County ratifies Florida Forever application for 153 acres amid annexation concerns

The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners unanimously ratified a Florida Forever boundary‑amendment application on Monday to add 153 acres of floodplain and riparian habitat within the Summertown/Veranda Bay property to the Flagler Blueway conservation project.

County staff said the parcel contains floodplain swamp, hydric hammock and riparian uplands that protect headwaters flowing into the Tomoka Aquatic Preserve. Staff noted the application met the ARC deadline and included a willing‑seller letter; the parcel would expand conserved land that already includes state parks and county preserves.

Why it matters: staff said the 153‑acre acquisition would protect roughly 63% of the property’s riparian habitat (using a 550‑foot riparian buffer benchmark) and about 69% of the site’s FEMA 100‑year floodplain. County staff and outside commenters said the parcel sits near the core of proposed development and that its protection would reduce downstream flooding and preserve a contiguous conserved footprint.

Public comment and legal posture: attorney John Tanner, speaking for Preserve Flagler Beach and Bulow/Beulah Creek advocates, warned the board that a city annexation and rezoning could substantially increase permitted density and “virtually destroy” the county’s protections if the city votes to annex and rezone the land. Tanner asked the county to task legal counsel with finding any means to slow or legally challenge a rapid annexation process if necessary; county legal said it will continue to preserve arguments and attend related city hearings to preserve the county’s record.

Staff next steps and financing: staff said Florida Forever is a state process that may result in final approval and funding later; the county can also pursue its own locally funded acquisitions via the Environmental Sensitive Lands (ESL) program and will proceed with appraisals and Land Acquisition Committee review. Several commissioners and residents encouraged pursuit of additional acreage where a willing seller can be negotiated.

Board action: Commissioner Dantz moved to accept and ratify the Florida Forever boundary amendment application for the 153‑acre parcel; Commissioner Richardson seconded. Following public comment the board voted unanimously to ratify the application and directed staff to pursue appraisal and ESL pathways while preserving legal positions related to annexation and land‑use inconsistencies.

What’s next: Florida Forever (ARC) will review boundary amendments in February; if state ranking/funding does not proceed the county retains the option to pursue ESL acquisition or other local funding mechanisms. Legal and staff will continue to monitor and appear at city hearings to preserve the county’s arguments and options.