Sept. 10 – 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).

A pair of disgruntled customers ended up in the Flagler County jail Monday morning after they allegedly pulled guns at a McDonald’s drive-thru and said their food was cold. Workers at the fast food restaurant at Belle Terre and Palm Coast parkways said Jawan Davis and Jordon Dunn, both 20 and from St. Augustine, pulled pistols on the clerk who said he’d remake the burgers. He went to the back where he called 9-1-1. The two men were arrested in the drive-thru and were being held without bond. They told deputies they were just joking. A handgun, BB gun and small amount of marijuana were found in the car. The gun was reported stolen.

The City of Palatka is among organizations collecting items to send to the Bahamas to help residents dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. Disaster relief items can be dropped off through Sept. 16th at the Palatka Police Department between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For weekend drop-off, call Putnam County Sheriff’s central dispatch at 386-329-0801. Items needed include water, canned goods, manual can openers, mosquito spray, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, diapers, baby formula, wipes, first aid items, cleaning items, leather work gloves, flashlights, batteries,  and small generators. Also accepted toiletries/hygiene kits, box fans, tents and cots. No clothes, say officials.

St. Johns River Water Management District governing board meets at district headquarters in Palatka today. Their regular meeting is at 3 p.m. followed by a public hearing at 5:05 p.m. on the proposed 2019-2020 millage rate and budget.

Changes coming in downtown Palatka. The campaign to get the Hotel James on the National Register of Historic Places has been successful. State officials have told owner Hoyt Miller the 1916 building at Third Street and St. Johns Avenue has made the Register. He’s waiting for official word from federal authorities. And according to public records the Bingo Palace at Second and St. Johns has been sold to St. Johns Development Co. LLP. Partners in that include Charlie Douglas and Ben Bates. The building for many years housed the Penney’s store and was an anchor for downtown before moving to the Palatka Mall.

City of St. Augustine Beach commission Monday set their proposed millage cap at 2.5 mills up from 2.3992 mills. They’ll be revising the budget and will present it for a special meeting later this month. Because of additional business the commission will be meeting again tonight at 5:30 p.m. Additional business includes regulation of e-scooters and a review of an ordinance that banned plastic bags and straws and Styrofoam.

Election 2020 is drawing out candidates. In Putnam County Joshua James Mast has filed his intent to run for the District 3 seat on the Board of Putnam County Commissioners. That’s the seat currently held by Terry Turner. In St. Johns County, St. Augustine Beach Police Chief Robert Hardwick has filed papers announcing his intention to run for Sheriff. Current Sheriff David Shoar has announced he won’t seek re-election. Hardwick began working for the Beach in 2013.

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.