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
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.
Florida Ethics Commission Dismisses Unrelated Complaints Against Three Flagler County and City Officials
The Florida Commission on Ethics dismissed three complaints against former Acting Palm Coast City Manager Lauren Johnston, Flagler Executive Airport Director Roy Sieger, and Bunnell Planning Board member Lynn Lafferty, ruling them legally insufficient. The commission found that allegations of conflicts of interest and mismanagement lacked substantive evidence or fell outside their jurisdiction.
Palm Coast and County Endorse Vague $2.1 Million Animal Shelter Plan and Joint Animal Control Services
Palm Coast and Flagler County officials have endorsed a plan to build a $2.1 million animal shelter and consolidate animal control services. This move aims to eliminate reliance on the Flagler Humane Society but faces significant financial hurdles. While the task force suggests a fall groundbreaking, officials raise concerns over missing operational cost data and competing budget priorities. The transition could significantly increase animal control expenses for the region.
Palm Coast Charter Committee Wraps Up Work with Several Recommendations That Sharply Diverge from Council
The Palm Coast Charter Review Committee concluded its work, submitting its recommendations to the City Council for the November ballot. Key proposals include eliminating council health benefits, maintaining a $15 million borrowing limit, and requiring physical presence for votes. The City Council will review these advisory suggestions on February 17, determining which amendments will be presented to Palm Coast voters.
Palm Coast and Flagler County Propose New $2.1 Million Animal Shelter, Side-Stepping Humane Society
A joint task force between Palm Coast and Flagler County government is recommending a new $2.1 million, 9,500-square-foot animal shelter in Palm Coast to handle city and county animal control intakes. The proposal reflects growing dissatisfaction with the Flagler Humane Society and seeks to establish a municipal-run “no-kill” facility. However, the plan faces scrutiny regarding its lack of funding sources, the exclusion of the Humane Society from discussions, and projected operating costs that may exceed current expenditures while offering fewer services.
Sheriff Staly Quietly Acquires Helicopter from Attorney Dan Newlin, Launching Agency Into Air Operations
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has acquired a Bell 505 helicopter, formerly owned by prominent attorney Dan Newlin. The county administrator was surprised, noting the acquisition was never discussed during public budget hearings. While Sheriff Rick Staly has considered independent air support for years, the acquisition will lead to funding and operational costs, especially as the county already maintains the FireFlight emergency helicopter for law enforcement assistance.
Who Will Pay? Palm Coast Debates Future Growth Assumptions as It Approves New Bond and $582 Million Debt
The Palm Coast City Council unanimously approved a historic $330 million bond to fund essential water and sewer infrastructure improvements and refinance existing debt. Totaling $582 million with interest over 30 years, the loan sparked debate regarding its reliance on future population growth to offset ratepayer costs. While critics and candidates voiced concerns over the financial burden on current residents, city officials argued the investment is necessary to prevent utility failures and ensure long-term service.
Palm Coast Moves to Permit Food Trucks Beyond Town Center, Ending Long-Standing Ban
The Palm Coast City Council has unanimously approved a first reading of an ordinance to ease long-standing restrictions on food trucks, or “Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles.” The new rules establish “principal” and “accessory” use categories, defining lot sizes and operating hours. While some requirements like lot size and permanent amenities remain, the shift marks a significant move toward a more business-friendly environment, following years of restrictive policies that limited trucks to monthly events.
AdventHealth Palm Coast Among Forbes’ Inaugural List of America’s Top Hospitals
Most people don’t think about hospital rankings until they’re facing a real decision: where to go, who to trust, how close is close enough. A new national ranking from Forbes offers added clarity for families across Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties, naming six AdventHealth hospitals among America’s Top Hospitals.
Two Palm Coast Homes Lost to Fires in 36 Hours, with Propane Tank Explosions at Both
Two accidental fires destroyed homes in Palm Coast’s B-section and F-section over a 36-hour period Thursday and Friday. Both incidents involved propane tank explosions and rapid attic spread, forcing firefighters to use defensive tactics. Despite the total loss of their properties, no residents or firefighters were injured.
Palm Coast Set to Take On $582 Million Debt Over 30 Years and Invest $600 Million in City’s Utility Over the Next 5
The Palm Coast City Council is poised to approve a $280 million bond issuance and $45 million refinancing to fund a $599 million utility capital improvement plan. The resulting $582 million debt, to be repaid over 30 years, is already integrated into recent rate increases. While the investment aims to modernize aging infrastructure and satisfy state orders, officials face criticism regarding the city’s failure to secure grants, leaving residents to bear the primary financial burden.
Council Candidate Jeanie Duarte Escorted Out of City Hall Over Public Comment Policy Violation
Palm Coast City Council candidate Jeanie Duarte was escorted by a sheriff’s deputy from a council meeting this morning after continuing to speak in violation of public comment rules. Duarte again attacked the legitimacy of Council member Charles Gambaro’s tenure despite a court’s ruling, and made other unsubstantiated allegations.
Palm Coast Partnership Creates New Space for Residents to Honor Deceased Pets at Holland Park
The Saving Missing Animals Response Team (S.M.A.R.T.) of Flagler County will dedicate “The Rainbow Bridge” pet memorial at Holland Park on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. Created with the City of Palm Coast, the permanent installation allows residents to purchase engraved tags in memory of pets, supporting local animal rescue.
City Announces USTA’s 2026 Palm Coast Open at Southern Recreation Center
The City of Palm Coast announces the return of the 2026 Palm Coast Open, a professional tennis tournament sanctioned by the USTA Pro Circuit and the ITF World Tennis Tour, scheduled to take place January 30 through February 22, 2026, at the Southern Recreation Center, at 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, FL 32164.
Flagler County’s Jobless Rate Spikes to 6.1 Percent, Highest Since October 2020, and Labor Force Stalls
Flagler County’s unemployment rate surged to 6.1 percent in November, marking a five-year high as the local labor force remains stagnant. While tourism revenue shows modest growth driven by luxury vacation rentals, the housing market is signaling a significant slowdown, with the time to secure a contract reaching levels not seen since the 2012 housing recovery. Despite a slight year-end uptick in consumer sentiment, overall economic confidence across Florida declined throughout 2025.
Peter Johnson Named President of Palm Coast Historical Society
Peter Johnson, a former candidate for Palm Coast mayor and one of the leaders of the recent Bunnell History Day celebration, has been appointed President of the Palm Coast Historical Society. Serving with him are Reasa Pabst as Vice President (she is also the immediate past president), Richard Cooper as Treasurer, and Mia Parada as Secretary. Tricia Aanderud and Alex Maller serve as Board Directors.
Bomb Squad Sweeps Student Car at Matanzas High as Palm Coast Explosives Investigation Leads to Campus
A suspicious explosives investigation led Flagler County sheriff’s deputies to a student’s car at Matanzas High School today, prompting a partial campus “hold” and the arrival of a bomb squad. While an explosives-detection dog alerted to the vehicle, Sheriff Rick Staly emphasized there was no direct threat to the school or students. The investigation stems from two prior incidents in Palm Coast that are still under investigation. No arrests were made, and school officials expect to resume normal operations tomorrow.
Parking Capacity Will Double at Indian Trails Sports Complex, But Council Also Wants More Fields Lit Up Soon
The Palm Coast City Council unanimously approved a $1.55 million project to add 136 parking spaces to the Indian Trails Sports Complex, nearly doubling its capacity. Utilizing city crews is expected to save $350,000. While the project addresses long-standing congestion affecting nearby schools and churches, council members are also pushing to accelerate a $1 million lighting expansion for additional fields to maximize tourism revenue and accommodate a growing schedule of year-round sports tournaments.
Palm Coast Republican to Congressional Delegation: Do Your Job
Former Palm Coast City Council member and attorney Robert Cuff, a Republican most of his adult life, writes Rep. Randy Fine and Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moddy of his grave concern over President Trump’s unilateral military intervention in Venezuela, criticizing the lack of bipartisan Congressional notification and the dismissal of constitutional checks. Urging an end to legislative abdication, the letter demands that Congress reassert its authority over war and spending to restrain an increasingly unaccountable executive branch.
Builders and Palm Coast Trade Legal Blows in Battle Over Impact Fees Ahead of February Court Hearings
The legal battle between the Flagler Home Builders Association and Palm Coast over impact fee hikes produced dueling motions before the holidays. The City moved to dismiss the case on Dec. 5. The Builders filed for summary judgment on Dec. 15, arguing the fees are unconstitutional and unjustified. A judge will hear arguments on the city’s motion on Feb. 2 and the homebuilders’ motions on Feb. 17.
As Data Centers Draw Opposition Across Florida, DeSantis and Environmentalists Forge an Unlikely Alliance
As AI data centers proliferate across Florida, communities are pushing back against their massive water and energy consumption. From Palm Beach County’s “Project Tango” to rural Osceola County, residents fear these facilities will drain aquifers and ruin neighborhoods. While Governor DeSantis has unexpectedly signaled support for local control over these centers, the state legislature’s deference to corporate secrecy remains a hurdle. A proposed solution involves requiring substantial bonds from developers to cover environmental damages.
Convicted Sex Offender with Lurid Criminal Past Charged with Kidnapping and Beating 11-Year-Old Boy
Darnell Wayne Hairston, a 60-year-old convicted sex offender with a long history of violent crimes, was arrested in Flagler County following a New Year’s Eve traffic stop. After a violent struggle with deputies, authorities discovered an 11-year-old kidnapping victim in his truck. The child had been missing for three days and was allegedly tortured at a remote campsite. Hairston now faces several first-degree felonies, including kidnapping, aggravated child abuse, and battery by strangulation.
Reading Into Them: Flagler County Leaders’ Favorite Books of 2025
The third edition of FlaglerLive’s annual best reads project celebrates the personal joy of reading over academic or literary hierarchies. Featuring contributions from a local judge, attorneys, elected and other Flagler County leaders, the collection highlights diverse favorites ranging from Thomas Mann’s “Magic Mountain” and Erik Larson’s history to a legal decisions and self-actualization books. Here’s to venturing beyond comfort zones to discover transformative titles.
Jim Canfield, Galvanizing Architect of Palm Coast Incorporation and First Mayor, Dies at 96
Jim Canfield, the founding mayor of Palm Coast and a pivotal figure in the city’s 1999 incorporation, has died at age 96. A former Manhattan educator, Canfield led the Home Rule Committee through a contentious transition to cityhood, overcoming opposition regarding taxes and representation. Known for his non-partisan leadership and diplomatic nature, he served as mayor until 2007. Colleagues remember him as an honorable, welcoming leader who prioritized community identity over political division.
Thank You, Palm Coast and Flagler County
It’s been a difficult year for the country and for the freedom to report about it yet FlaglerLive’s fundraiser this Christmas season once again exceeded its goal in this red county, which humbles me and fills me with hope about the community we are–despite and still, to borrow the words of Robert Graves.
Joshua Hawkins, 34, of Palm Coast, Accused of Raping Child Under His Care, After Buying Her Sex Toys
Joshua Seth Hawkins of Palm Coast was arrested Tuesday for sexual battery and molestation of a child in his custody. The victim reported a mid-December assault in a bathroom, supported by a forensic interview and recovered evidence, including items purchased from Amazon. He blames the alleged victim for initiating contact.
Palm Coast and Flagler County Holiday Schedule for Garbage Pick-Ups, Libraries, Transportation and Government Hours
Here’s the holiday schedule for Palm Coast and Flagler County government services, including courts, garbage pick-up, library hours, and public transportation.
Palm Coast Moves to Dismiss Town Center Development Lawsuit, Citing ‘Fundamental Misunderstanding’ of Utility Rules
Palm Coast government has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit from Palm Coast Holdings regarding Town Center utility guarantees. The developer claims the city breached its contract by failing to guarantee water and sewer capacity, resulting in lost land sales. The city argues that development orders are conditional regulatory approvals, not absolute contracts. The city says no breach occurred because no permits were actually denied, characterizing the developer’s claims as speculative.
Argument on Old Kings Road Ends in Shooting; Victim Claims Assault, Girlfriend Cites Self-Harm
A man allegedly shot himself in a car while his girlfriend was driving, and she pulled into the driveway of the Elks Lodge to wait for paramedics. He blamed her. She described self-harm.
Palm Coast Marks 20 Years of Fantasy Lights in Town Center Saturday
The City of Palm Coast invites residents and visitors to Central Park in Town Center on Saturday, December 20, for a special 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Fantasy Lights Festival, presented by the Rotary Club of Flagler County.
Acting Manager Lauren Johnston Honored with Rare Ovation as She Prepares to Hand Reins to McGlothlin
Lauren Johnston made history as the first Palm Coast city manager to receive a standing ovation Tuesday morning at the conclusion of her nearly two-year acting tenure. Praised for restoring stability after a period of administrative turnover, Johnston was honored by the City Council and staff before returning to her preferred role as assistant city manager. She will now support incoming City Manager Michael McGlothlin, who assumes the permanent position on Wednesday.