- December 15, 2025
+ Bunnell police officer arrests former football teammate
Officer Austin Chewning saw 21-year-old Palm Coast resident and former football teammate Ricky Harper April 7, driving through Bunnell. According to Chewning, he confirmed that Harper did not have a license and approached him. When a second officer arrived as backup, Harper became irate. He refused to take a seat on the bumper of Chewning’s car and was placed under arrest, according to the report.
Searching Harper’s vehicle, the officers found prescription pills; then Harper attempted to flee, pushing the officer.
Eventually, Harper was transported to the Flagler County Inmate Facility, where a search revealed marijuana and five grams of cocaine on his person. He was charged with resisting an officer with violence and drug possession.
During the incident, a crowd of 25 to 40 formed at the Flagler County Housing Authority. Three other men were arrested. See www.PalmCoastobserver.com for the full story.
+ Palm Coast summer camps begin signups
Registration for Palm Coast summer camp is open.
Tiny Tike Camp is 8 a.m. to noon, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, for 2- to 5-year-olds, at the Frieda Zamba Pool. $50 per week.
Fit ’N’ Fun Camp is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the Palm Coast Community Center, for kindergarten through fifth grade. $75 per week.
Teen Adventure Zone is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at James Holland Park. $100 per week.
Call 986-2323.
+ Cities, county talk sales tax
Palm Coast wants to improve its stormwater infrastructure, Flagler Beach is focused on beach restoration and Flagler County needs funding for jail expansion. All of these issues were highlighted April 10, at the intergovernmental meeting.
All of these projects are centered on the imminent Dec. 31 expiration date of the half-cent sales tax.
The county is considering changing the funding distribution so it gets a larger share of the money for jail expansion. Meanwhile, the cities have their own projects.
During a March 5 Flagler County Board of County Commissioners workshop, County Administrator Craig Coffey supported the Department of Revenue’s default disbursement breakdown, which dictates that Palm Coast would get 49.9% of the $4 million annual tax, instead of its current 64%, as granted by an interlocal agreement.
Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts said Tuesday that each project is important, adding: “I’m hoping that we’re not going to sit here and try to judge each other’s needs and necessities.”
“This is crucial to Palm Coast,” Netts said. “Is it more crucial than jail expansion? No, it’s a different responsibility for a different governmental body.”
No formal action was taken. The next intergovernmental will be 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, at the Emergency Operations Center.
+ Corrections
Karen Neville is a member of the Flagler County Art League.
Call 986-4668 for FCAL kids camp registration.
FCAL’s photography show is May 12 to June 6.
To bid in the Carver Center auction, visit www.Carver Foundation.org/auction.
+ Public meetings
Palm Coast City Council — the next regular meeting is 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 17 at Palm Coast Community Center.
Flagler County Board of County Commissioners — the next regular County Commission workshop is 9 a.m. Monday, April 16, at the Emergency Operations Center.
Flagler County School Board — the next regular meeting and workshop is 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at the Government Services Building.
