- December 14, 2025
+ Texting distraction leads to $40,000 crash on I-95
Traffic on Interstate 95 northbound was reduced to one lane for about 90 minutes the morning of Feb. 22, due to a texting-related car accident resulting in $40,000 worth of vehicular damage.
The front end of a 2012 Nissan Altima, driven by Robert Vespi, 43, of St. Augustine, ran into the rear of a 2001 GMC Yukon, driven by Thomas Berry, 39, of St. Augustine, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.
According to the report, the driver of (the Nissan) told an independent witness that he was temporarily distracted as he was texting on his cell phone. Traveling at a higher speed than Berry, Vespi’s car collided into the back end of Berry’s Yukon in the outside lane.
With serious injuries, Vespi was transported to the Halifax Medical Center. There was $35,000 of damage to his car.
With minor injuries, Berry was transported to Florida Hospital Flagler. There was $5,000 of vehicular damage. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts.
+ Sheriff: report fraud directly to the IRS
If you suspect you are a victim of tax fraud, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said recently, but you don’t know who may have obtained your personal information, contact the Internal Revenue Service directly.
If you feel you know who may have perpetrated the fraud, the sheriff will investigate the incident only if perpetrators can be identified.
To report fraud, visit the IRS website (www.irs.gov) and download IRS Form 14039. The form should be sent to the IRS. Fraud victims may also call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490.
+ Corrections
• Catherine Vyvyan will be vigorously pursuing criminal charges to find justice for her mother, Francoise Pecqueur. Attorney Allan Ziffra said the settlement of the civil matter in no way resolves the criminal case against Jamesine Fischer.
• Flagler County has 93.5 licensed physicians per 100,000 residents.
• Barry Kite, Anji Brazell and Jim Bowe star in the play, “Moving Mountains.”
• Wadsworth Elementary School was named after Lewis Wadsworth. He was the father of Lew Wadsworth, who died this month, at 72.
+ Public meetings
Palm Coast City Council — the next regular meeting is 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28 at city offices.
Prescription Drug Forum — a community forum on prescription drug abuse will be 6 p.m. Thursday, March 8, at 1769 State Road 100.
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