- December 16, 2025
+ Palm Coast woman faces multiple abuse charges
Theresa Martone, 33, was arrested at her R-section home, following an investigation by the Florida Department of Children and Family Services. She was charged with three counts of child abuse and 30 counts of animal cruelty.
Deputies said when they arrived at the home, there was a pungent odor coming from inside, where they found Martone’s three children, ages 5, 8 and 14, surrounded by garbage and animal feces.
Martone’s 5-year-old child told deputies she had not bathed in several days, possibly weeks.
A DCF investigator took custody of the three children. It has not been determined whether the children were enrolled in a Flagler County school.
An investigator with Flagler County Animal Control Services removed six dogs, 22 cats, two ferrets and a rabbit from the residence. Deputies said the family had been living in the Palm Coast home for the past three months.
“These children were living in deplorable conditions,” said Flagler County Sheriff Donald Fleming. “This mother should have reached out for help before the situation became this desperate.”
Martone was being held without bond in the Flagler County Inmate Facility.
+ New Jersey visitor drowns in Flagler Beach
A New Jersey visitor, James Palmer, 55, drowned Saturday, Aug. 27, in rough surf just north of Flagler Beach.
Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies reported Palmer was at the beach with his wife, daughter and son when his family lost sight of him in the water. About 10 minutes later, a surfer pulled him to shore, where his wife administered CPR until Flagler County emergency personnel arrived at the scene. Palmer was transported to Florida Hospital Flagler, where he was pronounced dead.
The surf off Flagler County beaches remains rough as a result of Hurricane Irene. Police advise visitors to use caution.
+ 15-year-old bicyclist dies in Seminole Woods crash
After being listed in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle Aug. 26, on Seminole Woods Parkway, 15-year-old Kirt Smith was pronounced dead Aug. 29.
According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol, Gary Woods, 31, was driving the Ford F-150 that struck Smith. Woods did not see Smith, who was on a bicycle. Both were traveling southbound, south of State Road 100.
Woods’ vehicle struck the front of Smith, propelling him southward. Smith was transported to Halifax Trauma due to critical injuries.
He was not wearing a helmet.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Palm Coast City Council — the next budget workshop is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at the Community Center.
Flagler County Board of County Commissioners — the next regular meeting is 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7, at the Government Services Building.
Flagler County School Board — the next workshop is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at the Government Services Building. School Board member John Fischer’s next town hall meeting is 6:15 p.m. Sept. 28, at the Flagler County Public Library.
