May 29 – 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).

The school year is coming to an end. 

In Putnam County Interlachen High School held graduation exercises Tuesday night for more than 150 students. Middleton-Burney Elementary School in Crescent City had a scare Tuesday after what sounded like gunfire. The school went on lockdown at 1:08 and law enforcement was notified. It turned out the gunfire was caused by someone setting off fireworks.

In Flagler County it’s early release today and Thursday, which is also the last day of school. Tonight is the annual Flagler Youth Center’s talent show. The Focus on Youth Spotlight show is at 7 p.m. at Flagler Auditorium.

In St. Johns County three new principals have been chosen by Superintendent Tim Forson. Travis Brown, assistant principal at St. Augustine High School, will be at R.J. Murray Middle School. He replaces Paula Steele, who’s been serving as interim principal. She’ll be returning to county office and her regular duties as director of Leadership Development for the district. Kirstie Gabaldon, current principal at Switzerland Point Middle School, will become principal at Sebastian Middle School. She’s replacing Wayne King who has been selected to be associate superintendent of Accountability and Intervention Services at the district. Sandra Brunet, will be the new principal at Switzerland Pointe Middle She’s moving to Florida from Hawaii where she is director of the Hawaii Island-Hawaii Technology Academy. All appointments must be approved by the school board in June.

In Putnam County Paul Adamczyk has filed his intent to run in 2020 for the District 5 seat on the Board of County Commission, according to Charles Overturf III, Putnam Supervisor of Elections. That’s the seat currently held by Buddy Goddard.

The death Friday of a 21-year-old Interlachen man Friday is officially a homicide. The ruling came after an autopsy by the District 23 Medical Examiner’s Office. Exact cause of death is not being released by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office since Kody O’Hara’s death is an active investigation. O’Hara was holding onto the door of a dark colored, four-door sedan when the vehicle pulled out of Matchett LP Gas in Interlachen. O’Hara fell onto State Road 20. Detectives are seeking information on the sedan and its occupants.