- December 14, 2025
+ Unemployment creeps up in May
The May 2012 unemployment rate was 11.7% in Flagler County, tied with Hendry County for the highest in the state. Statewide, employment increased 0.7% over the same time period.
Government (+300 jobs) was the only major local sector that gained jobs over the year, and Palm Coast had the highest growth rate in government jobs, compared to the state’s other metro areas.
Six out of 10 major sectors remained unchanged over the year.
Out of a labor force of 284,348, there were 25,770 unemployed residents in the Volusia-Flagler region.
The labor force grew 1.5% since April. The labor force is now at the highest level of the year so far.
+ NAACP receives Sheriff’s Office donation
Flagler County Sheriff Donald Fleming donated $1,000 to the Summer Internship Program sponsored through a partnership of the Flagler County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Flagler County School District.
The program, which teaches performing arts and humanities, is offered free of charge to students 13 to 18 years old.
Capt. Lynne Catoggio, of the Sheriff’s Office, worked closely with the school district to obtain the donation funding, which came from the “fines and forfeiture” funds of the Sheriff’s Office. These funds are generated through cash and vehicles seized in connection with illegal drug trafficking.
Area youngsters can explore a variety of interests through the Summer Internship Program, such as drama, poetry, photography and film.
To volunteer or enroll, call 675-3774.
+ Drunk driver backs into patrol car
For the second time in as many days, the vehicle of a drunk driver collided with a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy’s patrol car.
In the June 15 incident, a 22-year-old Palm Coast woman backed her car into Deputy Fred Gimbel’s patrol car on State Road 100. Gimbel had stopped Karolyn Harris, of the U-section, after observing her driving erratically.
Neither vehicle sustained damage. Harris was arrested for driving under the influence.
Just 24 hours prior, a 45-year-old Palm Coast woman clipped the open door of a Sheriff’s Office patrol car on Palm Harbor Parkway.
+ Public Meetings
Palm Coast City Council — the next regular workshop is 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 26, at city offices.
