- December 15, 2025
+ Donald O’Brien to run for District 24 seat
Donald O’Brien, co-owner and chief financial officer of Hayward Brown-Flagler Insurance Agency, has announced his candidacy for the newly drawn Florida House of Representatives District 24 seat, which includes all of Flagler County, as well as parts of St. Johns and Volusia counties.
O’Brien, who has lived in Flagler County since 1990, is a member of the Florida Hospital Flagler Foundation board of directors as well as the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates board of directors.
Last year, he was selected by the Florida Chamber Foundation to serve on the Six Pillars Caucus System — a qualitative research program aimed to develop the first statewide strategic plan.
Doug Courtney, also of Palm Coast, has filed to run in the District 24 seat, as well as Travis Hutson, of Elkton, and Dennis K. Baxley, of Ocala. The filing deadline is June 8.
+ Cab driver arrested for sexual battery
A cab driver for AAA Taxi, a Palm Coast company, was arrested this month after groping a 31-year-old female passenger and telling her that he wanted to have sexual relations with her, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim was picked up March 3 at her B-section home. She told the driver, Mikhail Belyayev, 65, that she wanted to be taken to Target, in Town Center. On the way, Belyayev started making aggressive sexual comments, according to the report.
Without his knowledge, the victim turned on her phone to record the conversation.
When the car reached Target, Belyayev turned around and put his right hand on the victim’s left thigh. As they pulled into the parking lot, he continued to drive. She told him to stop, but he kept going, the report states. Then he moved his hand up her leg and touched her genital area.
Eventually, Belyayev reached the end of the plaza, and the victim got out of the car. She called law enforcement around 1:47 p.m.
Belyayev, who lives in Palm Coast’s F-section, was arrested for battery and transported to the Flagler County Inmate Facility. He posted $500 bond and was released.
+ Panera Bread delays Flagler opening to April 11
Panera Bread has now targeted April 11 as the opening date for its new Palm Coast restaurant, according to Eryn Catter, director of public relations and sales for the restaurant.
Panera held a job fair March 10, which went “amazing,” Catter said. Thirty employees were hired, and an additional 20 will be hired before the opening.
+ Nominate employees for Flagler’s H.E.R.O.E.S. Program
The Flagler County Tourist Development Council wants to recognize individuals who go above and beyond their daily duties to ensure visitors have an outstanding experience in Flagler County. Call 437-5700, or email [email protected], to nominate. Entries are due April 5.
+ Traffic rerouted at Princess Place for bridge construction
Beginning March 19, visitors to the Princess Place Preserve will have to use a different route into the park. Cline Construction will begin replacing the bridge over Styles Creek, the main entrance to the park, with a covered bridge for vehicle traffic and a walkway for pedestrians and fishermen.
The park will remain open during construction.
+ Free Ultimate Frisbee tourney for teens begins sign-ups
Teams of seventh- through 12th-graders will compete 5-10 p.m. March 30, at Ralph Carter Park, in a free Ultimate Frisbee tournament. To register a team, call 986-2323.
+ Storm-spotter class to be offered March 27
Flagler County and the National Weather Service will host a combined basic and advanced weather class 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, at the Emergency Operations Center. Call 313-4250.
+ Festivals, tourism seminar to take place March 29
The Southeast Festivals & Events Association will hold a seminar 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 29, at Palm Coast’s Hilton Garden Inn. Topics will include motivating boards and committees, recruiting sports teams and a case study of the Isle of Eight Flagler Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach. Call 437-0106.
+ Correction
Billie Memory’s friends raised money for surgeries. The funds were sent to New Hannover Regional Medical Center but were returned after doctors said there was no hope and Memory returned to Florida.
+ Public meetings
Palm Coast City Council — the next regular meeting is 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 20 at the Palm Coast Community Center.
Flagler County Board of County Commissioners — the next regular meeting is 5 p.m. Monday, March 19, at the Government Services Building.
Flagler County School Board — the next regular workshop/meeting is 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, at the Government Services Building.
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