Palm Coast residents voice concerns on animal shelter policies and traffic annexation

The Palm Coast City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding animal shelter management and traffic concerns in the community.

Wendy Tramarci, a representative from the Humane Society, raised critical issues about the shelter's operations, emphasizing the need for adherence to state mandates concerning rabies cases and the importance of proper care for sick animals. She highlighted a troubling incident involving a shelter dog that lost its life due to inadequate housing and criticized the shelter's hiring practices, advocating for a more responsible management structure. Tramarci called for the implementation of an independent audit for the shelter, especially since it receives taxpayer funding and is required by Florida law to conduct such audits when soliciting over $1 million annually. She urged the council to consider a partnership with Flagler County's animal control office to enhance shelter operations and ensure the safety and care of animals.

In another segment of the meeting, Donna Stansil from Seminole Woods proposed the annexation of a small parcel of land behind the racetrack on State Road 100. She argued that this annexation would alleviate traffic congestion by providing an alternative access route to the BJ's gas station, which could reduce backups at traffic lights and improve safety for drivers. Stansil expressed frustration over the racetrack's refusal to sell the land and urged the council to consider using eminent domain to facilitate the annexation, emphasizing the benefits for local residents.

The discussions highlighted ongoing community concerns about animal welfare and traffic management, with council members acknowledging the importance of addressing these issues promptly to support the growing population of Palm Coast.