Flagler Beach’s new 800-foot concrete pier is nearing substantial completion in January, with utilities, handrails and breakaway timber decking all in the works. The elevated structure is designed to better withstand storms and rising seas. State Department of Environmental Protection inspectors today reviewed construction and funding compliance with the city manager and took FlaglerLive along.
Flagler Beach City Commission
As Ex-Commissioner Calls City Manager a ‘Liar,’ Disputed Claims And Political Maneuvers Continue To Plague Flagler Beach
Former commissioner Rick Belhumeur accused Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin of lying about plans to terminate an employee, reigniting tensions during a commission meeting last week. Martin denied building a case to fire the staff member and produced the original investigative directive, but Commissioner John Cunningham persisted in questioning his objectivity, fueling his ongoing conflict with the manager.
Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Former Flagler Beach Mayor Alice Baker on Remembrance Day
Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered the American and Florida flags to be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and in Flagler Beach Saturday in honor of Alice Baker, the former Flagler Beach mayor. Baker died on July 15 at her home in Georgia. She was 95. The honor coincides with Saturday’s Alice Baker Remembrance Day organized by former City Commissioner Jane Mealy at the Flagler Woman’s Club in Flagler Beach.
‘It Stinks’: Unhappy Flagler Beach Commission Approves 13% Water-Sewer Rate Increase and New Budget
Flagler Beach commissioners unanimously approved a 13 percent water and sewer rate increase to fund a new sewer plant and prevent severe utility reserve depletion. The decision mirrors past Palm Coast financial struggles. Officials acknowledged voter dissatisfaction regarding higher bills, noting that deferred maintenance and mounting infrastructure commitments forced commission’s hand.
Flagler Beach Must Raise Water and Sewer Rates 13% to Avoid Deficits as Debt’s Bill Come Due
A consultant Flagler Beach government hired to study its water and sewer rates is proposing a rate increase of 13 percent next year if the city is to stop losing $66,500 “for every month that implementation is delayed.” The typical Flagler Beach household consuming 3,000 gallons of water per month would see its water and sewer rates increase from $114.37 per month to $129.40 a month, a $15 increase starting in October, or $180 for the year.
Personnel Board Member Calls City Commissioner’s Accusation of Bias an Insult and ‘Slap in the Face’ of Volunteers
Flagler Beach City Commissioner John Cunningham accused unpaid the city’s personnel board volunteers of bias after they upheld the city manager’s decision to fire the fire chief, prompting sharp rebukes from an insulted board member and criticism from a fellow commissioner regarding ongoing municipal leadership conflicts and procedural governance failures.
Flagler County Memories of 9/11, pt. 2:
‘A Day Remembered for Unimaginable Courage and Sacrifice’
In the second of two parts commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11, 19 prominent members of the Flagler County community remember that day and reflect on how it changed them, and how it changed the nation. Today’s contributors are Bobby Bossardet, Colleen Walsh Conklin, Ty Miller, Howard Holley, Jonathan Lord, Lance Blanchette, Jay Livingston, Kyle Berryhill, Michael Rodriguez, Brynn Newton, Kyle Totten, Jane Mealy, Michael McGlothlin, David Ayres, Jeff Douglas, Rick de Yampert, Linda Hansen, Alvin Jackson and Monica Campana.
Flagler Beach Picks Paid Parking Vendor in Preliminary Step, Raising Possibility of Referendum
Flagler Beach commissioners voted to begin preliminary discussions regarding downtown paid parking with Laz Florida Parking, a leading force in the business, though officials repeatedly emphasized that a program remains undecided. Two commissioners raised the possibility of a referendum. Last month Fernandina Beach held one such referendum and immediately voted to cancelled its paid parking contract based on the results.
In Flagler Beach, More Noise Than Substance in Employee Dispute, Independent Investigation Finds
An independent investigation into mutual complaints filed by two Flagler Beach wastewater employees found no actionable policy violations or harassment, attributing the dispute to interpersonal friction. The investigation concerns the same department where an employee was fired, then filed a whistleblower lawsuit last March, and months after City Manager Dale Martin fired the fire chief, following an exodus in the Fire Department.
Flagler County Property Appraiser Jay Gardner Slams Homestead Amendment 3 As a False Solution
Flagler County Property Appraiser Jay Gardner is voting against Amendment 3, the proposed constitutional amendment that would raise the homestead exemption to $150,000 next year and to $250,000 the following year, ravaging local government revenue. He warns the exemption will drastically reduce local government revenues and create an inevitable tax shift, all in answer to dubious claims of waste that Gardner ridiculed.
Flagler Beach Personnel Board Backs City Manager In Controversial Firing Of Fire Chief Stephen Cox
The Flagler Beach Personnel Review Board voted 3-1 to uphold the firing of Fire Chief Stephen Cox following a three-day hearing, and the board chair calling the firing the result of a “coup” by other firefighters. City Manager Dale Martin fired Cox after five firefighters resigned and seven submitted a no-confidence letter. The advisory panel agreed the firing was legally justified despite noting poor management from city leadership during the crisis.
New Flagler Beach Pier Will Be Free To Public Access, But No Bait Shop and No Pets Allowed
Flagler Beach city commissioners decided the rebuilt concrete pier will be free for public access when it reopens, dropping what had previously been a $1.50 access fee, and $6 for anglers. The city will eliminate the bait shop, replacing it with a lifeguard station.
Flagler Beach Manager Dale Martin Secures Another Satisfactory Evaluation Despite Cunningham’s Cold Shoulder
Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin received a satisfactory performance evaluation for his third year in a row as a majority of commissioners praised his fiscal responsibility and accessibility. Commissioner John Cunningham again submitted a harshly negative review and continues to meet with Martin, prompting another admonishment from Commissioner Scott Spradley.
Flagler Beach Weighs 4 Paid Parking Proposals; Enforcement Would Be By License Plate Readers
Flagler Beach commissioners heard presentations from four companies vying to manage a new paid parking system downtown. The proposed system will ensure local residents park for free and could extend similar exemptions to employees and others. The city wants to generate revenue from out-of-town visitors to offset local expenses. The commission has not yet decided on a specific vendor, enforcement technology, or pricing structure.
Swastika Sprayed On Randy Fine Sign At Early Voting Site in Flagler Beach Sparks Sharp Backlash
A campaign sign for U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, who is running for reelection, was vandalized with a swastika at the Wickline Senior Center in Flagler Beach, an early-voting location. Local officials condemned the incident and Fine blamed opponent Dan Bilzerian for inciting hatred, citing his past antisemitic remarks amid a rise in hate crimes. Fine is not without his own history of bigoted, incendiary comments.
Flagler Beach Budget Maintains Tax Rate for 5th Year, Deferring Looming Amendment’s Consequences
Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin presented a proposed general fund budget that keeps the property tax rate flat, and under Florida law represents a slight tax decrease. The city commission is cautiously preparing for a potential constitutional amendment that might significantly alter homestead exemptions. Officials also discussed adding commissioner health benefits and addressing the loss of insurance coverage for beach dune walkovers.
Ex-Lt. Rainey’s Testimony Shifts Momentum in Fired Flagler Beach Fire Chief Stephen Cox’s Appeal Hearing
Former Flagler Beach Fire Chief Stephen Cox faces a difficult appeal hearing following his sudden firing by City Manager Dale Martin following staff resignations. Cox presented a strong defense emphasizing his spotless record but devastating testimony from former Lt. Morgan Rainey exposed his leadership flaws and shifted the case momentum strongly against him on Friday. The hearing isn’t over.
Flagler Beach’s Alice Baker: A Remembrance
Don Deal remembers meeting Alice Baker during the early growth of Flagler Beach in the late 1970s. Over decades, Baker served her community in numerous municipal roles, including step-in mayor and board member, while building enduring local friendships. Even after moving to Georgia, her devotion to Flagler Beach remained strong until her passing, leaving a lasting impact on her beloved coastal town.
Flagler Beach Restricts Outdoor Plastic and Metallized Party Decorations
The ordinance updates penalties, enforcement procedures, and definitions relating to littering on public and private property with new restrictions on plastic and metallized party decorations.
Former Flagler Beach Mayor Alice Baker, ‘The Gal Who Did It All’ with Kindly Resolve, Dies at 95
Former Flagler Beach Mayor Alice Baker died at age 95 in Clarkesville, Georgia. Baker spent nearly two decades as a city employee before serving as interim manager and mayor. Colleagues remembered her as a fiercely strong-willed leader who dedicated her life to protecting the community’s small-town charm, supporting local animal welfare initiatives, and listening carefully to local residents.
Flagler Beach Borrows Ormond Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier To Lead Fire Department as Fiveash Exits
Ormond Beach Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier assumed leadership of the rebuilding Flagler Beach Fire Department on July 2 as an interim through the end of September if necessary, replacing acting chief Jennifer Fiveash following the May firing of Stephen Cox. The department lost half its staff through recent resignations and that firing. Cox is challenging his termination before the city Personnel Review Board.
July 3 and 4 Celebration of 250th Anniversary from Flagler Beach Parade to Palm Coast Fireworks at County Airport
Flagler County Government and the Cities of Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and Bunnell invite all Flagler County residents and visitors to the 2026 United Flagler Community Celebration on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, this time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration and American independence. It’ll start with First Friday in Flagler Beach and culminate with a 15-16 minute firework show featuring thousands of shells at the county airport. All events are free.
Name-Clearing Hearing for Fired Flagler Beach Fire Chief Cox Exposes Deep Divisions And Lack Of Documentation
A Flagler Beach Personnel Review Board recessed a name-clearing hearing for fired fire chief Stephen Cox without reaching a decision. City Manager Dale Martin terminated Cox on May 11 after seven department members signed a no-confidence letter. Hearing testimonies revealed a glaring lack of documented evidence supporting the abrupt termination. Acting Chief Jennifer Fiveash testified extensively about her loss of trust in Cox’s flawed leadership.
Flagler Beach Close to Approving 8-Unit Vacation Rental Building on A1A at South 17th Street, With One More Delay
The Flagler Beach City Commission yet again tabled the site plan for a planned three-story, eight-unit vacation rental building at 1708 South Ocean Shore Boulevard until July 16, but not because it doesn’t want to approve it. It is only seeking further tweaks. Developer Ted Barnhill moved the primary parking lot to front State Road A1A to alleviate traffic in a narrow rear dirt alley. Commissioners required additional screening along the western alley boundary before granting final project approval.
Flagler Beach Planning to Install 30 Surveillance Cameras at 15 Locations Around Town for $158,000
The Flagler Beach City Commission votes Thursday on a $158,000 contract with a Jacksonville company to install 30 solar-powered surveillance cameras at 15 locations mostly south of State Road 100. The network requires a $109,859 start-up cost plus a $47,815 annual subscription. Local law enforcement will access the real-time feeds, as will city personnel. The proposal bypassed a formal bidding process and occurs as municipal governments are on their back heels over a proposed homestead tax cut.
Long Delayed and Debated, $801,000 Sale Closes on Flagler Beach’s Ocean Palm Golf Course, at $148,000 Loss
The $801,333 sale of Ocean Palm Golf Club to current leaseholders Jeff Ryan and Tanuj Seoni closed on Monday after financing delays. The city sold the 37-acre property at a loss compared to its $949,000 acquisition cost. Officials plan to direct the proceeds toward capital projects. A deed restriction and an upcoming ballot amendment will protect the site for continued golf course use.
Flagler County and City Officials Warn of Severe Cuts to Government Services if Voters Approve Measure to Cut Homestead Taxes
The Florida Legislature approved a constitutional amendment ballot measure scaling back homesteaded property taxes and capping non-homesteaded property valuations. Flagler County faces a projected first-year loss of $35 million, climbing to $60 million in year two. Local administrators and elected officials warn that this shifting tax structure will trigger severe, programmatic budget cuts for essential municipal services, including parks, libraries, and animal control, and speak with dismay at lawmakers’ silence on alternative funding sources.
Palm Coast Will Deploy Engine Company to Flagler Beach Fire Department, Bridging Staffing Shortfall For $54,000
Palm Coast and Flagler Beach plan to enact a temporary agreement sending a Palm Coast fire engine company to assist the severely understaffed Flagler Beach Fire Department. The emergency measure follows the sudden resignation of five Flagler Beach firefighters. Flagler Beach will pay Palm Coast $54,000 to fund one active shift rotation for four weeks. Both city governments are expected to ratify the agreement next week.
Flagler Beach Commissioner Cunningham Tells Colleague To Mind His Own Business After 4-1 Majority Backs City Manager
The Flagler Beach City Commission emphatically rejected a proposal by Commissioner John Cunningham to end the automatic annual contract renewal for City Manager Dale Martin and reaffirmed the board’s confidence in the manager. Tensions surfaced later when Commissioner Scott Spradley suggested Cunningham meet directly with Martin to resolve their differences. Cunningham flatly dismissed the recommendation and told Spradley to mind his own business, signaling that Cunningham may not be understanding the scope and responsibilities of the job.
In Flagler Beach, a Bogus Petition Calling for Accountability Echoes ‘Isolated’ Cabal Against City Manager Dale Martin
Flagler Beach City Commissioner John Cunningham is pushing for the suspension of City Manager Dale Martin’s automatic contract renewal, citing an alleged lack of confidence in Martin. But the claim is undocumented. A recent online petition demanding Martin’s removal appears entirely fabricated by a fictitious user, and has drawn just 39 invisible signatures. Most commissioners dismiss the petition and continue to support Martin against what has amounted to an isolated but continuing cabal.
Missing Documents and Unsigned Grievances Prompt Flagler Beach to Seek Dismissal of Whistleblower Lawsuit
Flagler Beach filed a motion to dismiss a whistleblower lawsuit by former Facilities Director Bryan Moisao. The city defines his claims as routine personnel friction rather than protected disclosures. Procedural errors plague the complaint as Moisao failed to attach required documents or sign the allegations. The complaint echoes grievances made by a current and former commissioner against the city manager.
Flagler Beach Will Seek Bids for Paid Parking System as It Parallels Past Decades of Idle Talk
After talking about it for three decades, and 11 years after a committee that had met for two years had recommended it, Flagler Beach is about to issue a request for qualified companies to propose a paid parking system for the city. The request will be issued on June 1. Flagler Beach residents would be exempt. Palm Coast residents, who account for the majority of visitors to the island, would not be. City Commissioners stress that this is still the investigative phase and that there are no done deals.
Flagler Beach City Manager Says Firing of Fire Chief Was Not Disciplinary Or Result of Any Violations
Former Flagler Beach Fire Chief Stephen Cox did not break any laws, did not violate any city or Fire Department policies, and in City Manager Dale Martin’s evaluation was found to exceed expectations in a September evaluation. But a “loss in confidence” among staff led to his firing, Martin said in a press conference from the main hangar of the Fire Department this afternoon. Jennifer Fiveash and Morgan Rainey have returned in interim leadership positions, but appear uninterested in staying for the long term.
Flagler Beach Fire Chief Stephen Cox Fired Following Staff Resignations and No-Confidence Letter
Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin fired Fire Chief Stephen Cox this morning following the resignation of five firefighters and a no-confidence letter signed by seven staff members, including two who’d resigned. The document cited a hostile work environment and a lack of transparent communication. Martin concluded Cox could no longer lead effectively.
Flagler Beach Planning Board Member Had Explicitly Asked Pastor if He Had Shopping Center’s Permission for Church
When the church was seeking a special zoning exception from the city, a brief exchange between a Flagler Beach Planning Board member and Roderick Palmer, the pastor of Coastal Family Church, all but anticipated the lawsuit Palmer has been battling since January. The board member had asked Palmer explicitly, twice, if he had permission from the shopping center’s property association to run a church at Flagler Square. The answer was non-committal.
Catherine Pepper Wickline Wilson, 1930-2026
Author and Flagler Beach Historical Museum Founder Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Catherine Pepper Wickline Wilson, a dedicated community leader, historian, and musician, passed away peacefully at the age of 95 at her home surrounded by family. A longtime resident of Flagler Beach, she leaves behind a legacy of civic service and cultural contributions.
Turmoil at Flagler Beach Fire Department as 5 Firefighters, Including Deputy Chief and Morgan Rainey, Resign
The Flagler Beach Fire Department is facing a leadership crisis as five firefighters tendered their resignations almost on the same day. High-profile departures include Deputy Chief Jennifer Fiveash and veteran Morgan Rainey. Personnel cite intimidation and lack of support under Chief Stephen Cox. City Manager Dale Martin is investigating the internal culture as Cox attributes the friction to chronic understaffing and low pay. Mutual aid from neighboring departments ensures continued public safety coverage.
Final Legal Challenge to Flagler Beach’s Annexations Of Veranda Bay And Summertown Ends
Resident Stephen Noble dropped his lawsuit against Flagler Beach over the annexation of Veranda Bay, making the 756-acre annexations of Veranda Bay and Summertown uncontested. The developer agreed to pay legal fees and transfer property to Noble as part of the settlement.
Flagler Beach Accepts $20,000 Gift from Susan Smith for 5 AEDs in Late Husband’s Memory
The Flagler Beach Fire Department and city government marked a $20,000 donation to the city’s Volunteer Fire Association to install five Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces throughout the city. Susan Smith presented the gift at City Hall to honors the memory of her husband, Mark Hietpas, who died in a rip current in the British Virgin Islands two years ago.
Reimagining Itself, Flagler Beach Approves New Transportation Fees To Start Funding $38 Million ‘Mobility’ Plan
Flagler Beach commissioners unanimously approved new mobility fees on new construction to fund a $38 million transportation plan. The initiative shifts the city away from car-centered infrastructure toward a multi-modal environment accommodating pedestrians and cyclists. The fee schedule targets residential and commercial developments.
Flagler Beach Commissioner Defies Contractual Obligation By Voting Against City Manager’s Ethics Defense Bill
The Flagler Beach City Commission approved paying a $10,800 legal bill for City Manager Dale Martin following a dismissed ethics complaint, but Commissioner John Cunningham opposed the payment based on personal suspicions as Mayor Patti King criticized the use of innuendo to challenge the state ethics commission findings.
Flagler Beach Approves Millions In New Debt For Sewer Upgrades Without Clear Resident Cost
The Flagler Beach City Commission approved $37 million of an expected $52 million loan to rebuild its sewer plant, and is applying for an additional, separate $19 million loan for other stormwater improvements. Yet the city cannot currently calculate exact rate increases for residents because outdated studies fail to reflect rising construction costs. Development impact fees will not provide immediate relief.
Flagler Beach Leaders Revisit 30 Years of Paid Parking Talk Amid Growing Resentment Toward Palm Coast and County
Flagler Beach commissioners debated a new vision statement today to address identity preservation amid heavy tourism but long-standing resentment toward Palm Coast and Flagler County surfaced during discussions about traffic congestion. Despite 30 years of ignoring parking studies, officials now claim they will prioritize paid parking for visitors. No specific leader was appointed to manage the project.
Flagler Beach Approves Extended Farmers’ Market Hours for Turtle Fest, But with Warning on Future Street Closures
The Flagler Beach City Commission approved extended hours for the farmers’ market during Turtle Fest on April 11, but Commission Chair Eric Cooley has significant reservations about the city’s increasing frequency of downtown street closures and their negative impact on residents and business owners. The market will partner with Turtle Fest on April 11 and the Cedar Bridge Foundation’s autism Run/Walk on April 26, donating its revenue to the two organizations.
Former Flagler Beach Facilities Director Bryan Moisao Sues City, Alleging Wrongful Retaliatory Termination
Former Flagler Beach facilities director Bryan Moisao filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging wrongful termination and whistleblower retaliation following his discharge last September. Moisao alleges City Manager Dale Martin fired him for reporting operational misconduct despite receiving a good performance evaluation. The city personnel board previously dismissed his administrative complaint despite discrepancies in two separate evaluations, one of which he’d never seen.
Flagler Beach E-Bike Rules: Age Limit, Mandatory ID, Ban from All Sidewalks and Beaches
Flagler Beach city commissioners approved the first reading of a strict ebike ordinance that prohibits ebikes on city sidewalks and beaches, requires riders to carry government identification and prohibits riders younger than 11. Fines for violations start at $100. Commissioners are debating speed limits and beach access zones to keep the ordinance from being too onerous, yet remain enforceable.
Flagler Beach City Commission Tables A1A Vacation Rental Project Over Alleyway Access and Design Concerns
The Flagler Beach City Commission unanimously tabled a proposal for a three-story, eight-unit vacation rental at State Road A1A and South 17th Street. Commissioners generally favor the project. But they’re concerned about parking and the use of a dirt alleyway for primary access. Developer Ted Barnhill must now revise plans with the planning board to address traffic flow and neighborhood impact.
Flagler County Commission Votes To Drop Legal Challenge Against Veranda Bay Annexation In Flagler Beach
The Flagler County Commission voted against challenging the City of Flagler Beach’s annexation of Veranda Bay. Two commissioners cited concerns regarding the legality of homeowner signatures in property covenants, but not a single Veranda Bay resident turned up to challenge the annexation, while the developer and a real estate broker spoke of the risks of losing deals. Developer Ken Belshe reaffirmed his commitment to existing infrastructure and conservation agreements.
Flagler Beach Hosts Second Annual Community Dinner April 18 in Celebration of Upcoming City Birthday
The City of Flagler Beach hosts its 2nd Annual Community Dinner on April 18 at Veterans Park. The event celebrates the city’s birthday by highlighting culinary talent from over 10 local restaurants. Tickets are $40 and require an entrée selection. This open-air celebration brings together residents and visitors to enjoy the unique flavors and character of Flagler Beach.
R.J. Santore Beats Rick Belhumeur, Scott Spradley Is Re-Elected for Flagler Beach City Commission
Newcomer R.J. Santore and first-term incumbent Scott Spradley won today’s election to the Flagler Beach City Commission, both edging out Rick Belhumeur, who had served three terms in five tries, by a wide margin, and Santore finishing with the most votes.