Flagler County government has mounted a well intended plan to get all regional partners on board with a plan and funding mechanism over the last year plus.  Unfortunately, the environment has been dynamic, and there appears to be no consensus for agreement regarding supporting the originally proposed management/funding plan.  It’s time for a different approach, and to broaden the scope of those involved in order to find a solution. 

It’s time for a “whole of government” approach.  We need to check into every possible funding stream.  Therefore, parties from the federal, state, county, and local governments need to come together and discuss and ultimately determine the best approach.

It starts with the federal government.  We need to directly ask for funding, and the assistance of the Army Corps of Engineers.  That means asking Congressman Randy Fine to advocate on our behalf.  It’s time for bluntness and transparency.  We need to directly ask, get an update on his work on this issue, and hear why or why not federal funding is possible.

If federal funding is not an option, we next need to hear from our state.  Governor Ron DeSantis, State Representative Sam Greco, and State Senator Tom Leak should be engaged to determine where the state of Florida can assist.  While all have been proponents of lowering local taxes and rooting out waste at the local level, the state has also invested in protecting our natural resources.  Once again, we need a straight answer regarding why we should or should not expect funding from the state level.

If the state cannot provide necessary funding, we are back to a regional funding approach.  At this point, we would expect the county to explore all avenues of funding without requiring an increase in taxation.  If additional taxation is required the citizens deserve to know that Flagler County has already reviewed and enacted a plan to streamline its budget, and there are absolutely no available dollars for funding this beach management plan without an additional tax. From there, the county must work with local mayors and city councils to find a measured approach to limit additional tax burden on its citizens.

All parties must answer these questions and work together.  This is why we elected them-to solve issues on behalf of their constituents.

All we can do is ask.  Invitations have been sent to the following individuals as of May 31st. 

Governor Ron DeSantis

Congressman Randy Fine

State Senator Tom Leek

State Representative Sam Greco

County Commissioner Andy Dance

County Commissioner Greg Hansen

County Commissioner Kim Carney

County Commissioner Leanne Pennington

County Commissioner Pam Richardson

Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris

Flagler Beach Mayor Patti King

Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson

A date and venue are TBD, but we’ve quite literally offered our kitchen table for the discussion (though we think a public forum is best).

We can’t speak to that answer.  Again, we believe the efforts of our Flagler County Government have been well intended.  We’re positive conversations have occurred behind the scenes.  However, this has now reached a critical juncture, and the most important questions from leaders have not been answered on record regarding funding options.  Respectfully, citizens deserve to hear these answers now, on record.  Further, we can no longer “kick the can down the road”.  We need a plan, and we need it now. 

Partially - in Flagler Beach.  But that was only a small part of the miles of coastline within the county, and doesn't account for maintenance moving forward.

There are multiple "reaches" or parts of the coastline that Flagler County has segregated the project into.  What is unfunded at this time are "reach III" and "reach IV".  This is unincorporated Flagler County, up to the boarder with St. Johns County.  It includes areas such as Hammock Dunes, Ocean Hammock, Hammock Beach, Sea Colony, and the town of Marineland.

What is also unfunded, is the yearly maintenace required moving forward after the initial renourishment.  This is estimated to be $10-$12 million dollars annually.  

For more specific details regarded funding of previous reaches, see this helpful breakdown provided by Flager County.

There are two primary reasons all residents of the area should care about this issue:

1.  A well-maintained coastline provides a first line of defense against tropical weather.  Flooding that starts on the barrier island, and the intracoastal, has a cascading effect inland during these storms, impacting deep into the county.

2. The beach is a primary driver of economic activity within Flagler County.  People move here for access to this wonderful resource.  Property values, and in turn property taxes, are tied to the health of our beaches.  Tourists come here to vacation.  While it is well known that “Palm Coast has no coast”, our tourism bureau regularly advertises “Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches.”  In a regional economy built primarily on services, the jobs tied to our most important asset are essential to the economic health of the county and beyond.  We don’t want to do anything that even remotely puts those jobs at risk.

Absolutely not.  Tropical storms don't care whether it's hitting a red or blue part of Florida.  Visitors don't check the voter registration of an area prior to vacationing.  This is an issue that unites us across party lines.

1.  Sign the petition, asking all elected officials to come to the table in good faith to collectively find a solution.

2. Call and email them directly, to ask them to attend.

3. Join our Facebook group for discussion and updates.