Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly submitted a policing budget for Palm Coast that would increase the number of deputies patrolling the city from 57 to 66 and increase the city’s policing budget 24 percent, from $9 million to $11.18 million. In 2022, the budget was $5.74 million.
Also, responding to what he says is increasing complaints from pedestrians and people on regular bikes and others who’ve had close calls with electric bikes, Staly is proposing an ordinance to regulate e-bikes in Palm Coast.
“To maintain our crime reduction and the service level, we really have to grow as a community grows and implement the plan that was agreed upon,” Staly told the City Council this morning. He was referring to an ongoing three-year plan to add at least nine deputies a year to the city’s contractual ranks, countering 13 years in which the council added no deputies in the city.
There were no objections from the council. “We are paying for the sins of the past as far as the 37 deputies over three years,” Mayor Mike Norris said. There were 28 deputies patrolling the city in 2020.
The sheriff says $800,000 of the $2.2 million increase is just to maintain current service levels. The reason: a 2 percent cost-of-living raise, contractual raises built into the collective bargaining agreement, a 15 percent increase in health insurance costs, an increase in retirement costs, and full funding for four of the deputies added last year, but were only partially funded at the time. The nine additional deputies will cost an additional $1 million.
There is no desire on the council to create an independent police department. “You all do an awesome job, obviously, and we, I think the whole community greatly appreciates what your office does,” Council member Theresa Pontieri said. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and your department is certainly not broke.” (She singled out Chief Daniel Engert, who oversees the jail, for praise.)
The sheriff summed up the past year’s policing profile countywide (generally Palm Coast accounts for about 80 percent of those numbers)–3,203 arrests, 112,000 calls for service, 21,566 traffic stops, 3,225 crashes reported, 6,021 traffic stops, 27 boating citations. The 911 center answered 144,000 calls. The sheriff had 367 full-time employees, 251 of them sworn deputies.
The crime index countywide is below 1,000. The new federal reporting system does not breakout county numbers by cities. “So even though a crime is down more than 50 percent the last eight years, the perception might not be because we tell you what’s going on in our community. And so that’s a double-edged sword of doing that,” he said.
There were 15 traffic fatalities in 2024, down from 25 the previous year. There have been 10 so far this year.
“What we are seeing is aggressive driving, driver impatience as traffic gets more congested within our main arteries,” the sheriff said. “In fact, I pulled over a car yesterday.” The driver had become impatient and decided to pass on a double yellow-line. “I didn’t like being behind the dump truck I was behind, either. But he didn’t realize my car is an unmarked car. But he soon found that out. That’s all because the driver’s impatience.”
Pontieri was more concerned about traffic numbers indicating more traffic crashes but “less traffic stops and less warnings.” Staly made sure that Chief John Walker, who oversees the traffic unit, was taking note of the council member’s comments. But he added: “I’m not going to take discretion away from a deputy sheriff, and it’s illegal in Florida to have quotas, and so we’re not going to going to do that.” He described his own philosophy, which percolates through the agency, to not be heavy-handed with tickets, preferring warnings when the opportunity allows.
The sheriff’s proposed ordinance on e-bikes drew quick support from the council, though he said the details were “not ready for prime time.” The proposal in its current form is with the city attorney. It would require riders to wear helmets and would somehow be strict on “reckless” riding, though it’s not clear how that “reckless” would be defined, “and if you’re riding recklessly, we can impound the bike, and you’ll have to pay a bunch of fees to get the bike back,” the sheriff said in a comment aired in a recent Spectrum News clip, which he showed the council.
The ordinance could also set speed limits for ebikes, he said.
“I’m not trying to kill the fun of an E-bike,” Staly said. “I have an e-bike in our fleet, if you will, for a deputy that patrols Town Center. So there are reasons for that, not just for fun.” He blamed Florida law for loosening e-bike regulations, causing e-bike riding to get out of control by some.
He is aware that there may soon be hundreds of e-bike ordinances across the state, “which is not good for anybody,” he said. He is hoping the legislature will write a uniform law. Meanwhile, the city could have its own–as has been the case in many counties and cities across the state and the country.
State law requires ebikes to have “limiters” on their speeds. Some riders modify their bikes, removing the limiters, Council member Ty Miller said. “How do we, how do we combat that?” he asked the sheriff.
“If they are over that delimiter, depending on how the ordinance is written, we could seize the bike,” Staly said. “That would be my recommendation, because that’s the only way you can write them a ticket, and they’re not right back out there.”
Jay Wagner, a resident who addressed the council, urged the sheriff and the council to be “very careful” in how they address e-bike regulations. “My concern is that you create a perception in the community, which then leads to all e-bikes are dangerous,” Wagner said. “So the law has to be very carefully crafted, what the sheriff is considering. I’m 81 years old. There are many people close by in my category that use e-bikes for recreation. We use them for shopping. We use them for light errands. They’ve made a tremendous difference in the life of a lot of people. There are people in this community who cannot afford a second car. They cannot even afford a first car. You pull up at Publix, and you’ll see e-bikes parked at the bike racks and people coming out and doing their shopping. So it’s very important in considering this.”
“I hope, sir, when I’m 81 that I look as good as you,” Staly told the man, reiterating his focus on reckless riders, “not to be the killer of e-bikes.”
Saly was much cooler to the idea of lowering speed limits across the city, an option recently discussed on the council. “We’ll enforce whatever you want,” the sheriff said. “But when you lower it, the expectation is 20 miles an hour, you’re not going to get that. That’s the bottom line.”
Local Dog says
e-bile in the headline?
There goes my liver…
Dusty says
Kids.especially boys have always been daredevils on bikes and now some not all are daredevils on e bikes. If the community wants to tighten up on things to show concern then let’s do so but let us not forget about all the people that are riding them that show courtesy on the sidewalks and do not ride recklessly. Let’s not punish them too by being too restrictive.
HayRide says
Spell check would have helped the headline
Brian says
Palm Coast has turned into Orlando so fast it’s crazy. Now it is overtaking Flagler Beach.
Stop orange terror says
Wow we have what 1 cop for every 5 citizens? And 4 of the 5 are elderly. Guess the Nazis are ramping up for their orange pedophile! Just remember republicans protect the pedophiles at all costs! Ppk -pedo protection klan! Plenty of evidence!
A Concerned Observer says
We desperately need to have our laws brought up to date to cope with with the explosion of E-Bikes, E-Scooters, E-Skateboards and electric mobility vehicles and the flagrant disregard for others by their riders. Their attitude seems to be “Hurray for me, to hell with everyone else.”
Electric motorcycles (those capable of sustaining speeds above 45 mph, either by original design or having their speed regulator tampered with) are vehicles and are governed under state statutes and requirements. I’ve personally had an electric bike (or motorcycle?) pass me on the sidewalk alongside in the 35 MPH speed limit of Old Kings Road North. I routinely see electric bikes and scooters on riding on sidewalks, at a high speed, come up to a crosswalk at an intersection and blast across the roadway without stopping or slowing down, with absolute disregard of vehicles which may be approaching that crossing. These riders most often are not wearing helmets. Should they be found to be the cause of a crash they, or their parents, can be held liable for any damage or injury caused by their callous actions. I commend Sheriff Staly for taking the Initiative and addressing this issue. Thank you, Sir.
No take backs says
Maybe they’re expecting an increase in poverty due to domestic terrorism and we all know being poor is now a crime here! Murikkka! Stop taking your medications and donate your money to Elon! He needs more money! Kids go hungry! Orange pedo likes them skinny anyway! Isn’t this great to watch an empire fall! Republicans protecting child rapist like family! It great was when whites could own other humans as property? Right!!
Shark says
It’s not a matter of quota’s. It’s about doing the job you are being overpaid for. Instead of patrolling I95 they should be working in the town of Palm Coast. There is little or no enforcement and it shows. Speeders – traffic light violations – stop sigh violations – equipment violations – no helmet violations on bicycles -and e-bikes – dirt bikes on sidewalks – litter and dog waste violations etc. etc. When you see six sheriffs cars at minor accident it’s time to question if we really need anymore .
Billy B says
Just bring the traffic cameras back and we wouldn’t need anymore deputies !!!!
Jay Tomm says
I only have a problem with E-bikes on the trails. Waterfront park specially! I frequently almost get run down by these morons. The trail there is far too narrow for them. They need to be banned from all bike & walking trails!
FlaglerLive says
We have reported the headline writer to ICE. Obviously couldn’t write. Can’t possibly be legal.
Demolished system says
Where’s the local shelter? Not open unless it’s cold? Haha no money for food banks but plenty for police military equipment and even more officers and pensions after adding what 100 new ones over the past couple years? sounds right for 1920s Germany! Republicans only believe their orange pedo not evidence, proof or experience! Isn’t it Why they installed faux news pundits to run the pentagon. To Make it a total joke! Ignoring the climate science isnt very wise but hey most republicans have the mentality of toddlers. Happy hurricane season! FEMA got cut so oligarch Elon could get more money haha! Mexican search and rescue was on the ground days before murikkkan federal govt acknowledged Texas floods haha! Orange terror and his “policies” cost real human lives!
Ban E-Motocross bikes NOT E-Bikes!!! says
I use My E-Bike for occasional sunny day commuting 3.5 miles to work and light errands and recreation along our many trails. The e motor augments the pedaling it is not a motorcycle. I agree that these new Electric motocross bikes Ive seen on you tube have no pedals, knobby off-road tires and some can hit 70 mph and should not be allowed on sidewalks or trails. But most E bicycles are way under 20 MPH and I Would not ever considering riding it on a major road like palm coast parkway with cars! lets not over police a good thing and differentiate between e-bicycles with pedals and E-motocross bikes with footpegs, no pedals and off-road tires. Thanks All!
Not Their Money says
That’s is one heck of an increase 24%. Where the county’s portion in this increase? Where does Palm Coast, all of a sudden getting all the money for things? After they increased our water bills. We don’t need more deputies. They need one to fill the positions, that are currently available, that have been empty for a while. Maybe someone ahould look into their real numbers.
Greg says
Staley keeps building his empire, while Palm Coast pays for it.
Dennis C Rathsam says
We need 9 more customers at Dunkin threw out the day! We need 9 more deputeys like we need our water bill to go up again! Put this nonsence on hold til next year, & use that cash for the rediculous water bill I get every month! Let the cheif find other ways to do his job!!!! He,s always crying for more money, enough is enough. Its like a dog & pony show 6 police cars following a old police car, coming from a drug bust. Who pays to keep that antique running? What purpose does it serve? Time to stop pissing away money we dont have! Stop the bulling sheriff, we dont need 9 more deputys.
Mark Webb says
I was at this meeting and the main issue was the increased budget request from FCSO.
My concern like many in Palm Coast is the lack of enforcment.
The sheriff confirmed that many times during his presentation including the enforcement of our speed limits.
Your city council has been working for years on road calming efforts around town to include lowering the neighborhood speed limits from 30 to 25.
None have worked so far. ( see traffic study 2025)
The sheriff noted the state laws doesn’t allow his sheriffs to ticket or warn a driver unless they are over 5 miles an hour the posted limits.
To me it doesn’t mater how many sheriffs we have, if they aren’t enforcing the laws its a waste of our money.
I fully support the men and women in the FCSO and want the to have the best of everything.
I believe the FCSO administration should report at least quarterly to city council they efforts in Palm Coast to enforce our laws.
Jay Tomm says
“But most E bicycles are way under 20 MPH”
And I WALK at 3MPH & ride my bicycle at 6MPH……..no e bike should be allowed on the trails! It’s a hazard!
Kath says
Not rocket science, snow mobile laws !!!anyone under 17 has to take saftey class. Has to have permit on them , , has to ride with a parent or adult .with in so many yards…if a 16 year old has a job ,they need paperwork to from work. And reasonable time to get, back from work. If they are found with out permits & adults. County is the new owner 🙌 sell them off. Or give them to our veterans or disabled.
Tim says
This is all extra policing , palm coast pays for extra cops to be in palm coast. Why don’t they tell the sheriff no and stay with last year’s number. Palm coast doesn’t have to add more cops ever year.
Tony says
What good are new laws for e bikes when you have no one to enforce them. Enforcing laws isn’t in Flagler County Sheriffs play book !!!!
Jim says
This is typical of the local law enforcement. After reporting a vehicle who persisted to park under a stop sign on a daily basis blocking the view when entering Fellowship and could have pulled on to the grass I was told they don’t enforce that law anymore. Now we have the Sheriff making up new laws when he feels like it, and joins the band of local representatives that just love to make more rules. One wonders if you get called for dury duty how many rules are manipulated to suit the narrative by the local do-gooders as they pick and choose what laws they are going to enforce. Palm Coast, the city that has more laws than citizens
JAFO says
I CC ant sit on the sidelines and not say anything. As a deputy I can tell you first hand that the Flagler county Sheriff’s Office is way overstaffed. I have seen deputies sitting in rows at convenient stores especially at night. Deputies at minor vehicular crashes and they always seem to have 3,4 even 5 at a time. When we work traffic crashes at my agency if there is no road blockage or injuries you will only find 1 deputy on the scene unless a supervisor needs to come so maybe 2. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office mainly the sheriff are there inflating the numbers. I have lived in Flagler County my whole life and I can tell you first hand I have never seen community policing. I have never seen a sheriffs deputy drive by my and my neighbors homes just on patrol. You may ask how I know this. I like most people nowadays have cameras up on my home and can see everything. So with that said I think this whole issue lands directly with the Sheriff himself. Get in your patrol car and do your damn job. I can guarantee if you don’t patrol your neighborhoods and side streets at my agency you will ding yourself in a heap of trouble. I am only one voice and I hope this reaches the powers at hand. I don’t know what else to do. I’m have complained to the Sheriffs office personally 3 times now and still haven’t seen a deputy drive past my house. This is just insane.
hjcinc says
The sheriffs department need to cut the fat from their operating expenses. Every sheriff in this state is trying to outdo one another with there mouth and there toys on the tax payers dime!
TR says
@Dusty. Another kid today got struck by a landscaping truck when he darted in front of the truck that was making a turn off Florida Park Drive going about 30 mph. Good thing there was a Flagler County Transportation bus right there and caught the entire thing on the camera on the bus. The kid cut in front of the truck while it was already in the turn and tried to swerve around the front of the truck without slowing down or even stopping.
TR says
@Tim, who do you think will respond to all the extra calls from all the people that are going to move into all the new homes that are being built? The more people moving her, the more sheriff deputies that are needed.
Skibum says
Very simple… as our county’s population increases due to all the massive housing and commercial construction that continues to go on, emergency services to include fire and law enforcement need to expand their staffing and associated equipment budgets. Response times must be addressed to allow firefighters, medical and law enforcement resources to be able to respond to emergencies within a certain short timeframe, otherwise those emergency services are inadequate and could very well cost lives due to extended response times or not enough responders for the amount of population we have.
It is quite easy to sit in one’s easy chair and badmouth or criticize public safety funding requests, until it is YOU who is a victim of a crime or needs a deputy to respond and calls 911 and expects someone to get to you fast. Then it all makes sense. Public safety spending is critical. Nobody complains about all the many fire hydrants scattered throughout the city of Palm Coast, just sitting there unused for months, maybe years at a time, but each and every one becomes extremely important for nearby residents and businesses when there is a fire. The same goes for law enforcement resources that are added to budgets to keep up with the volume of 911 call demand and population increases.
The more any law enforcement agency is allowed to fall behind with inadequate staffing and other resources, quality of life issues come into play that could result in increased crime rates as well as the possibility of loss of life when law enforcement is not able to respond to an emergency quickly enough. We are fortunate to live where we do not have a lot of serious crime, and it should be important for everyone to keep our local communities as safe as possible. That has always been one of my top concerns wherever I have lived, and it is no different for me here in Palm Coast.
As for JAFO’s comment above, I really must wonder if that commenter REALLY is in law enforcement because it seems almost too difficult for whoever that is to type sentences without so many errors. Someone in law enforcement should be proficient in report writing. I worked in law enforcement for just under 3 decades and retired at the rank of lieutenant. If I were reviewing a subordinate’s official reports with multitudes of errors and typos, those reports would not be approved and would be sent back for revision by the writer! The other thing I find incredible is the comment about only one deputy should be at any accident, and more than one is just a waste of resources. That is a patently ridiculous assertion! Many times it is necessary to have additional deputies at an incident scene, particularly on a public roadway, for traffic control while the deputy who was assigned the initial call is busy investigating the accident. One deputy usually is unable to do both, and traffic control around an accident scene is important because those standing in the roadway taking care of the injured or doing investigative work could be seriously injured by distracted drivers without proper traffic control. Both of these facts I outlined above persuade me to be of the opinion that JAFO is either not a real deputy sheriff if they do not understand simple facts that I just laid out, or, if they are in law enforcement, they certainly are not very good at what they do. Sorry JAFO, but sometimes the truth hurts.
Mary A Priest says
Are these new rules going to be like the No Fireworks rule?
Robjr says
Doesn’t the Palm Coast Town Council know how to just say NO?
James says
It appears that my somewhat long comment on E-bikes that I posted here yesterday was lost, or not posted for whatever reason.
I’ll just comment that it seems to me that the “E-bike problem” is very much a “manufactured” problem… particularly here in Palm Coast where you can count bicyclists on one hand… and that E-bikes are quickly becoming a target of the zealous animus of the haters among us.
Just an opinion.
Loving Flagler says
There are many who enjoy riding on e-bikes on the beautiful trails throughout our county. In order to get to those trails we must ride on the sidewalks, unless we want to risk getting killed on the streets. Not something I want to try, there’s already too many people getting hurt by a car not looking at the road and knocking a bicyclist down.
Don’t punish everyone because of a few bad actors. Distinguish between e-bikes and motorcycles, make kids take a safety course just like when they learn to drive! And take away their bikes if they’re caught behaving badly.
Many seniors aren’t able to get outside and get exercise much anymore and riding a regular bike for any distance isn’t possible. Getting off the couch means the world. For others, it’s a great way to enjoy our trails!
If these e-bikes are forced off the sidewalks, I expect more accidents between cars and bikes.
Think this through please!