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Flagler County Commission

Black Hawk Helicopter Repair Company Gets 30-Year Lease in Plant It’ll Build at Flagler Airport

March 3, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 49 Comments

A Black Hawk helicopter at Flagler County airport in 2011, when it was one of three sent there with the Florida National Guard to help fight wildfires. (© FlaglerLive)

Get ready to see a lot more Black Hawk helicopters flying around Flagler County’s airport in the heart of Palm Coast as a new company moves in, bringing with it almost three dozen jobs. The Flagler County Commission on Monday in a 3-1 vote approved a 30-year lease with Van Damme Helicopters, a company that repairs and repurposes for civilian uses Black Hawks that are no longer used by the military. Commissioner Kim Carney dissented and expressed some reservations.

After Qualms from Palm Coast and Bunnell, County’s Beach-Saving Plan Gets a Much Warmer Reception from Flagler Beach

February 28, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

Local officials getting ready to break ground on the beach-renourishment project in Flagler Beach last June. Next time the beach is to be renourished, the county or Flagler Beach must have at least $13.5 million in hand. Only a beach-management plan can get them there. (© FlaglerLive)

After a punting response from Palm Coast government and a muted one from Bunnell, Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito’s ambitious plan to save the county’s beaches and permanently ensure their maintenance got a warmer response from the Flagler Beach City Commission Thursday evening, with one commissioner hoping the city will not only back the plan but be its champion.

Flagler Beach’s Days Are Numbered. That’s No Reason for Palm Coast to Assist Its Suicide. 

February 27, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 41 Comments

As Benjamin Franklin is said to have once told Flagler Beach Commissioner Jane Mealy, "a beach, if you can keep it." (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler Beach’s days are numbered. A beach-protection plan is essential. The county has produced one that spares the cities any tax increase and ensures the renourishment and management of all 18 miles of the county’s beaches. Sending the question to referendum ensures its death, and with it the eventual death of our beaches. Flagler Beach and Palm Coast should not be so fatalistic.

County’s Heidi Petito Scores 84% in Latest Evaluations, With Sharp Criticism from One Commissioner

February 27, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 25 Comments

County Administrator Heidi Petito presenting the beach-management funding plan to the Marineland Town Commission last week. Petito, in her evaluations by county commissioners, was commended for fostering good relations with other governments. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito scored 82 percent on her latest evaluation, an improvement over the previous year’s 78 percent, if with some caveats. Among them: sharp, almost lawyerly criticism from Commissioner leann Pennington on one hand and unrealistic perfect-score evaluations on the other.

Palm Coast Throws Cold, Brackish Water on County Beach Tax and Management Plan, Calling for Referendum

February 25, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 22 Comments

County Administrator Heidi Petito pitching for federal help with beach protection projects to Mike Waltz last August, before the president named the congressman his national security adviser. The Palm Coast City Council was a tougher audience for Petito today. (© FlaglerLive)

The Palm Coast City Council today was not receptive to County Administrator Heidi Petito’s comprehensive but expensive financing plan for a long-term solution to saving the county’s 18 miles of beaches. At least three council members favor sending the proposal to the ballot for a referendum, which would almost certainly fail and delay the enactment of an already lagging beach-management plan to 2027, after the next general election. 

Flagler County’s $114 Million Beach Management Plan Depends on Raising Sales Tax and Winning Cities’ Buy-In

February 24, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 25 Comments

Flagler County government is looking for buy-in from cities to extend beach protection across all 18 miles of Flagler's shoreline. But it'll be costly. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County government’s proposed $114 million plan to rebuild, maintain and protect 18 miles of shoreline over the next six years depends on raising the local sales tax by half a penny, imposing a $160-a-year tax on each barrier island property, including Flagler Beach, doubling spending on the beach from the county’s tourism-tax revenue, and temporarily using some general fund revenue toward the effort.

What Is an ‘Erosion Control Line’ and Why Is the State About to Set a New One on Flagler County’s Beaches?

February 19, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

The state established an Erosion Control Line, delineating seaward state property from upland private property, along the more than 3 miles of beaches in Flagler Beach that were rebuilt (or renourished) last year by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. That line is permanent, and will define where the beach must be rebuilt, every time it is eroded. A similar line is about to be set north of the Flagler Beach pier. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County and state environmental officials are hosting a workshop and hearing Thursday evening in Bunnell that will set a new and perpetual boundary between private properties and state property along the county’s beaches, what is officially referred to as an Erosion Control Line. The new ECL is slated for what’s called Reach Two on the county’s beaches, from North 7th Street in Flagler Beach to the northern limits of Varn Park. Here’s an explanation about what this means.

Flagler County Seeks to Protect Old Brick Road, a Historic Treasure, from Logging Trucks and Palm Coast Development

February 13, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 14 Comments

Old Brick Road in west Palm Coast's undeveloped scrub. There's no other road like it in Florida, its rust-colored bricks cutting a path through land slated for development, and now given over to logging--and logging trucks. (Flagler County)

Flagler County is exploring ways to protect the eight miles of historic Old Brick Road in the soon-to-be-developed portion of west Palm Coast. The more than 100-year-old road, built of bricks, is used by logging trucks and will be rimmed by housing developments. The county sees the best course of action as working with Palm Coast and Rayonier, the logging company, to craft protections.

County Crafting New Airport Rules Regulating Surrounding Land, But Noise and Touch-and-Go Foes Shouldn’t Get Excited

February 11, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 33 Comments

A jet on a runway at Flagler County airport. The county is crafting a new ordinance regulating airport overlays. (© FlaglerLive)

The Flagler County Commission is moving toward adopting a long-required ordinance regulating the county airport’s flight-zones approaches. The ordinance applies to land use around the airport, restricting or prohibiting certain structures or vegetation, to minimize risks to and enhance the safe operation of planes. Some residents surrounding the airport who have been objecting to the seemingly perpetual touch-and-go flights of a flight school at the airport, and complaining about the noise, will be disappointed. The ordinance does nothing to address flights or airport use.

County Acknowledges Poor Pitch to Cities for Beach Aid Even as Cryptic Talk of ‘Plan’ Continues

February 10, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 12 Comments

flagler county beach management plan

County commissioners were critical of the vagueness request by their own county for help from local cities in financing a beach-protection plan at a joint local-government meeting last week. The county left the cities with no reason to contribute. But the county administrator repeatedly and cryptically referred to a plan that has not been made public and not been discussed with county commissioners.

Flagler County’s Leadership Academy Graduates 13 ‘Emerging Leaders for Future Roles’

February 9, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 2 Comments

The Leadership Academy's newest graduates, bracketed by Dr Joe Saviak, left, and Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson. (Tax Collector)

Thirteen executives, managers, and professionals graduated from the Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy at a special ceremony at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center on Thursday. Students master the subjects, skills, and expertise needed to effectively lead and deliver exceptional service to the citizens of Flagler County. It is an intensive four-month executive education program which meets weekly for two-hour classes at the Tax Collector’s Office.

Eroding Management Plan, Cities Bluntly Tell Flagler County: Not One Extra Dime for Beach Protection

February 6, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 35 Comments

The joint meeting. (© FlaglerLive)

Palm Coast, Beverly Beach and Bunnell officials told Flagler County in blunt, at times almost belligerent terms Wednesday evening that their constituents will not accept any new tax or fee to pay for beach management, whether it’s renourishing beaches or maintaining them. The tone of the discussion during a joint meeting of local governments Wednesday left county officials reeling.

Flagler’s Jonathan Lord Elected President of Florida Emergency Preparedness Association

February 5, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

Jonathan Lord during last October's Hurricane Milton emergency. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord was elected and then sworn in as President of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA) last week, during the its Annual Meeting.

Old Dixie Motel Owners Have 5 Months To Secure Building Permits or Face Demolition by County’s Order

January 23, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 22 Comments

Special Magistrate Sean McDermott. (© FlaglerLive)

A special magistrate gave the owners of the neglected Old Dixie hotel five months to secure four permits from Flagler County or face demolition of the property. The decision by the magistrate, Sean McDermott, amounts to a further life extension for the hotel property, yet again frustrating the county’s attempts since last March to demolish a building it considers to be a nuisance and a danger to public health.

Marineland Suspends All Event Permits Until Town and Flagler County Comply with State’s River to Sea Park Rules

January 17, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

Where Ragga Surf Cafe used to be: the south end of the River to Sea Preserve's parking lot in Marineland has returned to its former look, with Ragga Surf Cafe's food truck and two campers gone, along with nearly two dozen picnic tables that had spread on the grounds and along the boardwalk. The county has covered the formerly occupied space with straw, sopping up whatever fluids may have leaked from the vehicles' four-month presence there. Marineland and Flagler County government are striving to return to compliance with state rules controlling the preserve. (© FlaglerLive)

The Marineland Town Commission Thursday evening agreed to suspend all permitting of special events, including vendor markets, 5K runs and weddings anywhere on the grounds of the River to Sea preserve–a public park–until the town and Flagler County government are in full compliance with the management terms of the preserve both had violated. The suspension is not a small matter for Marineland, whose character as a town with only a handful of residents and just one private business is defined at least in part by the events that take place in town, especially in connection with its natural amenities. 

It’s Not Your Imagination: Palm Coast Homes Used as Vacation Rentals Increase by 70% in 2 Years, to Over 500

January 15, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 20 Comments

Many single-family homes in Palm Coast are being built expressly to capitalize on the short-term vacation rental market. (© FlaglerLive)

It’s not your imagination. The number of single-family homes used as short-term vacation rentals has increased by 60 percent in two years across Flagler County, while the number of vacation rentals in Palm Coast alone, where most of the growth is concentrated, has surged by 70 percent, with the overwhelming share of those in single-family homes, condos or town houses.

After Ragga Surf Cafe Exit, Flagler County and Marineland Seek to Win Back State’s Trust in Preserve Management

January 15, 2025 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

The boardwalk at the River-to-Sea Preserve in marineland has regained its old look, minus the tables and parasols, which belonged to Ragga Surf Cafe. After the county evicted the cafe from the Preserve, Ragga Surf set up operations in downtown St. Augustine. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County government and the Town of Marineland administration have drafted a joint plan to reassure the state agency with oversight of the River to Sea Preserve that the two local governments are still capable of managing the Preserve, which had fallen out of compliance with state requirements and put both governments at risk of losing ownership. Meanwhile, Ragga Surf cafe has left Marineland and will reopen at a location in St. Augustine on Friday.

Flagler’s New Legislative Delegation, Meager in Money and Seniority, Tells Locals: Don’t Expect Much

January 8, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

The much-diminished Flagler County Legislative Delegation took its seats for the first time this afternoon in Bunnell, cautioning of a new, poorer day in Tallahassee: Sen. Tom Leek, left, and Rep. Sam Greco. Both are Republicans, each in his first term, though Leek brings eight years of service in the House, where he rose to the appropriations committee chairmanship before he was term-limited. (© FlaglerLive)

The much-diminished Flagler County Legislative Delegation took its seats this afternoon in Bunnell, cautioning local government and organization representatives seeking state aid for numerous projects that it’s a new, poorer day in Tallahassee, where federal Covid aid and legislative seniority are gone. Sen. Tom Leek and Rep. Sam Greco are each in his first term, though Leek brings eight years of service in the House, where he rose to the appropriations committee chairmanship before he was term-limited.

Owner Appeals ‘Dangerous Dog’ Designation But Doesn’t Contest Bulldog’s Two Violent Attacks in the Hammock

January 7, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 9 Comments

Winston, following the second attack by the dog Luke, who bit Winston over the eye. (Flagler County)

For only the third time in 10 years, the Flagler County Commission will hear an appeal next week by a dog owner whose bulldog, Luke, was declared “dangerous” by the county’s special magistrate following two attacks in the Hammock last October. The case hinges in substantial part on the determination of  a county animal control officer who is facing an unrelated criminal charge of animal cruelty, a potential vulnerability in the county’s case. 

Flagler County Wins Public Safety Award from Northeast Florida Regional Council

January 2, 2025 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

police drones

Flagler County is the recipient of an Annual Regional Awards for Excellence from the Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC). The honor was awarded for “Public Safety” because the county was presented with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificate of Waiver for Drones Beyond the Line of Sight

Flagler County Raised Concerns Well Before Developer Sought to Reduce Open Space at 8,000-Home ‘Reserve’ in Bunnell

December 23, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 17 Comments

State Road 11 looking south, just outside Bunnell, with acreage to the right that would be part of The Reserve at Haw Creek, a proposed 6,000 to 8,000 home development.

As the developer of the proposed 6,000-t-8,000-home Reserve at Haw Creek in Bunnell, the single-largest development in the county since Palm Coast’s origins, seeks to lower the proportion of open space there, Flagler County months ago issued a detailed letter to the city raising concerns with the plan, especially as it relates to the number of homes, flooding and open space. And that was before the developer increased the proposed density and sought to lower the amount of open space.

Ragga Surf Eviction Stands as Marineland and Flagler County Snipe at Each Other and State Snubs Them All

December 20, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 29 Comments

Dozens of people crowded the Marineland Town Commission meeting room and spilled out into an adjacent room at the offices of the GTMNERR in Marineland Thursday evening, as the fate of the Ragga Surf Cafe, as well as that of the River to Sea Preserve, continued to hang in the balance. (© FlaglerLive)

If the 50-some of supporters of Ragga Surf Café who turned out for a Marineland Town Commission meeting Thursday evening to hear some hope, any hope, that the café can stave off eviction from its temporary home at the River to Sea Preserve on Dec. 31, they were disappointed. The eviction stands. The earliest Ragga may have a chance to reclaim its spot, if at all, may be March, judging from what County Administrator Heidi Petito estimated, though it would likely be longer.

Colossal 6,000-Home Plan in Bunnell is Now 8,000 Homes, and Developer Wants to Cut Open Space by 10%

December 19, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 19 Comments

A map in Flagler County offices where someone drew the outline of what would become The Preserve at Haw Creek, a massive development that would dwarf the city of Bunnelll, of which it would be a part. (© FlaglerLive)

The developer of the proposed Preserve at Haw Creek, a 2,800-acre development west of Bunnell that would dwarf the city in size and population, has raised the number of dwellings from 5,000-to 6,000 in a May presentation to 6,000 to 8,000 now, and is asking the city to lower the minimum required open space from 60 percent to 50 percent. The city’s planning board unanimously rejected the request. The Bunnell City Commission hears the appeal on Monday.

State Raises Objections to Flagler Beach’s ‘Black Hole’ of Data About Veranda Bay as County Repeats Concerns

December 19, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

Construction at Veranda Bay, which has vested approval for 451 homes. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler Beach’s proposed annexation of Veranda Bay, the planned 2,400-home development along John Anderson Highway, is facing yet more obstacles in addition to an opposition group’s threat to sue. State agencies tasked by law with reviewing the city’s planned amendment to its land-use rules to accommodate the development have raised objections, citing a lack of data.

County Knocks Off $100,000 from Offer for ‘Sensitive’ Land Purchase to Expand Bull Creek Campground

December 18, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 1 Comment

The Bull Creek Fish Camp, where the county is planning to expand its campground, used to be a celebrated stopping point for ferry boats traveling Crescent and Dead Lake, and the site of a hotel, long gone. (© FlaglerLive)

After knocking $100,000 off the asking price due to some problematic maintenance issues on the property, the Flagler County Commission agreed to buy an eight-parcel, 27.5 acre property, including a homestead, near Dead Lake for $1.145 million, using the county’s tax-supported Environmentally Sensitive Land fund. The property will be converted into an extension of the Bull Creek Campground.

Flagler County Wants 2025 To Seal the Deal for Beach Protection, Paid For Mostly With Your Taxes

December 17, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 28 Comments

flagler county priorities

The Flagler County Commission wants to ensure that 2025 will be the year when it will vote in a beach-management funding plan, ending Flagler’s long and undistinguished run as the only county in Florida without one. That, along with lowering the tax rate and paying more to retain county staff are among the commission’s priorities for the coming year.

Commissioner Pennington Assails County Administration Over Ragga Surf Fiasco: ‘Issues Didn’t Get Handled Properly’

December 17, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 18 Comments

No thrills: Flagler County Commissioner Leann Pennington criticized the county administration and county attorney over the handling of the Ragga Surf Cafe fiasco at Marineland. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County Commissioner Leann Pennington late Monday night sharply criticized the county administration, including its legal department, over a series of errors and missed steps that led to a state rebuke of the county’s permission to Ragga Surf Cafe, a for-profit company, to use public land at Marineland’s River to Sea Preserve to run its business. County Administrator Heidi Petito and County Attorney Al Hadeed defended their actions.

Ragga Surf Cafe Supporters Urge County Commission for Eviction Reprieve, But Hear Only Silence

December 16, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 5 Comments

ragga surf cafe open

A little over half a dozen people–fewer than expected or feared by county officials–urged the Flagler County Commission this evening to reverse its ordered eviction of Ragga Surf Cafe, the for-profit business operating rent-free at the River to Sea Preserve in Marineland in violation of state rules. County commissioners offered no solace or hope of further talks other than restating a terse explanation of what led to the eviction.

Flagler County Will Spend $250,000 to Fix Wadsworth Skate Park, Exploring Concrete Upgrade in Future

December 16, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 6 Comments

The skate park at Wadsworth Park near Flagler Beach is beloved by its users, but has been in need of some love from the county's repair shop. (© FlaglerLive)

The Flagler County Commission agreed today to spend up to $250,000 to repair and rebuild steel ramps at Wadsworth Skate Park near Flagler Beach in the coming year, while investigating a plan–but not a commitment–to rebuild the park with concrete ramps and possibly include a pump track for cyclists. But that $2 million plan would be more of a hope than a reality.

Ragga Surf Fiasco: How Flagler County Risked Losing River to Sea Preserve Over Botched Favor for a Private Business

December 15, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 44 Comments

ragga surf cafe preserve river to sea

Flagler County government and the town of Marineland have come close to losing their joint ownership of the 90-acre River to Sea Preserve, the public park, after the state’s land trust discovered that the county and the town were allowing the for-profit Ragga Surf Cafe to use the preserve for its operations since September without permission from the state and in violation of the county’s own rules and procedures. Here’s what happened.

Veranda Bay Annexation in Flagler Beach Tabled Until Next Year as City Mulls Threat of Lawsuit

December 12, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 14 Comments

Flagler Beach City Commission Chair Scott Spradley got no objections to tabling the Veranda Bay annexation until Jan. 23 next year. (© FlaglerLive)

At the suggestion of Scott Spradley, its chair, the Flagler Beach City Commission this evening voted unanimously to table the proposed annexation of Veranda Bay until next year so city officials have time to study the merits of what Spradley described as a threat to sue the city if annexation went ahead.

Threat of Lawsuit Over ‘Enclave’ Is New Snag on Eve of Flagler Beach Vote on Veranda Bay Annexation

December 11, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 4 Comments

Veranda Bay land is in Orange. The enclave is outlined in red, from a map sent to city officials today.

The lawyer representing opponents of the Veranda Bay annexation into Flagler Beach sent a letter today to city officials warning them that annexing would create an illegal enclave, implying that a lawsuit might follow. The City Commission was prepared to annex at its meeting Thursday evening. The letter could pause those plans.

County Favors State Aid for New Sheriff’s Station in Hammock, But Not for Animal Shelter or Library

December 3, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 13 Comments

Flagler County continues to hope for state aid to buiold What used to be called the Eco-Tourism Center, and is now called the Regional Trails and Conservation Center.

The Flagler County Commission wants the state to help it pay for a new Sheriff’s District Office on the barrier island, but not paired with a community center and branch library. It wants financial aid with its projected tourism center on State Road 100. And it wants aid with a drainage project and a new agricultural extension center. Commissioners are foregoing asking for state money for a countywide animal shelter, among other projects.

Gun-Shy County Delays Buying ‘Sensitive Lands’ Acres That Could Allow Expansion of Bull Creek Campground

December 3, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

The acreage Flagler County would buy with Environmentally Sensitive Land money is just to the east of Bull Creek Campground, and is largely pastureland. (Google Earth)

The Flagler County Commission was ready Monday to buy 28 acres of pastureland not far from its Bull Creek Campground near Dead Lake at the west end of the county, for $1.245 million. At the last minute County Administrator Heidi Petito, who knows firsthand the cost of acquiring potentially troublesome properties absent thorough vetting,  requested that the purchase be delayed.

Flagler County’s Shannon Fountain’s Photo Featured in 2025 State Calendar

December 2, 2024 | FlaglerLive | Leave a Comment

Shannon Fountain's picture.

Flagler County will be featured in the Florida Association of Counties 2025 calendar “Stormy Skies” for the month of May with a stunning aerial image of Flagler Beach that was shot by photographer Shannon Fountain. It is the third year running that the county has been featured prominently in the calendar.

Fairness in Question as Flagler County Puts in Place ‘Tool’ to Tax Barrier Island for Beach Protection

December 2, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 43 Comments

In Flagler County, beach-maintenance and protection is a constant game of catch-up with an ever-eroding shoreline. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County’s Hammock residents applaud the county’s efforts to devise a permanent method to pay for the $8 million a year it needs to manage the county’s beaches against constant erosion. But today, those residents told the County Commission that the special taxing district the county is planning for the Hammock and other portions of the barrier island, but not Flagler Beach and not anywhere on the mainland, is unfair.

Richardson, Carney and Pennington Make History on County Commission, and Dance Is Acclaimed Chair Again

November 19, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

The commissioners sign their oath of office before Judge Melissa Distler. From left, Pam Richardson, Kim Carney and Andy Dance. Leann Pennington is behind the judge. (© FlaglerLive)

There was history this evening at the Flagler County Commission: Sworn-in on the silver spine of a Hebrew Bible, Kim Carney and Pam Richardson joined Leann Pennington, who was elected two years ago, to form the first majority-woman commission in the county’s 107-year history. There was also acclamation as Andy Dance was re-elected chair.

Developer of Disputed 204-Boat Storage Facility on Scenic A1A Must Apply for Special Exception, County Rules

November 19, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 14 Comments

hammock harbour

The Flagler County Commission Monday evening rejected a settlement agreement recommended by its own attorney to end the four-year-old dispute with a developer who wants to build a restaurant and 204-boat dry-storage facility in the Scenic A1A corridor. What would be called Hammock Harbor is a planned  dry-storage marina, or warehouse, as the developer himself had described it in an early building plan, and as its opponents still describe it. A lawsuit by the developer is likely.

Pilot Faces Eviction from County Airport After Emergency Landing Infringed on Director’s ‘Authority’

November 14, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 44 Comments

Roy Sieger, the airport director and a county employee, runs a successful operation, but his personality is sharp-edged. (© FlaglerLive)

Roy Sieger, director of Flagler County Executive Airport, is allegedly threatening to evict a pilot from the hangar he’s leasing there after the pilot made an emergency landing during Hurricane Milton, when the airport was closed. The pilot, who cites federal regulation in his defense, said he worried that Sieger’s anger would devolve into a physical altercation when Sieger confronted him soon after he landed.

A Mile-Long Veterans Day Parade of 1,000 Participants Unites Flagler’s Cities, County and Schools in Salute

November 11, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 8 Comments

The Veterans Day parade, initiated by Bunnell Police Chief Dave Brannon, stretched for a mile, from the old Bunnell City Hall to the grounds of the Government Services Building. (© FlaglerLive)

After a Veterans Day parade of more than 1,000 participants representing all cities, the county and the School Board, among others, ambled through Bunnell in a mile-long procession, hundreds of people gathered at the Government Services building for the day’s ceremonies, including a Veteran Day essay by middle schooler Mellissa Ryon, a keynote speech by Randall Stapleford, and musical performances.

Flagler and Gomorrah

November 8, 2024 | Pierre Tristam | 41 Comments

Two cheers for Flagler. (© FlaglerLive)

The outcome of local elections will affect us at least as much as anything that happens nationally. With that in mind it’s worth taking stock of our local political landscape post-apocalypse, because it’s a whole lot better than Gomorrah and, ironically, almost entirely Republican. 

Judge Declares Old Dixie Motel Owners in Contempt Over Continued Snubs, $1,000-a-Day Fines Loom

November 7, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 16 Comments

As dilapidated as ever: the Old Dixie motel as it stood today, without any signs of building activity. (© FlaglerLive)

After warning them that he would do so if they did not comply with his previous orders, Circuit Judge Chris France last week declared the owners of the Old Dixie Motel in contempt of court and warned of $1,000-a-dy fines starting on Nov. 15 if they do not comply with a pair of orders.

Flagler County’s New Ban on Homeless Sleeping in Public Ignores Allowance for Designating Safe Space

November 7, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 35 Comments

Just don't fall asleep. (© FlaglerLive)

Since Oct. 1 it has been illegal for the homeless to camp out or sleep on public grounds in Florida. The law authorizes counties to designate a local government property for use as a public camping or sleeping space for homeless individuals for up to a year–essentially, a safe, regulated space. On Monday, the Flagler County Commission approved on second reading an ordinance that ratifies the state law, but without designating a safe space for overnight stays, though such de-facto campgrounds are well known to local authorities.

Renner, on His Last Day, and Staly on His 2,497th, Break Ground on Florida Guard’s Training Facility in Bunnell

November 4, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 10 Comments

A Florida State Guard dog showing the groundbreakers how it's done this afternoon off Justice Lane. (Andy Dance)

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, who all but birthed the concept, and Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, joined with state and local officials this afternoon to break ground on the future $10 million Florida State Guard multi agency, regional training facility in Bunnell. The facility will serve the State Guard, which Gov. Ron DeSantis revived four years ago, but also all local police and fire agencies, and some regional law enforcement agencies as well in a more advanced training complex than they’ve known to date.

At Chamber’s Future of Flagler Forum, Rousing Cheer for Years Ahead from City, County and School Leaders

October 30, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 7 Comments

It isn't often that Superintendent LaShakia Moore is upstaged at an event, as she was today by the pulsating Alvin Jackson, the Bunnel city manager, who had an audience of more than 100 on the edge of its seats. (© FlaglerLive)

The Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce gave a crowd of over 100 people the chance to hear the state of Flagler County’s cities, county and school board in less than 60 minutes, presented in rapid, compelling, and at times rousing succession by men and women more knowledgeable, less vapid and generally more intelligent than the elected officials who hire them: city and county managers and the school superintendent. 

Flagler Government’s Former HR Manager Sues the County, Describing Hostile and Indifferent Environment

October 29, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 19 Comments

Samatha Whitfield speaking with Flagler County Sheriff's Cmdr. Jeff Stuart during a 2019 meeting, when Whitfield was employed by the Sheriff's Office. (© FlaglerLive)

Samatha Whitfield, the former human resources manager for Flagler County government, is suing the county in a whistleblower action, claiming she was terminated last summer in retaliation for reporting violations of rules and misconduct by one of her colleagues, to which the county administration responded with indifference.

‘Significant Reservations’ About Approving 2,735 Homes at Veranda Bay as Development Advances on 4-1 Vote

October 23, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 11 Comments

The entrance to Veranda Bay off John Anderson Highway. (© FlaglerLive)

The Flagler Beach City Commission is slowly moving toward approval of annexing Veranda Bay, the 900-acre development along that could potentially double the population of the city, change its character as a small town and upend its political center of gravity. But commissioners are pushing back against the number of homes, which could be a deal-breaker. The developer has made several concessions and is continuing to negotiate, but the total number of homes has so far been a hard line.

Hammock and Barrier Island Outside Cities Would Pay New Tax to Help Pay for Flagler’s $8.2 Million Beach Plan

October 22, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 36 Comments

The county has a plan. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County government has devised a plan to generate $8.2 million a year in local dollars to rebuild and maintain the 11.6 miles of beach north of Beverly Beach to the border of Marineland. The County Commission intends to vote on that plan, which includes a new tax for portions of the barrier island, on Nov. 4.

Total Hurricane Milton Damage to Private Property in Flagler and Cities: $18.8 million, Government Costs Yet to Be Tallied

October 15, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 14 Comments

In Palm Coast's Woodlands on Oct. 11. (© FlaglerLive)

Flagler County suffered an estimated $18.8 million in private property damages countywide from Hurricane Milton, and an additional $14 million in damages to just under 11 miles of beachfront, with additional estimates yet to be calculated such as costs to government infrastructure and services, and losses to the federal portion of the beach in Flagler Beach–the 2.6 miles the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers just renourished.

Flagler County in Federal Disaster Declaration: Residents Can Seek Help; Beach Will Be Repaired at 100% U.S. Expense

October 13, 2024 | FlaglerLive | 11 Comments

Flagler Beach's newly rebuilt beach, which had extended some 100 feet or more, suffered severe erosion during Hurricane Milton, but did the job of preserving State Road A1A intact. Now that a federal disaster has been declared, the beach is eligible for repair funds, and will be rebuilt 100 percent at the federal government's expense. (© FlaglerLive)

President Joe Biden on Friday approved a major disaster declaration for 34 Florida counties that suffered damage from Hurricane Milton, including Flagler, Volusia, St. Johns and Putnam counties. The declaration will help individuals and local governments to shoulder recovery costs, including–for governments–reimbursements for the majority of costs incurred by damage sustained or services provided during the storm and the recovery period. 

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