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.
Flagler
Flagler Emergency Director Jonathan Lord Warns Dual Fiscal Storms Could Wipe Out Local Hurricane Recovery
Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord warned that local governments potentially face a severe financial crisis as proposed federal policy changes to FEMA would restrict disaster designations and shift recovery costs to local municipalities. Simultaneously, a state special session may result in a constitutional amendment proposal eliminating or reducing homestead property taxes. The loss of local revenue would directly threatens the funding required for emergency infrastructure, personnel, and vital community protection services.
Flagler Commissioner Approve $20,000 Settlement with Former HR Manager in Lawsuit Termed ‘Bogus’ and ‘Frivolous’
The Flagler County Commission voted 3-1 to approve a $20,000 settlement with former human resources manager Samantha Whitfield, who alleged wrongful termination after she reported a colleague’s misconduct. County officials labeled the lawsuit frivolous and bogus. The insurer negotiated the settlement strictly as a cost-saving business decision but Commissioner Andy Dance opposed the payout and is looking for a policy controlling the handling of future employment lawsuits.
Flagler County Urges Vulnerable Seniors To Apply For Emergency Home Cooling Financial Assistance
Dangerous summer heat poses severe health risks to older residents throughout Florida. Flagler County Senior Services partnered with ElderSource to promote the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program. Qualified households with residents 60 or older can obtain up to $2,000 for utility bills or critical cooling repairs.
Flagler County Unemployment Rate Climbs to 5.5% As Florida’s Exceeds Nation’s for First Time Since 2020
Flagler County unemployment rose to 5.5 percent in April, matching a statewide upward trend as Florida’s unemployment rate hit 4.8 percent, surpassing the national average for the first time since 2020. Rising inflation, high interest rates, and the Iran war appears to have ended an era of historic low unemployment. Florida consumer confidence fell for a second consecutive month.
Charges Dropped in Crash that Claimed Lives of Jorge and Nancy Salinas; Attorney Says Defendant Was Not Involved
The State Attorney’s Office today filed notice that it would not file charges against Lindsey Brooke Isaacs, the 23-year-old Palm Coast resident arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol and charged with eight felony counts, including three counts of vehicular homicide in connection with the hit-and-run crash on I-4 last October that killed Deputy Flagler County Administrator Jorge Salinas, 59, his wife Nancy, 60, and Joaquin Deno, 54. Isaacs’s attorney, Marc Dwyer, said she was not involved.
Proposed Bulow Creek Park Transformation Estimated to Cost Flagler County Up to $40 Million
Flagler County commissioners reviewed plans to transform 1,160 acres around Bulow Creek into a regional park and learned that it could cost between $28 million and $40 million. The project features a 2.6-mile paved trail connecting to State Road 100 alongside unpaved paths, picnic areas, and kayak launches. Design costs were covered by the state. Funding for the actual park construction remains completely unsecured at this stage.
Palm Coast Woman Arrested Following Dumping and Rescue of 71 Dogs From R-Section Hoarding Conditions
Carolyn Moore Loveman, a 48-year-old resident of Rymshaw Drive in Palm Coast, was arrested Thursday on 34 misdemeanor counts and one felony count of animal cruelty, capping a two-and-a-half-week scramble by rescuers to recover 71 dogs that had previously been in Loveman’s care. Three dogs died. SMART’s Caroline Johnson led the rescue of care efforts for the dogs, which continues at heavy cost.
Gas Station and Convenience Store Will Replace Iconic But Long Closed White Eagle Lounge on U.S. 1
Closed for many years, the White Eagle Lounge on U.S. 1, which had a storied history as one of Flagler County’s oldest bars and was a biker favorite, will soon give way to gas station and convenience store. The county’s Planning Board recommended the required land use changes last week and the County Commission approved the elimination of a nearly century-old plat. The deteriorated White Eagle building itself will be demolished.
Marineland’s Last Remaining Taxpayer Readies to Sell Land Holdings, Putting Town’s Future in Doubt
Jim Jacoby, the only private land-holder paying property taxes in Marineland, has reached a tentative agreement to sell all but one of his parcels to Flagler County, the University of Florida and the Department of Environmental Protection. The parties have been working on a deal since mid-2025. If and when the land acquisitions go through, Marineland would lose all property tax revenue and may no longer function as a town. It may have to be absorbed under the county’s governance.
Strict No Development Policy Continues For Flagler Estates As County Rejects Special Taxing District
The Flagler County Commission unanimously rejected proposals to permit development, fund infrastructure improvements or establish a special taxing district in Flagler Estates, the inaccessible subdivision platted on sheer speculation decades ago in the northwest part of the county. Officials denied a private funding offer for basic road maintenance and ordered劇stricter law enforcement to curb rampant trespassing, weekend partying and ATV mudding.
Pontieri: Unleashing the Private Sector Is the Conservative Solution to the Palm Coast Housing Squeeze
Flagler County and Palm Coast face a housing squeeze making it difficult for lower-income, elderly and other groups to overcome rental or mortgage burdens. But government interventions are not the way, argues Palm Coast City Council member Theresa Pontieri, as they distort market incentives and unfairly shift infrastructure costs onto existing taxpayers. True affordability requires cutting regulatory red tape and fostering economic growth to raise local wages.
Palm Coast Mayor Norris Turns Loop Road Groundbreaking Into Lashing of Western Expansion and Developer
Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris surprised attendees at a groundbreaking ceremony this morning by lashing into the $125 million loop road project connecting Matanzas Woods Parkway with Palm Coast Parkway, and into Raydient, the developer, attacking it for not shouldering its share of infrastructure funding. Norris discarded his prepared remarks to criticize the environmental impact on wetlands and the financial burden on local taxpayers. Council members Charles Gambaro and Ty Miller rebuked the mayor for his timing.
Mandatory One Day Per Week Watering Restrictions Ordered as Drought Worsens
The St. Johns River Water Management District today issued a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage declaration in response to ongoing exceptional drought conditions, declining groundwater levels and reduced surface water flows across northeast and central Florida. The district includes 18 counties from Nassau to the north to Indian River to the south, including Flagler.
Council Rejects Affordable Housing Recommendations, Saying It Doesn’t Want to Alter Palm Coast’s ‘Character’
The Palm Coast City Council reviewed a sobering housing assessment identifying significant affordability gaps for working residents but rejected several strategies and narrowed the focus toward senior housing, exposing a deep divide between itself and its Affordable Housing Committee, if not its own administration. Advocates criticized the limited approach for ignoring the needs of teachers and first responders. Future expansion plans suggest a continued reliance on single-family homes, deepening a lack of diversity.
Palm Coast Council Will Join State Program Focused on Protecting Historical and Cultural Assets Citywide
Palm Coast City Council members agreed to draft an ordinance seeking inclusion in Florida’s Certified Local Government Program, which creates a partnership between federal, state, and local governments to evaluate and protect historic properties. The designation allows the city to access grant funding for preservation efforts citywide. Though 88 Florida cities and counties are part of the program, not a single Flagler County entity is. The efoort was spurred by concerns over Palm Coast’s westward expansion.
City Council Backs Mayor’s Effort to Identify Hidden History Across Land Slated For Raydient’s 22,000 Homes
Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris secured council support to negotiate unfettered land access for historical societies within a 22,000-acre development site west of U.S. 1, known as the western expansion. Raydient plans to build 22,000 homes over three decades but preservationists want to survey roughly 25 historic sites, among them the iconic Old Brick Road.
The Force Is Strong In Flagler As Jedi Clerk Tom Bexley Hosts Star Wars-Themed Mass Wedding
The Kim C. Hammond Justice Center–Tatooine for short–transformed into a celebration from a galaxy not so far away on May 4 as Flagler County Clerk of Court Tom Bexley hosted the office’s first-ever Star Wars–themed wedding ceremony in honor of May the Fourth.
Flagler County Administrator Job Posting Draws 30 Applicants in 1st Week; Shortlist Due by Mid-July
Flagler County’s search for a new administrator drew 30 applications in its first week. A three-member committee of Florida managers will rank qualified candidates and tun over a shortlist to the commission by mid-July.
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.
Taxpayer Cost of Private School Vouchers in Flagler County Surges to $19 Million as District Enrollment Falls
Flagler County public schools lost $400,000 in funding and 100 students between fall and January financial and enrollment calculations as private school subsidies of vouchers surged 20 percent since last year. State voucher spending reached $19.2 million dollars this year. District enrollment remains stagnant despite significant population growth, and budget transparency issues persist because state calculations combine voucher funds with district allocations.
Missing Records and Financial Desperation Undermine Marineland’s Hope to Reopen Marina Contract
The Marineland Town Commission seeks to renegotiate its contract with Mobius Marine, manager of the town’s 20-slip marina, to increase stagnant revenue. Marina earnings grew 179 percent since 2014. The town receives only $18,000 annually, without inflation adjustments. Attorneys warn that missing records undermine the town’s legal standing. Procedural failures regarding the 2023 contract extension further complicate efforts to extract higher payments from the marina.
Don’t Let Palm Coast’s Westward Invasion Sprawl Over Old Brick Road
Walden Pond serves as a grim cautionary tale for Flagler County preservationists as the colossal western expansion of Palm Coast threatens Old Brick Road. County commissioners are right to demand wide buffers and forbid at-grade crossings. Saving what remains of the historic Dixie Highway requires resisting developer logic that prioritizes proximity over true natural preservation.
Historic Old Brick Road Now a Battleground Between Flagler County Preservation and Palm Coast Expansion
Flagler County commissioners are stalling a proposed joint agreement with Palm Coast and Raydient, the developer of over 20,000 homes in the so-called “westward expansion” of Palm Coast, to ensure the preservation of historic Old Brick Road. They demand significant land buffers and flyover bridges instead of at-grade crossings. This firm stance aims to protect the World War I-era Dixie Highway remnant from development. The commission envisions the road as a vehicle-free linear park for nature-tourism.
Palm Coast’s Lindsey Isaacs, 23, Arrested in Hit-And-Run That Killed Jorge Salinas, His Wife and a Motorcyclist
The Florida Highway Patrol arrested 23-year-old Lindsey Brooke Isaacs, a resident of Palm Coast’s Integra Woods apartments, for the October hit-and-run crash on I-4 that killed Deputy Flagler County Administrator Jorge Salinas, Nancy Salinas, and Joaquin Deno, a Deltona father of five. Investigators used license plate readers to locate Isaacs’s Dodge Durango. She previously sued to recover her car before these charges were filed.
Severely Injured Puppy Found In Flagler County Park’s Ditch Shows Signs Of Illegal Dog Fighting
A severely injured puppy was abandoned in a ditch at Shell Bluff park, suffering from deep wounds and infections consistent with illegal dog fighting. Caroline Johnson of SMART coordinated the rescue and transport to East Coast Animal Hospital, where Shelly continues her recovery and prepares for future adoption. There are no current leads on the dog’s recent history.
Flagler Tourism Council Approves $357,000 Grant to Light Up 3 Fields at Indian Trails Sports Complex
The Flagler County Tourist Development Council approved a $357,000 grant for Palm Coast to install lights on three soccer fields at the Indian Trails Sports Complex. The funds became available after Flagler Beach abandoned its Beachwalk expansion project. The new lights will support regional tournaments and local leagues.
County Commissioner Andy Dance Replaces Flagler Beach’s Belhumeur on TPO Executive Board
Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance joined Palm Coast City Council member Ty Miller on the six-member Executive Committee of the Volusia-Flagler Transportation Planning Organization (TPO). Dance replaces former Flagler Beach City Commissioner Rick Belhumeur, who lost his seat in that city’s March election.
Flagler County Unemployment Jumps to 6 Percent, Highest Rate in Five Years
Flagler County unemployment reached 6 percent in January, the highest rate since October 2020 as labor markets in St. Johns and Volusia counties also showed strains in January. Florida lost 20,000 jobs over the year.
Clerk of Court Tom Bexley Makes It Official: Heidi Petito Starts New Senior Adviser Role Monday
Flagler County Clerk Tom Bexley officially hired former County Administrator Heidi Petito as a senior adviser starting Monday. Petito left her 23-year career within the county organization today following intense friction with three commissioners, accepting a 48 percent salary reduction to exit what she repeatedly described as a toxic environment. Her new responsibilities include executive counseling and intergovernmental relations. Bexley praised her fiscal stewardship and deep institutional knowledge.
Forecast Is for ‘Somewhat Below Normal’ Hurricane Season, But Flagler EM Chief Urges Caution
Colorado State University researchers today predicted a “somewhat below-normal” Atlantic hurricane season: 13 named storms, instead of 14 to 15 in an average year, six hurricanes instead of seven, and two reaching major storm strength instead of three. Flagler County Emergency Management Direcxtor Jonathan Lord cautioned against putting too. much stock on forecasts.
Flagler County Sets Salary Up To $235,000 For New Administrator; Public Sector Focus and BA, not MA, Minimum
Flagler County commissioners crafted the job description and a $235,000 salary ceiling for their next administrator in place of Heidi Petito, among other details in the coming job posting. The Florida Association of County Managers, not the commission, will initially vet candidates, focusing on those with 10 years of leadership experience in the public sector and a focus on budgeting, economic development, and intergovernmental relations.
Flagler Commissioners Increasingly Nervous Over Long-Delayed Phoenix Crossings Affordable Housing Project
Flagler County commissioners are expressing significant concern regarding the delayed Phoenix Crossings apartment complex in Bunnell. The project aims to house young people exiting foster care and other low-income families. Repeated delays have dogged the project. Commissioners must now decide whether to restructure local grants to prevent the loss of federal and state funding.
Future Hammock Restaurant Wins Parking Reduction Despite Strong Opposition From Residents and 2 Commissioners
The Flagler County Commission approved a parking reduction for the future Modern Mexx restaurant in the Hammock despite concerns over parking congestion at other restaurants. Owners reduced the size of the seating area to mitigate concerns.
Greg Hansen Calls Ending Heidi Petito’s Tenure ‘Criminal’ as Adam Mengel Is Appointed Interim at County
Flagler County commissioners unanimously appointed Adam Mengel as interim administrator as Heidi Petito concludes a five-year tenure marked by significant financial accomplishments, including improving reserves from $9 to $46 million. Commissioner Greg Hansen praised her performance as the best in his experience. Mengel begins his new role on April 11 with an annualized salary of $194,602.
CFO Blaise Ingoglia’s Disinformation Campaign at Local Governments’ Expense
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia is touring the state to accuse local governments of reckless overspending, but his claims rely on a simplistic formula ignoring critical economic factors like property value increases and essential service needs. Flagler County faced his unsubstantiated attacks last week. Actual budget data reveals that Ingoglia’s claims collapse under the weight of even feathery scrutiny.
Tag Team: Dad Chris Calio Retires from Flagler Fire Rescue as Son Nick Begins Career
Flagler County Fire Rescue Firefighter Paramedic Chris Calio retired on April 1, no joke, and had the privilege of spending the day with his son, Nick Calio – brand new to the department at Fire Station 16 on the Volusia County border. Also on shift were Chris Calio’s best friends: Noah Hunt and Jake Gonzalez.
R.J. Larizza Hosts Former Rivals as Unveiling of 4 State Attorneys’ Portraits Stirs Old Battles and Triumphs
State Attorney R.J. Larizza Friday unveiled a portrait gallery at an event honoring four storied Seventh Judicial Circuit former State Attorneys: Dan Warren, Stephen Boyles, John Tanner and Steve Alexander. Warren’s son Raymond, a former prosecutor and public defender, recalled his father’s role in the summer of 1964, seminal in the state’s civil rights history, and Tanner used the occasion to discuss his 1963 manslaughter indictment by Warren, and subsequent enmity with the state attorney.
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 County Is 6th Fastest Growing in Florida, with 25,000 New Residents Between 2020 and 2025
Flagler County added 25,000 residents between 2020 and 2025 to reach a total of 140,360 people. The 21.7 percent increase makes it the sixth fastest growing county in Florida. Most growth stems from domestic migration. The aging demographic influences local policy decisions, healthcare infrastructure, and public school enrollment trends. Growth slowed slightly during the most recent 12-month period reported recently.
Over 1,300 ‘No Kings’ Protesters at 3 Locations in Flagler Beach and Palm Coast Proclaim Diversity of Opposition to Trump
Demonstrators gathered in Flagler Beach and two locations in Palm Coast Saturday to participate in the third set of anti-authoritarian “No Kings” protests, part of some 3,100 such protests across the country. More than 1,300 people voiced opposition to the Trump administration through signs and chants. A small counter-protest emerged at Palm Coast Parkway. Participants expressed concerns ranging from civil rights to immigration issues, but the movement’s political effectiveness ahead of the November election is unclear.
As War and ICE Fuel Momentum, Throngs Expected at No Kings Rallies in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach Saturday
Organizers in Flagler County scheduled three separate No Kings rallies in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, joining millions expected to participate in over 3,000 demonstrations across the nation and beyond Saturday. The non-hierarchical protests draw on thematic opposition to recent foreign and domestic policies and the president’s authoritarianism.
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia Brings Campaign-Style Attacks on Local Government Spending to Flagler County
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia visited Flagler County today to accuse local officials of wasteful spending. Using a methodology based on inflation and population growth, Ingoglia claimed the county overspent by 59 million dollars over six years. Local leaders remained silent during the aggressive presentation and some later spoke approvingly of the CFO’s criticism.
Marineland’s New Attorneys Sound Alarm Over Lax Policies, Missing Audits, Lost Records and Potential Litigation
Marineland is grappling with missing audits and vanished public records. New legal counsel warns of financial instability after the town lost a third of its general fund revenue as commissioners seek to renegotiate a marina contract to bolster funds, though that may lead to litigation. The attorneys are preparing a roadmap to address many of the issues.
Flagler County Republican Executive Committee Invites High School Students To Art Exhibit Auction
The Flagler County Republican Executive Committee (FCREC) is inviting local high school students to participate in a special Student Art Exhibit and Auction as part of America 250… A Lincoln Day Dinner, taking place August 8.
Deputy City Manager Lauren Johnston Leaves Palm Coast For Top Operations Role At Flagler Schools
Palm Coast Deputy City Manager Lauren Johnston is moving to the Flagler County School District as the new chief of operations in place of Dave Freeman. Superintendent LaShakia Moore announced the appointment this morning alongside new Human Resources Director Joshua Walker. Johnston accepted a significant pay cut to improve her work-life balance. City Manager Michael McGlothlin plans to name an interim replacement within a week.
Flagler County Secures Federal Transit Administration Approval To Access Millions In New Public Transportation Funding
Flagler County successfully completed the Federal Transit Administration Region IV process to become an official grant recipient. This designation follows a decade of effort by local staff. The county expects annual transportation grant awards to increase by more than 50% because of this milestone. Officials must maintain strict compliance with federal regulations. This federal support aims to enhance public transportation services for the entire community.
19 Questions Regarding ICE Detention In Flagler Jail Reveal Significant Gaps In Public Information
The Flagler County jail is one of the state’s busiest holding facilities for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, collaborating with federal agencies in the Trump administration’s sweep of undocumented migrants. FlaglerLive submitted 19 questions to the Sheriff’s Office about the agency’s participation, costs and other issues related to the collaboration with ICE. Some questions were answered, others deferred to ICE, which did not respond.
Flagler County Sheriff Participation in Federal Immigration Sweeps Raises Questions About Local Taxpayer Costs
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly says local taxpayers will be left bearing no burden for participation in federal immigration sweeps. Signed agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement indicate the county remains responsible for salaries, benefits, training and other costs, and neither the Sheriff’s Office nor federal agencies are providing specific financial data, including about the cost of housing migrants at the county jail as transparency remains elusive.
County Commission Rejects Hammock Restaurant Parking Plan Amid Skepticism Over Staffing and Size
Flagler County commissioners rejected a parking variance for a proposed 90-seat restaurant in the Hammock, in place of the defunct Fusion 386. Owners Michael Goodman and Bruce Garrison sought 31 spaces instead of the required 41. Commissioners and the public are skeptical that the 3,000-square-foot building will use only five employees per shift. The project was tabled and the owners directed to submit revised plans.