Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the news and newsmakers of the day who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life or detracted from it in some significant way…

“A thing that cannot grieve

has no right to poetry

a thing that cannot die has

no claim to the mouth of life—”

–Samuel Hurley, “AI vs. the Poet” An Anthem for the Dreaming Lost

Last week I received a note from a Barker’s View reader asking if these weekly screeds are “written” using Generative AI – “Artificial Intelligence.” 

Say what?

I took a long draught on my omnipresent dry Martini, pounded the desk, and screamed, “WTF?  You think any machine could conjure this lunacy I bloviate about week-after-week-after-week?

Incensed by the very suggestion, I thought, “Are my readers under the impression I push a button, sit on my idle ass, and wait while some dispassionate algorithm dispenses this righteous bile like a soft-serve ice cream machine from hell?” 

Then I thought “It’s not their fault.”  Sign of the times…

Let’s face it, no lucid machine that plumbs the depths of human knowledge – or an infinite number of monkeys on an infinite number of typewriters – could possibly create the improbable schemes and farcical scenarios that play out in various gilded council/commission chambers and the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Building each week. 

A bizarre “Théâtre de l’absurde” whose slapstick provides the fodder for these hyper-opinionated harrumphs – a surrealistic fever dream with so many marionettes, puppeteers, and supporting cast you need a program to keep up. 

Honestly, even in my most gin-addled state, I couldn’t make this shit up if I wanted to. 

Continuing storylines like Volusia County Councilman David “No Show” Santiago – who routinely misses meetings (or literally phones it in) – continuing to accept public funds while his “colleagues” on the dais of power refuse to address it.  Rather than say, “Hey, show up or step down you goldbricking schlub” they expect those who pay the bills to simply ignore the fact a potted plant would have more of a presence in the district 5 seat than David Santiago…

Or the hapless management of Tomoka State Park, who are now trotting out a fantastic story that the oaks and palm trees that were sawed into splinters to make way for an asinine paving project last week were “hurricane damaged” – hoping us rubes will believe the “damaged” trees just happen to line the roads being paved, and their removal was coincidental to the project? 

So, I just shake my head and calls ‘em like I sees ‘em…

The fact is, I write every long-winded paragraph – a cathartic exercise – served straight-up without those pithy “AI generated” summations you see in every article and essay today – a watery condensate for those pinheads who have lost the capacity to read critically – or think for themselves…  

Admittedly, I am at best a dilettante editorialist – at worst, a blowhard with internet access – a Quixotic irritator who still believes the authentic written word can provide, as Conrad assured, “…encouragement, consolation, fear, charm – all you demand; and, perhaps, also that glimpse of truth for which you have forgotten to ask.”

So, I will keep trying to explain it all.  Jotting down my jaded observations, sounding the klaxon, and tilting at windmills, both real and imagined…  

Whether or not we agree on the myriad social, civic, and economic issues of the day, I hope we remain friends, grounded in the common purpose of seeking a better tomorrow for our children and grandchildren through the vigorous competition of ideas and a universal desire for honorable, accessible, and principled governance.

Leaving things better for those who come after is a purely human trait no machine could understand…

Here’s a special thanks to the loyal members of the Barker’s View tribe.  Your civic awareness and activism continue to make a difference in our community.

The Lost City of Deltona and the Curious Case of Mayor Santiago Avila Jr.

Just when you think things couldn’t get worse in The Lost City of Deltona, another sordid exposé unfolds in the news.  More of the drama and intrigue longsuffering residents (and rapt spectators up here in the cheap seats) have come to expect.  Another glaring blackeye for the community – and a regional embarrassment for Volusia County.

And that’s just what the media reports…

I could fill this page for months with the rumors, innuendo, and speculation I receive from increasingly angry Deltona residents – taxpayers who feel alienated by their elected representatives – and taken advantage of by a feckless mayor who seems to set his own rules, then dips into public funds to defend it all.

According to a report by Mark Harper writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, in December 2024, Mayor Santiago-Avila Jr. was under investigation by the State Attorney’s Office following allegations of a Sunshine Law violation.   

Apparently, without any formal approval or public notification, Mayor Avila simply hired what the News-Journal described as his “political ally,” attorney Anthony Sabatini, an influential former state lawmaker, paying Sabatini’s Mount Dora law firm a $5,000 retainer from public coffers…

According to the report, “Sabatini described the state attorney complaint as “completely unfounded” and thus dismissed. “I talked to the state attorney and it went away.”

Poof… “It went away.”   

Impressive skills, eh? 

In January, for reasons many believe were purely political, Mayor Avila and his wife travelled to Washington D.C. on the city’s dime without prior authorization as required by the city’s travel policy.

Using a city owned vehicle and public funds for fuel, lodging, and whatnots, Avila and his wife apparently attended the U. S. Conference of Mayors as the “guest” of a mysterious benefactor (Avila admitted he wasn’t a registered participant), along with several black-tie soirees surrounding the Presidential inauguration.    

At the time, Mayor Avila explained he was in meetings with senators and congressmen strategizing (no doubt) on matters important to the future of Deltona.  Unfortunately, a proper summation of those high-level confabs was never provided to the remainder of the City Commission or interested residents who felt taken advantage of…   

Given the “trust issue” that continues to cast a pall over the beleaguered community, many – including several of Avila’s fellow commissioners – believe the mayor’s junket violated the city’s established travel policy for elected officials which requires advanced approval by majority vote of the City Commission. 

Because it did.

To their credit, several Deltona elected officials sought to hold Mayor Avila accountable, and last month a ‘quasi-judicial’ hearing was held to allow a vetting of the facts and the opportunity for Avila to explain himself. 

Again, Anthony Sabatini represented Avila…

During the hearing, the mayor’s counterargument was, “Who knew the city had a travel policy?” 

Only in Deltona is ignorance of the law an affirmative defense – and while Mayor Avila was found to have violated the travel policy by a 4-3 vote of the City Commission – it failed the supermajority requirement that would have allowed the commission to levy sanctions.

In the end, Mayor Santiago-Avila Jr. and his patented “What travel policy?” defense won the day by one vote – his own…    

For his efforts, Mr. Sabatini was paid an additional $5,781.25 in Deltona taxpayer dollars…

According to the News-Journal, Catherine Barker (no relation), the Deltona city communications director, said “Sabatini’s $5,000 retainer went toward the quasi-judicial hearing costs, $10,781.25, with the balance reflected in the February payment.”

That came as a shock to many on both sides of the dais – flummoxed residents and commissioners who were blindsided to learn that the community was on the hook for Mayor Avila’s legal representation – especially after a simple majority vote found him guilty of violating city policy.  

In an interview with the News-Journal, Commissioner Dori Howington explained, “I have heard that our city attorneys justified providing the mayor with legal counsel by suggesting he could potentially lose something in the hearing,” Howington wrote. “However, it is my recollection they disregarded both an attorney general opinion and ethics statutes that supersede local ordinances and the city charter – clearly stating that the mayor could not vote if he had something to lose.”

“Yet at the hearing, their rationale shifted, claiming he could vote because he would not lose anything,” Howington wrote. “If that were the case, how then was he entitled to both legal representation at city expense and allowed to vote in the quasi-judicial hearing?

“Either he stood to lose something or he didn’t,” she said. “It can’t be both ways.”

I’m certainly not an attorney, but a long-held tenet of Florida law requires that public funds be spent for a public purpose.  In this case, the Commission found Mayor Avila violated city policy but was unable to issue sanctions due to the mayor’s vote to block a supermajority.

In my view, that’s hardly an undisputed exoneration…   

By that metric, Mayor Avila – or his facilitator, City Manager Dale “Doc” Dougherty – had an ethical and fiduciary obligation to seek authorization from the City Commission before spending nearly $11,000 in public funds to cover Avila’s legal bill.     

Sadly, in The Lost City of Deltona, influential elected officials with unfettered access to the public purse can have it both ways – while increasingly outraged residents are left holding the bag…  

Mike Poniatowski – Encouraging News in the Volusia County Council At-Large Race

I don’t endorse political candidates in this space.  Not my style. 

Besides, it would be presumptuous of me (or anyone else) to tell you who to vote for.  At best, the fetid slit trench that passes for Volusia County politics is very often a guessing game where imposters present themselves as something they are not, and my guess is no better or worse than yours. 

If you are reading Barker’s View, I naturally count you as an engaged and informed voter – someone interested in current events and the machinations of those who influence public policy on this sandy spit of land we call home (or you’re a sitting elected official waiting to see if I gored your sacred ox this week…)

In my view, there was some great news out of DeLand this week when Mike Poniatowski, a veteran Volusia County first responder, law enforcement officer, paramedic, and experienced emergency management professional – officially entered the Volusia County Council At-Large race. 

In a social media post, Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower described Mike as “…a friend, flood victim, first responder, and longtime resident that will help change Volusia politics!”

I agree.

If we are to reverse the power dynamic in Volusia County and disgorge the stagnation and constipation of the Robins, Johansson, Santiago bloc on the County Council – a lockstep clique that slavishly serves the wants of their influential political benefactors over the needs of residents – that important process begins by encouraging honorable people to run for office, then supporting their candidacy both financially and at the ballot box.

In my view, Mike Poniatowski is a proven servant-leader who has the interests of all Volusia County residents at heart.

As things stand right now (and they are bound to change), Mr. Poniatowski will face Daytona Beach Shores Mayor Nancy Miller in next year’s general election.  

The At-Large seat is currently held by Councilman Jake Johansson, who has announced plans to run for District 8 in the Florida Senate.  Former House member Elizabeth Fetterhoff of DeLand has also announced her candidacy.

Mercifully, current District 8 Senator “Terrible Tommy” Wright is prohibited from running again due to term limits. 

In my view, Mike Poniatowski’s candidacy represents a breath of fresh air for beleaguered Volusia County residents, and a crucial step forward in reclaiming the Volusia County Council from the grip of influential special interests with a chip in the game…   

For more information see: https://mike4volusia.com/

Home Rule – A Doomed Concept in the Free State of Florida?  

“Now, through two proposed legislative bills, SB 1118 and HB 1209, there is an unprecedented effort to consolidate control over Florida’s agricultural and rural lands in the hands of those same few in power in Tallahassee who do the bidding of the wealthiest of in-state, out-of-state, and even international huge corporate developers.

The proposed laws are designed to silence the voices of Florida citizens and local governments on matters of critical importance to those of us who live in areas which until recently were comprised in substantial part of agricultural and open space rural lands.

We chose to live here in great part because of the absence of high density development and preservation of our open spaces and conservation lands. We gave up the convenience of having huge shopping malls and big box stores and parking lots, instead opting for supporting local merchants and keeping our streets and highways free of the inevitable traffic gridlock we see all around us in ever-growing and uncontrolled so-called “smart growth” developments.

As reported by the civic organization 1000 Friends of Florida, the proposed legislation, which is quickly wending its way through both houses in Tallahassee, will override local planning authority by requiring local governments to automatically approve development in areas considered “agricultural enclaves” and so-called “infill residential development.” Infill residential projects can be up to 100 acres and agricultural enclaves could be thousands of acres in size.”

–Irwin Connelly, Flagler County, as excerpted from his essay in FlaglerLive!, “Florida Lawmakers Are About to Roll Back Rural Protections in Favor of Developers. Don’t Let Them.,” Sunday, March 16, 2025

According to the Florida League of Cities, “The most precious powers a city in Florida has are its Home Rule powers. The ability to establish its form of government through its charter, and to then enact ordinances, codes, plans and resolutions without prior state approval is a tremendous authority.”

Add SB 1118 and HB 1209 to more than fifty other bills seeking to preempt local government authority that are currently working their way through the legislature… 

It seems each legislative session brings more limitations on a local government’s ability to control the direction and character of their communities – forbidding them to pass legislation that preserves water quality (while refusing to tap the brakes on development), dictating local comprehensive plans, pre-empting local government rules on zoning, density, and building heights; ensuring concessions for commercial and industrial development or face the threat of gargantuan “affordable housing” complexes sprouting in inappropriate locations, etc., etc. 

Most would agree that the right to self-determination – the ability of counties and incorporated municipalities to govern themselves – free of outside interference from the state in the pursuit of their unique economic, social, and civic development, is critical to our representative form of governance where power is ultimately derived from, We, The Little People.

You want rural boundaries and protections for what remains of agricultural areas where people can live a pastoral life outside the bone crushing overdevelopment oozing across the width and breadth of Florida? 

Tough shit.  

Here, local governments have been subjected to a continuing series of dictatorial edicts handed down from Tallahassee that ensure influential real estate developers are given everything they want – when and where they want it…    

Now, Floridians are bracing for more of the same this legislative session.

According to a report by Jennifer Hunt Murty writing in the Ocala Gazette last week:

“In response to what some call an “attack” on home rule, local bipartisan opposition has formed against Senate Bill 1118 filed by State Sen. Stan McClain, R-Marion, and its identical House Bill 1209 filed by Rep. Kevin Steele, R-Pasco. The bills would wrest local control of development from cities and counties across the state and open up hundreds of thousands of agricultural acres to developers without review from local governments. If passed, the new laws would supersede any local overlay zones of protection, including Marion County’s revered Farmland Preservation Area.”

Recently, the Marion County Republican Executive Committee issued a bold statement opposing the proposed preemptions and championing local government as most responsive to the needs of the people:

“It is not clear what constituency is served by these overt draft policies to negate Comprehensive Plans and community input at the County level. Marion County is undergoing explosive growth and is now showing the “growing pains” of increased traffic/school overcrowding with projections of + $1B in future infrastructure costs and +$1B in school capital/maintenance expenditures.”

Sound familiar?

In my view, Floridian’s who are experiencing the dramatic effects of overdevelopment on their quality of life know exactly which “constituency” is served by these overreaching diktats that increase the pace of growth by gutting home rule oversight:  Those in the real estate development industry who have purchased the political souls of Florida legislators.    

If this doesn’t send a shiver through those living in what remain of “rural” areas in Volusia and Flagler Counties, it should…

Quote of the Week

“(Palm Coast) Mayor Mike Norris proposed a moratorium on residential home construction, at the March 18 City Council meeting. “The infrastructure is not in place to support residential growth at this time,” he said.

But no one on the City Council was willing to second his motion, so the motion died, and there will be no moratorium.

The action took place as Norris is also taking heat for potentially violating the City Charter by directing and intimidating staff. He received an outpouring of support from members of the audience at the March 18, both for his attempts to “clean up” City Hall, as well as support for his proposed moratorium.”

–Editor Brian McMillan, writing in the Palm Coast Observer, “Moratorium proposal fails, but residents show support for Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris,” Tuesday, March 18, 2025

In front of a raucous crowd at Palm Coast City Hall on Tuesday, the remaining members of the Palm Coast City Council caved to the influential forces of the development industry and refused to advance Mayor Mike Norris’ call for a moratorium on new building in the face of increasing utility bills for existing residents to pay for massive infrastructure upgrades just to keep pace with current demands.

The handwriting was on the wall when those representing home builders began telling scary stories about a moratorium having “devastating consequences for our local economy,” while still selling the baldfaced lie that “growth pays for itself…” 

Trying desperately to convince suffocating residents “why growth is actually good for our city and for you.”

According to a report in FlaglerLive! Tuesday afternoon, in an ominous show of force, the development community, “Mobilized like an army by the Flagler County Home Builders Association, the dump truck and trailers and semi cabs and pick-ups lined City Place and spilled onto Lake Avenue by City Hall this morning, their crews clustered in groups against the morning chill, a large “SAVE OUR CITY” banner stretched across the flank of a truck, with a red circle-backlash symbol painted over the head of Mayor Mike Norris.”

Who, in good conscience, could demand more, more, more knowing that current demands far exceed the capacity, funding, and capabilities of the city’s utilities infrastructure? 

How is that ethical, responsible, necessary, or sustainable?

Save our city? 

Said the bloated parasite to its nearly exsanguinated host…

And Another Thing!

“Is politics nothing other than the art of deliberately lying?”

–Voltaire

A now familiar experience here on Florida’s “Fun Coast” is sitting through two cycles of a traffic light at (insert any intersection in Volusia County here) – that claustrophobic feeling in the pit of your stomach – a sickening sense of having been duped by elected and appointed development shills who lectured us on our “responsibility” to allow homes for future residents.

Remember?

We were told of our moral obligation to ignore the destruction of our wild places, accept insane density concessions, and learn to live with the traffic congestion that is a natural result of insatiable greed marketed as a developer’s sense of “progress,” because “…if you’re not growing, you’re dying,” with assurance the malignant sprawl will inevitably pay for itself.      

Bullshit.

For years, we put our true faith and allegiance in those who held themselves out for high office – and accepted the dubious recommendations of the “professionals” they appointed to highly compensated senior staff positions.    

We were told these “experts” in planning, growth, and resource management would undertake the complicated process of ensuring concurrency and protecting our environment, only to find those we elected to represent our interests in were in the pockets of those same developers all along – accepting massive campaign contributions each election cycle to fund their political aspirations.

Then kowtowing to the subliminal loyalty that came with the cash…

When it was too late, we discovered those planning and growth management doyens were little more than malleable mouthpieces, cheap facilitators with a rubber stamp “recommendation,” willing to kick the can down the dusty political trail anytime someone suggested low-impact development initiatives or, God forbid, the possibility of a temporary moratorium to allow infrastructure to catch up with growth.  

Now, the evidence of their handiwork is everywhere you look.

From the row upon row of sticks-and-glue apartments to the fill-and-build zero lot line cracker boxes “starting in the $300’s” that blanket water recharge areas, wetlands, and routinely flood their neighbors existing homes while those who got us into this mess conduct more, more, more timewasting studies… 

If you think it’s bad in Volusia County (and you have the guts) – I dare you to peel that rotten onion and determine who serves who inside the Hallowed Halls of state government in Tallahassee – the biggest whorehouse in the world… 

Now, nothing is off-limits.

Last year, many were shocked to learn of a plan, apparently orchestrated by outside development interests and ramrodded by the Florida Department of Environmental Destruction, sickeningly called “The Great Outdoors Initiative,” a mysterious collusion that would have allowed developers carte blanche to build hotels, lodges, and 18-hole golf courses in Florida State Parks.   

Areas we were told were sacrosanct – like Ormond’s Scenic Loop and Trail – have now fallen victim to massive subdivisions that have replaced once pristine natural forests, shedding a near constant stream of water over the canopied Old Dixie Highway, the houses now clearly visible through a thin veneer of trees we were told would serve as an environmental buffer…

This week, Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris is being beaten into submission by forces inside City Hall – and their influential puppeteers in the local development industry – for having the temerity to suggest a moratorium on new construction until officials can determine how to fund the crippling debt required to upgrade overburdened utilities.

As the news from Palm Coast, Tallahassee, and beyond this week proves – the greed-hogs are fully in charge – they have seized the high ground, and their mercenary priorities are different than ours.

And the stench of obscene and deliberate lies wafts heavy over Florida’s “Fun Coast.”

That’s all for me.  Have a great weekend, y’all!