Animal Control Officer Faces Felony Charges for Cruelty

Registration is now open for the Fall 2024 Citizens Academy in Flagler County, offering residents a chance to learn about county operations through 13 sessions starting October 8th. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM to noon at various county facilities, providing participants with firsthand experience of the resources available in the community. Interested individuals are encouraged to sign up promptly due to limited class sizes.

In addition, the county has launched transparency dashboards on its website, allowing residents to access information on various topics, including aircraft noise complaints and capital projects.

During the meeting, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed October 2024 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative, supported by AdventHealth Foundation Palm Coast, aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, which is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. The proclamation highlighted the importance of early detection and screening, noting that over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors currently live in the U.S. The community is encouraged to participate in awareness campaigns and screenings.

The meeting also recognized September 2024 as Suicide Awareness Month, emphasizing the need for mental health support and resources. The proclamation noted that suicide is a significant public health issue, being the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. The county encourages residents to familiarize themselves with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, reachable at 988, and to support local mental health initiatives.

In a separate discussion, the communications department presented an overview of its efforts to keep the community informed through various platforms, including social media, newsletters, and a podcast. The department aims to promote transparency and foster community engagement.

Lastly, public comments included a concerning report about animal control practices in the county, where a dog in need of urgent care was allegedly neglected. This incident has led to an investigation by the Flagler Sheriff's Department, which has found cause for felony animal cruelty charges against the involved officer. The case is currently pending with the state's attorney's office.