Flagler Beach schedules special meeting after Palm Coast offers temporary firefighter coverage

Flagler Beach officials scheduled a special meeting Monday at 5:00 p.m. to consider a proposed interlocal agreement with Palm Coast that would provide transitional firefighter coverage while the city fills vacancies.

City Manager Drew told commissioners the draft agreement was circulated to the commission shortly before the meeting and that Palm Coast's attorney will present the same item to the Palm Coast council Tuesday. Acting Chief Fiveash said Palm Coast firefighters and equipment will staff one out of every three days at Flagler Beach's facility to relieve C-shift staffing shortages until the city hires more personnel.

"We have coverage for tomorrow," Acting Chief Fiveash said, adding that seven applicants are scheduled to test for positions and staff hope to fill several openings in the coming weeks. She asked the commission to adopt a formal agreement rather than continue day-to-day verbal arrangements.

Commissioners asked for clarification on county involvement after noting Flagler County Fire Rescue has been filling some shifts under a verbal arrangement but has been unable to cover multiple vacancies consistently. Acting Chief Fiveash said the county will staff tomorrow but has been unable to reliably fill all shifts, and that Palm Coast had apparatus and personnel available to help.

With consensus from the dais, the commission agreed to convene a special meeting early next week to consider the formal ILA. The city manager told the commission staff might make minor changes to the draft and that Mr. Smith would review it for the commission.

The Palm Coast council is expected to consider the same agreement at its next meeting; Flagler Beach's special meeting will determine whether the commission signs a formal, time-limited arrangement to stabilize coverage while recruitment continues.