Even as cities’ unhappy reactions have forced Flagler County quickly to retreat from a proposal to create a new tax for almost all residents and businesses in the county, Flagler County Commissioner Donald O’Brien is encouraging his colleagues on the commission to consider a special taxing district that would target just the northern 10 miles of the barrier island in the unincorporated part of the county.
O’Brien’s thinking was changed on the matter after conversations with two barrier island residents, both of whom addressed the commission last week, both of whom delivered a seemingly counterintuitive plea to the county: Tax us, they said.
“From Jungle Hut north, there is a threat of dune breach causing inundation and velocity intrusion into large neighborhoods, flooding large parts of the neighborhoods,” Steve Davis, a resident of Oceanshore Boulevard, on the ocean side, said. “All of the houses in the north benefit from the dune beach restoration. There are many places where the oceanfront properties stayed high and dry during [Hurricane] Matthew, but the inland properties flooded. I hope that you’ll consider assessing all properties in an MSBU equally, and I hope you consider an MSBU in the north of only the unincorporated property on the barrier island.”
Flagler County government is belatedly launching a beach management plan to rebuild the county’s 18 miles of beaches and keep them “nourished” with sand over the years. Think of it as an extension of the 3.2-mile Army Corps of Engineers beach-renourishment project about to start in Flagler Beach. That project is funded. Most of the remaining renourishment needs are not, nor are the county’s future shares of renourishments of the Army Corps project. That’s why the county is looking to raise at least $7 million a year, indefinitely.
The existing tax structure will not allow that. An MSBU might. But for the levy to be affordable, it would have to be imposed as evenly and universally as possible. Flagler Beach and Palm Coast balked, but not necessarily because they are opposed to a new tax. Rather, they were not happy with the way the county rolled out its proposals, without involving the cities in discussions first. That made imposing an MSBU this year almost impossible–until O’Brien had conversations with Davis and David Eckert, another barrier island resident who supports a localized MSBU.
“The largest achievable this year MSBU may be the northern 10 miles of the barrier island,” Eckert said. “If Beverly Beach and Flagler Beach wish to join, they would be welcome.” Eckert called the proposal “easily attainable,” as it would lower the needed revenue from $7 million to $4 million. Property owners would be responsible for $2 million. The county would match it, with revenue drawn from the tourist surtax pot, and from the general fund.
“It could show equal benefits for all parcels as floodwaters have extended across the barrier island north of Malacompra Road in recent storms,” Eckert said. He calculated that 7,000 property owners would be on the hook for an MSBU. “The best county outreach program possible is to send to each of the 7,000 Parcel owners in the northern 10 miles an estimate of their assessments on their specific parcels. each parcel owner would study the alternatives and assess the amounts they would be willing to accept or reject to gain the benefits of the shoreline maintenance program.”
Eckert and Davis made their proposal at a County Commission meeting last week. “Quite frankly, it’s kind of changed my thinking to the fact that it can be achievable in hopefully maybe within this year,” O’Brien said. “So I think they have a viable suggestion.”
O’Brien calculated that out of 7,000 parcels, there are some 5,700 units, of which almost half are in homeowner associations. “If you think about it, we would be negotiating and working with a smaller pool of people,” O’Brien said. “That’s a small enough manageable group that you could actually go direct to.” He asked his colleagues for approval to “redirect staff” to analyze the proposal and encouraged them to consider it, with possible implementation later this year.
Others with significant influence on the barrier island have already lent their support to a special tax. “I applaud your efforts in moving forward on the local funding initiative,” Greg Davis, president of the Hammock Dunes Owners Association (which includes Eckert), told the commission when it first unveiled the countywide plan earlier this month. “I would highly encourage the board not to delay this process.” He added: “I’m excited about this. We want to work with you on it, understand this. It’s a tough problem. I think the staff is doing a great job in moving this forward. But again, I would encourage the commission not to have any delays in moving this forward.”
Days later, the delays began as the cities recoiled from what, until then–and still now–has been a unilateral county approach.
Duncan says
At least the people are acting responsibly and coming up with less effective and less inclusive solutions, to avoid this funding rift between governments into torpedoing beach protection, for who knows how long.
It’s unfortunate that Flagler County has had their proverbial head buried in the sand …….always reassuring to know we are the only costal county in Florida to NOT have a Beach Protection plan – keep up the good work Flagler County, your total aces at procrastinating! (https://flaglerlive.com/beach-tax-2/)
Just as disappointing from my view, is that Flagler Beach and Palm Coast seem to have bruised egos over, the very poor judgment of, not including them in the exploratory stage. Get over it; there should be no one denying the serious and devastating consequences for the entire county by just delaying another year!
Understanding that the disagreement is tax funding is complicated, roll up your sleeves and govern, we are all connected to the county beaches, in one way or the other.
ROGER CULLINANE says
Sounds like a great idea and something that the County can get going quickly. The article talks about Jungle Hut north, but I assume the 10 miles must start way south of Jungle Hut north – maybe all the way down to the northern border of Beverly Beach (because the article mentions that Beverly Beach and Flagler Beach could be included if the so desired).
Don't cull me says
So those of us who live in the proposed area will be on the hook for this new “fee” despite being a mile & 1/2 from the beach and NOT in a flood zone??? No flooding near our area off A1A during any hurricanes in the last 30 years. We also do not use the beach but Palm Coasters do. I like the idea of resident passes to use the beach and higher fees for beach passes for those who don’t live here. How about a town hall meeting so residents can discuss this before it is rammed down our throat.
gw says
Sounds good to me. Let the rich pay. Besides, if Trumpie gets back in office they will make it up with lower taxes…
Hookah Smoking Caterpillar says
when
chris says
NO ……IF is right
Don't Cull Me says
Rich??? I wish!! Have you actually driven through the Hammock? There are plenty of us here who do not live at the Hammock Beach Club or the other developments here.
dave says
Got that right. I’m in Marineland Acres. And at the moment if this area got a hurricane offshore like Matthew , our newly paved roads with culverts would flood with NO dunes.
Vince says
Not everyone in that area is rich. What are you talking about
The dude says
Not YET anyway.
They’re buying it out as fast as they can though.
Roger says
I live on the beach in Ocean Hammock. I agree with this approach with one exception. Since other residents on the west side of Palm Coast don’t want to pay a tax/ fee we need to do what is done up north. That is simply charge those beach visitors a daily or annual beach tag fee that want to use the public access area’s. If I am paying to improve the beach, I want those that use it to pay a fee. They are free to go somewhere else if they choose. Otherwise, let’s get moving on this!
JimboXYZ says
Those look like some worthless properties for resale value. But I’m sure the real estate industry has appreciated them beyond what anything should ever be assessed. Any wonder the homeowners insurance crisis of FL over the past 3+ years happened ? The rest of us can’t be expected to pay a tax/fee for this level of game over. Not when there is no access to that beach beyond eventually walking down the shoreline to it. Ft Myers photos are pretty much the same. Overvalued properties that got wiped out or cost too much money to insure. Just not right to charge the masses for mansions with pools & dockage, yachts & exotic automobiles that the real estate, insurance, luxury vehicle & banking industries has sandbagged affordable living in FL with.
marlee says
We are in the 10 mile proposed MSBU district and had NO problems
during any hurricane in the last 10 years!
We pay fees to our HOA and they make sure we escape flooding issues.
We HOPE the MSBU IS flexible like the article says.
Brian says
No new taxes. Hammock Dunes Association does not speak for the rest of the residents of the Hammock. Who do these people think they are.
Sonny says
RICH!
Skibum says
Yeah, here we go… the “I don’t agree to pay any new taxes to protect what I have, but at the same time it is the county’s responsibility to make sure I don’t lose my view or oceanside beach” crowd. Typical, let everyone else pay to protect what you have. Is that what you really expect for all other county residents?
Laurel says
Absolutely correct. Who do they think they are? They think they own the Hammock. Notice the large, concrete sign as you enter the Hammock on A1A from the south?
We also have had no flooding, and if it should ever occur, we have already modified our house accordingly. In fact, even after the heaviest rains, any puddle in our dirt driveway is gone within the hour. Don’t do us any favors by taxing us for your lack of vision, commissioners.
Okay, so put your tax overlay directly on the houses that are directly on the beach. Tax Hammock Dunes hard as they are profiting from the ocean with their chairs in the sand, and hundreds of vacation rentals. We homeowners are not profiting from the ocean. Hit the tourist industry, not homesteaders. There are plenty of homeowners in the Hammock who cannot afford additional taxes. To tax them is gentrification, pure and simple. There is a whole community of people who are not rich, who have lived here, sometimes for generations, before Hammock Dunes was developed, which was only about 12 to 15 years ago. Since then, people assume that everyone who lives here is rich. Not so! To just keep commenting it doesn’t make it so.
After taxing those who profit directly from the ocean, and those who live directly on the sand, and vacation rentals, and tourists, assess the rest of the county equally and fairly. Anyone who states they don’t live near the beach so therefore shouldn’t be assessed is full of it. They know darn good and well that all those cars on the beach are not from people who live a couple blocks away. They also know that when their friends and family visit them, they want to go to the beach. To say they are just shopping is bull.
Flagler Beach needs to put up meters along A1A. They should have put up a parking garage instead of a Margaritaville hotel. Speaking of, that should be taxed big time as well. They even have the nerve to want to portion off a section of the beach, right, smack in the middle of town, for their guests. Forget about parking.
Give the barrier island homeowners a pass, if taxed at all. We’re the ones who have to put up with the crowds. We’re the ones who have to put up with the crowded roads, and wonder what will happen if evacuation is required. We’re the ones who stay home on weekends because there is no where to park and all the recreation areas are crowed. We’re the ones who have to pay more for groceries as the store claims to have to pay an “island tax.” We’re the ones who have to put up with all the vacation rental invasions. Permanent residents are not profiting from the swarms of strangers in our neighborhoods. Tax the investors who don’t live here.
Any commissioners who think it’s a good idea to tax homesteaders on the barrier island, to take the brunt of the burden, is suspicious to me. Trying to rush ideas through, is also suspicious. I don’t trust these politicians at all, I don’t think you should either. They need to step up and represent ALL local residents.
Skibum says
I agree completely with you, Laurel. Those who have homes directly on the beach with the wonderful views when the weather is nice should be paying more to prevent mother nature from destroying the beach, the dunes, and more importantly (to them), their homes when mother nature becomes unpredictable. The cost of beach and dune restoration is out of this world expensive, and if beachside communities like Flagler Beach start implementing parking fees, etc. for those who love to come and spend time at the beach in order to offset some of the city’s costs, so be it. I view it like the theme parks down in Orlando… those who partake are the ones who are rightly paying for the pleasure they receive by going there.
Debbie says
I agree with everything you said. I live on the intracoastal and pay a ton of money for property taxes. That’s all right since I choose to live here. I don’t remember the last time I went to the beach and the dunes did not protect my back yard from being under six feet of water due to Michael.
Vincent Maccherone says
True that! Hammock neighbor!
What Else Is New says
Mr. OBrian and his ilk have a propensity for approving extensive development of A1A resulting in chopping up land, clear cutting and paving over precious land resulting in an existential threat of flooding. Those of us not living beach side wonder if the dune restoration will survive the next storm. Do we continue paying for consistently restoring sand? A paradoxical situation.
The dude says
It’s really quite the deal for those select properties.
Pay a thousand or two more a year. Get MILLIONS of $$$ in sand renourishment in front of your property every year.
Marlee says
And…just asking…….
Is the St. Johns River Water Management District going along with this idea????????
Deborah Coffey says
OMG. Remember Noah? Just buy an ark. No matter how much you spend, no matter how hard you try, you’re not going to stop an ocean. It’s impossible to wrap one’s mind around the stupidity of the climate change deniers.
Bad Bargain says
This is crazy! You chose to live near the beach! What do think is going to happen??? We live on the barrier island and chose to be just far enough away from the beach that has not had flooding. If you don’t like the risk associated with your location, then move. I don’t want to pay any more than what I am now! If they are going to narrow it down so much like that and it’s the DCDD that is being vocal, then go back to an MSTU. Make those extravagant homes pay for more of it. Why should my home, which is a fraction of the worth and size, pay the same amount through an MSBU as one of those excessive homes that have more financial damage than what I would from a storm???
Denise says
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is not a barrier island issue, this is a county issue. I pay personal property taxes, and have since I’ve ever owned a home. Those taxes go to a lot of things, roads I don’t use, parks I don’t use, tennis courts I don’t use, and the biggest use, education, I don’t have kids yet I’ve paid for the education of thousands of kids. I have never once felt this is unfair. It is the price you pay for living in the community you live in and being a good citizen. If you live in Flagler County, the beach is everyone’s responsibility. It is a huge asset for us and it cannot afford to be compromised. If it becomes an assessment on property taxes, the rich will end up paying its fair share because the value of their homes is higher. As far as a fee to use the beach, one of the things Florida has that many states don’t have is free beaches. This is a luxury for those who cannot afford higher forms of entertainment, I come from a state that charges to get on beaches, 10 dollars for a badge a day and 20 or 30 dollars to park. This is totally unaffordable for low to middle income people. Our beaches are a free form of family entertainment and it needs to remain that way. Only if everyone accepts this is a county issue will we succeed in having a long term beach management plan that is sustainable over time
Darcy Araya says
No!
Skibum says
I agree with these homeowners. The beach is an extension of their back yards, and the condition of the dunes and beach not only directly impacts the value of their properties, it is the safety zone that protects the homes from total destruction from storm surges so I can see why they would be willing to have the county tax them in order to have the local government take better care of that critical resource. I wish more homeowners who live right on the ocean’s edge were as forward thinking as these folks rather than just wanting all of the positives of being able to live where they do but refusing to be taxed accordingly to protect their expensive oceanside domains.
Endless Dark Money says
well if projections of the florida banned term are accurate a couple million dollars wont do much. No one wants to address how we live, consume, work, eat and pollute, its not profitable to change; but sure plan to rebuild the beach each year no problem. Yes there are hungry homeless people but lets just kick them out and use the funds for more sand lol..
dave says
As a resident in the impacted area I really don’t have any problem being taxed for keeping the Dunes in proper order, but if the county goes through with this and the county fails to act responsibly and in a “TIMELY manner to secure the dunes in this TAXED area, which will be a full time job with even nor-easters I can envision a few lawsuits brought against the county for failure to honor their commitment. And any TAX I feel should be written clearly on what the counties responsibilities are in their keeping the dunes secure, with the impacted residents voting on an approval of those county responsibilities. A tax for the hell of taxing and Not Doing Anything well has been a by product of the county for a long time.
Beach Tim says
As a tax payer, we need to chip in to help with up keep of the county beach, if we just let the fellow taxpayers on the island pay for it all. That will open a door no one wants open. If we all chip in it’s less than $70 a year give or take. County just need to coming up with the numbers and then a plan
PurpleWidow says
All those condos and resorts that were built on the dunes that once were protected by the government because they actually served a purpose… tax them…they didn’t build it but they now own it.
joe san says
I live in the proposed tax area. This tax should be based on location and proximity of home to ocean. I believe Ekert and Davis both live ocean front homes and now want there association as a whole to be assessed so they pay less, when they can just walk out there back door onto beach. All ocean front homes should pay more than homeowners that are inland, they will benift the most.
tony says
Let the beachfront homeowners pay for their own seawalls just like I had to. I don’t mind paying something for a beach that I have access too but not Beverly Beach !!!
Gary A Iversen says
Totally absurd to listen to two people to make a decision on financing the shore line maintainence.
Proper notices and public meetings are absolutely necessary to determine how to proceed.