- December 15, 2025
As the rain storm intensified at 7:10 p.m. Thursday, May 31, a Palm Coast man drove off Old Kings Road and struck the Fairfield Inn and Suites sign.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol's report, James J. Thomas, 32, of Palm Coast, was driving a 2002 Chevrolet S10. His tires were bald, and combined with the rain, he left the roadway.
After striking the Fairfield sign, he left the scene, the report states. He continued southbound and then struck a guardrail, and the vehicle came to a final rest.
Thomas was transported to Florida Hospital Flagler with serious injuries.
Damages include $5,000 to the S10 and $20,000 to the Fairfield sign. Thomas was not wearing his seatbelt.
