Members of the Flagler Sport Fishing Club and several residents presented a citizen petition Sept. 9 opposing draft Ordinance 2025‑13, which would allow the commission to create restricted shoreline fishing zones. Petitioners said the draft is overly broad and would unduly restrict long‑standing public access to shoreline fishing.

Adam Lang, a club member, told the commission the petition “strongly oppose[s] ordinance number 2025‑13” and asked the city to “work with anglers, residents and businesses and the FWC on non‑restrictive alternatives.” Capt. Mike Vickers, president of the Flagler Sport Fishing Club, said the draft ordinance is “very broad and vague” and urged the city to negotiate clear, narrowly drawn zones (for example, Tenth Street to Tenth Street) and to consider time‑of‑day exemptions. Roy Matkins and others emphasized fishermen’s safety practices and the beneficial public interactions fishing generates; several speakers also noted the activity’s importance to veterans and community groups.

City Attorney Fernandez told the commission the draft ordinance includes a clause stating the “intent is to make that zone no bigger than it has to be,” and he encouraged both geographic and time‑based approaches to minimize interference between swimmers and anglers. Commissioners expressed that they were not pursuing a citywide ban on fishing and welcomed the fishing community’s offer to collaborate. The city manager said staff will set up meetings with the fishing club and the city attorney to work on narrower proposals and report back.

No formal action on Ordinance 2025‑13 was taken Sept. 9. Commissioners asked staff to convene meetings so the city and stakeholders can craft a proposal mindful of public safety, beach access and constitutional limitations on municipal regulation.

Speakers who addressed the commission on this topic included: Adam Lang; Roy Matkins; Capt. Mike Vickers; Danny Carter; Greg Kuchereski; Joyce Spivak; and Pat Lariani.