Mass incarceration has created a massive “shadow electorate” of 20 million Americans with felony records. Due to legal barriers and decreased political trust, millions are unable or unwilling to vote….
Restoring Voting Rights To Released Felons Could Provide A Decisive Two Percent Swing In Elections
Mass incarceration has created a massive “shadow electorate” of 20 million Americans with felony records. Due to legal barriers and decreased political trust, millions are unable or unwilling to vote….
Palm Coast Council Considers Deep Cuts Affecting Cops, Code Enforcement and Humane Society
Anticipating revenue losses from a proposed homestead amendment, the Palm Coast City Council capped its maximum property tax rate while weighing severe service cuts. Council members proposed reducing a request…
Darlene Shelley, Palm Coast City Council Candidate: The Live Interview
Darlene Shelley is one of four candidates for the Palm Coast City Council, District 4, an open seat. She faces Dylana Galery, John Kvederis and Ramon Marrero. This is a…
Seven Palm Coast Employees Escorted Out of City Hall in Broad Cost-Cutting Layoffs and Resignation
In a grim day at Palm Coast City Hall Friday, six employees were laid off and a seventh resigned, five of them in code enforcement and animal control, including long-time…
Sheriff Staly arrests 125 mph super speeder while off duty
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said the off-duty traffic stop ended with a Palm Coast man facing reckless driving and super speeder charges.
Palm Coast’s $696 Million Budget, Explained: Where the Money Comes From, Where It Goes
Part 1 in a series on Palm Coast’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget Palm Coast is operating under a $696,444,327 budget for Fiscal Year 2026, the spending plan the City Council…
Palm Coast Council Struggling to Match Budget Needs, Including Cops, With Deepening Revenue Crunch
The Palm Coast City Council set a higher tentative maximum tax rate for next year that nevertheless does not close a $3.3 million gap between needs and projected revenue, including…
Rob Wood, Flagler County School Board Candidate: The Live Interview
Rob Wood is one of two candidates for Flagler County School Board, District 2, running against first-term incumbent Will Furry, who is not participating in the Live Interview. It is…
Facing property tax uncertainty, Ormond Beach eyes budget cuts instead of tax hike
City leaders back a flat millage rate while weighing targeted spending cuts before November’s property tax vote.
Holland Financial donates $7,250 to help kick off ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’
The American Cancer Society event is scheduled for Oct. 31 at The Riverfront Esplanade in Daytona Beach.
Letter: Here’s why the City Council should vote no on Palm Coast’s westward expansion
A ‘no’ vote from the council Aug. 4 could change the narrative in Flagler County, Casey Cheap says.
Town of Marineland Commission Meeting
Town of Marineland Commission Meeting, 6 p.m. in the main conference room at the GTMNERR Marineland, 9741 N Oceanshore Boulevard, St. Augustine. See the town’s website here.
Will Furry Abruptly Silences School Board Members Ruddy and Ramirez, Declaring Policy Discussion Over
Flagler County School Board Vice Chair Will Furry ended a policy workshop discussion abruptly, overruling requests from board members Janie Ruddy and Lauren Ramirez to continue deliberating proposed insurance requirements…
Flagler Sheriff’s Office Earns Statewide Traffic Safety Award
FCSO places third in the 2026 Florida Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Challenge, recognizing its enforcement and education efforts to reduce crashes and improve road safety in one of Florida’s fastest-growing…
Letter: Observer should start endorsing candidates again
‘Vetting followed by endorsements by a local newspaper can fill the low information gap particularly in local elections.’
Halifax Repertory Theatre presents ‘Hadestown: Teen Edition’ at Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
The production features an all-teen cast and an orchestra with mostly teen musicians.
Security First Insurance interns organize company-wide project to benefit Florida Giving Gardens
The company donated seeds, potting soil and two raised garden beds to the Daytona State College student-led nonprofit.
Fishing for fellowship: Mainland football players bond over bait and tackle
The Buccaneers had a day of fellowship with a fishing outing before the grind of preseason practice.
The Big Five … with Judge D. Melissa Distler, Harvey Ford Award Recipient
Flagler County Court Judge Melissa Distler was recently recognized with the Harvey Ford Award by the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida. She shares what it means to be…
3 Groups Formed to Oppose Homestead Amendment So Far. None Formed to Support It.
Less than four months before Floridians vote on a proposal to phase out property taxes for homeowners, there’s no organized campaign seeking to move the measure past the 60% vote…