Aug. 8 – 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).

City commissions in Palatka and Crescent City meet tonight. On Crescent City’s agenda is extending the contract with city manager Patrick Kennedy, who is leaving. Palatka commissioners hold a public hearing tonight on the annual fire assessment fee. Many government entities are using fees as a way to raise money and thus not raise property taxes. Also scheduled a proposal to discuss leasing the old terminal building at Palatka Municipal Airport/Kay Larkin field for a flight school named Florida Aviation Professions LLC.

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office holds an active assailant scenario training from 3:30-5 p.m. in Bunnell today. Deputies will be conducting building clearing and doing role playing during the training exercise that simulates an active killer situation. 

A St. Johns County mother was jailed Wednesday on a charge of cruelty toward a child after reportedly burning her 6-year-old daughter with a cigarette lighter. The arrest reports said the woman might have been experiencing mental episodes. Emina Dizdarevic, 36, was arrested after one of her four daughters ran to a neighbor’s house to report the incident. Dizdarevic denied burning the child although a blistered mark was found on the child’s arm. A mental evaluation has been ordered by the court, Bond was set at $2,500 and Dizdarevic was still in jail as of Wednesday evening.

Eight lawyers have applied so far for an appointment for a newly created county judge seat in Flagler County. A nominating committee with the Seventh Judicial Circuit will conduct interviews and their recommendation will then go to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The post was funded by the Florida Legislature this year and gives the court system a second county judge in Flagler. Two days remain before the deadline to apply. Applying so far: Steven DeLaroche, Alan Holt, William Hyland Jr., Jim Manfre, Mitchel Novas, Andrea Totten, Alicia Washington and Joseph Ryan Will. All are attorneys with Manfre the former sheriff of Flagler County.

Shrimpers at Palatka’s riverfront are still casting their nets even as notices are posted of a health alert about possible toxic algae in the St. Johns River. The Department of Environmental Protection asked the signs be put up as a cautionary measure. The blue-green algae is a bacteria and toxins detected in it can cause health issues. Most shrimpers know to clean out the intestinal track and boil the crustaceans before eating.

As summer winds down, entertainment continues. In Palatka the River City Players tonight begin their second round of the comedy Election Day. Performances continue through Sunday at the Larimer Arts Center with Sunday’s performances already sold out. Tonight in St. Augustine enjoy Concerts in the Plaza with the Big Pineapple performing. The concert in the Plaza de la Constitucion is free.

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.