- April 26, 2024
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+ Two traffic fatalities within 22 hours in Flagler
A bicyclist from Bunnell and a motorcyclist from Palm Coast were killed in unrelated traffic accidents within 22 hours this week.
Motorcyclist David Lloyd Rocky, 67, of Palm Coast, was killed when a 2011 Nissa Xterra failed to yield to him at 8:16 a.m. Sept. 26, as he was traveling north on U.S. 1 near Plantation Bay Road. He was wearing a helmet, according to the report from the Florida Highway Patrol. He was pronounced dead on the scene. Charges are pending.
Then, at 6:15 a.m. Sept. 27, Alex R. Taylor, 54, was riding a mountain bike near Utility Street, in Bunnell, when he was struck from behind and killed by an unknown vehicle, which continued on without stopping.
+ City establishes fire hydrant fees for residents
Residents outside of Palm Coast city limits should see an additional $2.33 on their utility bills for fire hydrant availability, based on an apparent consensus of the City Council at its Sept. 27 workshop. Hydrant availability is paid for by the general fund for Palm Coast residents, whose bills will not be affected.
Before Palm Coast was incorporated, the Flagler County paid the water utility company for hydrant availability and upgrades. The city was incorporated in 1999, and then the city bought the water utility in 2003.
According to city documents, the city has paid its own utility fund approximately $2.84 million in hydrant fees, including $496,045 for 2011 fiscal year. But water customers outside of Palm Coast’s city limits have not been contributing to the cost of hydrants because they don’t pay city taxes. Therefore, the city claims the county has an outstanding balance of $175,595.
However, County Administrator Craig Coffey pointed out that if the county general fund is charged, Palm Coast residents would be double-taxed and other residents who are out of the service area would be charged unfairly.
Coffey said the approach Palm Coast took Tuesday — adding $2.33 to the monthy bills of water customers who do not live in Palm Coast — is the most logical solution, adding: “We’re going to let the sleeping dogs lie.”
+ Flagler extends bus service to Saturdays
Flagler County Public Transportation will expand its available service through Saturdays for qualified residents, as of Oct. 1.
Public transportation is available to local elderly or disabled residents with low income and no other means of transportation. Eligible passengers can request service one to seven days in advance. Reservations can be made by phone weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by fax 24 hours a day.
As of Oct. 1, service will be available 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. For more, call 313-4100.
+ Hope Network of Flagler closes doors Sept. 22
Hope Network of Flagler County, a nonprofit that helps Flagler residents with one-time rent and utility payments, closed Sept. 22, due to lack of funding.
The organization assisted 335 clients from January to September and also referred clients to additional county resources.
Secretary Barbara Yearwood said the funding for the assistance has dried up.
“Many of our contributors are struggling to meet their own needs,” she wrote via email. “Government funding has been held up, and we are unable to continue to pay for rent, insurance, etc.”
Hope Network was located at 1500 Daytona Ave. S., Flagler Beach. It was incorporated as a 501c3 July 17, 2008.
+ County names economic development arm the DEO
County Administrator Craig Coffey announced at a Sept. 23 meeting that Flagler’s new economic development arm will be called the Department of Economic Opportunity. Its board will be the Economic Opportunity Council. For more, see www.PalmCoastObserver.com.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Palm Coast City Council — the next workshop is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, at City Hall.
Flagler County Board of County Commissioners — the next regular meeting is 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 3, at the Government Services Building.
• A special meeting to elect a chair and vice chair of the Flagler County Delegation will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Government Services Building.
Flagler County School Board — the next special/regular meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Government Services Building.
