Aug. 5 – Roving reporter

Posted on August 5, 2020 by PluggedInto in Flagler, MARCIA LANE, YOUR ROVING REPORTER, Putnam, St. Johns // 0 Comments

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).

Putnam, Flagler and St. Johns counties all reported coronavirus related deaths on Tuesday. The Florida Department of Health in Flagler County reported two new deaths, bringing their total to 13 since the counting began in March. On Tuesday 14 new cases were reported in Flagler, bringing the total to 961. St. Johns County reported one death and 59 new cases. Total number of cases is now 3,422. The Florida Department of Health in Putnam County reported one death – a 65-year-old woman. Also reported were 17 new coronavirus cases and one transfer to the county. Of those new cases 15 infections were community related and three were direct contact with a known case.

Interlachen High School’s Class of 2020 finally got to walk the field Tuesday night during graduation ceremonies. Theirs was the first of five graduations coming up. Next is Crescent High on Thursday at 8 p.m. Palatka is Friday, Q.I. Roberts Jr. Sr. High is Saturday and E.H. Miller is Aug. 13.

Putnam County commissioners will hold a public workshop Aug. 25 to let citizens air their views concerning the memorial remembering Confederate veterans who died in the Civil War. Two rallies are scheduled on Saturday at the courthouse in downtown Palatka. One is at 2:30, the other at 4 p.m.

The former mayor of Palm Coast is back on the Palm Coast Town Council. By a 4-0 vote Tuesday councilmembers chose Jon Netts to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Councilman Jack Howell, who retired last month citing health issues. Three candidates signed up, but Netts easily had the most experience with city events and the budget.

Homewood Suites, currently under construction, is seeking a different signage designation after discovering people won’t easily be able to see them. The motel is on Prawn Street and won’t be visible from U.S. 1 and King Street. Apparently they’re hoping for signs on top of the building, something the city hasn’t favored. A new sign ordinance is being discussed. Commissioners are supposed to take it up at Monday’s meeting.

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is warning of “swatting” or prank calls that tie up paramedics, deputies and fire rescue. The latest was in the C section of Palm Coast early Sunday morning when personnel was called to a scene after a man called saying he had shot his mother in the head with a shotgun. There turned out to be no truth in the call. Also false was a similar call made on July 10 in the F section of Palm Coast and one May 26 in B section regarding a reported suicidal person with several firearms. Earlier in the day pizzas had been delivered to that residence although residents hadn’t placed an order. The B section incident was apparently a case of retaliation while other targets have been completely random, according to Sheriff Rick Staley. If you have information, call the Sheriff’s Office at 386-313-4911 or Crimestoppers.

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.