A phoenix-like Bull Creek Fish Camp at the end of County Road 2006 is a few weeks from completion, and a new restaurant will open there around Labor Day to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
As team efforts go, this one goes beyond the clichés. The fish camp is again a county landmark thanks County Commissioner Leann Pennington, who refused to let stand the county’s plans never to build there again, to a long-shot grant secured by Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord, and thanks to county crews, who limited construction costs by keeping the project in-house.
Some 12 to 15 county General Services employees built the majority of the 5,000-square-foot building on an elevation of several feet of fill trucked in to prevent future flooding. The $1.5 million project was funded with a $1.2 million hurricane recovery grant through the state Department of Emergency Management, plus some general fund and park impact fee money.
The crews built new decks, railings and a new boat ramp and lined the elevated grounds with coquina revetments.
“I think it’s beautiful, considering we were going to get nothing back,” Commission Chair Leann Pennington said this morning during one of her frequent visits to the work site. “We were never going to build here again. To me it’s a blessing.”
Hurricane Nicole’s tropical storm lashings in November 2022 left the Bull Creek Fish Camp restaurant ruinously flooded, the deep waters in and around it indistinguishable from Dead Lake. The county declared the building a loss. Elegantly rustic though it still looked, the structure had aged faster than its 26 years. The last restaurant to try to make a go of it there had struggled.
The county announced in January 2023 that it would demolish the 2,500 square foot building. It had no plans for a rebuild. Pennington, who represents the west side of the county, was taken aback by the administration’s decision.
The following month Pennington, then barely a few weeks into her tenure on the commission, called for a replacement amenity. It didn’t have to be a restaurant. But she didn’t want the Bull Creek campground adjacent to what used to be the fish camp to have no amenity. The county, however, had no money.
In came Lord. He knew of the state Department of Emergency Management money. The state legislature had appropriated it to cover disaster costs after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole that were not covered by Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements. Bull Creek was not eligible for FEMA grants because it sits in a flood plain, and what money the county would have received from FEMA would not have been enough. The county would have rebuilt Bull Creek at a loss.
When Lord inquired about using state grant money, the state told him to go for it. It was on a first-come, first-served basis. He hurried in an application. “I figured it was a long shot,” Lord said. He got the grant. “It was all these little bits and pieces that fell into line,” he said.
Monday evening, the County Commission is expected to approve a five-year lease with Jessica Norton-Henry and the mother-son team of Pamela White and Joshua White, who will run the Bull Creek Fish Camp restaurant. Rent will be $500 a month. Pennington doesn’t dispute that it’s low. But the county wants to be realistic about helping a business make it in what could be an unforgiving part of the county for a restaurant. “We want to make sure they’re successful,” the commissioner said.
“It was impossible to find people who wanted to commit to it without seeing it,” Pennington said, recalling that it had to be put out to bid twice before the Whites won the bid. “I know the restaurant struggled because it’s hard to get repetitive business. You need people coming every day.” The county will amplify signage at the intersection of County Road 2006 and County Road 205, and the county’s tourism bureau will be promoting the opening.
The new leaseholders live in the area, which will make it easier for them to run the business. Pennington held a town hall to get a better idea of what residents there wanted as an amenity. They asked for a restaurant that will offer breakfast, Southern food, and at least some low-cost options.
“It’s the number one issue people reach out to me out here, is when is Bull Creek going to open,” Pennington said. “People message me all the time. It’s got to be once, twice a week, some weeks it’s more. People thought it wasn’t coming back.”
It almost didn’t. And once construction began, crews felt like they were building on cursed ground as hitches, delays and difficulties piled up, Brad Cordero, chief of trades construction, said. The supply issues were especially pronounced, and getting fill to the site was a challenge. He credited the county crews–AC technicians Ryan Powell, head electricians Dylan Cash and Kevin Cole, Richard Cribbs and Scott Raymondi, among others–for the work.
Lord last visited the project a month ago. “It’s exciting to see it come to fruition,” he said. “We built back a historical facility in a way that’s now going to be a lot more resilient.”
The prefabricated building began with a prefabricated 960-square-foot kitchen. The building was assembled around it, with an indoor seating area of 2,500 square feet and an outdoor, screened-in area of 850 square feet, that one overlooking Dead Lake, with a western view that in the evening will be one of the county’s better spots for sunset gazing.
From top to bottom, the building is built for efficiency and resiliency, in accordance with the grant that funded it. Though a metal building, Cordero swears by its spray insulation. “It’s so well insulated, it doesn’t take much AC or heat,” he said. (The utilities will be the responsibility of the lease holders.) Below foot, the concrete slab is 6 inches thick, with double rebar a foot apart. The surroundings of the building will be shelled rather than paved, to allow for percolation.
“You can’t ask for a better restaurant, you couldn’t ask for a better kitchen building setup,” says Daniel Nicholas, assistant director of general services. “It doesn’t get any better than that.”
“Now we just need an outstanding operator to deliver,” Pennington said.
There is a risk that, because of the building’s location and past history, and no matter how dedicated the operator may be, the restaurant won’t make it. If so, the contingency is that the space will be converted into an event and community center.
“Worst case scenario,” Nichols said, “it’s the crown jewel of our community centers.”
David Sullivan says
Well done Leann and Flagler County Public Works crew. This new facility will bring lots of enjoyment and use to our citizens and visitors. Sometimes the “Government” does work. Good luck to those who will be operating the restaurant.
CHAOS says
Until the next hurricane hits.
jim says
time to do some SERIOUS ADVERTISING for Biketoberfest… that’s a GREAT ride and should b a very profitable extended weekend!!! great way to start the business and b recognized
Sunny says
Another wasteful project. Bull Creek has never had any draw out west I doubt that will change.
That creek floods & probably will more now with all the clear cutting flagler is obsessed with! No foresight given hoping for votes.
R says
What an incredible waste of resources. Meanwhile those of us in the unincorporated beach area that brings in a ton of tax revenue have no idea what they might charged for “BARRIER ISLAND BEACH RENOURISHMENT” (copied directly from my tax bill), while others who benefit from the beach pay nothing. 20+ year resident. Commissioners don’t even try to hide their corruption anymore.
Bradley A Cordero says
thank you for the kind words Pierre, couple of things i wanted to point out many, names got left out, that had an integral part of this building, mine was minor, I just happened to be there today. First and foremost is our director, Mike Dickson. The fact that we have a construction crew for capital improvement projects that we can do in-house is his vision that started probably 30 years ago, along with a really good former administrator, Heidi. I have a really great crew that makes my life easier: Timmy, Randy, and Ryan. also Kevin Cole is the lead electrician. Art Eckland, Royce, Justin, Mark. Basically we have some really talented hard working people at Flagler County that I’m proud to work beside.
FlaglerLive says
Thank you for the additional information and the interview Mr. Cordero.
JimboXYZ says
Since it was a historical grant thing, why wasn’t the original design of the architecture a requirement for a modernized rebuild. The original had a roof deck bar/dining area from the provided photo. Now it just looks like a warehouse with a dock/boat launch at the waterfrontage ? My gut feel is eventually there’s a lease issue that mirrors the Captain’s BBQ or the Green Lion at the golf course over the lease amount ? $ 500/month for 5 years ?
Tim says
Jimbo, you are under the impression there’s was a plan or engineer for this thing. Your gut should be feeling how much it will coast us and if the sea walls will hold up. Or if the grant will reimburse the county. I thought they had a time frame to be done by and missed it .
JimboXYZ says
Well they did what they did, I didn’t want to address anything beyond what they’ve done to this point for that in a comment. As part of the Westward expansion & Bunnell expansion, maybe the location becomes less of a distance issue for patronage ? Inflation economy certainly will factor into the menu & patronage ? If one hurricane season wiped it out, future hurricanes will affect the filled lot.
King yemma says
It looks pretty elevated compared to what it was before I’m guessing something like maybe 3 and a half feet plus the rocks I seriously doubt flood waters would reach the building plus the ground would have been tamped by a roller so that would be pretty solid
Rita Thompson Rita Thompson says
Great job!! Can’t wait for opening day!! Thank you for everything you do!
Greg says
Awesome. We used to visit the old place often. It was a nice ride and very peaceful. I wonder if Punk will be back? GREAT JOB FOR KEEPING THIS ALIVE
Cheap rent says
Seems like a lot of taxpayer money to invest in a fully equipped restaurant to only collect $500/month rent.
Can’t even rent an empty studio apartment for that.
Somehow these owners got set up to make some good money on the taxpayers back.
I will go there and hopefully the food is good so we keep returning
Edith Campins says
Good job!! Have many fond memories ofthe place. It is good to see it coming alive again.
Laurel says
Fantastic job Pennington, Lord and county crew! We look forward to the opening, and will patronize the restaurant. I think it’s a great idea! Beats the hell out of another Dollar store, car wash and storage facility. I love that it was done in house. This is a great opportunity for people to see and appreciate Florida’s environment.
Skibum says
Hi Laurel. It would be fun to meet up with you and your hubby and actually connect in person instead of only having your name in the comment section of FlaglerLive as the sole reference for all that you are. My other half and I love to take drives and we have eaten at the old Bull Creek fish Camp restaurant prior to it being torn down.
Despite some of the comments to the contrary from the same type of naysayers who don’t think our local governments should be spending taxpayer money on any amenities for people who enjoy the outdoors, I join those citizens, including yourself, who look at the positive and think it is a great addition to our local area.
If you would like to meet up somewhere that is wheelchair friendly, let me know and we will make plans to do so!
Dave
Skibum says
Laurel, just checking to see if you had seen my earlier reply to your comment above.
Laurel says
Hi Skibum:
Thank you for the lovely invitation, it sounds very nice. The problem I have is there is no way to contact you without divulging my private information, and I’m not going to do that. I’m a very opinionated woman, and there are those, here, who do not care for that. There are also others who are blocked from these comment sections as they do not present as nice people with good intentions, but they can still read. They don’t need to know, either. As a retired law enforcement individual, I think you understand.
For now, it may be best to keep this world of commenting and my home world separate. I probably comment too much as it is. I keep thinking that, but keep commenting. Maybe the future would be a better time. I would certainly keep that idea open.
Laurel
Doug says
I look forward to some good food and different scenery. I hope it does well!
Me says
Thank you Leann, I hope it is successful.
E. Rod says
How was the county allowed to use state emergency grant funds to build a restaurant for a private business?
At the same time, the County Commission has repeatedly warned residents about serious financial challenges, discussing potential service cuts, hiring freezes, and paying out millions of dollars in lawsuit settlements.
Given those circumstances, how does constructing a restaurant in a location that relatively few people are likely to patronize—and one that sits within a flood-prone area—qualify as an appropriate use of emergency disaster funding?
To make matters worse, the county is reportedly charging the private operator only $500 per month in rent while taxpayers remain responsible for many of the associated costs. Those costs reportedly include the acquisition of adjacent property that is also located within a significant floodplain.
Taxpayers deserve a clear explanation of how this project serves the public interest, how the funding was justified, and whether the return on investment warrants the expense.
Pogo says
David T Schaefer says
We miss that place ate there almost 3 times a month. Can’t wait till it opens hopefully with the same menu……
Sayit'snotso says
Unbelievable really 😳 expected more ! You all ,wonder why DeSantis is pushing to end property taxes, this is why! You all where elected to run a town ,county, city! Not a charity!!! Not this Not the art’s, not pissing money away, not any of this 🤔 First you are to fund law enforcement, next,fire rescue, next roads bridges , and schools! Let me guess alcohol, will be served there. 🙄 what could liability be ,to the residents! Each and everyone of you, needs to check what your responsibility to the tax payers is. Your not , running a charity!!! Anyone That seats there and says this was OK, you need to look for a new job..county government, city’s , towns. Do not rund pet projects..look up your responsibilities.
wow says
Was always a great paddle in my kayak down Haw Creek, across the lake with a final stop at the restaurant. Glad it’s back.
Wasted money says
Correction you can’t rent a hotel room in a shady area for $500/month.
Probably cost us taxpayers more than $500/month to maintain the building & property
This is another losing proposition for us taxpayers
E. Rod says
Hey what’s the point of being a commissioner if you can’t do favors for friends. Remember this I’d Flagler County.
Is everybody also forgetting the large parcels of flood lands on the other side of CR 2006 the county purchased for a total of 1.4 million dollars of UNBUILDABLE LAND that was turned into a CONSERVATION.
Again what’s the point of being a commissioner if you can’t do favors for friends.
Regulator says
I’ve never heard of a bigger bunch complainers then the people of Flagler county. Do wake up think what can compain about today
D. Wise says
I remember when the original building flooded for the last time and the County Administrator suggested closing it permanently. There was significant public opposition, with many residents speaking at public meetings and emphasizing that the restaurant was an important amenity for the west side of the county. They were asking the County to preserve something they felt was part of the community’s identity.
Looking at it in that context, the new facility is actually a fairly remarkable response to that public demand. The County chose to rebuild rather than walk away. Given the remote location and the goal of maintaining a public amenity rather than maximizing revenue, the relatively low rent may be necessary to attract and retain an operator. The tenant is still assuming the risk of running a seasonal restaurant in a rural location where profitability is not guaranteed. If the rent were set substantially higher, the County might find itself with a new building but no restaurant.
Gail says
Thank you all who came together to make this rebuild happen. I think amenities such as this , where there is no membership fee and we can all go there and enjoy the ambiance, the wonderful views and the lake, hopefully good food too, should be applauded by the residents.
We live a half hour away but used to drive out there just to soak in the lake.
We will do our best to support the new restaurant!
T says
So instead of fixing rds,paving rds,blind spots etc this is where money goes people
Lil bird says
Any restaurant buildout is upwards of 150,000+ in this economy. Electric, propane lines, hood system, grease trap, etc. Outdoor dining usually adds another 60k with decking, more electric, windows, doors, etc. Then there is equipment: ovens, countertops, sinks, fridges, etc. add another 50k+
Private enterprise would have never invested here and there is no way that $500/mo rent is return on investment. Without government (taxpayer) subsidies the restaurant clearly wouldn’t exist. The restaurant business is also one of the most risky even with a good location or operator so why a food truck / RV pad wasn’t considered or just a small bait shop that could have also sold a few hotdogs? Instead a full scale restaurant with state of art facilities was built to sell alcohol to kayakers?!?
I value nostalgia but spending slim tax dollars building fancy in a flood zone the riskiest of businesses in a still underdeveloped part of the county seems like this idea should have been left in the history books.
Wake Up, McFly says
Now you know why Commissioner Pennington kept her head down and remained silent while Commissioner Kim Carney once again took over the commission workshop demanding a 10% budget reduction.
It’s difficult to tell taxpayers that the county may need budget cuts, layoffs, service reductions, higher taxes, and additional surcharges while simultaneously celebrating a project where taxpayer dollars and state disaster recovery funds were used to build a restaurant in a remote area.
The contradiction is hard to ignore. County officials are warning of financial challenges on one hand, yet on the other are posing for photo opportunities in front of a taxpayer-funded facility equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. Given its location and vulnerability to future hurricanes, many residents are left wondering whether this was truly the best use of limited public resources.