[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6309246,"mediaKeyId","2413646-ee32f1011db3b9c1558bb02ff7c767cc","parentId",2413646,"title","Flagler County proposes $120M beach and dune plan; half‑cent sales tax and MSBU offered as funding options","audioSeconds",3114,"startMs",4175000,"endMs",7289000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2413646-ee32f1011db3b9c1558bb02ff7c767cc&start=4175&end=7289","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2413646-ee32f1011db3b9c1558bb02ff7c767cc/thumbnail_4175000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6309246/Palm-Coast-City/Flagler-County/Florida/Flagler-County-proposes-120M-beach-and-dune-plan-halfcent-sales-tax-and-MSBU-offered-as-funding-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6309246-e79bd4bcc85988257014e0d660a7f560/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448547&Signature=SJMTU-4Jfa20VcBah7~zEzOid0znRVuW9KSUsuGfiMPc7jZGxj5LkfHk71-2rl7eeFTn1vd1Lgqb9bQhrAvbwSgB2YapR0M7UoVHvoYeglMd~ioY4POkOm7DZRpTqFEQ~oqEXuz49HkRafjWQUN5Eb6j98wJtgoOdMrSRKklgdxJKNUt73Zu8P02vJ3llKeUqBAv6MS5eoWvmzgJcGnd~n6~x32N3jZKRHZdF2ZGfUWtDRFE6BRm9I9AEQ9DDBwEyjN9zcUiXtDRmewXHmbiHOiM-Onr4ZksG9aiUSz-TLIPmvXU4WhAs7I68LLFQ0H17c-HYuUhDfQcT--sw~5f~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Palm Coast, FL","date","2025-02-27T04:37:15.73Z","article","Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito presented a countywide beach and dune management plan and a proposed funding strategy to Palm Coast City Council at a workshop, outlining construction costs, maintenance forecasts and several potential revenue options.

Petito said the county’s coastal plan divides the shoreline into multiple reaches. Reach 1, an Army Corps project completed last year in Flagler Beach, placed about 1.7 million cubic yards of sand across about 3.4 miles at a reported total cost near $29 million. Reach 2 is planned as a 5.5‑mile dredge using an offshore sand source and is estimated at roughly 1.8 million cubic yards and $35 million. Petito said initial county estimates put total construction costs for the county’s 18.1 miles at about $120 million with a local share (matches and non‑federal portions) of roughly $42.4 million.

To sustain the shoreline after initial construction, consultants recommended periodic renourishment on about a six‑year cycle. The county’s equivalent annual cost for ongoing maintenance was presented at about $12 million per year (a six‑year total near $72 million). Petito said the county currently has about $5 million available in the fiscal year 2025 budget and estimated a $22.4 million shortfall to complete initial construction over three years even with pending grants and other contributions.

Funding options presented by staff included: carving out part of the county’s current half‑cent local option sales tax (a county decision requiring a supermajority), creating a municipal service benefit unit (MSBU) on the barrier island with a proposed illustrative flat fee (the staff example used $160 per parcel), allocating TDC capital funds for an initial period, using a small dedicated portion of ad valorem property tax for publicly owned beaches, pursuing state and federal grants (DEP, FEMA/DEM, Army Corps feasibility and federal matching programs), and a potential dedicated portion of existing millage rather than a millage increase.

Petito emphasized the economic importance of the coastline: “Last year alone, we had just under a million tourists in Flagler County,” she said, and cited the county tourism director’s estimate that tourism had an approximately $890 million annual economic impact. She added that about 50% of visitors come for the beach and argued that investing in beach resiliency protects the tourism economy, public access and property values.

Council members pressed several policy and equity questions. Councilman Gambiero urged putting any half‑cent sales tax increase to a public referendum so voters could decide directly; he said residents already face utility and other rate pressures. Other council members expressed concern about dedicating capital funds from the Tourist Development Council (TDC) and asked whether revenue collected countywide should be applied to the beach when some constituencies (inland residents or municipalities) use county services differently.

Technical and permitting constraints also shaped the discussion. Petito and staff explained parts of the coastline have hard bottom and environmental sensitivities that may preclude dredge operations and raise costs — truck‑haul sand costs can be about three times dredge unit prices in the county’s estimates (staff cited roughly $25 per cubic yard for dredge material versus $75 per cubic yard for truck haul). Several speakers also urged continued pursuit of Army Corps studies and hazard mitigation grants; Petito said the county has pending grant work and had submitted FEMA CAT G documentation with an estimated $12 million claim and $2 million local match.

Next steps and disagreements: Petito said staff will continue interlocal coordination with coastal municipalities, refine the funding strategy and return to the Flagler County Board of Commissioners for formal consideration; she also planned to present the proposal to the TDC and to the county board in early March. Council members requested written analyses of likely impacts to city budgets and services and said they wanted more time to weigh whether county‑wide sales tax revenue should be used for beaches or for public safety and other needs. Gambiero and others asked that, if the county pursues a new half‑cent sales tax, the county consider taking the proposal to voters.

Ending: The county sought council feedback and municipal coordination before a public decision; staff said they will refine the funding package, provide more detailed fiscal impacts for Palm Coast, and continue to pursue state and federal grants and Army Corps studies.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Business Meeting - February 25, 2025 Part 3 of 3","oneSentenceSummary","Flagler County presented an 18.1‑mile beach and dune plan with initial construction estimated near $120 million and recurring renourishment costs, proposing a mix of sales tax revenue, an MSBU, TDC funds and grants to close a multi‑million dollar shortfall.","taxTitle","Palm Coast City, Flagler County, Florida","taxId",3807,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6309251,"Palm Coast residents press county over proposed airport zoning overlay, citing noise, flight training and property concerns",1916,0,1916000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2413646-ee32f1011db3b9c1558bb02ff7c767cc&start=0&end=1916","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2413646-ee32f1011db3b9c1558bb02ff7c767cc/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6309251/Palm-Coast-City/Flagler-County/Florida/Palm-Coast-residents-press-county-over-proposed-airport-zoning-overlay-citing-noise-flight-training-and-property-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6309251-3c10949eb93fcb86d72ba7f12403c3ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448547&Signature=lVxCnVM33IPuViH8OGEn-HWIMc6ufvkCtjR4Zb4XMZNbDB4PcJl4NN2gxSeGXGIX9xlpnV8EbxhWWWDrCQfCmuxPWv5MACyJH5G8myyXFlnrb-JXMtjK1zO33oOoXE9V6xOUBpu580SOp7LwFWGIb9NM6hHx37Gje13rt~fp15h2El--ORksfnnrJT-Z8Ig8Pf4IQl5TZi00Qr99endTADtJJrf8JHjg8vIdvDCXBgD4blXDm6AkjenOMmvcWPu58QZ-VGYIC0whdAvKUua8p1JOM2BNOpdzbZjE7onthA0KrjQeJ7g1DR9zICvEIjLCwHb73KwyB7sGcUx1dBQEjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents and city officials raised questions and objections about a proposed Flagler County airport zoning overlay during public comment and staff presentations at a Palm Coast City Council workshop.

Residents from neighborhoods near Palm Coast’s general aviation airport said low-altitude training flights, frequent touch‑and‑go operations and imprecise notices about the overlay’s geographic reach are creating anxiety over noise, property values and possible future restrictions.

The county’s presentations described the overlay as a starting point built on the FDOT model and on Florida statute chapter 333, and county staff said they plan to publish interactive maps and the adopted ordinance text before any interlocal agreement is considered. County legal and aviation advisers warned of federal preemption over local restrictions on airspace, and staff suggested the most practical path to reduce neighborhood training flights may be working with the FAA or hiring an aviation attorney to pursue operational limits, such as touch‑and‑go restrictions.

Why it matters: The overlay would create defined airport zones and standards the county says will protect flight safety and public welfare. Residents worry the ordinance’s text could create nonconforming properties or require easements or acquisitions if airport boundaries or noise contours later expand.

During public comment, Darlene Shelley cited state and federal guidance and urged local officials to consider “additional regulations to protect public health, safety, and welfare of their local communities.” Gina Wise of Quail Hollow said the proposal felt like a land‑use ordinance written after much building had occurred and asked, “Where is the public’s disclosure when people purchase their homes?” Faith Walker, a Z‑section homeowner who bought her house in 2022, described repeated low flights over her home and said residents “wake up every morning at 7AM by the sounds of airplanes.”

County staff and outside presenters responded item by item. A county planner said adopting the FDOT model in substantial form would meet the minimum requirements of chapter 333 and that the airport zoning commission the county proposes to create would review the zones and permitted uses shown on maps. Staff told the council the draft ordinance, as written, would not itself create nonconforming lots now, but that nonconformities could arise if either the runway protection zone expands beyond airport property or the airport’s 65‑dB day‑night average (DNL) noise contour grows outward.

Flagler County legal and aviation presenters detailed limits on local authority. County counsel’s office and an outside presenter reviewed federal case law and statutes, noting that Congress delegated authority over navigable airspace to the FAA and that the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 and subsequent court decisions limit local noise ordinances. The county’s attorney said “the federal government has preemption over any state or local ordinance when it comes to our aviation space,” and advised the county and city to pursue FAA processes where operational restrictions (for example, limits on touch‑and‑go training) are desired.

Staff described two practical next steps. First, the county will produce an interactive mapping tool—possibly integrated into the property appraiser map or the county site—so property owners can check whether a parcel falls within any of the draft zones. Staff said the intent is to have that available before the ordinance adoption so residents can comment with clearer information. Second, staff recommended exploring an FAA engagement strategy and suggested the county and municipalities consider jointly paying for specialized aviation legal counsel to analyze whether the FAA would approve operational limitations and how best to pursue them.

City council members and residents asked for more detailed materials. Several speakers requested copies of the complete presentation slides and supporting documents; county staff agreed to distribute the fuller presentation referenced during the meeting. Staff also said that, should the county adopt the ordinance, they would return to the city with the text of any required interlocal agreement for the council to consider.

What’s next: County staff said the adoption hearing is scheduled in the county process and that, if adoption occurs, the county will return to the city with the text of an interlocal agreement. Staff also said they expect to publish parcel‑level mapping prior to final adoption so homeowners can see whether their property could be affected by noise contours or runway protection zone changes.

Ending: The workshop left open several legal and practical questions — including whether operational changes can be imposed through FAA processes and how the county will notify affected owners — and county staff pledged to provide the requested maps, case law references, and the fuller presentation to the council and the public.","At a Palm Coast City Council workshop, residents and city officials pressed Flagler County staff about a proposed airport zoning overlay, asking for clearer maps, potential property impacts and whether the FAA preempts local controls.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6309241,"Palm Coast council to review Ralph Carter Park lighting and parking after resident complaints",606,9103000,9709000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2413646-ee32f1011db3b9c1558bb02ff7c767cc&start=9103&end=9709","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2413646-ee32f1011db3b9c1558bb02ff7c767cc/thumbnail_9103000.jpg","/articles/6309241/Palm-Coast-City/Flagler-County/Florida/Palm-Coast-council-to-review-Ralph-Carter-Park-lighting-and-parking-after-resident-complaints","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6309241-a7865536bf099acc9f8d1a553487c821/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448547&Signature=BgbkCCxo22aApqzKEe9EqDJjYMid6ufyDCRvzMcI7F-R6t1Ul~WAOEglJgSfq4-c1Cxyo7WCwqJdGFoyNeExs~E3xJ4VeO-blz5121~u0fOZF4ZQwLQshPARC4OlRb~YfHBiDWaY-Go118NTtd~Wonlr17O1slJBKNmHxGzH0JX-QGkdutE9Oe-1sAsSdBo1lfCfuqoDQY8mkTE-vWnKvH36E2Ye23ZJRnp0zegqeaHVKXZHOIbahl3QNcA0AJ--pPh-6dPgPBSyO1HXuhXpF6ywo2CNl0KW1X4G~L3YP9RGSWI6CtzpbjMqNgijkSyVursEPo837fHDAFB7dCY1hA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Palm Coast City Council members agreed to direct staff to prepare a workshop item addressing lighting, parking and neighborhood impacts at Ralph Carter Park after a series of resident complaints and council requests.

Council members described persistent concerns about field lights shining into nearby yards, congested street parking on Rimfire Drive during weekend games, and safety risks with parents and children crossing busy roadways to reach parked cars. Council members said the city has taken interim steps — limiting permitted hours at the park, installing visors on some lights and asking permit holders to use on‑site parking — but that the measures have not fully resolved resident concerns.

Council discussion noted these points:
- The city installed visors and reduced permitted field hours; staff reported spending roughly $12,000 on visors as a partial mitigation measure.
- League organizers were told they must require parents and teams to use available parking areas or risk permit restrictions; the league reported plans to move game play schedules for some teams to an alternate facility later in the season.
- Council members asked staff to return with a fuller analysis of lighting height and shielding, parking enforcement options, potential permit‑condition changes and any legal limits on operating hours or field placement.

City staff said they will prepare a workshop item that compiles resident complaints, the park permit history, technical details about existing lighting equipment and suggested mitigation measures for council consideration. Staff also said they would examine parking alternatives and enforcement options, and meet with league organizers to ensure permit terms are enforced.

Ending: Council members asked for a short, focused workshop to examine practical fixes — lower or shielded fixtures, parking reconfiguration or enforcement, and permit conditions that require use of designated parking — and to identify longer‑range needs for additional sports fields or a dedicated sports complex to reduce conflicts with residential neighborhoods.","Council members agreed to schedule a workshop to address neighborhood complaints about lighting, parking and field use at Ralph Carter Park and to consider operational and mitigation options.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Flagler County proposes $120M beach and dune plan; half‑cent sales tax and MSBU offered as funding options

Palm Coast residents press county over proposed airport zoning overlay, citing noise, flight training and property concerns

Palm Coast council to review Ralph Carter Park lighting and parking after resident complaints