Flagler County delays demolition of Bunnell ‘old jail’ after food‑pantry operators seek more time

Flagler County commissioners agreed on Jan. 14 to delay demolition of the former Bunnell jail, which has housed the Flagler County Resource Center food pantry, for about three months and to provide monthly updates while staff searches for alternative space.

The decision followed more than an hour of public comment from volunteers and residents who said the pantry serves hundreds of families and would be left homeless if the building were demolished on the county’s original schedule. “This decision now leaves the food bank homeless,” Denise Bonayuto, chair of the Ocean Hammock Community Outreach Committee, said during public comment.

The pantry’s long-time operator, Betty Rountree, identified herself as president of Church Women United and told commissioners the county has provided the building and paid utilities for more than a decade, enabling donations to go directly to food. Barbara Royer, a volunteer, described the pantry’s operations and asked the board to delay demolition so volunteers could find new space. Joe Roy and other community volunteers urged a cooperative plan with county staff and area charities.

Staff told commissioners demolition funds had been budgeted more than two years earlier and a schedule was set; Faith Alquety (county engineer/staff) said county staff could delay demolition for “another few months” if needed. The board reached a consensus to delay the demolition approximately three months, to work with pantry leaders to identify alternative locations (including consolidation with other pantries), and to require monthly status updates back to the commission.

County staff said they have compiled a list of more than a dozen food pantries in the area and will explore consolidation or relocation options. Pantry leaders said Church Women United and other volunteers cannot absorb building rent, liability insurance and utilities on short notice; the pantry estimated small space needs (roughly 1,000 square feet) but said fundraising for a new facility could not be completed within 30 days.

The commission asked staff to coordinate with the pantry’s contact and return with a report on progress within a month.

Ending: The board’s temporary delay is intended to preserve service while staff and volunteers seek a durable relocation. If staff is unable to identify suitable space within the three‑month window, commissioners said they expect follow‑up reports and additional options to be presented.