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.
Palm Coast City Council
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Palm Coast Will Require Registration and Occupancy Caps for Its 18 Sober Living Homes in Residential Neighborhoods
Palm Coast is adopting a new ordinance to legalize and regulate recovery homes, bringing city code into compliance with state law. The rules require all sober living homes, including previously exempt Oxford Houses, to register with the city and obtain certification from the Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR). The ordinance caps occupancy at 10 residents—half the state maximum—and mandates a 1,000-foot separation between facilities. Non-compliant homes face closure after a 60-day grace period.
A Message From Lauren Johnston as She Returns to Assistant City Manager Role
Lauren Johnston, acting Palm Coast City Manager since March 2024, returns to her former role as assistant city manager on Dec. 17, the day Michael McGlothlin assumes the title of City Manager. Johnston released the following message this week.
Palm Coast Recognizes Johnston’s Tenure and Names Stormwater’s Melissa Hill Top Employee
Under warm, sunny skies, the City of Palm Coast hosted its annual Employee Honors Ceremony on Friday, December 5, 2025, at The Stage in Town Center. Organized by the City’s Wellness, Health, and Morale (WHAM) Team, the celebration brought employees together for an afternoon of recognition, gratitude, and appreciation for the exceptional work happening across the organization each day.
Palm Coast Council Will Hold Fewer Meetings and More Flexibly Allow Members to Attend and Vote Remotely
The Palm Coast City Council is changing a few of its procedures: Fewer meetings. A more formalized allowance for remote participation in meetings (by council members, not the public). No votes on anything not on the agenda. The council approved the changes Tuesday.
McGlothlin Applauds ‘Due Diligence’ as Palm Coast Council Strips Several Clauses Before Approving His Contract
The Palm Coast City Council unanimously approved a nearly $300,000 compensation package for incoming City Manager Michael McGlothlin, but not before deleting several clauses from the contract, including a provision that would have made him eligible for additional pay during emergencies. McGlothlin followed the council’s deliberations on YouTube last night, and told FlaglerLive this morning that “I heard absolutely nothing that gives me any pause.”
Palm Coast Charter Revisions Take Shape: Easier to Run, Stricter Term Limits, No More Health Benefits
As Palm Coast’s Charter Review Committee continues to meet bi-weekly as it did last night, and before audiences that can be counted on one hand, its proposed revisions are taking shape well ahead of a March 1 deadline: the committee expects to be done next month. The council will then decide what, if any, proposals make it onto next November’s ballot. The council may edit, delete, rewrite or accept in whole the committee’s proposals. The committee itself may meet only one or two more times, likely in January. Here’s what it’s come up with.
Palm Coast City Manager McGlothlin Set for Pay Package of Close to $300,000 and ‘Disaster Pay’ Bonus in Emergencies
Incoming Palm Coast City Manager Michael McGlothlin would be paid $225,000 a year and have a total compensation package that would push the total near the $300,000 mark based on the proposed contract the City Council is set to approve on Tuesday. The base pay is 29 percent higher than that of his predecessor in the permanent job. McGlothlin would be eligible for hourly pay at his base rate for every hour he works during an emergency, past his regular 40-hour week, a first for local government executives.
The Root Cause of Palm Coast’s Infrastructure Problems Is Beneath Your Feet
ITT built Palm Coast with a water and sewer piping infrastructure designed to serve 225,000. The city has half that population, leaving rate-payers saddled with the cost of upkeep of the aging infrastructure. Lacking population growth, utility budgets will continue to be strained, chasing too few taxpayers and ratepayers, as the system ages.
Re-Appointed Vice Mayor, Theresa Pontieri Rebuffs Mayor’s Attempt to Take Back Committee Roles He’d Abandoned
The Palm Coast City Council re-elected Theresa Pontieri as its vice mayor in a 4-1 vote Tuesday. The dissent was from Mayor Mike Norris. Norris wanted to be the council representative to the Flagler County Tourist Development Council and the Cultural Council. Pontieri rebuffed him on both counts, saying he’d “abdicated” those roles, whereas she was now elbow-deep in them, and was not prepared to relinquish them. A miffed Norris stuck to minimal committee assignments.
Palm Coast Council’s Theresa Pontieri Calls for Stronger Controls on City Utility to Protect Against Privatization
As more than a dozen states, including Florida, are encouraging the privatization of utilities, Palm Coast City Council member Theresa Pontieri wants new guardrails protecting the city’s water and sewer utility from being bought by a private company. Palm Coast bought the water and sewer utility in 2003 for $82.3 million. The utility is not for sale. Council members are not interested in a sale. No company has proposed buying the utility. But Pontieri is proposing that if the utility were to be considered for a sale, a non-binding referendum would be required first, as well as a supermajority of the five-member council before approval is ratified.