City Council approves $520M for stormwater improvements after persistent flooding issues

The Palm Coast City Council meeting on April 25, 2025, focused on the ongoing issue of flooding in downtown Palm Coast and the proposed solutions to address it. City Manager candidate Paul Trombino III highlighted the significant flooding challenges faced by City Hall and surrounding businesses, noting that the area has experienced persistent flooding for over 20 years.

Trombino explained that City Hall is located in the lowest part of downtown, making it particularly vulnerable during heavy rain events. He emphasized that the flooding has affected multiple businesses and has been a long-standing concern for the community. Last year, the city experienced another severe flooding incident, prompting discussions about potential improvements.

During the meeting, Trombino presented a comprehensive plan to tackle the flooding issue, which included a proposed investment of approximately $520 million. This plan would require a substantial 61% increase in the stormwater utility rate, a proposal that was met with considerable debate among council members. Ultimately, the council approved the rate increase, reflecting their frustration with the ongoing flooding events and the need for effective solutions.

Trombino noted that feedback from downtown business owners and residents played a crucial role in shaping the council's decision. He indicated that the city is now changing its approach to address these flooding challenges more effectively, signaling a commitment to improving the situation for the community.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing flooding in Palm Coast and the city's willingness to invest in long-term solutions to protect its infrastructure and businesses.