commodities. These extensive crop losses will likely disrupt future yields, prompting state officials to immediately seek necessary federal emergency assistance.
Florida Senate Approves Fix for SB 180’s Unintended Consequences on Land-Use Law, But House Dithers
The Florida Senate unanimously passed a bill to scale back a 2025 hurricane recovery law that inadvertently hindered local governments from protecting critical infrastructure. Sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, the new legislation reduces the geographical restrictions of the original law and clarifies land-use rules. Senators are now urging the House to advance the companion bill before the legislative session ends to resolve ongoing local disputes.
Florida Tourism Hits Record 143.3 Million in 2025 Despite Drop in Canadian Visitors
Florida welcomed a record 143.3 million visitors in 2025, driven heavily by strong domestic tourism numbers and a steady increase in overseas travelers. Tourism from Canada dropped significantly by nearly fifteen percent amid ongoing political friction, prompting state tourism leaders to expand outreach efforts toward the northern neighbor. Despite this sharp Canadian decline, the state successfully achieved record overall visitation and highly robust fourth-quarter growth.
Florida House Votes to End All Non-School Homestead Property Taxes, But Senate Odds Remain Slim
The Republican-controlled Florida House passed a joint resolution to ask voters to eliminate non-school property taxes for homesteaded properties by 2027. The sweeping measure faces doubtful success. The Florida Senate has not introduced companion legislation and Governor Ron DeSantis prefers a special session. Democrats heavily criticized the proposal, warning that it would bankrupt local governments and defund essential local public services.
Judge Grudgingly Grants City’s Emergency Delay in Home Builders’ Lawsuit Against Palm Coast Over Impact Fees
A circuit judge reluctantly granted Palm Coast an emergency delay in a critical lawsuit filed by the Home Builders Association over significantly increased development impact fees. The city requested the postponement after the builders submitted a second amended complaint, causing confusion over which document governed the proceedings. The HBA is concerned about financial cost of further delays, but the judge prioritized avoiding procedural errors that could lead to an appeal.
Rezoning for Hargrove Grade Concrete Plant Backed in 5-2 Planning Board Vote as Business Owners Object
The Palm Coast Planning Board has recommended rezoning a ten-acre light industrial parcel on Hargrove Grade to heavy industrial, clearing the way for a proposed Hard Rock Materials concrete batch plant. Despite opposition from neighboring business owners who fear increased truck traffic and pollution, the board approved the measure in a 5-2 vote, sending the controversial proposal to the City Council for a final review.
Palm Coast Utility Sale Hurdles Approved as Pontieri Cites Privatization Fears and Mayor Calls It ‘Virtue Signaling’
Prompted by Council member Theresa Pontieri’s concerns over rising corporate utility privatization, the Palm Coast City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on first reading requiring a supermajority vote and a public referendum before the city’s water and sewer utility can be sold. While Mayor Mike Norris questioned the measure’s permanence, the ordinance aims to safeguard the $400 million asset from potential acquisition by private equity firms.