Palm Coast restored full online access to City Council agenda packets including all supporting background materials. The city since 2019 limited web access due to ADA compliance concerns and litigation threats. A significant technological upgrade ensures all 2026 digital standards are met. Residents can now review the same staff reports, contracts, and financial data used by council members to make decisions. Whether that will reduce the incidence of belligerently misinformed public comments is unlikely.
Palm Coast
Alma Rock-Yanochko Is First Palm Coast Employee To Earn National Recreation Certification
Alma Rock-Yanochko, the recreation supervisor at the Palm Coast Aquatic Center, has earned the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) designation. She is the first city employee to obtain the credential during a tenure with Palm Coast.
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.
Palm Coast Releases ‘Popular’ 20-Page Annual Financial Report
The City of Palm Coast Finance Department has released its latest so-called “Popular Annual Financial Report” (PAFR), offering residents a clear, accessible, and transparent look at the city’s financial position and operations.
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.
Palm Coast City Hall and 3 Schools Lost Internet and Phone Service Thursday and Friday in Accidental Cable Cut
A subcontractor accidentally severed a Fibernet line along U.S. 1 on Thursday, caused significant internet and phone outages for Palm Coast City Hall, Matanzas High School, Belle Terre Elementary and Indian Trails Middle School. Crews worked overnight to repair the damage and restore services by Saturday morning. Teachers transitioned to offline instruction to avoid classroom disruptions. The city manager intends to seek full financial reimbursement for the repair project costs.
City Manager Names Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill Interim Deputy in Place of Departing Lauren Johnston
Palm Coast City Manager Mike McGlothlin appointed Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill as the interim deputy city manager today, replacing Lauren Johnston, who is joining the local school district in April. Bradd Clark will lead the fire department during the transition. Berryhill’s long tenure with the city and previous stints as acting manager provide institutional memory for a city staff seeking continuity, leadership, and stability.
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.
Records Reveal Some Details as Construction Starts On Scaled Down Data Center in Palm Coast’s Town Center
Construction started on a 10 megawatt DC Blox data center in Palm Coast serving as an undersea cable landing station by way of Flagler Beach. Records show the developer scaled the building size to under 40,000 square feet to bypass public planning board reviews. FlaglerLive obtained the site plan and other construction documents after numerous requests as the project operated under a state confidentiality law for two years.
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.
Target Shopping Center Expansion and Large U-Haul Storage Facility Off Whiteview Are Approved
The Palm Coast Planning Board approved a 119,000-square-foot U-Haul storage facility at Whiteview Parkway and US1, with 950 units and future westward road expansion plans. It also approved a 48,600-square-foot retail extension at Palm Coast Landings to accommodate three new but unnamed businesses. Both applications passed unanimously without any questions by an uncurious planning board.
Palm Coast Council Candidate Darlene Shelley Preparing to Sue City and Council Member Theresa Pontieri Over ICI Vote
Darlene Shelley filed a lawsuit against Palm Coast and Council Member Theresa Pontieri. The legal action–hung up in an errors cue at the clerk’s office for now–challenges an approved housing expansion in the E Section. Shelley alleges the council violated due process and transparency rules. She also claims Pontieri holds a conflict of interest regarding first responder housing. Pontieri dismissed the claims as frivolous and politically motivated.
Palm Coast Council Approves $2.5 Million Purchase of Temporary Buildings to Resolve Utility Office Crisis
Palm Coast City Council members unanimously approved spending $2.5 million from the utility fund to purchase modular buildings. This decision replaces a failing administrative facility at 2 Utility Drive. Staff members evacuated the site recently due to severe plumbing and pest issues. Leaders chose purchasing over leasing to ensure better long-term value. The city intends to repurpose or sell these structures once operations eventually relocate.
Bunnell Pastor Charles Cowart Receives Probation for Axe Incident After his Wife Pleads for Leniency
Charles Cowart received three years of probation on Wednesday following an incident involving an axe and aggravated assault charges. Judge Dawn Nichols issued a downward departure sentence after Cowart’s wife requested the charges be dropped. In a separate case, Nichols sentenced John Weis to one year in prison for molesting a 13-year-old girl at Flagler Beach’s Wickline Park.
Palm Coast Scores Clean Financial Audit in Independent Review Of 2025 Records
The City of Palm Coast received an unmodified audit opinion for the 2025 fiscal year. Independent auditors found no material weaknesses regarding internal controls or state and federal funding usage. The city continues its decades-long streak of receiving national awards for financial reporting excellence. Residents can access detailed budget data through the online Finance Transparency Dashboard.
Palm Coast Council Candidate Jeanie Duarte Again Ejected After Challenging Mayor To Remove Her
Palm Coast City Council candidate Jeanie Duarte was ejected from the council chambers following a six-hour meeting today after challenging Mayor Mike Norris and ignoring advice from City Attorney Marcus Duffy. Duarte attempted to direct Duffy and alleged deceptive practices by the council before a sheriff’s commander removed her for the second time in 10 weeks.
Palm Coast Council Rejects Rezoning For Concrete Plant on Hargrove Grade, Opposing Heavy Industry Precedent
The Palm Coast City Council voted 4-1 to deny a rezoning request from Hard Rock Materials today, preventing a concrete batch plant from opening in the Hargrove Grade industrial park on a 10-acre parcel Hard Rock paid $2.1 million for last year. Local business owners argued that heavy industrial operations would degrade the light industrial area. The council prioritized maintaining zoning consistency and protecting existing property interests over what would have been 20 jobs and modest tax revenue.
Palm Coast Council Stops Short of Lowering Residential Speed Limits to 25, Deterred By Cost
The Palm Coast City Council declined to lower residential speed limits from 30 to 25 miles per hour due to prohibitive costs. Replacing 2,400 signs would cost between $550,000 and $1.3 million. Officials decided to pursue state and federal grants to fund the safety initiative. Mayor Mike Norris suggested stricter enforcement by deputies as a more cost-effective way to manage local driver behavior.
Florida Gas Average Up 29 Percent In Two Weeks
Pump prices in Florida increased 27 cents over the past week and have grown 82 cents since the on-going war with Iran began. In Palm Coast, gas on Monday was selling for $3.75 at Wawa and $3.99 at RaceTrac on State Road 100, with different stations offering $3.75, $3.79, $3.89 and $3.99 along Palm Coast Parkway, according to GasBuddy.
Palm Coast Council Considers Ending Decades Old Ban on Electronic And Digital Business Signs
The Palm Coast City Council is considering lifting a 26-year-old ban on digital signs to boost economic development, particularly in Town Center. The administration is proposing allowing electronic displays on major roads with strict brightness and transition rules. Some council members worry about safety, sightliness and light pollution in residential areas.
Sheriff’s Deputy Shoots Charging Dog On Farraday Lane as Children Witness It; Second Deputy Is Bitten
A Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy shot a Labrador-pit bull mix named Bear after the dog charged him during a welfare check in Palm Coast. Several children witnessed the shooting. Later, a supervising deputy was bitten while transporting the animal to emergency care. The nonprofit organization SMART is now seeking community donations to cover $7,000 in veterinary surgery costs for the recovering dog.
Palm Coast’s Development Derangement Syndrome
Palm Coast often luxuriates in development derangement syndrome as residents of established communities and neighborhoods move to block new housing projects. This hypocrisy ignores that existing homes also replaced native wilds. Developers are not faultless. But Florida’s property tax system forces local governments to chase growth because homestead exemptions prevent existing residents from paying their fair share. Consequently, infrastructure decays while impact fees rise to subsidize the sprawl.
Suspicious Death At Florida Park Drive Home In Palm Coast Is Under Investigation, Sheriff Says
Flagler County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a suspicious death at a residence on Florida Park Drive in Palm Coast. Deputies discovered the scene before dawn during a welfare check. Sheriff Rick Staly stated there is no threat to the community but declined to provide details on weapons or the victim’s identity. The home is owned by the Demegillo family.
Flagler Cares And Local Radio Stations Join in Neighbors Helping Neighbors Help-A-Thon For Families in Crises
Flagler Broadcasting will host the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Help-A-Thon this Friday to raise $25,000 for the Flagler Cares Barrier Fund. The event, simulcast on four local stations, encourages businesses to donate in-kind services and funds to help residents overcome sudden life-derailing obstacles. By providing “hand up” assistance rather than permanent welfare, the initiative seeks to stabilize families and foster a self-sustaining local community.
Flager Cares Impact: How Care Coordination Helped a Person in Need Move From Silence to Connection
Flagler Cares provides essential one-on-one support to community members facing complex barriers. When a deaf client struggled to complete mandatory interviews for food assistance, a care coordinator facilitated the process through lip-reading and secured her benefits. The support extended further as the agency helped her obtain free assistive phone-captioning technology, restoring her independence and ensuring she remains connected to vital services and family.
Palm Coast Council Approves $226,000 Design Plans to Transform Historic Fire Station 22 Into Museum
The Palm Coast City Council approved a $226,000 design contract to transform historic Fire Station 22 into a museum and home to the Palm Coast Historical Society and possibly a welcome center. Saved from demolition by the Palm Coast Historical Society and Council member Theresa Pontieri’s advocacy, the 1977 building will feature exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, and an art studio. Funding comes from fire impact fees as the city seeks grants to cover future construction costs for the site.
Florida Senate Approves Data Center Legislation To Shield Local Communities From Massive Utility Costs
The Florida Senate unanimously passed a bill imposing new restrictions on large-scale data centers to prevent local utility ratepayers from shouldering the immense electricity and water costs associated with the booming artificial intelligence industry. Spearheaded by Governor Ron DeSantis, the legislation mandates public disclosure when data center plans are filed and requires the Public Service Commission to ensure these facilities cover their own utility expenses.
Palm Coast Approves Two-Building $22 Million Medical Complex For Town Center
The Palm Coast Planning Board unanimously approved a $22 million, 54,000-square-foot medical office complex at the intersection of Town Center Boulevard and Town Court. Developed by Paul Hassan, the two-building project will feature 198 parking spaces and may expand in future phases. Project manager Charlie Faulkner noted the new development aligns perfectly with the original vision for Town Center and fills a necessary community void.
Palm Coast Council Advances Key Charter Amendments on Vacancies, Borrowing Limits, and Disciplinary Powers
The Palm Coast City Council approved several charter amendments for the November ballot, prioritizing rules for filling council vacancies, updating borrowing limits, and defining disciplinary powers. Seeking to prevent voter fatigue, the council narrowed down recommendations from the Charter Review Committee. Key debates centered on the cost of special elections, candidate qualifying fees, and maintaining the majority-vote requirements to place these amendments before the voters.
Palm Coast Council Will Review 35 Proposed Changes to City Charter, from Council Appointments to Benefits
The Palm Coast City Council on Tuesday is reviewing proposed changes to the city charter recommended by the Charter Review Committee. The updates address council vacancies, candidate qualifications, removing employee benefits for council members, and clarifying administrative roles. The council must now decide which of these amendments, along with a potential Citizens’ Bill of Rights, will be placed on the November ballot for voter approval.
Palm Coast City Manager Mike McGlothlin Wants to Have Coffee With You
The City of Palm Coast is inviting residents to grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation through Coffee and Conversations with newly hired City Manager Mike McGlothlin, a monthly community meet-and-greet.
Judge Grudgingly Grants City’s Emergency Delay in Home Builders’ Lawsuit Against Palm Coast Over Impact Fees
A circuit judge reluctantly granted Palm Coast an emergency delay in a critical lawsuit filed by the Home Builders Association over significantly increased development impact fees. The city requested the postponement after the builders submitted a second amended complaint, causing confusion over which document governed the proceedings. The HBA is concerned about financial cost of further delays, but the judge prioritized avoiding procedural errors that could lead to an appeal.
Rezoning for Hargrove Grade Concrete Plant Backed in 5-2 Planning Board Vote as Business Owners Object
The Palm Coast Planning Board has recommended rezoning a ten-acre light industrial parcel on Hargrove Grade to heavy industrial, clearing the way for a proposed Hard Rock Materials concrete batch plant. Despite opposition from neighboring business owners who fear increased truck traffic and pollution, the board approved the measure in a 5-2 vote, sending the controversial proposal to the City Council for a final review.
Palm Coast Utility Sale Hurdles Approved as Pontieri Cites Privatization Fears and Mayor Calls It ‘Virtue Signaling’
Prompted by Council member Theresa Pontieri’s concerns over rising corporate utility privatization, the Palm Coast City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on first reading requiring a supermajority vote and a public referendum before the city’s water and sewer utility can be sold. While Mayor Mike Norris questioned the measure’s permanence, the ordinance aims to safeguard the $400 million asset from potential acquisition by private equity firms.
Palm Coast Council Defends Splash Pad Settlement that Fell $1.2 Million Short, Citing ‘Diminishing Returns’
Palm Coast City Council voted 5-0 to settle the remaining litigation over the defective Holland Park splash pad, recovering $2.375 million total. The settlement falls roughly $1.2 million short of the city’s repair costs and legal fees. Council members cited “diminishing returns” for ending the lawsuits, arguing that further legal action would risk costing taxpayers more than it would likely recover in additional damages.
Palm Coast Council Ties ICI’s Easthampton Development Expansion to Affordable Housing for Public Servants
Defying sharp public opposition, the Palm Coast City Council voted 4-1 to expand the Easthampton development from 58 to 71 homes. The approval hinges on a proposal requiring a Hosseini-led nonprofit to sell the smaller lots at cost to essential workers like teachers and veterans, a move proponents argue provides critical attainable housing despite residents’ concerns about density and transparency.
New Palm Coast Government App Now Available
The City of Palm Coast has announced the launch of its official mobile app, now available as a free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Palm Coast Splash Pad Suit Settlements Reach $2.375 Million, but City Still Faces Over $1.2 Million Loss
Palm Coast has reached a settlement with the final contractors involved in the shoddily constructed Holland Park splash pad. While total recoveries reach $2.375 million, the city remains over $1 million in the red due to rebuilding costs and legal fees. The City Council is expected to ratify the agreement on Tuesday, officially ending the four-year litigation.
Concrete Batch Plant Company Again Seeks Hargrove Grade Rezoning Amid Traffic and Water Questions
Hard Rock Materials returns to the Palm Coast Planning Board seeking to rezone 10.5 acres on Hargrove Grade for a concrete batch plant. City staff is recommending approval, but inconsistencies or questions persist regarding traffic safety and discrepancies in water usage data. Opponents fear heavy industrial zoning could set a precedent for pollution and further industrial sprawl near the existing park, even though Hargrove Grade is Palm Coast’s industrial zone.
502 Houses and Apartments, Shopping Center and Assisted Living Off Seminole Woods Boulevard Win Board’s Nod
Despite unanimous objections from neighbors regarding traffic and community character, the Flagler County Planning Board recommended approving the Seminole Woods Mixed Use planned development on 119 acres near Grand Landings. It would include 502 residential units and significant commercial space. Residents fear incompatible density and environmental loss. The planning board found the plan consistent with regulatory requirements, moving it to the County Commission for approval.
Belle Terre Parkway Construction of Safety Improvements Begins Feb. 23
The City of Palm Coast’s Belle Terre Safety Improvement project is set to begin construction on Monday, February 23. The project, which spans south of Royal Palm Parkway near Fire Station 25, to just north of Pritchard Drive along Belle Terre Parkway, will provide traffic, safety and access management improvements along this stretch of the roadway.
Survey Season: Palm Coast, Flagler County and Tourism Office Launch Simultaneous Resident Polls
Palm Coast, Flagler County, and the Tourism Development Office are simultaneously soliciting public feedback through three distinct surveys. The City and County are mailing invitations to assess resident satisfaction with government services and quality of life, while the tourism office seeks immediate online input for a ten-year sustainability master plan. The efforts aim to align future government priorities with community values.
2026 UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge: ‘Addressing Loneliness in a Connected World’
The fifth annual UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge will be hosted by the City of Palm Coast on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center. This year’s theme, “Addressing Loneliness in a Connected World,” encourages students to examine how social isolation persists despite constant digital connection and to develop creative solutions that promote mental, emotional, and community well-being.
Palm Coast Parkway and Side Streets to Undergo $6.6 Million Nighttime Resurfacing Over 4 Months
Starting in May, Palm Coast Parkway will undergo a $6.6 million resurfacing project spanning 120 nights from the Hammock Dunes Bridge to U.S. 1. A council member questioned the cost and necessity of tackling the side streets or the entirety of the parkway, but engineers argued the preemptive work is critical to prevent road failure. The project includes side street improvements but excludes Belle Terre Parkway (between the two sides of Palm Coast Parkway) to manage the budget.
Palm Coast Names Preston Zepp as New Official Historian
The Palm Coast City Council unanimously appointed Preston Zepp as the city’s new official historian to document and preserve local heritage. With over seven years of research in Flagler County and the Kings Road Historic District, Zepp aims to integrate early narratives into the city’s official record, ensuring its foundational stories remain accessible and celebrated as the community continues to grow.
Palm Coast Approves Food Truck Expansion and New Dining Hub But Missing Fee Schedule Draws Rebuke
Palm Coast City Council accepted a $55,000 donation from the Town Center Community Development District to build an outdoor dining area at The Stage. Simultaneously, officials passed an ordinance loosening food truck regulations to allow broader operations in commercial zones. The ordinance will continue to be amended, and the absence of a fee schedule drew a sharp rebuke from Council member Theresa Pontieri.
Judge Sets Nov. 16 Trial Date in Allete’s Lawsuit Against Palm Coast Over Town Center Utilities
Circuit Judge Sandra Upchurch has scheduled a two-week trial for November 16 regarding a lawsuit filed by Palm Coast Holdings against the city. The developer alleges that utility service uncertainties caused significant land sale losses. While the city defends its capacity and infrastructure investments, the court will hear motions to dismiss and amended complaints this March.
Expansion to 71 Homes Reignites Decades-Old Conflict Over ICI Homes’ Easthampton Development
The Palm Coast City Council narrowly approved the first reading of a proposal to expand an ICI Homes development from 57 to 71 units in Cypress Knoll, west of Easthampton Boulevard and south of Eric Drive. The 3-2 decision reopens a 2012 legal settlement despite strong neighborhood opposition. Final approval is conditional on the developer maintaining larger lot sizes and providing clear public benefits to the surrounding community.
Wei, Li, Chen, and Ayala Top Leaderboard as Junior Golfers Take Palm Coast
The City of Palm Coast hosted 74 junior golfers for a Florida State Golf Association tournament at Palm Harbor Golf Club on January 24–25. The event tested players aged 9 to 12 with its challenging layout while drawing families to local businesses. The FSGA returns in March for the teen division.