Flagler County was notified on Monday that it is the recipient of two Annual Regional Awards for Excellence from the Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC). Honors were awarded in the areas of “Healthcare Emergency Preparedness” for a training led by the county and hosted by AdventHealth at its new Palm Coast Parkway facility before its opening, and “Transportation” for the new Pedestrian Bridge that crosses State Road 100.
“The NEFRC awards these honors each year to recognize the best projects and the brightest leaders in the region,” said Chief Executive Officer Beth Payne in a news release issued by NEFRC. “Like previous years, there is engaging and transformational work happening across Northeast Florida. It is an honor to celebrate those projects and initiatives that enhance the community.”
The Pedestrian Bridge, situated between Colbert Lane and Old Kings Road, has more than two miles of added trails that will serve as a multimodal connection for the robust trail system that already exists in Flagler County. Benefits to the community are that it provides pedestrians and bicyclists with a safe way to cross a major, high-speed, four-lane thoroughfare. The ramps on and off the bridge are ADA compliant.
Additionally, it provides a means for users to take in often inaccessible areas of nature and experience our fabulous, huge, old-growth oaks, and wetland vegetation that they may otherwise never see.
“I’ve been out there and have had the pleasure of meeting people on the trail enjoying the new addition,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “Some expressed their gratitude about the bridge, because they use the amenity a few times a week.”
