- December 15, 2025
+ Fire update: county monitoring four fires
According to Flagler County Fire Rescue Capt. Jamey Burnsed, emergency workers are monitoring four wildfires, which have been reported since May 15.
A list of all fire locations, sizes and containment level are listed below.
A .5-acre fire was reported May 15 off State Road A1A, near Washington Oaks Garden State Park. It is fully contained.
A .1-acre fire was reported May 16, in Jungle Hut. It is fully contained.
A one-acre fire was reported May 18 off Old Kings Road South. It is fully contained.
+ Unemployment falls to 11.6%
The April 2012 unemployment rate in Flagler County was 11.6%, the highest in the state, according to the Center for Business Excellence. The rate is down 1.1% since February.
Statewide, employment increased by 0.6% over the same time period.
Government (+200 jobs) was the only major local sector that gained jobs over the year. Six out of 10 major sectors remained unchanged.
Palm Coast had the highest growth rate in government jobs, compared to the state’s other metro areas.
+ Fogged windshield leads to car v. bus
A 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante crashed into a Flagler County school bus 7:10 a.m. Friday, May 18, on Whiteview and Belle Terre parkways. No one was injured.
The Diamante, driven by 29-year-old Joseph C. McKiernan, was traveling behind the bus. When the bus stopped in the left turn lane, awaiting Belle Terre traffic, McKiernan was blinded by the sun on his fogged windshield. He swerved right but was unable to stop in time. None of the 35 students, ages 13 to 19, were injured. McKiernan will be charged with careless driving.
+ Public Meetings
Palm Coast City Council — the next workshop is 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 29, at City Marketplace.
Flagler County Board of County Commissioners — the next budget workshop is 9 a.m. Thursday, May 24, at the Emergency Operations Center.
Email news tips to [email protected].
