The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve the Hammock Beach Dune Recovery Project Agreement and the associated funding resolution during a special meeting called after the July 2, 2025 workshop.

County staff explained the agreement centers on implementing a dune-access parcel required by a 2015 land-development order. The developer agreed to design and construct an improved one-acre access parcel near 16th Road to enhance public access and to integrate landscaping and pervious paving to fit the scenic A1A corridor. County Administrator Heidi Petito told the board the developer has paid $375,000 of a $500,000 obligation and that the remaining $125,000 will be applied first to the project; additional construction needs could be covered from the developer funding reserved by the county.

Petito and staff said an improved public access parcel at 16th Road could add roughly 40 parking spaces to Old Salt Park, double current access capacity there and strengthen Flagler County's position when competing for future state (DEP) or Army Corps funding because both agencies consider access quality in grant and feasibility decisions.

The motion to approve the agreement was made by Commissioner Eileen Kearney and seconded by Commissioner Sean Hansen; the board recorded the item as passing with recorded affirmative votes. The county also passed an accompanying unanticipated revenue resolution and capital improvement program amendment to reflect the receipt and use of developer funds in the beach program account.

Why it matters: the agreement moves a site-specific beach-access improvement into a construction phase and commits existing developer contributions to that work. Staff said the access improvements will not only provide local recreational benefit but also support eligibility and scoring for larger coastal funding programs.

What's next: staff will finalize the project agreement language, proceed to permitting and construction scheduling with the property owner/developer, and manage the associated budget amendment and URR implementation through the county's capital project accounting.