Flagler County Board of County Commissioners held their business meeting on Monday, April 7th, 2025.
Chairman Dance requested modifications to the agenda, including moving the Flagler Beach Centennial Proclamation and adding a medical examiner’s presentation. The board approved these changes unanimously.
Several recognitions and proclamations were presented during the meeting. The Finance Services Director John Brewer announced that Flagler County received the Distinguished Budget Award for the 16th straight year. Fire Chief Michael Tucker presented Life Saving Awards to several firefighters for their outstanding service.
During public comment, numerous residents expressed strong opposition to the proposed Belvedere fuel terminal project. Concerns included environmental risks, safety hazards, and proximity to residential areas. The board acknowledged these concerns and noted that the $10 million grant agreement item had been removed from the agenda.
The board discussed and approved the airport zoning regulations ordinance on the first reading, even with the public outcry over the airport over recent months. Residents who live in the areas surrounding the airport have spoken out about the airport, and its growth many times both at county meetings and at Palm Coast City Council meetings. Adam Mangold, Growth Management Director, presented the ordinance and addressed concerns about interlocal agreements with municipalities.
The meeting concluded with discussions about beach management funding and the potential half-cent sales tax. County Administrator Heidi Petito provided updates on various projects and agreements, while commissioners debated the timing and approach for deciding on the half-cent sales tax proposal.
Immediately following the business meeting, the County Commissioners held their Workshop meeting. During this workshop, the conversations swirled around several significant topics, with a focus on two major developments: a proposed sports complex and affordable housing initiatives.
Jason Boudrie from Synergy Sports presented a comprehensive plan for a $90-100M sports complex project. He detailed that the facility would include 10 full-size basketball courts, 24 volleyball courts, 30-36 pickleball courts, and a 200m indoor track. The outdoor component would feature 20 flat fields with FIFA regulation standards. Boudrie emphasized the project would be structured as a public-private partnership, with potential naming rights revenue of $30-35 million.
Amy Lukosic, Tourism Development Director, introduced the sports complex project as a joint initiative between the county and Palm Coast. Several sports organization representatives, including Sean Bob from Palm Coast Florida Elite Soccer Academy and Steve Livingston from Sporting Club Jacksonville, expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its potential economic impact.
Joe Hegedus, Director of Health and Human Services, presented updates on the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). He discussed the Live Local Act’s impact on housing policy and explained that Flagler County currently has a deficit of about 750 affordable rental units. The committee is working on implementing various housing incentives and updating the county’s website with Live Local Act information.
Simone Kenney and Adam Mengel presented the comprehensive plan discussion, focusing on housing and future land use elements. They outlined proposed changes to residential and non-residential intensity standards, with particular attention to protecting agricultural lands and managing development in coastal areas.
