Representatives of Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell and the county agreed at a joint meeting of local governments to consider the possibility of adding a referendum to the November 2026 ballot to raise the sales tax by half a cent and use some of the revenue to pay for beach protection.
Flagler Beach and Beverly Beach would have preferred–and had supported–a County Commission increase in the sales tax rather than a referendum, which will face difficulties at the ballot box. But they’ll support it, having no other choice.
Palm Coast appears to have the support. County Chair Andy Dance is in full support. Bunnell equivocated, as did County Commissioner Leann Penington.
“It has not been decided yet. That discussion still has to be made,” Dance said. But he encouraged his colleagues to have that discussion, since the County Commission a few weeks ago stumbled all over the comprehensive beach protection plan County Administrator Heidi Petito had proposed.
That plan hinged on the County Commission voting in an increase in the sales tax. It needed a majority of four of its five commissioners to succeed. Three were opposed. The plan failed, leaving the county and its cities without a long-term plan, and one more year of beach band-aids as erosion deteriorates the shoreline further.
Flagler County’s critically eroded beaches now stretch over 10.3 miles, up from 8 miles, the county just learned from the Department of Environmental Protection. The better news is that with that extension, the county is eligible for 50-50 cost shares with state aid. The areas added to the “critically eroded” category are north of Varn Park, and a small segment in Marineland.
The county is spending $8.2 million for beach protection next year. It includes money from the general fund, drawn from property tax revenue, from the sales tax, and from tourism sales surtax revenue.
The county has not resolved its long-term beach management funding problem–neither the necessary ongoing reconstruction of the beach, nor the maintenance of the beach, which calls for accumulating money year after year so that when the next renourishment is due, the county can pay its share. At least $12 million a year will be needed for that.
“We really don’t have an ongoing revenue stream that’s going to be able to do this,” Petito said.
Special taxing districts will not carry that load, even with contributions from the general fund and from tourism dollars. An additional half-cent sales tax would generate between $7 million and $8 million a year, compared with less than $2 million from a special taxing district.
With the County Commission unable to agree to a sales tax, that leaves a referendum as an option, leaving it to voters to decide the question on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot.
It would need a unified front among local governments, Dance said. “It definitely is political at that point, as we approach an election season,” he said. Local governments would also have to hurry to ensure that the referendum makes it on the ballot.
Palm Coast City Council member Ty Miller, basing his analysis on previous discussions, said the council would support sending the issue to a referendum. Mayor Mike Norris would support it, too, he said, but with caveats.
“If you want to try it on referendum, chairman, that’s completely up to you,” Norris told Dance. “I think you know how that’s going to work out.” Meaning that a referendum would very likely fail, because the bulk of the vote would be Palm Coast, and another segment would be West Flagler.
Based on pronouncements before local governments, neither block has tended to voice support for an additional tax for beach protection. But the new sales tax revenue would not be exclusively appropriated to the beach. As previously configured, when the County Commission was considering approving it by vote, Palm Coast and Bunnell would keep half the revenue generated. For Palm Coast, that would be nearly $3 million to start, rising beyond that in future years. The city could use that new revenue without strings other than those it would attach to the ballot language. For example, it could tell voters that the money would be spent on infrastructure such as roads–a crying need in Palm Coast.
“As you do referendums, it becomes having to present the data, public meetings, lots of information, a lot of transparency on where it’s going and how it’ll be backed up,” Dance said. Dance was gently pushing back against Norris’s bleaker assessment because Dance can take credit for playing a key role in winning a half-cent referendum for the school district when he was on the School Board. Dance advocated and campaigned in the streets for weeks.
“Yes, it’s an uphill battle. I’m not going to deny that,” Dance said. “The best you can do is give the information to the residents and let them decide.”
“People will be opposed to any tax increase,” Norris said, “and I think they’re looking for accountability and safeguards that the money is going to be specifically designated and used for that.” But Norris said he would help push for the referendum, since he supports saving the beaches. He says Palm Coast residents will want “very tight accountability.”
Norris also noted that Palm Coast is likely to have its own charter amendment proposals on the same ballot, so “it’s going to be a long ballot,” he said.
Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson wasn’t even keen on discussing it with her board. “I don’t know that I should go back and talk to my board about this meeting and how this may be on the table, if really and truly it hasn’t been decided yet,” she said.
It wasn’t a question of deciding it just yet: Dance wanted to know whether there was support for a referendum from local governments before even moving to deciding whether to have one. But to get that sense, every representative at Wednesday’s meeting would have to bring it back to his or her board rather than act as a gatekeeper.
The whole point of the joint meeting is “to share ideas,” Dance said, so issues are talked about before votes take other governments by surprise. “It’s helpful to have the discussion. I don’t want everybody to say, well, they haven’t voted, so this is not important yet, or just put it to the side, because we still need your input.”
County Commissioner Leann Pennington, prefacing her remarks as “Debbie Downer,” said both the County Commission and the City Council will have new members by November 2026. Palm Coast is certain to have three new members–a majority. The County Commission will have at least one new member. Pennington is running for reelection. She raised the possibility that local boards could rewrite whatever joint agreements define the distribution of revenue from the sales tax. That’s a possibility, though ballot language is likely to narrow down definitions and distributions.
Gary says
People in Palm Coast shouldn’t have to pay more tax for something that is not in there control. All the homes along the beach should pay there fair for being there. It was there choice now pay up.
Deborah Coffey says
Really? And the people of Flagler County think that Republicans know how to govern? What a mess!
Billionaires donation says
Tax the rich! Most families today already live paycheck to paycheck..forced price increases on everything has only made and continues to make it way worse. The top 10% already have over 70% of all the money.fellow People getting assistance is not the problem. Work those extra hours to pay those tariffs hahahahaha. But seriously… history shows this is unsustainable.
Measuring the economy by how rich people’s money is doing in the market is not a reflection of how the average family is doing. Exciting times though big beautiful crash coming in hot!!!can’t afford groceries for the fam pretty sure I don’t need more tax.
Tasmania woods.... says
Tax and spend, with this County Administrator.
Fix your budget, make cust move the money to where it needs to go.
Im not interested in another tax because you can’t do your job.
When is the Commissioners going to figure out how stupid they look overtime she brings this up at some workshop.
Im tired of hearing about it.
No vote here!
notaj says
Israel has free health care for all that we pay for. How about we stop paying for that and use it for the beach?
Jan says
Yes. “Add a referendum to the November 2026 ballot to raise the sales tax by half a cent and use some of the revenue to pay for beach protection. “
TiredOfTheStupidity says
@ Gary – Your comment is very disrespectful, suggesting that everyone who lives on the barrier island is a millionaire. For your uninformed response, not everyone falls into that category, and an inheritance isn’t a choice; it’s a gift. I’ve been a part of this community for over 50 years, contributing and working for every penny I own. Whether you enjoy the beach or not, no one told you to move to Palm Coast and complain about paying a little to enjoy a luxury most never get a chance to.
Sherry says
@ gary. . . In that case “you” should NEVER have access to ANY beach unless you “pay up”! Me, I’m all for adding a toll to the SR 100 bridge, with an annual sticker for free access to all that live on the barrier islands. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Duncan says
The condition of our beaches affects all of Flagler County—not just Flagler Beach. Since the commissioners lack the political will to do what’s right, then let the issue go to a referendum. Perhaps enough voters will recognize that the beach is directly tied to our county’s economy (yes, even Palm Coast) and stop dismissing funding as merely protecting a “millionaire’s” homestead.
The reality is that these so-called “millionaires” already contribute much more in property taxes than inland residents, and on top of that will shoulder an additional, unofficial ad valorem tax in the coming years for living on the island.
Jim says
As a Palm Coast resident, I have no issue with raising the sales tax by half a cent to be spent on beach protection. No, I don’t live on the beach but I live near a beach which is a significant part of why I decided to move here. Just because there is no beach in my front yard seems a poor reason to oppose the tax. You might want to think about your property value if/when the beach is gone. I can’t see that helping property value!
I don’t go to Flagler Beach every day and there are weeks that go by without going there. But when I do go there, I’d like to see the beach in reasonable shape as opposed to being eroded!
Oh, and I support the full half cent increase going towards beach protection. I get nervous when politicians add “… and other items” to the use of the tax!
JR says
Why keep throwing money away at a problem that you have literally ZERO chance of fixing or slowing down. Unfortunately, it is what it is. Mother nature will continue to erode the beaches and we have to learn to deal with it. This isn’t a Democrat or Republican problem, it’s a science problem that we already know the outcome to.
DP says
@ Sherry, I like your idea. So to go westbound to grocery shop, how about the toll be 4 times the eastbound fee!!!! Now you can stay beach side and shop in the hammock or Ormond beach. And while they are at, the DCDD should also reinstate the westbound tolls as some citizens are done with additional taxing. And can barely live within there means. So the cities and county’s need to budget within thier means.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it!!!!!
No tax on stocks? says
Did you know last year companies spent 1.1 Trillion on stock buy backs. If taxed at even 10% that’s enough to make every community college and trade school in the national tuition free.
Until corporations and the top 10% are paying a fair share we shall not pay more. Republican Thieves! Insider trading is a felony and I know a bunch of congress that are guilty of that. But arrest the guy stealing a candy bar, not the rich thieves, that will fix the issues ….
destroyed democracy for racist power grabs. Fixing this mess will already cost us 10x more !!
RW says
Everyday I see an ads for “Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches” on social media! Why? Why would Palm Coast pay for such ads if they don’t want to save the beach ! Until the beach is gone and people stop spending money, people will never realize how short sighted not saving our beaches is. What are people going to come to Palm Coast for? To shop at Walmart ?!
PaulT says
Absolutely NO. Using our tax dollars for never ending beach replenishment is nonsense. Before the barrier islands were developed there was a thriving and extensive dune structure which fluctuated but prospered without human interference. Then some smart ass developer decided to weaken it with home building and of course all the little ‘cities’ that grew up higgledy piggldy wit no respect for nature,and of course the State of Florida came up with the dumbest idea of all. Build a highway (A1A) right along the shoreline. Destruction achieved, protective dunes destroyed.
Let the barrier islands go back to nature, stop the re-insurance and rebuilding of properties mangled by hurricanes or flooded by inexorably rising oceans. Better still raze all structure on the barrier islands, pedestrianize the bridges and let people walk to the beach. It will provide healthy exercise and improve the whole experience.
Ric Flair says
The majority of the beaches in Flagler County borders A1A….a state road making this a state problem. Let the state figure out how to protect their road. Any private property located east of A1A can build their own sea walls or whatever they feel necessary to protect their property. No one else but the private property owners pay for sea walls on the canals in Palm Coast and along the intracoastal. This is a state and stakeholders problem. Period.
SuzieQ says
No, I’m not going to fund a war with Mother Nature. Trust me, she wins every time.
Noway says
Absolutely NO! we are stretched as thin as you can stretch us.
John O says
As a beach lover, I am all in favor of paying for beautiful public beaches. That being said, Flagler County does not have beautiful public beaches. On the contrary, it’s public beaches and facilities are run down, ugly and neglected. It’s own tourist brochures plainly state that some of them are not for swimming due to the dangerous rocks. Perhaps there are stretches of beach along the many miles of shoreline not accessible to the public that have better conditions. I wouldn’t know. I can only access the public beaches. And that is the crux of the problem. If the county wants to tax everyone for protecting all of the shoreline then all of the shoreline must be accessible to to everyone. Accessible means adequate parking (not just a handful of unmarked spaces like Beverly Beach), and clean, maintained restrooms. If the 1/2 cent sales tax increase is passed in it’s current form I would encourage all residents to boycott all Flagler County businesses, including those that don’t collect sales tax, to pressure the county to repeal it. Open the entire shoreline to the public or don’t ask us for any money!
Joe D says
Yes, by all means, let’s go through the MOTIONS and added EXPENSES of a voter referendum: “Do you want to pay a small new sales tax to pay for your fair share of beach maintenance, or do you want to foist the ENTIRE cost onto Barrier Island “Rich” people and continue to get your beach access for FREE anyway?” All SARCASM aside, how do you expect the referendum to turn out?!! Commissions don’t want to put their political careers on the line and accept the proposal made last Spring suggesting a combination of Flagler Beach increased fees, some County contribution, ALL of Flagler Beach’s 1/2% additional sales tax on LIMITED goods/services, but only 1/4% of the 1/2% collected by non-Flagler Beach municipalities would have to be contributed. The plan was well thought out…and large amounts would be paid by out of County tourism fees . The MAJORITY of the County Commissioners were not willing to take the heat of deciding for the County how to preserve the BIGGEST SOURCE OF INCOME Flagler County has to pay for County services.
FACTS:
-The Army Corps of Engineers will cover a LARGE PORTION of beach renourishment as long as local (State/County/Local ) funds pay a portion each time
-There is a LARGE gap between what our County has to pay for beach maintenance, and what is currently available
-Flagler Beach tourism income (hotel taxes/restaurant taxes/ short term rental houses/ beach jobs) is approximately ( if I can quote a Flagler Beach City Commissioner) $900 million PER YEAR…no usable beach…no tourists…less County revenue for roads/police and emergency services! Try making THAT LOSS up Palm Coast…maybe some more bake sales and art/craft shows?
-Large portions of the proposed 1/2% sales tax costs will be paid for by our of County visitors.
-Not all Barrier Island homeowners are “Rich.” I myself am a retired Clinical Nurse Specialist, and I know several retired teachers living here…HARDLY Millionaire material.
-I ALREADY pay DOUBLE the property taxes $6800 for a SMALL 2 Br/1.5 Ba, 1154 sq ft townhouse than non-Barrier Island Residents pay.
-Cell phone tower usage data in Flagler Beach DOCUMENTS that 4 out of 5 beach users are from PALM COAST!!! Such a joke really…PALM COAST has …wait for it …NO COAST! But Realty ads push Palm Coast’s proximity to the Beach as a selling point….so don’t tell me that Palm Coast doesn’t BENEFIT from the beach!
-Even though our small development owns the beach across from our West side AIA townhouses, there are no RESTRICTIONS for anyone to access the beach ( as I can attest to 7 days a week with so many non-resident cars parked, that I couldn’t get any beach parking across from my own home). I do have a concern for developments who have essentially “locked out” East side of A1A beach access for only DEVELOPMENT access by their owners.
So yes, Flagler County Commissioners..HIDE behind a USELESS referendum! Meanwhile we are waiting for the next storms ( yes predictably there will be beach damage) to remove the BIGGEST financial income benefit to our County budget…maybe you no longer plan on running for office in a few years, when the $900,00o,000 income loss for the County has to be made up from SOMEWHERE! Wait for your taxes THEN!
I would FULLY support a TOLL for the route 100 bridge (although I don’t think it’s possible), or a daily/weekly/monthly/yearly wristband/ permit for actual beach access…and fee parking….but those measures are not going to produce the income needed for long term beach management.
TIC TOCK people…
Nope. Kiss my Dunes. says
No. Some say yes arguing that we all, all residents, use the beach. True. BUT, we can all still use the beach no matter how much erosion; the beach is NOT going anywhere. Well, the beach is actually moving, due to climate change – but that “does not exist”. If beach front property requires protection, those owners – who bought by the sea – can protect that. Not me.
Erod says
1/2 a cent sales tax is fine for me is their anything else I can do to help out the out of town millionaires who own those magnificent 3 and 4 story gated beach homes with their own private beach ?
Marco Simone says
For the people who say, “I don’t use the beach so I shouldn’t have to pay.”
Using that train of thought: What about the people who don’t have kids and have tax dollars go to schools? Why should they pay for something they don’t utilize? Or the people who have never needed emergency services? Why should their money go to the sheriff and other emergency services? Or the people who don’t utilize parks. Why should they pay for that?
Jay Gardner says
Duncan, well said. This affects our entire tax base along with quality of life. Without the beach, we would be like Putnam County with their tax rate capped out. We may be the only county in Florida that has not figured this out. Disappointed that our elected bodies can’t make the hard decision. Support the half penny sales tax.
MakePlacesGreat says
Don’t mistake motion for action. It is simply cowardice on the part of elected officials to even consider putting this to a referendum. It is oftentimes hard to do the right thing. Sadly, most of these elected officials simply don’t have the courage to do that. They are more interested in getting re-elected in order to keep what are ill-conceived notions of their importance and power, than they are with carrying out their fiduciary obligation to act in the best interest of those they were elected to serve. In the meantime, for more than a decade one of the major economic drivers of this community, tourism, stands at great risk … billions of dollars in tax base, hundreds of businesses, thousands of family supporting jobs. Anyone hear Nero fiddling? Its called malfeasance.
Ed P says
Everyone who is truly interested in understanding the dynamics of the County’s inability to establish a funded beach re-nourishment program needs to attend the upcoming regular Sept 3 meeting in addition to the special Sept 11 meeting.
Flagler County is the only shoreline county in Florida without a funded program. So to all the uniformed who decry that they don’t use the beach, it’s a waste, let the rich pay. Ask yourself why every other county has funded the project. Simple, healthy beaches benefit everyone in a shoreline community via tourism and elevated real estate values. Period.
Now to the dynamics. Start with the fact that no one wants to pay more. All the noise that Palm Coast residents don’t use our beaches is a straw man’s argument. Do all residents use the library, the parks, the schools or ever interact with the police? No. All these services are part of the public infrastructure that at times benefits a minority, but serves everyone. It’s usually a choice to use these public amenities, just like our beach.
Are your property values elevated because of the proximity of the beach? Absolutely.
Today, the commissioners could decide amongst the 5 of them and with a super majority, 4-1, enact the 1/2 sales tax, ear mark it exclusively for the re-nourishment project, decide not to split any revenue with the municipalities and fund the program. Any excess funds could be returned via lower real estate taxes ( ad valorem taxes) in the following year.
Why haven’t they? Has their personal political fear prevented them from doing just that. Putting it to public referendum will prove to be a very heavy lift and may actually fail. It’s their political cover. If the referendum fails, “they tried”.
Where does the projected funding come from then? Should the budget gap amount of 8-9 million dollars be paid by 15 per cent of the county’s population on the barrier island for the benefit of the other 85% ? The math would suggest if only the MSBU already established December 2024, is the only additional funding source to fill this budget gap, ( other sources of funding are already being tapped like tourist tax) it burdens homeowners with a perpetual annual fee of about $1200. Because Flagler Beach, Beverly Beach and Marineland will most certainly reject the MSBU. The county commissioners have authority only over the unincorporated, 6300 parcels, and only we will pay.
But, if the referendum is voted down, the commission could circle back and vote a 4-1 or 5-0 to enact the tax anyways. Not a chance in hell. We already have 2 adamant hold outs and 1 maybe hold out who for their own reasons won’t do the right thing. There isn’t any other visible viable solution. The funds don’t exist in budget. Are we willing to accept service cuts? Probably not. Should they gut other programs? The proposed sales tax increase amounts to $50 per $10,000 taxable spent and visitors will also pay. Not everything is taxed. Large purchases like a car are capped. Taxed only on first $5000.
However we need to understand the complexities before blaming. I’ve contacted all parties involved asking for their rationale of digging in their heels against the tax. Or why they believe necessary to split the revenues with Palm Coast. About 3 million dollars.
Maybe I have it wrong. I’m not an insider. Educate me, correct me. I’m listening.
The average real estate tax on the barrier island due to assessed values already means many home owners pay $10,000-$30,000 per annum. We are only 15% of population, contribute in excess of 30% of the revenue and still support the sales tax because we understand that we do in fact benefit more from the project. Certainly not 100%.
Even vacant lots that can’t be homesteaded pay an average tax bill of $3000+.
A solution is on the table today, equitable and almost painless if our 5 commissioners have the political will to do the right thing.
Mr. David says
I’d pay to have everything cleared off the island. It would make a nice state park
Mark Webb says
I would support the effort if all beaches that recieve the replenishment become public.
See the new law SB1622.
Whiplash says
Yes! Yes! Yes! And Yes!
The reason we moved to Palm Coast was to have easy access to the beach but also far enough away to minimize the impact of a hurricane! Everyone we know in Palm Coast goes to Flagler for either the beach or the restaurants! Flagler is a regional asset that needs to be supported regionally not just by the barrier islands.
If the proposed minimal sales tax is not approved then Flagler should start a toll on the 100 bridge and perhaps start charging a “beach tag” fee to use the beach!
Laurel says
Whoops! There goes the golf course! Good choice of pictures; very accurate.
Anyway, I agree with TiredOfTheStupidity. I’m tired of stupid too. The county absolutely refuses to even consider paid parking kiosks, and simply cannot figure out, or want to figure out, how to distribute the fund equitably. Private, gated properties on the ocean want help, and Palm Coast wants a free ride though they would get a portion of the countywide 1/2 penny sales tax.
Just vote for it.
Vote for other people next time. Preferably, not of the same mindset.
Curious says
Just curious, they want to raise the sales tax by 1/2 cent and use “part” of that money to pay for beach erosion. How much of that 1/2 cent will go to that specific purpose, what will the rest of that collected revenue be used for? Have seen no details on that, is there another secret project that they want to fund with taxpayer money, or is it just more money to pay to the developers that control the state? Must be an awfully big bed for so many politicians to be in bed with them. Lets get some full transparency of what the intent is for ALL of that extra revenue.
mike says
The beach is so crowded many in palm beach can’t even get to sit on it anymore let the new hotels pay for it along with the stores that are making thr money
DoubleGator says
Yes put it to a vote. Sad that all ocean front communities, like us, must face this reality. It’s a problem for Flagler County as a whole.
R.S. says
If my health insurance runs out because the procedures are too steeply priced, no one comes to my aid; I die. When those poor people who have inherited those overpriced castles on the sandy beaches cannot maintain their beaches, they’re asking me to jump in and save them? No way! A sales tax is a regressive tax: poor folk in the aggregate pick up as much slack as those poor rich folk in their beach castles. Let them worry and pay for their beaches–until they share their wealth also for the rest of us to benefit in, say, a single-payer healthcare system.
FlaglerLive says
@Mark Webb, all Flagler County beaches are public. That was codified in Flagler County in 2018, pre-empting the controversy that made SB1622 necessary. Flagler County has Al Hadeed to thank for the local customary-use ordinance. See: “Flagler County Passes Precedent-Setting Ordinance Protecting Public Use of Private Beaches, But Its Future Is Uncertain.” Its future proved certain.
FlaglerLive says
@RW The ads are paid for by Flagler County’s tourism office with Tourism sales tax supplement dollars. Palm Coast is not directly paying for the ads.
Leila says
The ignorance displayed by those posting here is unbelievable. There are a handful here working hard to preserve all this and have been for years and the rest of you could give a goddamn.
Very sad and not a very bright future for Flagler County. Small wonder that businesses don’t want to invest a dime here. Any efforts would be met with a sea of complaints and not be appreciated. Fact. Those rich people in those castles by the sea as R.S. calls them are already paying their own way and for their own sand. And they are not complaining about it.
You don’t need beach replenishment, you need an exorcism.
Ed Danko, former Vice Mayor PC says
The RINO county commissioners continue to push for more tax increases instead of cutting waste. President Trump has cut our taxes. A county sales tax increase will die a quick death on the November ballot, along with the elected RINOs that support it.
Pogo says
@In the beginning
… and She saw it was good.
https://www.google.com/search?q=ayn+rand+virtue+of+selfishness
Eat up, it’s all there is.
problems says
Importantly, this tax would be collected to pump sand onto the beach, preserving its current condition. Who does this benefit? It certainly benefits those who own real estate on the beach. It benefits the State because they don’t have to keep rebuilding A1A. It benefits folks who like going to the beach. Since very few people have real estate on the beach, and the state doesn’t get a vote, the decision to pump sand will be based on whether you feel it is worth it to you to preserve the beach in its current location.
There are thriving communities in inland Florida, the Villages, for example. So I do not agree that Flagler County property values will implode if there is no beach. Secondly, there are far more commercial business locations West of I-95 than there are East. The argument that tourists are spending so much money bolstering our local businesses and employers is not supported by this simple fact.
So we are left with qui bono? 99 problems and a beach ain’t one.
Dennis C Rathsam says
Between all the taxes now, the yellow water were forced to pay for, & drink, {which we don’t}the traffic nightmare caused by the fools on the city council. Builders own this county, new homes everywhere….no buyers in site, as the council egnors the mayors plea to stop the building. It’s time you realize folks, you’ve been had…. P/C best days are in the rear view mirror, gone for good! Glad I got some of the good life, years ago!
Sherry says
Quick. . . before trump’s henchmen take this down. . . Enjoy swimming in a bacteria filled cesspool:
Online dashboard provides data for coastal, Great Lakes beaches; Congress mulls cuts to water infrastructure funding
As millions of Americans return to the beach this summer, a new report released on Tuesday warns that more work is needed to ensure that all waters are safe for swimming. In 2024, 453 beaches were potentially unsafe for swimming on at least 25 percent of days tested, according to the latest Safe for Swimming? report by Environment America Research & Policy Center and Frontier Group. The new research comes as Congress considers funding for the main federal program to stop sewer overflows.
“Enjoying the fresh sea breeze and splash of waves at the beach is a highlight of the summer for many Americans, but pollution still plagues too many of the places where we swim,” said John Rumpler, clean water director for Environment America Research & Policy Center and a co-author of the report. “Now is not the time to slash the water infrastructure funding that communities sorely need to stop the flow of nasty bacteria and pollution to our beaches.”
To assess beach safety, the group examined whether fecal indicator bacteria levels exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) most protective “Beach Action Value,” which is associated with an estimated illness rate of 32 out of every 1,000 swimmers. The new report shows that 453 beaches exceeded this safety threshold on at least 25 percent of the days tested.
For people who want to know if their favorite beach is currently safe for swimming, the new report also includes information on how to find the latest beach closings and health advisories in each state.
Pathogens posed risks in other waters as well. More than half of the 3,187 coastal and Great Lakes beaches reviewed exceeded the EPA threshold on at least one day they were tested in 2024, including:
54 percent of East Coast beaches
71 percent of Great Lakes beaches
84 percent of Gulf Coast beaches
79 percent of West Coast beaches
Polluted runoff from roads and parking lots, overflowing or failing sewer systems, and industrial livestock operations are common sources of contamination that can put swimmers’ health at risk and lead authorities to close beaches or issue health advisories. Scientists estimate 57 million instances of people getting sick each year from swimming in polluted waters in the United States. Those illnesses can include nausea, diarrhea, ear infections and rashes.
“We have the tools to make the water at our beaches safer for swimming,” said Tony Dutzik, associate director and senior policy analyst at Frontier Group and a report co-author. “We hope the maps and data in our report are used to identify places where pollution puts our health at risk and build momentum for solutions.”
The report recommends major investments to stop sewage overflows and runoff pollution. Nature-based solutions such as vegetated buffers, rain barrels and constructed wetlands, and repair of aging systems yield cleaner water. Based on its survey of the states, the EPA estimates that managing our nation’s wastewater and stormwater will require at least $630 billion over the next 20 years. Yet the Clean Water State Revolving Fund is currently funded at less than 20 percent of that annual cost, and Congress could cut that funding even further.
“When Congress passed the Clean Water Act more than 50 years ago, our nation resolved that we would make all our waterways safe for swimming,” added Rumpler. “We must now commit the resources needed to achieve this goal of clean, safe water at all our beaches.”
Meanwhile. . .trump STOPPED Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which would have provided significant funding for sewer systems and clean water initiatives, including over $50 billion for general water infrastructure, $15 billion for lead pipe replacement, and additional funds for improving lakes, rivers, and streams and addressing contaminants like PFAS. This funding would have supported the replacement and upgrade of wastewater treatment plants and other infrastructure to protect public health and the environment.
Sherry says
Take a Look. . . a really great interactive map showing locations where drinking water is contaminated by PFAs in the US:
https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/pfas_contamination/map/
Larry says
YES. The entire island is at risk, not just the beach front homes. Once there is a breach in the dunes, the water could fill up the island like a bowl of soup, flooding many blocks away from the beach, resulting in not only property damage, but also the potential for catastrophic loss of life.
Ed P says
Sherry,
Corrected me if this is wrong.
Mother Nature and heavy rain fall, seasonal snow melt and human and animal waste on the streets and hard surfaces are the primary reason for high fecal matter in the oceans and beaches. Some aging sewer systems do get overwhelmed along with spills too.
Even Trump can’t be charged with this “shit”
Sherry says
Maga says we don’t need no EPA or “Infrastructure” work. If it had President Biden;s name on it. . . it is “Trash”! Who needs clean water to drink and swim in?
AI Says: Leaking and failing infrastructure: Aging sanitary sewer pipes can leak, allowing raw sewage to seep into nearby lakes and rivers. Similarly, poorly functioning home septic systems and cesspools can release untreated human waste into the ground and surrounding waters.
Wastewater treatment plants: Malfunctioning or overloaded wastewater treatment plants may discharge inadequately treated effluent into rivers or streams.
Sherry says
Oh Yeah. . . Water pollution is not caused by aging infrastructure that is leaking sewerage. . . the pollution is caused by that damned rain that washes the sewerage into lakes and rivers. Maga logic extraordinaire! Maybe trump’s magic rain will wash it all away. . .
Ed P says
Sherry,
I asked for a correction if I misunderstood your prior post. You stated what I summarized and now you double down on nonsense.
Water treatment is a municipal, not federal issue. You know aging infrastructure is a local concern, or unbridled growth similar to Palm Coast’s issues.
Erod says
Instead of a 1/2 cent sales tax increase they should make it a full penny, 10 cents a dollar . Everyone knows it’s going to happen again. Beach erosion has been a natural occurrence since the dawn of time. The only reason the county is so bent on constant renourishment is because of the multimillion dollar valued real estate along A1A, the millions dollar homes and most importantly the politically powerful people and corporations lobbies who own them.
Why did Flagler County allow for the building of developments and mansions along a stretch land which constantly gets flushed into the ocean ? Did beach erosion just happen ?
The answer. MONEY !
Ed P says
Erod,
1/2 percent tax is 5 cents on $10. As a small county based on population, Flagler County is allowed by Florida State law to add a max of 1.5 % upon the states 6% sales tax. County tax is at 7% today so the final proposed .5% (1/2 %) reaches the lawful max. The rational for allowing small counties that authority is because funding is more of an issue than let’s say Volusia county with the race track and 605,000 people. Small counties do not have the diversity of tax base. Flagler county lacks industry.
Sales tax revenue should organically increase and result in escalating contributions as the population expands. More people, more spending, more tax collected.
Palm Coast’s allure for many residents is the proximity to the beach. A healthy beach benefits everyone, not just barrier island residents. Coast is in our name.
Many homes on the island sell for under $400,000 to $500,000. Most are not million dollar mansions. The additional sales tax might cost a family $50-$100 annually.
The properties that are assessed million dollar+ currently pay 3-10 times more ad valorem taxes (homeowners real estate taxes) than many Palm Coast city residents. The barrier island already pays a disproportionate amount of total county taxes, but under utilize county resources, including schools and policing.
The county’s limited authority to impose the MSBU ( an annual charge similar to garbage ) exists only upon unincorporated barrier island homes. Those homes represent just 5% of the total parcels in the county. The county is seeking 10-12 million dollars to fill the funding gap which is more than the 8-9 million next year. If the sales tax is not enacted either directly by a super majority vote by the 5 commissioners, ie 4 to 1 or unanimous, or referendum, then the MSBU will place a crippling financial burden upon those 6300 parcels. Commissioners plan on taking political cover by placing the sales tax on referendum Nov 4, 2026. The probability of passage is near zero. Leaving only the MSBU.
Basic math indicates a possible $2000 annual tax, open ended and in perpetuity on 6300 parcels. 6300x$2000= 12.6 million, but vacant land can not be assessed the same amount as a dwelling.
The commissioners will shout that this year’s amount is zero. They may even assess a small amount next September to hide behind the future amounts. So relax.
Let the commissioners come forward and identify any other viable funding. They have had some type of discussions at 89 board meetings/workshops and still unable to agree on a solution.
The Commission is willing to give Palm Coast 2.7 million dollars of the new tax for their own infrastructure programs. The county keeps 2.4 million. This split it to encourage Palm Coasters to accept the sales tax. It’s a home run for Palm Coast. Bunnell, Flagler Beach, Beverly Beach, and Marineland need to enter into an inter local agreement as well but most tax money is turned over to the county.
The argument against the sales tax by the 3 commissioner hold outs are that future Flagler County boards or future Municipal boards could break these legal, codified contracts and redirect the taxes elsewhere. It would take agreements on both the county and any municipality with legal ramifications if broken. It can be worded to be exact and binding.
The argument that it is proposed to be a 6 year tax and would then sunset the same year as another separate tax that is already in the current 7%. Again a straw man’s argument,
Set it at 10 years, 20 years or anything other than 6.
The regular board meeting on September 3 had an anemic public attendance and only 3 residents spoke out against a straight MSBU and in support of the sales tax. Hopefully,
attendance at the special meeting on Sept 11 at 5 pm is an over flow crowd. Apathy means you accept the above scenario that will be served upon the barrier island residents. No one wants to pay more taxes but the can has been kicked down the road far too long. Every other coastal county has a funded program.
Ps. Even with this sales tax, those same 6300 residents(parcels) still have to pay an MSBU, probably about $200 per year, open ended ( could be increase) in perpetuity.
Ed P says
Finally, without any confirmation from any county employee or commissioner, I believe I fully understand the reversal/rejection of Kim Carney, Pam Richardson, and Leanne Pennington’s support of any sales tax vote by the commission for beach re-nourishment. My theory.
First, any constituents they represent on the barrier island reside in municipalities, ie Kim Carney’s Flagler Beach area. Those city leaders will reject a MSBU. Pam and Leanne don’t have beaches in their districts. The county can not impose a MSBU upon incorporated parcels. Second, none of the commissioners want to raise taxes on their own constituents. If they force the sale tax funding to go to referendum county wide instead of doing what would equitably distribute the 12 million dollar funding gap across the entire county, the referendum will probably fail. Their residents slide.
No commission action, a failed referendum, leaves only the MSBU ( charging 6300 parcels on the barrier island represented by Greg Hansen) that was created in December 2024. Sure it’s zero this coming tax year, and they will throw sand in our eyes with a small estimated $160 the following September 2026 because it will be announced prior to the Nov 4 2026 referendum. They are banking on those two MSBU charges to calm your fears. Buyer Beware! If the referendum fails, the $12 million dollars ( uncapped, in perpetuity, surely going to increase) tax could require a staggering $2000+ assessment for 2028 and an escalation in future years.
Between now and approximately April 1 2026 ( before the referendum verbiage is delivered to the board of election for the Nov 4 2026 vote) is the only time that the commissions can vote to place it on an agenda, discuss it in a public forum , and vote upon it in full public view. Why won’t they? Prove me wrong.
Is it because they can not rationalize that a super majority vote would be a painless, equitable funding solution? Or would their resistance would be exposed? Let’s ask them why not. They could still send it to referendum afterwards. However, if the referendum fails they most certainly will not attempt to over ride that vote and enact the tax. Nope. Instead they would cripple the 6300 parcel holders.
Do all the country commissioners work for every county resident or only those who vote for them? I think I know.