Note: This story first published last year. Little has changed other than the frequency of the shuttles, which will be increased this year.
The Flagler Beach Independence Day fireworks show stands out for a few reasons. It is the region’s most picturesque, oldest, most storied and best-attended show. (Palm Coast’s show is drawing ever-larger crowds, but Town Center can’t compete with the Flagler Beach pier, the ocean, the dunes and the old town’s romance factor.)
But the Flagler Beach show also stands out for a less appealing reason: the 20-minute show is followed by a 150-minute nightmare for all those trying to drive back to the mainland. Other than driving north or south on State Road A1A, there’s only one exit. That’s the Flagler Beach bridge.
For the first time in the city’s history, however, Flagler Beach is providing free shuttles all day July 4, starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 11 p.m., and free parking on the mainland, at the old Food Lion parking lot—that is, the Flagler Square shopping center—as well as on the island, at Santa Maria Del Mar Church, just north of downtown.
Larry Newsom, the Flagler Beach city manager, continues to impress his city commission six months into the job. Providing shuttles to ease traffic had been “vaguely” talked about in the past, Commission Chairwoman Jane Mealy said, and may have been tried by Newsom’s predecessors, without success. Newsom got it done with a few phone calls, arranging the free transportation through Palm Coast Transportation Services, the eight-year-old high-end transportation company best known locally for serving the Hammock Beach Resort, shuttling people to the races in Daytona Beach and providing travel to airports.
It’s free to visitors, but it’s not free to the city. The city is paying $2,950 for the day-long service. “We’re going to have to pay, but they’re giving us a really good deal,” Newsom said. (The expense did not have to be ratified by the city commission as it falls below the $20,000 threshold and within the city manager’s discretionary judgment. But commissioners were informed of the expense.)
One 56-passenger motor coach, one minibus, one van, and I’ll be in an SUV to coordinate
“It could be more of a positive experience if it wasn’t for the traffic jams of people.”
Santos Rodriguez, who owns Palm Coast Transportation and will be coordinating the day and evening’s shuttling Monday, said his company will provide a motor coach or large bus, one minibus, one van, and Rodriguez’s own SUV for most of the day, with additional vehicles, including an additional motor coach, ready for service if necessary. The Number of vehicles means that people at either end of the shuttle route will not have to wait much for a ride.
“It could be more of a positive experience if it wasn’t for the traffic jams of people,” Rodriguez said. “There should be no problem going in and out, because there’s not as big a demand for the parade as there is for the fireworks at night.” The additional motor coach will be in the mix at night.
People will be picked up and dropped off at the Food Lion on the mainland, and picked up or dropped off in front of Veterans Park on the island. More precisely, the buses returning to the mainland will pick up passengers in front of Veterans Park, travel “west on South 2nd Street to South Flagler Avenue, where they’ll turn right and then turn left onto SR100; westbound back to the parking area,” Flagler Beach Capt. Matthew Doughney said.
There are 220 parking spots at the Food Lion: the spaces will be roped off for use, leaving many spaces to be used for existing businesses there. (Food Lion has been closed for years.) On the island, Santa Maria Del Mar will provide 370 parking spaces, Newsom said—after the staging of the parade. Participants in the parade use the church’s property to prepare before the 10 a.m. parade. There will not be shuttle transportation from the church to downtown, however, as the distance is rather short.
Newsom ad others will also be providing as-needed transportation, even from the church parking lot, in golf carts, especially to older people or disabled people.
“I think it’s terrific,” Mealy said of Newsom. “He stepped right up and made arrangements for more parking at the church on the island. I think it’s great. I hope people take advantage of it. No matter what you do there’ll often be people who’ll want to park right in front of where they’re going.”
There hasn’t been much advertising of the new parking arrangements, but signs will point the way to the Food Lion parking lot in hopes of enticing people to take advantage of the offer.
“I think it’s a fine idea if people will accept the idea,” Rick Belhumeur, a Flagler Beach city commissioner, said. “I’m not too sure how many people without some beforehand notice will utilize it, especially across the bridge. But for those that don’t like sitting in those lines for a couple of hours to get out of there and they have some notice, maybe they’ll utilize it.”
Swizz says
I love this new city manager Larry. He seems to think out of the box and tries to do more with less. Good Job. I’m not sure how successful this will be (meaning how many will actually use it).. but I give everyone involved kudos for trying.
Impressed says
Larry Newsome has done an outstanding job ever since he took office. My family and I are very good excited for the 4th of July weekend. I hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend. God Bless the USA.
Love Doctor says
This is going to go over like a lead balloon.
Anonymous says
great idea
Cody says
What a terrific idea. Now to get the people home safely and it will be a teriffic weekend. Happy 4th everyone!!
Dee Wynnr says
Our new City Manager Larry Newsom is both smart and creative in his approach to managing
Flagler Beach. Cheers !! We appreciate you.
Dee Wynne
Oldseadog says
Could perhaps Palm Coast borrow Larry Newsome for a year or so……..?
Steve says
What a great idea! Larry is an asset to Flagler Beach . And kudos to Santa Maria del Mar Church and Food Lion for allowing their lots to be utliized for this great holiday. Maybe we can all learn from this to help others and share what we have for the good of the people. looking forward to the parade and the fireworks, Great job, Larry and to all involved.
Jane Gentile-Youd says
What great news!! So refreshing to know that Jane Mealy, Larry Newsome and Flagler Beach are people oriented public officials. Looking forward to a great day.
jim says
A HUGE CONGRATS to Santos Rodriguez and his company Palm Coast Transportation for stepping in and offering his services and equipment.. As Mr. Newsroom stated F.B. is getting a GREAT DEAL from Mr. Rodriguez!!!… pay it forward!!!
Just sayin' says
This is a great idea!!!! Especially knowing Rodriguez is in charge is transport! In sure there will be come logistical issues as this is the first year it’s being done, but I really think it will be great. Thank you Flagler beach and a big Thank you Santos !
Beach Bum says
It’s just a matter of time and fees will be charged for this or charge for parking vehicles in a particular location. The events have gotten just too big for Flagler Beach to be able to handle.
damien says
I wasnt going to go although my 5 year old Kid and I thoroughly enjoy the First Friday of the month Festivities at Veterans park (outdoor concert/Bouncy Houses) but if theres a shuttle, Thats a game changer… We’ll be there!
Dominic says
This would have been a great Idea if someonr had thought it out past just getting the buses. I have been in line for over an hour and would have been on the second set of buses but due to absolutely NO regulation people jumped in line in mass, pushing those next back into the middle. Buses unable to reach the beginning again picked up people from the end and “front” of the line while leaving us in the middle to wait. I know this is a public service but if I get to the line early while others took their time, i should be the first to leave, its not rocket science. The service was a good idea but execution was absolutely disgusting.
Lou says
Where is the ‘Flagler Square shopping center’ ? Or where was the old Food Lion?
Rick Belhumeur says
The Flagler Square shopping center is directly across the street from the Flagler Beach Publix on rt 100.
This will be much more successful than last year because there will be no west bound traffic across the bridge until the buses are done. All traffic on the island that wants to leave before then will have to exit the city via A1-a. Those north of rt 100 will have to leave heading north on A1-a and those south of rt 100 will have to leave heading south on A1-a. Park appropriately. The bus will definitely be the best bet for getting out of town quickly.
gmath55 says
Going East on 100 towards the bridge the old Food Lion which is now Badcock Furniture is on the right side behind the Shell gas station just before the bridge.
Hopeful says
The old food lion is across the street from the Flagler Beach Publix.
Pat says
Went last year for the first time as we are new to the area. Beautiful works. But, trying to Get out was horrible. The men directing traffic out NEVER let Flagler Ave. move. Not one time. People approached them, but they never responded and we sat the entire fiasco. Not doing that this year.
Louise Ann Kennedy says
Are you able to bring lawn chairs on the shuttle bus???????????