In a shocking turn of events, Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris put an email on his social media today, showing an email he sent to City Staff, with his advice on withdrawing consideration for the project. This advice follows on the heels of his earlier statements at the last City Meeting where he doubled down with his support for the project off of Peavy Grade. Belvedere Terminals is a company that stores fuels in terminals near the railroad station where they would work hand in hand with Rail Companies both U.S-owned companies and one Mexican-owned company.
Residents spoke in great detail and numbers against Belvedere Terminals building a location here in Palm Coast, citing safety issues, and potential water issues. Some residents spoke about the owner of the company, and his “questionable past” with some residents citing news articles from other areas of Florida where Cothran’s past was brought up in regards to bribing a State’s Attorney in the 80’s. It was clear that the majority of residents were against a fuel farm that was close in proximity to some of the City’s Water and Wastewater plants, schools, and homes.
Following the last city meeting where Mayor Norris spoke up in staunch support of this company moving to Palm Coast, the residents echoed their disagreement. Below you can read the email Norris posted on his social media, which appears to have been sent to Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston and Kendra Lannotti. The City of Palm Coast will have its evening workshop meeting on April 8th, at 6 pm, at City Hall in the Community Wing. The public is encouraged to go and voice their opinions on these matters. According to the email, it appears that this withdrawal may be discussed amongst the council at the next business meeting.
