This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is investigating discovery of a body in an area of Graham Swamp on Old Kings Road Monday morning. Fishermen found the body that appeared to be that of a black male. The Sheriff’s Office is waiting confirmation from an autopsy for possible identification of the body as that of Giovanne Sylvain, 18. Detectives say Sylvain was reported missing by family in Palm Coast Sunday. He reportedly rode off on his bicycle. Foul play isn’t suspected, but the investigation is ongoing say officials. If you have information, go to the Sheriff’s tips email or call the office at 386-313-4911.
Putnam County Commission holds a special meeting this morning. On the agenda a contract with the carpenters’ union and the federal CARES Act fund disbursement. Commissioners will be looking at whether to increase the standard CARES award for businesses and non-profits. Currently 346 business applicants and 34 non-profits have applied. They can receive up to $5,000. Also up for consideration requests for approval for CARES monies for eligible requests from constitutional officers.
Masks and reopening of meetings to the public occupied the St. Augustine City Commission at Monday’s meeting. Commissioners agreed covering are now just required for all in-person public meetings and hearings. On Friday Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Phase 3 of reopening Florida and that included no more penalties or fines for not wearing masks. St. Augustine officials say businesses can continue to require masks.
Cambridge test results have Putnam County school officials exchanging high fives. Almost 200 students taking Cambridge courses at Q.I. Roberts Jr.-Sr. High School have qualified for full Florida Academic Bright Futures Scholarships via Advanced International Cambridge Examinations diplomas. In Crescent City the Class of 2021 students who receive AICE diplomas also are expected to qualify. This will be the first group of Cambridge Diploma recipients for Crescent City High School. Cambridge is a college preparatory program.
St. Augustine city officials say they are addressing flooding problems. Design and construction projects aimed at flood and mitigation issues are included in about $22 million in public works projects, Public Works Director Reuben Franklin told commissioners Monday. Latest project is a 7-foot bulkhead with a pumping station on the south end of Lake Maria Sanchez. St. Augustine is built at or near sea level. Ongoing rain and storms plus higher-than-usual tides have caused continuing flooding issues over the past couple of weeks.
Cooperation between Flagler County and Volusia County sheriff’s offices led to the arrest Friday of a pair of people described as well-known repeat offenders in Flagler County. Margaret Tillman, 39, and Matthew Tagliaboski, 38, were taken into custody at a motel in Ormond Beach after surveillance by the two departments. A search of their hotel room found 13.8 grams of Methamphetamine, authorities said. Sheriff’s officials said that made six fugitives taken into custody in September alone because of cooperation between the two departments.
St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Johns County will hold its 11th season of concerts beginning in October, but some changes will be apparent. Seating will be limited due to coronavirus regulations, but since the church seats more than 1,600 that shouldn’t be a problem. Guest performers will feature sacred vocal works. First concert is Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. with admission free.
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