- April 20, 2024
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+ New fires flare up from lightning storms in Flagler
As a result of lightning strikes July 25, 10 new wildfires have been sparked, and two previous fires re-activated, consuming more than 70 acres in Flagler County.
According to the National Weather Service, showers the week of July 28 may bring relief. The Division of Forestry’s drought index for Flagler County has climbed to 414 as conditions continued to dry out.
Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Don Petito warns that the Espanola fire, which has consumed 5,136 acres, is still currently active. The Opossum fire has reactivated, as well.
+ Microhose told to vacate Flagler County Airport
In the shadow of a $300,000 proposed budget shortfall for the Flagler County Airport, County Administrator Craig Coffey informed the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners that MH Operations, the inventive microhose company that once occupied 20,000 square feet of airport space, has been told to vacate.
“They haven’t been paying rent,” Coffey explained.
Coffey said a new lease will be proposed to the board soon, for another business to move into the space.
“We know we have a cashflow problem,” he told the board. But restructuring plans are in the works.
“We’ve got to figure out a way to generate revenue, to keep this airport functioning,” County Commissioner Milissa Holland said.
+ Flagler tax collector chops budget by 5.1%
The Flagler County Tax Collector’s budget, according to Suzanne Johnston, will be dropping 5.1%, or $118,673, in the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
Johnston said about 3% of her reduction was due to the county no longer paying as much of its employees’ retirement benefits.
The tax office also took on ambulance billing service last year, which added two employees to the payroll.
“I just want to say thank you,” County Commissioner Milissa Holland told Johnston, “The money you give back to the commission has allowed us to offset our operational costs.”
+ Holland: Marathon still on despite TDC rejection
For the second time in two years, the Tourist Development Council rejected promoter Dean Reinke’s application for a $10,000 grant to fund a half-marathon in Palm Coast.
“Every single one of the council members, without question, was in support of the event,” TDC Chairwoman Milissa Holland said.
But Reinke’s application raised questions.
In order to secure a TDC grant, applicants must verify at least 200 booked hotel room nights. Last year’s event booked 25. This year, the application reported 160.
“Once I got the application and reviews, I could tell there was clearly something wrong,” Holland said.
She then called each hotel on Reinke’s list and found that most had not even been contacted by Reinke’s organization, or didn’t have as many rooms on premises as he had listed in his application.
“We’ve been … diligent in creating a real high level of integrity put forth into this process,” said Holland, “and a lot of the council members felt not only frustrated … (but) a tremendous amount of disrespect.”
The marathon is still planned for January 2012.
+ Corrections
• Prosperity Bank Senior Vice President Garry Lubi’s rule of thumb is to take 75% to 90% off the 2006 value of vacant lots, in Palm Coast.
• Membership Director Dora Garcia confirms that the Pine Club’s head golf professional and others were dismissed for “budgetary cuts and for no other reason.”
+ Public meetings
Palm Coast City Council — the next regular meeting is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the Community Center.
Flagler County Board of County Commissioners — the next regular meeting is 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1, at the Government Services Building.
Flagler County School Board — the next regular meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the GSB.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
+ Sheriff’s Office to host National Night Out Aug. 2
A nationwide move to fight crime will be launched Tuesday, Aug. 2. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Target and Flagler County Public Schools to promote National Night Out with an event 5-8 p.m. on the campus of Flagler Palm Coast High School.
“This is a great opportunity to get a Neighborhood Watch movement started in Flagler County, where our residents can participate in protecting their neighborhoods,” said Sheriff Donald Fleming.
The three-hour event will feature crime prevention material and demonstrations, children’s games and food. The Sheriff’s Office K-9 and Motor units will offer demonstrations, and Flagler Beach and Bunnell police departments will be represented during the event.
“The purpose of National Night Out is to get residents out of their homes to meet their neighbors,” Deputy Kevin Byrne said. “What we hope to do with this event is to make it a countywide educational opportunity providing crime prevention tips that our residents can take back to their neighborhoods.”
Residents can meet with Neighborhood Watch captains to find out how to organize a watch in their neighborhoods. Flagler County currently has 37 active watches. Call 437-4116, Ext. 333.
