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A massive 13-foot great white shark was tracked off the Flagler County coast on Leap Day.

The 1,300-pound ocean predator, nicknamed Bob, pinged off Palm Coast at 10:13 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 29.

Bob is being tracked by OCEARCH scientists who attached a satellite tag to the shark's dorsal fin in 2021. When the tag breaks the water, it emits a ping with location information that's transmitted to trackers.

The adult shark pinged in the waters off Jacksonville on Jan. 31. According to his tracker, he has traveled 4,034 miles since he was tagged and has repeatedly spent his winters around the Sunshine State. Bob traveled as far south as St. Augustine in November 2021 and Flagler Beach in 2022.

Here's what to know about white shark Bob, OCEARCH and sharks in Florida:

More about white shark Bob

Bob, an adult male white shark, measured 13 feet 4 inches and weighed a whopping 1,308 pounds when he was tagged in Nova Scotia in September of 2021.

He was named for OCEARCH Chief Scientist Dr. Robert (Bob) Hueter, a pioneer in shark science for over 40 years.

"We’ll be following the journeys of both Bob the shark and Dr. Bob Hueter as they continue to help us grow in the world of science for the betterment of our sharks and our oceans," a note on Bob's OCEARCH tracker page reads.

Great white shark facts

Here are some things to know about white sharks, according to NOAA Fisheries:

Great white sharks in Florida?

Yes. White sharks migrate south when the water gets cold and food sources become scarce up north, according to OCEARCH chief scientist Dr. Bob Hueter.

Think of them as the snowbirds of sharks.

Most of them tend to stay away from the beaches in continental shelf waters, Hueter said.

What is OCEARCH?

OCEARCH is a nonprofit research organization studying the ocean's giants.

The group studies great white sharks and other keystone species essential for the health of the oceans.

OCEARCH recently finished up its 46th expedition, dubbed Expedition Southeast. It departed from Jacksonville on Nov. 17 and made its final docking in Morehead City, North Carolina on Dec. 15.

During the expeditions, researchers collected previously unattainable data on the animals' migrations, reproductive cycle, genetic status, diet, abundance, and more.

"If we lose the apex predator (sharks) then we lose all our fish and then there are no fish sandwiches for our grandchildren," OCEARCH founder Chris Fischer told the Courier Journal. "That's oversimplified, of course, but the idea is important because many shark species are threatened by overfishing and a demand for shark fins in Asia. Their dwindling numbers jeopardize ocean habitats."

Most shark attacks happen in Florida

There were 69 documented unprovoked shark attacks around the globe in 2023. The U.S. led the world with 36 attacks and Florida again was the state with the most bites at 16.

Florida shark attacks by county:

While the U.S. has the most attacks, South Africa has the most shark-related fatalities.

Since 1992, there have been 1,232 shark bites worldwide, according to data from floridapanhandle.com, with white sharks credited as the top biters.

In a forward-thinking initiative, the City of Palm Coast has partnered with Smart North Florida (SNF) and students from the University of Florida's Association for Information Systems (UF AIS) program on a project titled "Embracing Growth & Preserving Paradise: Traffic, Green Spaces, Heat Islands." Spearheaded by Clayton Levins, the Executive Director of Smart North Florida, this collaboration brings together the expertise of SNF, the innovative spirit of UF AIS students, and the unique talents of Minuet Greenberg, Kiki Dai, Romie Jean, Matthew Lynch, Chris Zhao, and Joseph Bonevento.

The City of Palm Coast is known for having an exceptional quality of life, but there is a need to evolve in response to its growing community. With a focus on preserving the environment, the city enlisted the support of these talented UF AIS students. This effort is part of Smart North Florida’s data coordination program wherein they reduce the data analyst talent gap in the public sector by pairing Master of Data Science teams with public sector and non-profit partners.

These students leveraged their skills to analyze data and create comprehensive maps outlining Annual Average Daily Traffic, Current and Future Land Use, Current and Projected Population Density, and Heat Islands. Their insightful analyses revealed several noteworthy conclusions:

The City's Imagine 2050 comprehensive plan update includes a mixed-use residential and commercial expansion into the western border, featuring a new loop road from Matanzas Woods Parkway to Palm Coast Parkway. This development is strategically designed to alleviate traffic congestion, with mixed residential and commercial spaces and dedicated conservation and green space areas.

Palm Coast remains dedicated to safeguarding its green spaces, striking a delicate balance between urban growth and the inherent beauty of nature. Through thoughtful planning and preservation, the city is actively addressing heat island concerns, fostering a sustainable and robust environment for the well-being of current and upcoming generations.

This partnership project outlines the positive direction of Palm Coast's growth. The strategic management of traffic and new projects is expected to create a well-rounded city with more diverse shopping and entertainment options while preserving Palm Coast's natural beauty. The new Matanzas Woods Parkway to Palm Coast Parkway loop road is anticipated to lessen the impact of projected traffic increases, as indicated by the traffic density maps created by the UF AIS students.

As Palm Coast expands westward, the comparisons between the current and future zoning maps showcase the city's commitment to protecting and conserving green spaces. This intentional development strategy is aimed at limiting the heat island effect, ensuring Palm Coast remains an idyllic paradise for residents and visitors alike.

The full report and accompanying maps the UF AIS students created can be viewed here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/8938bb27fac24751badc640de9308522. To learn more about the City of Palm Coast’s Imagine 2050 visioning plan, please visit PalmCoast.gov/imagine2050. There, residents can share their thoughts and visions on what they’d like to see for the future of Palm Coast.

Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review.

About Smart North Florida

Smart North Florida is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the region through collaboration, data coordination, and smart technologies. These investments are strategically deployed to improve the lives of all citizens in the region. Learn more by visiting smartnorthflorida.com

About UF AIS

The Association for Information Systems is an international organization that works to promote the practice and study of IS. The University of Florida's Association for Information Systems (UF AIS) is a leading student organization committed to enhancing opportunities for those pursuing a master’s degree in Information Systems and Operations Management. Learn more by visiting www.ufais.org

No injuries reported so far but some significant damage from the EF2 tornado with winds between 111 and 135 mph, according to Flagler County Sheriff's Office

Daytona Beach News-Journal

An EF2 tornado with estimated peak winds of 115 mph touched down in Palm Coast's B-section early Thursday morning, according to preliminary findings from the National Weather Service in Jacksonville.

The twister ripped the roof off one house and damaged others; it also snapped trees and flung a large SUV into the street.

The tornado tore through a 1-mile path about 4:40 to 4:56 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. Its maximum width was 200 yards.

No injuries were reported, Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill said during a press conference.

The tornado was an EF2, which has winds in the range of 111 to 135 mph. The twister touched down just east of Belle Terre Parkway and followed Bayside Drive briefly before continuing across Barbera Lane, Ballard Lane, Ballenger Lane, Baltimore Lane and ending as it passed Birchview Place just short of Interstate-95, according to a National Weather Service map of the path.

Cornelius Friendly, who lives along Bayside Drive, said he heard something that sounded like a train and then it was gone.

"It felt like a train was coming through and I heard a bunch of loud cracking," Friendly said. "Both of my beautiful oak trees and some of my roofing shingles are gone."

Brian Finn, who lives on Bayside Drive, said a tree limb went right through the metal tailgate of his vehicle. He and his wife were sleeping when they heard the storm.

"We started hearing a lot of wind howling and a lot of debris hitting the house pretty hard," he said, adding that they suspected it was a tornado. "Our immediate thought was get to the kids on the other side of the house and make sure they are safe. They were sleeping. They were safe, thank God."

Hal Halenza, who lives on Baltimore Lane, said his wife had a close call during the tornado.

"A 2-by-4 came through the roof and stopped about 2 feet from her chest," he said, adding there was no loud noise beforehand. "It was pitch black and I didn't know what happened. It was frightening for sure."

Hours after the storm, the 2-by-4 was still stuck in the roof like a spear.

A few doors down from him on Baltimore Lane the twister tore the roof completely off a house and destroyed the shed at another. It also destroyed a pool enclosure and flung debris along the street.

The county was encouraging residents needing assistance to report to Parkview Baptist Church at 5435 Belle Terre Parkway, where county staff was on hand to assist until at least noon on Thursday, according to a joint release from the county and city. After noon, residents in need of assistance should call 386-313-4200.

Parkview Baptist Operations Pastor Barry Peters said they had helped about six or seven families by late Thursday morning and expected to help more. They are assisting with items like food, shelter and cleanup. They also secured a hotel for the family who lost their roof.

Residents are urged to avoid the damaged areas since the aftermath has caused a number of hazardous conditions, according to the release, including downed power lines, scattered debris and fallen trees.

Palm Coast is divided into sections or neighborhoods where all the streets start with the same letter, such as the B-section, which is among the sections of the city north of Palm Coast Parkway and along Belle Terre Parkway.

Brian Lekarczyk, who lives on Birchwood Place, also described hearing a sound like a freight train.

"The whole event was like 10 seconds and then it was over," he said.

He and his wife then noticed a light shining into their front window. When they took a look it turned out to be their SUV. The storm had blown it off their driveway and tossed it on its side on the street.

Said Lekarczyk, "Jesus Christ watched over me."

Construction companies are building new homes higher than existing ones

PALM COAST, Fla. – Concerns about flooding are growing for some residents in Palm Coast as a storm system is expected to reach Central Florida this weekend.

Terry Ventrelli is one of several homeowners who have told News 6 their properties are flooding after new construction was built on higher ground around them.

She said the problem began in 2020 when her neighbor’s home was built next door and more water started coming into her backyard after land was cleared for two homes behind her property.

“It concerns me, because I don’t want to see water intrusion into the walls or into the foundation, because that’s when you start getting problems with mold,” Ventrelli said.

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With the possibility of heavy rain this weekend, Ventrelli said she’s taking steps to keep water out of her home.

“I’m going to have to put major towels down in the lanai to make sure I have something to absorb the water,” she said. “My concern is that it could potentially be seeping under the foundation as well.”

City officials confirmed to News 6 that its technical manual states finished floor elevations must be a minimum of 12 inches above the crown of the road, but there is no maximum requirement, so the builders aren’t doing anything wrong.

[STORY CONTINUES BELOW]

Brittany Kershaw, director of communications and marketing for the City of Palm Coast, said the city has established a task force to investigate the issue.

This week, officials said they’re looking at changing the rules so builders can’t construct a house more than 10 inches higher than the home next door.

Ventrelli said the news from the city is encouraging, but hopes more will be done to correct the problem.

“They’ve got to cease and desist with new construction. Everything that’s being done right now,” she said. “They’ve got to figure this out before they create a problem for more people.”

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Until a few days ago, a 35-acre hexagonal parcel east of Ponce De Leon Drive and north of Point Pleasant Drive was the P-Section’s last expanse of undisturbed land which, to the dozens of homeowners and residents on its rim, looked like a preserve that would be there forever. But it was never zoned as such.

Last week, feller bunchers leveled the majority of the acreage to make room for a 74-home gated subdivision to be called, ironically, Ponce Preserve, though hardly any of it as its neighbors knew it is being preserved.

The city requires neighbors of the development to be informed by mail of the proposed development, and to be given the opportunity to hear from the developer at a neighborhood meeting. One such meeting was held last June at the Palm Coast Community Center, drawing about two dozen residents. They were concerned about whether the development would preserve natural buffers and what the traffic impact would be, and were surprised that its regulatory steps were limited to a neighborhood meeting. The rest of the regulatory part was conducted administratively within the city’s planning division.

Joe Schofield the civil engineer with Seagate who led the neighborhood meeting at the time, said the homes will be built on 80-foot width lots of 12,000 square feet, placing them on the larger side of homes and lots than the last few years’ trend has been in Palm Coast, where, outside of ITT’s old lots along the city’s streets, 50- and 40-foot-wide lots have almost become a norm in freshly platted subdivisions. (Seagate is no longer involved. The company sold the property to Richmond America earlier this month.)

Ponce Preserve will not be age-restricted. It will be a single-phase project, meaning that it’ll be built in one go. The gated subdivision will have private streets and its own stormwater system, so residents will not pay the city’s monthly stormwater fee. The subdivision will discharge its stormwater runoff into nearby canals, but only after treatment. It will have one entrances on Ponce De Leon (at Number 85), with a gated emergency exit on Point Pleasant.

“I live on Ponce de Leon,” one resident told Schofield. “Right now, when I look down the driveway, it looks gorgeous. We have a lot of trees right up over there. Are those all going to be taken down?”

“No,” Schofield said. “The city gives credit for tree preservation for some distance from the property line or the right of way to incentivize builders to try to preserve some of those trees and have some natural screenings in between the walls, the gates, some of that existing buffer, some new planet buffer, some wetland preservation. I think you’ll still have kind of a nice appearance along Ponce.”

Another resident had just moved to Point Pleasant, had what was then only a preserve to look at in front of her home, and has the same question about that side of the project.

In fact, while a few trees are still standing, the lush thickness of pines and greens and of course the entire canopy are gone along Ponce de Leon and Point Pleasant, where home lots are expected to butt up very close to the road. Along parts of Point Pleasant, all trees have been felled, leaving no natural tree barrier, while in other parts, only a thin line of single-file trees remain, some of them angled toward the road as if their roots had already been weakened, and they may not survive the next strong storm. The trees in the preserve had typically risen 40 and 50 feet. (On the plus side, the elimination of the preserve reduces the risk of neighboring homes burning in a wildfire.)

Plans in June called for two small conservation easements, each about the size of a couple of lots–one adjacent to Point Pleasant, the other at the intersection of Ponce de Leon and Point Pleasant. The northwest corner will be devoted to a recreation area, where trees with trunks of diameters of 6 inches or more will be left standing. There may be a trail there, maybe a gazebo, some benches.

The broadest buffer will be on the west side of the project along Pony Express Drive, along a canal. “It’ll be 50 feet of wooded preservation between the waterline and where we’re going to start to clear to build up the pads and build the homes,” Schofield said. There will be no fences on the east or west sides of the overall property, but “there’ll be a wall and gates along the Point Pleasant side, the frontage,” he said. “On the sides, east or west, they’ll just be sort of retained vegetation that we’ll keep there but no fences. So the individual landowners, the buyers, will decide if they want to install a vinyl fence at that time later on. But that’s not the developer’s intention.”

There was concern about traffic in and out of the subdivision, and speeding along Ponce de Leon. Estelle Lens, a city planner, said a traffic study estimated roughly 100 additional vehicle trips at peak afternoon hours.

The controversy about old ITT lots getting built up with new homes at significantly higher elevations than their neighbors’ had not yet drawn the City Council’s attention, but there were concerns about that very issue from residents at the neighborhood meeting, even though the subdivision’s homes would not be that close to surrounding homes. “There’ll be some additional elevation to get those finished floors up, nice and high and dry and things like that,” Schofield said. “I wouldn’t say be from your vantage, it’s going to tower or anything. The average person wouldn’t even notice a really big difference in the in the change in elevation.”

Because the development is under 100 homes, it did not go before the Palm Coast planning board or the City Council, Lens said. “So you’re telling me a developer can come in here and if it’s less than 100 lots, they can pretty much do whatever they want?” a resident asked.

“They can do whatever the Land Development Code allows,” Lens said.