Flagler Beach commissioners allow temporary pause so leaseholder can propose golf-course overhaul

Flagler Beach commissioners voted 4-1 to allow the temporary pause of operations at the city-owned golf course through June 30 so leaseholder Jeff Ryan can pursue a planned renovation and submit a proposal to the city.

The decision follows months of public complaints about course condition, extended permitting and debate among commissioners about whether the city should sell the property, amend the lease, or pursue a long-term public-private arrangement. The pause gives Ryan time to refine plans and financing without having to operate the facility while heavy renovation work would take place.

The course’s condition and the future of the property drew the largest turnout of public commenters during the meeting. “What I’m trying to do is develop something great for everyone within the community,” Ryan told the commission, saying he had spent months obtaining an environmental resources permit from the St. Johns River Water Management District and that “we are now officially permitted as of about a month, month and a half ago.”

City Manager Dale…