Residents urge Flagler Beach to keep Ocean Palm golf course public and consider nonprofit management

Residents urged the City Commission to avoid selling the Ocean Palm Golf Course and to offer more public input and alternatives, including forming a nonprofit to manage the property as a multi‑use park with a driving range and preserved open space.

Mark M. Hoof, an Ocean Palm Drive resident, told the commission the city bought the course in 2013 and that recent lessees have not met lease expectations. He said an informal neighborhood survey found “people do not want the property sold and they would like overwhelmingly a desire to be offered input into the decision,” and asked the commission to allow citizens to form a nonprofit to manage and restore the site. Hoof said local volunteers have offered to make repairs “tomorrow” and that residents would submit a letter with more detail the following day.

After public comment the commission invited staff comment. City staff said they had not recorded questions in the earlier remarks and noted they were expecting a letter from residents with additional detail. The city manager and city attorney did not propose any immediate action; rather, staff said they would review materials the public submits and bring details back to the commission as appropriate. No motion or formal action on the golf course was taken at the meeting.

Public speakers also raised related issues of open space, community branding and involvement in projects such as Veterans Park. Commissioners and staff acknowledged those requests and described upcoming committee meetings and opportunities for stakeholder input; the mayor said the branding committee includes the mayor, two former mayors and the CRA director and that the parks committee would meet on July 9 and invite stakeholders.