The African American Cultural Society celebrated its 35th anniversary in Palm Coast with performances, Keynote Speaker Jerry L. Demings, the Orange County mayor, community leaders, and reflections on local history. AACS announce ambitious plans for a $17 million dollar facility expansion to secure future cultural preservation.
Palm Coast
Modern Palm Coast Fire Station 22 Marks Ceremonial Opening as Its Historic Kin Awaits Money and Makeover
Palm Coast celebrated the opening of modern Fire Station 22 in a decoupling ceremony this morning. The facility replaces a 1977 building the City Council hopes to transform into a visitor center and the home of the Palm Coast Historical Society. Chief Kyle Berryhill praised community support for emergency services and referred to the station as “a very hopeful place.”
Palm Coast Council Approves Transforming Planned Elderly Care Village Into Standard 544-Home Subdivision
The Palm Coast City Council approved a major master plan amendment transforming the long-standing continuous care village project known as Magnolia Trace into a standard subdivision. Developers are eliminating the original aging-in-place concept, reduced total housing units, and carving out the assisted living facility from the project, the only part of the original development that’s been built.
Town Center Settlement with Developer Will Cost Palm Coast Taxpayers More Than Land Is Worth, Appraisals Show
The Palm Coast City Council will pay $17 million, not including substantial financing cost, assume an additional $1.9 million in long-term debt, pay an indeterminate sum in maintenance, and subtract an annual $775,000 from property tax revenue to buy 23 parcels in Town Center collectively valued at $20 million. Council member Theresa Pontieri is calling it “the worst decision in city council history.”
Palm Coast Fire Station 22 Grand Opening Set for Thursday Morning
The City of Palm Coast and the Palm Coast Fire Department will host a grand opening and hose uncoupling ceremony Thursday morning for the new Fire Station 22, replacing a facility that served the community for more than 50 years.
Palm Coast Again Rejects Seminole Woods Development’s Increase to 743 Homes, Reviving Lawsuit Possibility
The Palm Coast City Council in a unanimous vote Tuesday evening rejected a developer’s request to increase the number of housing units at a Seminole Woods development from 416 to 743. The possibility of a lawsuit by the developer is again heightened, just as the city is getting out from under one that it settled for well over $17 million.
Palm Coast Warns Residents About Significant Financial Impacts Tied To Proposed Property Tax Amendment
Palm Coast residents face a statewide property tax amendment on the November ballot that could slash municipal revenue by millions over two years. The city in a release emphasizes that substantial revenue losses would threaten public safety and infrastructure funding, forcing local leaders to weigh difficult budget adjustments, spending cuts, and alternative fees because no single replacement source currently exists.
The Palm Coast Council’s DSA Folly in Town Center
Palm Coast City Council is risking millions of dollars by purchasing vast acreage from developer Allete to settle an ill-tempered lawsuit. The poending decision is reckless. It increases public debt, removes vital property tax revenue, and turns the local government into a speculative landlord over risky land during an economically volatile period.
Andy Dance Assumes Presidency of Northeast Florida Regional Council as Data Centers Hum Anew
Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance assumed the presidency of the Northeast Florida Regional Council today as the council, which normally meets in Jacksonville, held its meeting at Bunnell’s Nexus Center. Regional leaders addressed pressing infrastructure challenges, economic development, and upcoming regulatory frameworks for data centers.
2nd Palm Coast Murder-Suicide in 5 Weeks Leaves Two Dead; Shooter Had Planned It, Note Reveals
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the second murder-suicide in Palm Coast in five weeks following the shooting death of a couple in the W-Section late Wednesday night. Rakim-Shakur Khalil-Abdullah Brooks, also known as David Brooks, 55, shot his wife of two years, Dawn Estrella, 47, several times in her bedroom, killing her, then shot himself in the head in the garage at 42 Weyanoke Lane.
Flagler Forum Exposes Deep Uncertainty and Evasions on Proposed Amendment 3 Homestead Exemptions
At a Flagler Tiger Bay Forum Wednesday evening, former Sen. Jeff Brandes warned of catastrophic local revenue losses and severe service cuts if Amendment 3, the proposal to raise the homestead exemption and sharply cut local tax revenue is approved in November. Constitutional officers voiced alarm as well, contrasting sharply with Palm Coast City Council member Theresa Pontieri, who defended the tax shift through user fees and dismissed opposition as “propaganda.”
Cold-Weather Shelter May Move to New Hall at County Fairgrounds as Local Governments Increase Support
Flagler County’s only cold weather homeless shelter lost its previous location at Church on the Rock in Bunnell and is now evaluating two options–the county fairgrounds’ Expo Hall, rent-free, or First United Methodist Church in Flagler Beach. The Sheltering Tree is leaning toward the fairgrounds. County officials say they will “bend over backward” to help the shelter there, and are increasing local county and city contributions to defray shelter costs.
An Asphalt Plant Is Proposed for Hargrove Grade in Palm Coast, Generating 280 Truck Trips A Day
ACCI proposes building Palm Coast’s first asphalt plant on Hargrove Grade, generating 280 daily truck trips, many of them at night. The heavy-industrial project will face strict scrutiny from city officials and local business owners. Previous batch plant applications met fierce rejection. The proposal needs a supermajority of four City Council members for approval.
Palm Coast Water, Sewer, Garbage and Stormwater Rates Increase Oct. 1
Palm Coast customers will see their rates for water, wastewater, stormwater, and garbage pick-up services increase on Oct. 1. The increases are “part of the City’s established rate structure and are not new or unplanned,” a city release states.
Foregoing Surprises This Time, Palm Coast Council Approves Tax Rate and Budget, With 2 New Deputies
The Palm Coast City Council approved the coming fiscal year’s budget and property tax rate during a brief final hearing. Council members had resolved previous disputes by restoring funding for two sheriff deputies through departmental cuts. The budget includes significant borrowing and drawing down the reserves to settle buy land in Town Center as part of a settlement of a lawsuit with the Town Center developer.
Reconfigured 544-Unit House and Apartment Development Off Belle Terre Boulevard Clears 1st Hurdle
The Palm Coast Planning Board Tuesday evening recommended on a 6-1 vote approval of a reconfigured plan for a 544-unit housing development called Magnolia Terrace on over 1,000 acres at the south end of Belle Terre Boulevard, near U.S. 1. The proposal, technically a rezoning, reduces by 200 housing units the number of entitlements previously approved for the land.
Delayed Promenade in Palm Coast’s Town Center Adds Few Businesses and Starts Leasing Apartments
Palm Coast’s Promenade, the mixed-use retail and apartment complex in Town Center, missed its projected opening target, with just six commercial leases secured out of a potential 12 to 16 available spaces, even as businesses are relying on a generous city incentive program. Apartment leasing is underway for completed buildings.
Palm Coast Council Appoints Five New Members to Development Board After Unusual Surge of Vacancies
The Palm Coast City Council last week appointed four new members to the city’s seven-member planning board, and one alternate member, as five seats opened in an unusual confluence of resignations and completed terms.
Palm Coast City Manager Appoints Cop Jim Macfarlane, From Their Days in Oregon, As His Deputy
Palm Coast City Manager Mike McGlothlin today announced the appointment of James C. Macfarlane, a captain in the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon, as his deputy city manager. Macfarlane has spent his entire career in policing, including three in the same county where McGlothlin was a city manager.
County Gives Final Approval to 502-Home Development in Seminole Woods, Against Neighbors’ Opposition
Flagler County commissioners approved a 502-unit development of houses, townhouses and apartments off of Seminole Woods Boulevard by a 4-1 vote following intense public pushback since February, with concerns about density, traffic and infrastructure, and more than 400,000 square feet of commercial space.
Palm Coast Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11 at Heroes Park
The solemn ceremony served as a reminder of the events a quarter-century ago and served as a time of remembrance of the 2,977 lives that were lost on that day, and the 9,400 lost to illnesses endured while working at ground zero in lower Manhattan after the attacks.
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 County Memories of 9/11, pt. 1:
‘Who Will Soothe This Nation’s Soul?’
In the first of two parts commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11, 16 prominent members of the Flagler County community remember that day and reflect on how it has changed the nation since. Today’s contributors are Patrick Juliano, Andrea Totten, Penny Overstreet, LaShakia Moore, Al Hadeed, John Phillips, Stephen Bickel, Rick Staly, Tom Leek, Dale Martin, Cari Presley, Jake Scully, Brittany Kershaw, Marc Dwyer and Craig Uppercue.
Darnell Hairston, Kidnapper and Torturer of 11-Year-Old Boy, Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison
Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols today sentenced Darnell Hairston, the 61-year-old felon and sex offender charged with kidnapping and torturing a minor late last year, to two 30-year prison terms and a five-year prison term, all to be served concurrently. Assistant State Attorney melissa Clark had sought a life term for Hairston, who has a violent, lurid past.
Should Palm Coast Allow Developers to Waive Some Neighborhood Meetings Ahead of Projects? Council Says No.
The Palm Coast City Council plans to eliminate land development code rules allowing staff or developers to waive mandatory neighborhood meetings for large residential subdivisions. Council members raised transparency concerns following recent public secrecy surrounding a Bunnell landfill.
Palm Coast Targets Loopholes To Better Restrict Data Centers and Prevent Hidden Expansions
Palm Coast is adding data centers to its list of mostly prohibited land uses, requiring a supermajority City Council vote for approval and prevent developers from bypassing public hearings or hiding phased expansions under administrative thresholds. Council members seek tighter local rules ahead of potential state legislation that could strip municipal oversight over industrial technology projects.
Judge Denies Bond for Palm Coast Man Accused of Torturing Girlfriend and Threatening Deputies
A judge ordered 34-year-old Cody Lee Thayer held without bond Sunday following a violent Palm Coast domestic disturbance and his alleged repeated threats to kill the woman, burn her house, and kill deputies.
Sheriff Staly Halts Use of Flock Cameras, But Not Other License Plate Readers and Surveillance Means
Joining numerous other law enforcement agencies and in accordance with a state order applying to state rights-of-way, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly suspended the use of Flock Safety automated license plate readers but continues using other surveillance technologies to ensure public safety. He attributes the statewide backlash to political reactions and abuses by a few bad-apple cases in other agencies and defends the monitored technology as essential to crime-fighting.
Palm Coast Council Tables Seminole Woods Development Request to Go from 416 to 743 Homes, Citing Lack of Public Benefit
The Palm Coast City Council tabled a request to increase housing entitlements for the Cascades development in Seminole Woods from 416 to 743 units. Council members cited concerns over reduced lot sizes, inadequate setbacks, and the absence of clear public benefits. The developer blamed miscommunication. The application may return in three months, when the applicant will face a very different council.
Lakeview Estates Developer Faces New Conditions As Palm Coast Council Tables Housing Proposal
The Palm Coast City Council voted 4-1 to table an amendment allowing the Lakeview Estates developer to build new houses on previously protected land and a commercial strip on a different tract. Council members requested concessions regarding environmental buffers, future conservation guarantees, and commercial development limits. The developer through his attorney agreed to negotiate the terms before the item returns to the council in September.
Universal Monsters Take Over Palm Coast Fire Station 21 For Hall Of Terror Oct. 30-31
The Palm Coast Fire Department will host the annual Hall of Terror on October 30 and October 31 at Fire Station 21, a free event that drew 6,000 pepople last year. The theme this year is Universal Monsters. Longtime director Dan Driscoll is stepping down after this season. Organizers currently need volunteers for various production roles.
Lakeview Estates and Cascades Development, Controversial Pair of Déjà Vus, Confront Council Again
The Palm Coast City Council is reviewing two controversial land development proposals at this evening’s meeting: The Lakeview Estates developer wants to build 39 homes on a protected strip of land originally designated to remain unbuilt for nearby residents and The Cascades applicant is back, asking to increase its allowed single-family homes from 416 to 743 housing units in Seminole Woods.
Palm Coast Announces Several Road Closures in E and W Sections
Palm Coast government announced several separate road closures affecting drivers in the E and W Sections, two of them for a week, and one of them for almost three weeks.
Palm Coast and County Officials Raise Alarms Over Bunnell’s Secrecy on Zoning Change
Bunnell government is withholding all details regarding a special zoning exception for a confidential economic development effort dubbed Project Butterfly. The city’s planning board plans to vote on the special exception on Sept. 1 without disclosing the applicant, the location, the purpose or the land use. Palm Coast and Flagler County elected officials are formally objecting to what Mayor Norris calls “gangsta” methods, and demanding a legal review.
Flagler County Hesitant As Palm Coast Suddenly Wants To Hand Over Animal Control Services
Palm Coast and Flagler County are discussing a complete reversal of their animal control consolidation plans as the city seeks to get out of the service and let the county assume full responsibility for it following significant staff resignations and shifting cost estimates. County commissioners remain skeptical about the financial viability of the proposal. A door was opened for the Sheriff’s Office to considers taking over enforcement, too.
Palm Coast And County Edge Closer to New Joint Animal Shelter as Humane Society Advocates Protest
The Palm Coast City Council and Flagler County Commission are planning a joint animal shelter on U.S. 1 to be run by the nonprofit Smart. Officials discussed the proposal at a divided public meeting as funding, design and other details remain unresolved. Elected officials spoke of frustration with the Flagler Humane Society and welcomed a competing service provider.
Palm Coast Will Borrow Millions and Draw Down Reserves Sharply to Pay for Lawsuit Settlement Land
The Palm Coast City Council will borrow millions and use millions from its reserves to purchase land and settle a lawsuit with Allete, the Town Center developer, though there is some division among council members on the risks ahead. The council today also decisively ruled out hiring any new deputies this year.
In Another Shock at City Hall, Palm Coast Development Director John Zobler Resigns Amid Slew of Initiatives
Palm Coast Community Development Director John Zobler abruptly resigned on Monday after serving one year. His sudden departure leaves the city without a key official to manage critical ongoing projects. Deputy Director Phong Nguyen will likely serve as the interim department director.
Flagler County Is Not As Red As You Think
Last Tuesday’s primary in Flagler County clearly demonstrated that voters are exhausted by toxic political demagoguery, reactionary extremism and political theater. THat’s especially so on the School Board, where Will Furry was dispatched, Jill Woolbright was stopped from returning, and Christy Chong is hanging by a mumble.
Raydient Kills Westward Expansion, Leaving a $126 Million Taxpayer-Funded ‘Loop Road’ to Nowhere
Palm Coast’s Westward Expansion is dead for now. Raydient, the Rayonier Corp. subsidiary that spent the last three years crafting plans for a 22,000-home development west of U.S. 1, this afternoon announced that it was withdrawing all those plans. It suddenly turns the $126 million, taxpayer-funded “Loop Road” into a road to nowhere.
Flagler Unemployment Stable at 5.5%, But Underlying Trends Mirror Sharp Decline in Consumer Confidence
Flagler County’s unemployment rate remained stable at 5.6 percent in July, just a fraction higher than June’s 5.5 percent rate, but still significantly higher than in the last two years as labor force growth has stalled, pushing school enrollment down. Home sales recorded their best month in three years but the median price, flat for five years, has also lost value due to inflation. Consumer confidence is falling sharply.
Stunningly, Palm Coast Will Pay $17 Million, Assume Debt and Lose Tax Revenue for 259 Acres from Town Center Developer to Settle Lawsuit
The Palm Coast City Council voted 4-1 to settle a lawsuit by purchasing 259 acres from the Town Center developer for $17 million. The agreement forces the city to assume $1.9 million in debt and remove $775,000 in annual property tax revenue from the tax rolls, including $620,000 to the city. City officials think the settlement prevents worse financial losses from litigation and secures control over the property, which they see as an investment.
Rob Wood and Cathy Moon Decisively Win School Board, Tucker and Chong in Runoff, Pennington and Pontieri Win
Rob Wood and Cathy Moon decisively beat Will Furry, a first-term incumbent, and Jill Woolbright, who was attempting a comeback, for Flagler County School Board, while former Board member Trevor Tucker will be in a runoff against incumbent Christy Chong. Incumbent County Commissioner Leann Pennington easily won, and Theresa Pontieri won her County Commission primary bid. Tony Amaral, Jeani Duarte, Dylana Gallery and Darlene Shelley are headed for runoffs in Palm Coast City Council races.
Palm Coast Launches Housing Empowerment Workshop Series for Residents
The City of Palm Coast, in partnership with local community organizations, is announcing the upcoming Housing Empowerment Workshop Series to provide residents with essential tools for long-term housing success. This free, public educational series is designed to help community members protect their properties, strengthen financial stability, and better navigate complex housing programs.
Our Local Governments Are Drunk on Tallahassee’s Homestead Kool-Aid
The proposed amendment to sharply raise the homestead exemption and slash government revenue relies on vilifying government workers to appease taxpayers, and decades of hostile political rhetoric designed to dismantle public services. Even in Palm Coast and on the County Commission, politicians are prioritizing fabricated narratives of rampant waste over actual local needs. It’s a reckless strategy that will inevitably results in severe cuts and firings.
Convicted Felon Faces Life In Prison After Alleged Armed Burglary And Shooting of Ex’s Boyfriend
John David Lyles Jr., 52, faces five felony charges including armed burglary after allegedly breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s Palm Coast home and shooting his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend during a struggle over a handgun. He fled in a friend’s SUV but was arrested by Flagler County deputies. He claims the victims introduced the weapon during the confrontation.
Flagler County Echoes Surging Backlash Against Data Centers with One-Year Construction Ban
Not that any such projects were in the pipeline, but Flagler County enacted a one-year moratorium on all new data center construction to develop proper zoning regulations for buildings that consume colossal amounts of energy and create noise pollution. Residents are pushing back against data centers across the country.
With Eye on West Expansion, Palm Coast Council Advances Preservation Ordinance To Protect Historic Sites
The Palm Coast City Council advanced a newly drafted historic preservation ordinance to catalogue and protect local cultural resources and certify the city among the state’s historic preservation governments, which requires meeting certain criteria. The measure establishes a five-member board to review discoveries and seek grants. The ordinance parallels Raydient’s westward expansion on acreage rich in cultural and historical resources.
Judge Rules Palm Coast’s Doubling of Impact Fees Illegal, a Devastating Blow to City’s Revenue and Victory for Builders
In a devastating blow to Palm Coast government, a judge this morning ruled that the city’s doubling of development impact fees in 2025 violates a state law that forbids local governments from imposing restrictive development regulations.
Palm Coast Council Tables Westward Expansion Development Plan, Demanding Economic and Other Guarantees
Nearing midnight following a six-hour meeting Tuesday night, the Palm Coast City Council tabled until Aug. 25–the week after the primary election–the land-use proposals that would clear the way for the so-called westward expansion, the plan to build 22,000 housing units on 21,000 acres west of U.S. 1. The council signaled it would approve the development plan by Raydient pending changes to the development order that the council wants.