Flagler County outlines new interlocal agreements with Flagler Beach and Army Corps

In a recent City Council meeting held on February 25, 2025, discussions centered around the long-term commitments and responsibilities related to beach management in Flagler County, particularly following the aftermath of a hurricane. The meeting highlighted the ongoing partnership between Flagler County and Flagler Beach, as well as the role of the Army Corps of Engineers in managing coastal projects.

The county has entered into two significant agreements: one with Flagler Beach and another with the Army Corps, which designates the county as the project sponsor. This arrangement allows the county to manage beach restoration efforts on behalf of Flagler Beach, which includes responsibilities for maintenance and monitoring of the beach area. Maintenance tasks involve regular upkeep, such as trash collection and addressing any erosion issues.

A key point raised during the meeting was the concern about future financial obligations. Donald O'Brien, a board member, emphasized the importance of not binding future boards to a long-term financial commitment, particularly regarding the 50% funding match required for ongoing projects. It was noted that while the county has historically believed that Flagler Beach would eventually need to secure funding for these projects, the current leadership's stance on this matter remains unclear.

The discussions also touched on the need for a comprehensive community plan that includes all stakeholders, including unincorporated areas and neighboring communities like Marineland and Beverly Beach. However, the county faces challenges in incorporating these areas due to jurisdictional limitations, which has led to criticism from some community members who feel excluded from the planning process.

The meeting underscored the complexities of coastal management in the region and the necessity for collaboration among various local governments to address shared challenges effectively. As the county moves forward with its plans, the emphasis remains on fostering partnerships and finding solutions that benefit the entire community while navigating the intricacies of interlocal agreements and funding responsibilities.