April 3 – Marcia Lane, roving reporter

This news bulletin is brought to you in conjunction with NATKIM Radio. Listen to WPLK (800 AM), WIYD (1260 AM) and WPLK FM (98.3 FM).

Two 15-year-olds face attempted murder charges in the shooting of two people in what’s been described by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office as a drug deal gone bad last week in Palatka. Putnam deputies arrested Jamorie Clark and Timothy Alphonso Scott in the double shooting of two other teens on March 28 on Skeet Club Road. The alleged shooters were turned over to the state Department of Juvenile Justice. The two shot — Ivey Hawkins, 18, and Zakary King, 17 – were taken to area hospitals and underwent surgery. They remain in serious condition. A firearm recovered at the scene was reported stolen in November from an unlocked vehicle in the Palatka area, say Sheriff’s officials. The two victims were stopped earlier in the evening by the Palatka Police Department and Hawkins was issued a notice to appear for possession of marijuana less than 20 grams, a misdemeanor. Putnam Sheriff’s Office is continuing the shooting investigation.

Land use changes sought by the St. Augustine Catholic Diocese in order to build an amphitheater and possible parking garage at Mission Nombre de Dios will affect more than 20 other properties in the San Marco area. Impact of the change is unclear and the St. Augustine Planning and Zoning Board after an hour-and-a-half discussion and input from citizens Tuesday decided more research is needed. An April 25 workshop is now planned.

By a 3-2 vote St. Johns County commissioners Tuesday gave the okay for county administration to go forward with negotiations for off-beach parking fees. Some 25 locations have been identified by Republic Parking System LLC to become paid locations. About $2.4 million would be generated says Republic, an independent contractor that would manage payment and enforcement if the project goes forward. Republic would get about a fourth of that or $627,000 as their share. Plans call for charging a $5 daily rate or $50 for an annual pass. Off-beach parking is currently free. Proponents say charging means the county won’t have to use General Fund money for beach services and can spend it on something else.

Be nice to kids this week. School testing is on. Q.I. Roberts Jr./Sr. High School students added a little fun to the proceedings filming themselves lip synching to popular songs. QIR Lip Dub is posted on their website.

Captain’s BBQ restaurant and Bing’s Landing are back before Flagler County commissioners. A workshop this morning relating to issues concerning the county’s lease with the restaurant is being followed by a special meeting. Earlier, commissioners gave the go-ahead to an expansion of the restaurant that also wanted to move to the center of the county-owned park. That action was rescinded after heavy protests from residents. A compromise has been sought.

At St. Johns River State College’s Palatka campus today students and teachers found themselves taking part in a simulated lock down drill. It’s a yearly practice meant to prepare students in case of an emergency.

Today the Flagler County Fair and Youth Show opens at the fairgrounds in Bunnell. The annual fair opens at 5 p.m. and includes rides, games, entertainment, exhibits and 4H and FFA youth shows. The fair runs through Sunday. On Friday the Rockin Rib Fest joins the fair. Southern Cross is the opening act.

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.