HISTORIC CITY NEWS March 2020

Shoar fires deputy caught beating an unarmed man on camera that he and Chief Hardwick say they won’t use

St Johns County deputy sheriff Anthony J Deleo, Jr hit Christopher Butler 19-times with his baton and kicked him in the head twice while Butler was unarmed; and Historic City News readers know this because it was captured on video taken by an alert citizen using his smartphone. The technology for police to create their own video using body cameras has been a possibility since the early-2000’s.

Business

An opportunity exists for the legislature to end subsidies to printed newspapers

The House passed legislation Wednesday (HB 7) that would allow public notices to go on city websites instead of printed local newspapers. For 20-years Historic City News has campaigned in support of such legislation which has served as nothing more than a taxpayer-funded subsidy to the slowly dying printed newspaper industry.

Community

Controversial US-1 resurfacing project begins

Today the Florida Department of Transportation reported to Historic City News that the resurfacing improvement project on US-1 from North Ponce de Leon Boulevard to Cross Ridge Drive is underway.

Government

What will the Senate do with campaign funding issue that passed the House 100-15?

The Florida House of Representatives approved a Constitutional amendment that seeks to end the public campaign matching funds for statewide political candidates by a margin of 100-15. The current system allows candidates for statewide office to receive public matching dollars for individual contributions of $250 or less.

Government

Search for a new city attorney at St Augustine Beach finally over

According to a report obtained from Melinda B. Conlon, Communications and Events Coordinator for the City of St Augustine Beach, Historic City News has learned that the long search and false-start in finding an attorney or firm to replace retiring city attorney James Wilson is finally over.

Public Safety

Joyner says the safety of the Flagler College campus community is his highest priority

As COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus continues to spread around the world, Flagler College president, Dr. Joseph G. Joyner says that the private local college remains vigilant regarding international travel, including distribution of a communication to the campus community today.

Community

Today marks the Sunshine State’s 175th anniversary.

A public education initiative is being launched to celebrate Florida’s founding; 175-years-ago today. The “Happy Birthday, Florida!” campaign will bring together public, private, and non-profit partners to conduct a year-long celebration beginning this Spring.

Government

A poll in St Johns County sheriff race had to be re-done due to error

On Monday morning, local radio broadcast partner Kevin Geddings notified Historic City News editor Michael Gold, that his station, WSOS 103.9 Radio, had the results of polling conducted and sponsored by the Public Opinion Research Lab at the University of North Florida.