Flagler County schools earned a district-wide A rating for the first time in seven years as every single school within the district achieved an A or a B grade. Notable successes include Buddy Taylor Middle School and Flagler Palm Coast High School receiving A ratings for the first time in years. Superintendent LaShakia Moore, School Board Chair Christy Chong and principals credit the collective efforts of teachers, staff, students, parents, and the community.
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Daily Cartoon and Briefing
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local
Michael Struhar, Owner of Sunshine State Contractor Services, Accused of Defrauding Homeowners of $40,000
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested contractor Michael Struhar for grand theft after he allegedly took a $40,000 deposit from a local couple and performed no work. Investigation subpoenas revealed Struhar spent the funds on personal online auctions and Zelle payments. Authorities believe there are additional victims in the region and urge defrauded consumers to contact the sheriff’s non-emergency line.
‘Screw You, Vandals’: After ATV Theft, Swift Huge Gifts Put Turtle Patrol Back on Wheels in Marineland
The Volusia-Flagler Turtle Patrol secured a replacement ATV following a theft that forced volunteers to monitor Marineland beaches on foot. Former county attorney Al Hadeed and his wife Maureen donated $5,000 to cover the vehicle, as did a silent community pledge of $10,000 and almost $3,000 raised through a Gofundme page. The nonprofit moved the new equipment to a secure, undisclosed location.
Birthright Citizenship Survives, Trans Athletes and Campaign Finance Limits Lose in Trio of Landmark Decisions
The U.S. Supreme Court issued three landmark rulings today: A 6-3 decision protects birthright citizenship, striking down a Trump administration executive order. The court ruled 6-3 that schools may ban transgender athletes from female sports under Title IX. And the justices invalidated limits on coordinated political party expenditures, a move deregulating campaign finance and benefiting major donors over grassroots contributors.
More Flagler, Palm Coast & Other Local
Rising Costs And Looming Tax Reform Force Flagler Commission Again To Rethink Funding for Carver Gym
The Flagler County Commission, reviving a scenario similar to 2010, is again considering divesting from the Carver Center in Bunnell due to rising operating costs and projected revenue losses from a upcoming tax amendment. Local officials are looking to the School Board to take over. Community advocates and program leaders warn that cutting county support will devastate critical local programs, senior services, and youth athletic leagues that currently rely on the thriving facility.
Flagler Clerk of Court’s Office Wins Statewide Best Practices Excellence Award, Among Others
The Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office announced a series of honors received during the Florida Clerks of Court and Comptrollers (FCCC) Summer Conference, reflecting the work and statewide leadership of both Clerk Tom Bexley and members of the office’s Finance team.
1.5 Million Voter Advantage in 1-Party State and Still Scared: Florida GOP Ghost-Hunts Progressives at ‘Showdown’
Florida Republicans used the Sunshine State Showdown to energize their base by framing progressive Democratic victories in New York as a radical threat. Appointed statewide officials face their first major electoral tests this November. Concurrently, the gubernatorial primary features tension as leadership restricted debate access, positioning Byron Donalds as the frontrunner against Democrat David Jolly in a state where Republicans hold a highly significant voter registration advantage today.
Florida Property Tax Amendment Faces Growing Pushback From Local Government Advocacy Groups Campaign
A new political committee, Stop Unfair Tax Shifts PC, is raising funds to defeat Florida’s proposed Amendment 3 this November. The constitutional amendment would raise the primary homestead exemption to $250,000 by 2028, a change that would drain $11.86 billion annually from local municipal budgets, forcing huge cuts.
Bunnell Pride Returns for 3rd Year Running Sunday to 2K Ranch, Misinformation and ‘Proud Boys’ Aside
The third annual Bunnell Pride event takes place Sunday at the 2K Ranch as Flagler County’s sole LGBTQ+ festival this year. Organizers face safety concerns following online misinformation and a rumored protest by the Proud Boys over a canceled drag performance, and a radio news clip that amplified the misinformation. The sheriff’s office will provide increased patrols.
Flawed Format Aside, Flagler Tiger Bay Club Forum Exposes Experience Gap Between Newcomers And Incumbents
The Flagler Tiger Bay Club candidate forum Thursday evening for County Commission and Palm Coast City Council candidates exposed a distinct experience gap between seasoned incumbents and ten political newcomers. Candidates faced poorly structured questions regarding development, taxation, and infrastructure. The restrictive format prevented meaningful debate or follow-up questions, forcing most candidates to rely on broad platitudes instead of offering concrete ideas for impending revenue shortages.
Flagler and Florida Officials Praise Rising Assessment Scores that Contradict Much Lower National Exam Rankings
Flagler County Schools reported student achievement gains on state standardized tests, outperforming Florida averages in most categories. The state Department of Education praised the metrics, noting sixty percent of students performed at or above grade level. But state-specific assessments mask Florida’s low national standings on the SAT, ACT, and NAEP exams.
Chipotle Doubles Its Palm Coast Presence with Drive-Thru Location at Belle Terre and Palm Coast Parkway
Chipotle Mexican Grill opens its second Palm Coast restaurant on Belle Terre Parkway next Tuesday, with a drive-thru pickup lane. The restaurant would create about 30 jobs. The restaurant is expected to generate about three times as much property tax revenue as its predecessor, an often disused gas station and convenience store.
Flagler Tiger Bay Political Forum for Palm Coast Council and County Commission Candidates Live
The Flagler Tiger Bay Club is hosting a political forum this evening for the Palm Coast City Council and Flagler County Commission candidates in the August 18 primary. The two-hour forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center. It will be simulcast on WNZF and available live on YouTube here.
Army Recruit Faced Life in Prison for Raping Sibling. He Is Sentenced to Probation, No Adjudication, No Sex Offender Status.
A Palm Coast soldier indicted for raping his 10-year-old brother when he was himself 13 avoided prison after a negotiated plea deal that reduced the life-in-prison charge to child abuse, following requests from the family. Circuit Judge Howard Maltz sentenced the defendant to 10 years of sex-offender probation. Adjudication was withheld and Curtis was not designated a sex offender, allowing him to protect his military career.
Victim Testifies On Behalf Of His Attacker Facing Life In Prison To Help Secure Bond, Saying Charges Were Exaggerated
A Flagler County judge granted 29-year-old Shantana Grayson a $66,500 bond following surprise testimony from her boyfriend, the alleged victim. Grayson faced five felony charges, including a charge punishable by life in prison and three counts of child neglect causing harm. Her victim and boyfriend testified that the domestic incident was exaggerated in the arrest report. The prosecutor left the decision to judicial discretion.
The Live Calendar: Today in Flagler
July 2026
Jul 01 2026
Flagler Beach Library Book Club
315 South 7th Street, Flagler Beach
Jul 01 2026
Bingo Night at Palm Coast Elks Lodge 2709
Palm Coast Elks Lodge #2709
Jul 01 2026
Flagler County Republican Club Meeting
Jul 01 2026
Flagler Beach Parks Ad Hoc Committee
Flagler Beach City Hall
Jul 02 2026
Flagler Beach United Methodist Church Food Pantry
Flagler Beach United Methodist Church
Jul 02 2026
Flagler County Drug Court Convenes
Flagler County courthouse
Jul 02 2026
Story Time with Miss Kim at Flagler Beach Public Library
315 South 7th Street, Flagler Beach
Jul 02 2026
Model Yacht Club Races at the Pond in Palm Coast’s Town Center
Central Park in Town Center
Jul 02 2026
The Circle of Light A Course in Miracles Study Group
United Methodist Church
Jul 03 2026
Free For All Fridays With Host David Ayres on WNZF
WNZF
Jul 03 2026
First Friday Garden Walks at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Jul 03 2026
Friday Blue Forum
Flagler County Democratic Party HQ
No event found!
The Conversation
Your Cellphone Location Data Is Now Protected by the Fourth Amendment
The Supreme Court ruled that whenever police obtain an individual’s cell location data, even from a third-party tech company, it constitutes a search under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable government searches and seizures, and it does so in part by requiring search warrants based on probable cause that describe the particular person or thing to be searched.
Florida and Beyond
Florida Right-Wingers Blast Birthright Decision. The Rest Welcome It.
Although it wasn’t considered a surprise, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision striking down President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship provoked strong reactions from Florida lawmakers on Tuesday–negative ones from right-wing Republicans, welcoming ones from elsewhere.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
A Candidate forum for School Board, County Commission and Palm Coast City Council, 5:30 p.m. at FCAR Building in Bunnell, the mania for website redesigns that offer nothing new as the visual keeps winning over substance.
As Route 66 Turns 100, What Is It That We’re Actually Celebrating?
As Route 66 approaches its centennial, the history of the highway reveals a stark division between promotional myths and historical reality. Early civic marketing manufactured an idealized American image of freedom and romance. This legendary status excluded Black and Latino travelers who faced systemic discrimination on the road. The subsequent rise of midcentury interstate highways eventually caused the economic decline of the route.
More Florida and Beyond
DeSantis Vetoes More Than $800 Million from $114.5 Billion Budget, a 26% Increase Since 2020
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed his eighth and final budget (HB 5001E) of his tenure Monday, vetoing more than $800 million from a $114.5 billion spending plan. The move came two days before the fiscal year was set to begin, after lawmakers’ battle over the amount of spending led to a stalemate that required a special session in May to settle.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, June 29, 2026
Ingrid Rice on Trump’s latest grab for Canada, Martin Short talks about being Canadian in Il Duce’s America, Mark Rothko’s serenity, Francis Parkman on the St,. Johns River.
Republicans and Democrats Agree on What Makes a Good Teacher
Americans across the political spectrum share a unified vision of excellent teaching. Surveys from 2020 to 2025 demonstrate that Republicans and Democrats prioritize strong teacher-student relationships over strict discipline or high-stakes competition. Perceptions shift negatively only when partisan labels are attached to specific educational ideas. These findings suggest that common ground exists for school reform if debates focus on practice rather than ideology.
Modern Politicians Attempt To Sanitize The Complex And Morally Messy Realities Of Florida History
Florida celebrates America’s 250th anniversary by erecting statues of founders, yet the state was actually a loyal British colony in 1776. The territory resisted the American revolution, repelled continental forces, and later became a Spanish headache before its eventual transfer to the United States. Modern political myths obscure this complicated, messy history that citizens should contemplate during patriotic holidays.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, June 28, 2026
Pride in Bunnell at 2K Ranch, noon to 4 p.m., heat index values as high as 106 today, national anthems at the World Cup, Palm Coast Farmers’ Market at European Village, Robert Caro on Sam Rayburn.
The Supreme Court Favors Christians’ Liberties. Others, Not So Much.
The Supreme Court ruled in Landor v. Louisiana that federal law protecting prisoners’ religious rights does not permit lawsuits for money damages against individual prison officials. The six-to-three decision creates a barrier for inmates seeking accountability when their religious practices are violated. Justice Gorsuch argued the spending clause prevents private suits against officials. Dissenting, Justice Jackson warned this ruling leaves prisoners without necessary legal remedies.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Art Dycke’s Celebration of Life, Local Ham Radio Clubs Test Emergency Capabilities, Palm Coast Historical Society Executive Board Meeting, Gamble Jam, Albert Camus’s jottings on life and death.
Justices Rule You Can Hold a Pistol and a Gummy at the Same Time
The Supreme Court issued two landmark June 2026 decisions expanding Second Amendment protections, striking down a restrictive Hawaii concealed carry law and unanimously invalidating a federal law banning gun ownership for unlawful drug users. Historical traditions, the court ruled, relying on that newly favored standard, do not support disarming moderate pot consumers.
Florida Kills Dusty Ray Spencer, 74, For Wife’s Murder in 1992; He Is Oldest Inmate to Be Executed in Modern Era
Dusty Ray Spencer was put to death by lethal injection Thursday at Florida State Prison in Starke for his wife’s murder more than three decades ago in Orange County. Spencer, 74, became the oldest person put to death by the state in the modern era. Spencer had a violent history with his wife, Karen, before stabbing her to death in the backyard of their home on Jan. 18, 1992 in Orange County.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, June 26, 2026
The Scenic A1A Pride Committee meets at the Hammock Community Center, the Friday Blue Forum meets, Acoustic Jam Circle, a United Nations Human Rights commission concludes Israel is deliberately targeting Palestinian children in its genocide in Gaza.
Strength Training Matters at Any Age
You will lose muscle during periods of immobilization, whether from illness, surgery or injury. The loss is inevitable. What’s not inevitable is whether you can afford that loss. If you’re already low on muscle mass, losing even a small amount can push you over the edge from independence to dependence. The same loss that barely affects someone with a larger amount of muscle can leave someone with less muscle unable to function independently.
Trump Spikes Bipartisan Housing Bill Unless Congress Approves New Voting Restrictions
President Donald Trump derailed a housing overhaul which passed the Senate Monday and House Tuesday with wide margins. Trump was set to sign into law Wednesday. He cancelled a signing ceremony for the broadly popular bipartisan bill until Congress passes the controversial SAVE America Act, which addresses the extremely rare phenomenon of noncitizen voting. Republican senators have told Trump there are not enough votes in the chamber for it to pass.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, June 25, 2026
It’s between Beats and Eats in Town center and the Flagler County Tiger Bay candidate forum at the Community Center. Also, the Flagler Beach City Commission meets, and the World Cup can be lopsided fun.
Commentary
No Donald, You Do Not Own Congress
President Donald Trump remarked that he forgot to consider congressional input regarding the new Iran deal, rhetoric that mirrors a broad pattern of expanding executive overreach. The U.S. Constitution establishes a system of separated powers where the legislature serves as a coequal branch. Disregarding this framework sidelines elected representatives, isolates the public from self-government and reduces a resilient constitutional republic to a top-down hierarchy.
Violent Crime Is at Its Lowest in More than a Century. The Money that Helped Reduce It Is Disappearing
The United States is experiencing one of the steepest declines in violent crime in modern history, including a murder rate at its lowest point in more than a century. Yet the Trump administration has yanked hundreds of millions of dollars from the programs that helped make those numbers possible.
How Fear and Loathing Pushes Americans to Vote for Scandalous Candidates
Democrats and Republicans are far away from each other on policy preferences, issue positions and culture. They are also distant in terms of where they live, whom they support, how they feel and even whom they love. Political science tells us that this polarized distance has increased feelings of personal animus between members of the two parties. Political psychology says the more different Americans are from each other, the easier it is for them to not just disagree with the other side but to dislike the other side to the point of viewing them as a threat.
Sponsored Content
The Solana Agent Kit and the Rise of Programmable On-Chain AI
A quiet but significant development in the AI and crypto intersection over the past year has been the rise of programmable agent frameworks that run natively against blockchain infrastructure. The Solana Agent Kit, released by Send AI in late 2024 and significantly expanded through 2025 and early 2026, has become one of the most widely used toolkits for building AI agents that interact with on-chain state.
AI in Automation Testing: The Tech Skill Florida Job Seekers Should Know in 2026
AI in automation testing is opening doors for career changers and aspiring tech professionals in Florida. Learn how this in-demand skill helps job seekers enter tech without a programming background.