• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
MENUMENU
MENUMENU
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • FlaglerLive Board of Directors
    • Comment Policy
    • Mission Statement
    • Our Values
    • Privacy Policy
  • Live Calendar
  • Submit Obituary
  • Submit an Event
  • Support FlaglerLive
  • Advertise on FlaglerLive (386) 503-3808
  • Search Results

FlaglerLive

No Bull, no Fluff, No Smudges

MENUMENU
  • Flagler
    • Flagler County Commission
    • Beverly Beach
    • Economic Development Council
    • Flagler History
    • Mondex/Daytona North
    • The Hammock
    • Tourist Development Council
  • Palm Coast
    • Palm Coast City Council
    • Palm Coast Crime
  • Bunnell
    • Bunnell City Commission
    • Bunnell Crime
  • Flagler Beach
    • Flagler Beach City Commission
    • Flagler Beach Crime
  • Cops/Courts
    • Circuit & County Court
    • Florida Supreme Court
    • Federal Courts
    • Flagler 911
    • Fire House
    • Flagler County Sheriff
    • Flagler Jail Bookings
    • Traffic Accidents
  • Rights & Liberties
    • Fourth Amendment
    • First Amendment
    • Privacy
    • Second Amendment
    • Seventh Amendment
    • Sixth Amendment
    • Sunshine Law
    • Third Amendment
    • Religion & Beliefs
    • Human Rights
    • Immigration
    • Labor Rights
    • 14th Amendment
    • Civil Rights
  • Schools
    • Adult Education
    • Belle Terre Elementary
    • Buddy Taylor Middle
    • Bunnell Elementary
    • Charter Schools
    • Daytona State College
    • Flagler County School Board
    • Flagler Palm Coast High School
    • Higher Education
    • Imagine School
    • Indian Trails Middle
    • Matanzas High School
    • Old Kings Elementary
    • Rymfire Elementary
    • Stetson University
    • Wadsworth Elementary
    • University of Florida/Florida State
  • Economy
    • Jobs & Unemployment
    • Business & Economy
    • Development & Sprawl
    • Leisure & Tourism
    • Local Business
    • Local Media
    • Real Estate & Development
    • Taxes
  • Commentary
    • The Conversation
    • Pierre Tristam
    • Diane Roberts
    • Guest Columns
    • Byblos
    • Editor's Blog
  • Culture
    • African American Cultural Society
    • Arts in Palm Coast & Flagler
    • Books
    • City Repertory Theatre
    • Flagler Auditorium
    • Flagler Playhouse
    • Flagler Youth Orchestra
    • Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
    • Palm Coast Arts Foundation
    • Special Events
  • Elections 2024
    • Amendments and Referendums
    • Presidential Election
    • Campaign Finance
    • City Elections
    • Congressional
    • Constitutionals
    • Courts
    • Governor
    • Polls
    • Voting Rights
  • Florida
    • Federal Politics
    • Florida History
    • Florida Legislature
    • Florida Legislature
    • Ron DeSantis
  • Health & Society
    • Flagler County Health Department
    • Ask the Doctor Column
    • Health Care
    • Health Care Business
    • Covid-19
    • Children and Families
    • Medicaid and Medicare
    • Mental Health
    • Poverty
    • Violence
  • All Else
    • Daily Briefing
    • Americana
    • Obituaries
    • News Briefs
    • Weather and Climate
    • Wildlife

florida gop

Sexism + Socialism: The Republican Line on Florida’s Democratic Women Candidates Is Emerging

June 13, 2021 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

gop war on women

“Do-nothing.” “Delusional.” That’s the way Republicans are talking about Nikki Fried and Val Demings, the top Democratic women running for governor and U.S. senator in next year’s elections, reflecting a concerted strategy of sexism and denigration with no factual basis.

Stop Trash-Talking the Unemployed

April 25, 2021 | FlaglerLive | 45 Comments

trash-talking unemployed

Misinformation and distortions by businesses and some politicians, echoed by media, are blaming the unemployed for staying home to live on government checks. The evidence says otherwise, though belittling workers and lampooning government is part of the continuing war against better wages and stronger worker-safety protections.

Trump-Republican Men Lead in Vaccine Refusal, Putting Goal of Herd Immunity at Risk

April 24, 2021 | FlaglerLive | 49 Comments

republicans not getting vaccinated

About 13 percent of American adults don’t want a covid-19 vaccine, but nearly 30 percent of Republicans don’t. The counties that are most vaccine-hesitant are rural, more likely to support Trump and have lower income levels and college graduation rates.

Sticking to Stinginess, Florida House Rejects Raising Unemployment Benefits Or Extending Eligibility

April 20, 2021 | FlaglerLive | 16 Comments

She tried: Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, sought to boost the maximum unemployment benefit from $275 a week to $375 a week. (NSF)

At a maximum of $275, Florida has the stingiest unemployment benefit system in the nation. It as the third-lowest weekly unemployment benefit behind Mississippi ($235), Arizona ($240), and is tied with Tennessee and Alabama. But all four of those states extend benefits for up to 26 weeks, while Florida does so just for 12.

Bill Cracking Down on Protests Heads for Senate Floor Amid Outcries Over Free Speech and Discrimination

April 11, 2021 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

florida protest bill

With critics warning that the bill would chill free speech and have a disparately negative impact on Black people, a key Senate committee Friday approved a controversial measure that Republicans argue is needed to crack down on violent protests.

Joe Mullins Falsehoods, Mischaracterizations, Misleading and Baseless Statements: A Fact-Check

March 29, 2021 | FlaglerLive | 27 Comments

Joe Mullins.(© FlaglerLive)

Joe Mullins’s problem with facts is not new, pre-dating his election. We fact-checked his latest statements from that March 25 appearance point by point as he discussed Flagler schools’ transgender students, local Republicans allegiances, the massage parlor murders, immigration, why people move to Flagler, guns and other matters.

Florida Senate Removes Broward Sheriff Scott Israel from Office

October 23, 2019 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

Appointed Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony doesn't have to worry about the reinstatement of Scott Israel. (Facebook)

Special Master Dudley Goodlette, a former Republican state representative from Naples, recommended last month that Israel be reinstated, finding that DeSantis’ lawyers failed to present evidence to support the suspension.

DeSantis Wants Felon Voting Rights Case Tossed, Saying It belongs in State, Not Federal, Court

August 5, 2019 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

voting rights

The interpretation of “all terms of their sentence” became a flashpoint during this spring’s legislative session as lawmakers struggled to reach consensus on a measure to carry out the amendment.

Florida’s GOP Lawmakers Accelerate Plan To Use Far More Public Dollars for Private Schools

March 16, 2019 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

Sen. Kelli Stargell, R-Lakeland, prefers to peg the voucher program closer to the poverty line. (Florida House)

The House Education Committee on Thursday approved a bill (PCB EDC 19-01) that would create a new voucher program, known as the Family Empowerment Scholarship program, which would be open to many middle-class families.

State GOP Targets ‘Sanctuary Cities’ Even Though There Are None in Florida

February 10, 2019 | FlaglerLive | 16 Comments

It's a matter of perspective. (Eric Wagner)

Critics of the bill argue efforts to outlaw “sanctuary cities” have more to do with partisanship than with thwarting an existing problem as there are no counties or cities in Florida that act as “sanctuaries” for undocumented immigrants.

Justice Perry Will Retire, Giving Gov. Scott 1st Chance to Appoint a Conservative to High Court

September 12, 2016 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

Justice James E.C. Perry

Perry is among five jurists who make up a liberal-leaning majority of the seven-member court, which has drawn the wrath of the Republican governor and the GOP-dominated Legislature.

Undone in White House Bid at Trump’s Hands, Rubio Retreats to Battle Beruff

August 17, 2016 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

marco rubio

Rubio is running again for a Senate seat that he was ready to vacate, a seat some critics say he had already vacated, a seat that at times seems almost as much like a form of captivity for Rubio as it does a prize.

But Can He Win?

February 23, 2016 | FlaglerLive | 13 Comments

marco rubio florida delegates

Helping to rally Florida Republican leaders behind Rubio is the fear that real-estate tycoon Donald Trump could win the nomination. But it’s a long way to the 1,236 delegates needed for nomination.

At Florida’s GOP Summit, 2nd-String Candidates Focus on Paris Attacks and Blame Obama

November 15, 2015 | FlaglerLive | 9 Comments

fiorina attacks

Carly Fiorina, Rick Santorum, John Kasich and Bobby Jindal spoke on the second day of the Sunshine Summit and criticized current policy regarding ISIS as they sought to distinguish themselves and lift their sagging place in polls.

Name-Calling on Florida Senate Floor Further Divides Republicans Over Leadership

October 29, 2015 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

former Senate President Don Gaetz

Referring to Sen. Jack Latvala, Sen. Don Gaetz said, “when a bully throws a sucker punch, you hit back and never give in.” The fight is over the Senate’s helm.

DeSantis Will Run for Rubio’s Senate Seat: Flagler’s Congressional Election Again Wide Open

May 6, 2015 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

ron desantis marco rubio senate elections 2016

DeSantis’s decision means that Flagler County, which is part of DeSantis’s congressional district, will see a competitive race for that seat for the second time in four years, though St. Johns and Volusia dominate the district’s conservative electorate.

Supreme Court Declares House Ploy Unconstitutional as Rep. Gaetz’s Racist Tweet Draws Apologies

May 1, 2015 | FlaglerLive | 11 Comments

matt gaetz racist arthenia joyner

The Florida Supreme Court ruling concluded it was too late to reconvene the session, essentially ending it, and the lawsuit that prompted the ruling. Rep. Matt Gaetz described in racist terms the lawsuit filed by Democratic senators that led to the court’s action, though the suit itself was dismissed.

Recovering From Major Cancer Surgery, County Chairman Meeker Addresses REC Expulsion

April 10, 2015 | FlaglerLive | 16 Comments

The Flagler County Republican Executive Committee’s expulsion of County Commission Chairman Frank Meeker may not be legal, and reflect the REC’s intention to put clubbish concerns ahead of county interests.

Common Sore:
Jeb Bush’s Education Problem

December 18, 2014 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

The Republican Party’s tea bag wing is unforgiving – so far – over his embrace of the Common Core standards even though the federal government has had almost nothing to do with them.

Elections 2014 R.I.P.
Why Democrats Keep Failing in Florida

November 8, 2014 | FlaglerLive | 25 Comments

For all its fear-based tactics, the Florida GOP focuses on understanding their base voters, and making them feel respected and protected. Democrats in comparison have no clue.

Warts and All, Obamacare Saved Me From Bankruptcy

August 10, 2014 | FlaglerLive | 32 Comments

The light at Shands's Davis Cancer Center that cost the author $3,000 every time it went on, with him on the table. It lit up here for the last time for him in mid-April, after 35 treatments, none of which would have been affordable without Obamacare. (© FlaglerLive)

FlaglerLive Editor Pierre Tristam exposes his health care bills before and after Obamacare, and before and after cancer, to show how without the Affordable Care Act, he and his family would have face ruin.

Despite $51 Billion For the Taking, Florida Unlikely to Expand Health Coverage in 2014

November 25, 2013 | FlaglerLive | 18 Comments

Consumer groups, hospitals and insurers are clamoring for Florida to take the $51 billion in federal funds that have been offered to the state over the next decade to provide health coverage to the working poor. But those who are tuned in politically — even those who desperately want it to happen — say it’s very unlikely in 2014.

Lawmakers Seal $74 Billion Budget Deal, With Merit Teacher Pay and Medicaid Patch

April 29, 2013 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

Under the deal on teacher pay raises, one of Gov. Rick Scott’s top two priorities, teachers rated as “effective” would receive a raise of at least $2,500, while those rated “highly effective” would get $3,500. The raises wouldn’t be paid out, though, until June 2014.

Former State GOP Leader Jim Greer Is Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Theft

March 28, 2013 | FlaglerLive | 3 Comments

Former state Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months in prison for essentially stealing from the party, far less than prosecutors wanted but more than Greer’s lawyer argued he really deserved.

Florida’s Ex-GOP Chairman Jim Greer Pleads Guilty to Theft and Money Laundering, Ending Circus

February 11, 2013 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

The guilty plea set off a round of political finger-pointing in Tallahassee, with Republicans laying the blame for the debacle on Crist, a newly-minted Democrat who could challenge current GOP Gov. Rick Scott in 2014. Democrats, meanwhile, tried to tag the RPOF with Greer’s ethical baggage.

Back to Blood: Cuban Support for Democratic Ticket in Florida Was at a Historic High

November 15, 2012 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

Cuban-Americans voted for the Democratic candidate in historically high numbers in last week’s presidential election, a continuation of a years-long trend that could be eroding the GOP’s standing among a core portion of the party’s base in Florida.

Amendment Shock: A More Tolerant Nation Is By-Passing Smug, Regressive Florida

November 11, 2012 | FlaglerLive | 16 Comments

Many of Tuesday’s 176 popular referendum that passed speak of a more tolerant, more freedom-loving nation. Except in Florida, where the Legislature’s 11 proposals put the state at odds with national trenbds–and the Florida Legislature at odds with the people it claims to represent.

With Fewer Days and Places to Vote, Early Voting Falls Significantly in Flagler

November 5, 2012 | FlaglerLive | 16 Comments

On-person early voting was down in Flagler County from 36.6 percent in 2008 to 29.1 percent this year, for several reasons: a shorter early-voting window, two early voting locations instead of three (Flagler Beach was eliminated), and less enthusiasm than the 2008 election, which drew the highest turnout in a presidential election in 40 years.

Party Spin Kicks In as 1.9 Million Floridians Have Already Cast Early Voting Ballots

October 30, 2012 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

Democratic voters accounted for 39.5 percent of the absentee returns, with voters affiliated with other parties and NPAs making up the remainder. In early voting, the roles reverse. Democrats made up 49.1 percent of the more than 528,000 voters who cast ballots over the weekend. Republicans made up 28.6 percent.

Florida Republicans’ Poll Tax Nostalgia

October 12, 2012 | Pierre Tristam | 9 Comments

Hoping to minimize Democrats’ turnout, the GOP-dominated Florida Legislature is going out of its way to make voting more of a privilege than an absolute right. There are a few ways to get around the voter-suppression schemes.

Florida Abortion Public Funding Ban Would Extend to Reform’s Health Insurance Exchange

March 14, 2011 | FlaglerLive | 6 Comments

Measures that would bar public money from subsidizing abortion coverage in Florida in nearly all cases passed a Senate panel on Monday. The ban would extend to the health-insurance exchange that will be set up by 2014 as part of health care reform.

More Incitement to Violence Against Florida’s Alan Grayson

July 26, 2010 | FlaglerLive | 49 Comments

alan grayson

A $100 reward is put out to punch Florida Congressman Alan Grayson. A death threat follows, not for the first time.

Taking Back America–from Tea Party Phonies

February 8, 2010 | Pierre Tristam | 3 Comments

tea party phonies

If Thomas Jefferson had heard Sarah Palin or Marco Rubio, he’d have had to ask how such a smart country would put up with such an obvious phonies and loons.

Primary Sidebar

  • grand living realty
  • politis matovina attorneys for justice personal injury law auto truck accidents

Recent Comments

  • FlaglerLive on New Schools Commissioner Threatens Superintendents About Violating ‘Parental Rights’
  • FlaglerLive on Flagler Beach Commission Votes 4-1 to Start Negotiating Sale of Ocean Palm Golf Club, But Residents Skeptical
  • FlaglerLive on Man Shot 8 Times in 2nd Heist Is Guilty of Armed Robbery at Palm Coast Circle K and Sentenced to Life in Prison
  • Pogo on The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, July 17, 2025
  • Jim on The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, July 17, 2025
  • Skibum on Jury Convicts Man Who Turned Down 1-Year Plea Deal for Hit-and-Run; He Faces Up to 15 Years in Prison
  • Skibum on Man Shot 8 Times in 2nd Heist Is Guilty of Armed Robbery at Palm Coast Circle K and Sentenced to Life in Prison
  • What Else Is New on Florida Fronts $450 Million for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Amid Scarce Information on Prisoners
  • Stop orange terror on As Sheriff Announces Sweep Netting 17 Arrests, 18th Is Seized While Watching Staly on Facebook
  • PaulT on Florida Fronts $450 Million for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Amid Scarce Information on Prisoners
  • Eddie Snowden on 5 Felony Charges for Palm Coast IT Administrator Accused of Launching Cyber Attack on His Company After He’s Fired
  • Louie knows on Flagler Beach Commission Votes 4-1 to Start Negotiating Sale of Ocean Palm Golf Club, But Residents Skeptical
  • Sherry on Florida Fronts $450 Million for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Amid Scarce Information on Prisoners
  • Ed P on The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
  • AnotherOption on Palm Coast Council, with 2nd Censure Vote, Will Ask Governor to Remove ‘Toxic’ Mayor Norris
  • Model Citizen on As Sheriff Announces Sweep Netting 17 Arrests, 18th Is Seized While Watching Staly on Facebook

Log in