County Approves Funding for Flagler Beach Boardwalk Project

A split Flagler County Commission decided not to “split the baby” and approved a $745,372 tourist development grant for Flagler Beach’s boardwalk project. Also under consideration were field lighting at Palm Coast’s Indian Trails Sports Complex and work at the county’s Island House property in the Princess Place Preserve.

The city’s plan is in two phases, the first to begin in August of next year with work on the service buildings including restrooms, the radio station and commercial space. The second phase would follow in early 2026 with construction of a 4,100-square foot promenade.

“The (Tourist Development Council) recommended full funding to the city of Flagler Beach,” said Flagler County Tourism Director Amy Lukasik. “You do have the discretion to award the money to Flagler Beach as recommended or you can divvy it up as you see fit.”

County Commissioner David Sullivan said the all three applications were “great projects,” but he had concerns about the timeline of the Flagler Beach plan.

“They have to build the pier, and this money is supposed to be spent within two years,” he said. “I kind of got the feeling that there is one of the three projects that absolutely meets the requirements and is ready to go and that is the Palm Coast project for lighting their fields.”

Sullivan proposed splitting the grant money between Palm Coast and Flagler Beach to fund both projects.

“Given everything I’ve heard, I am kind of prone to say split the baby,” he said.

Commissioner Donald O’Brien said the beach is a “driving force” of the county’s tourism and there were to things leading him to support Flagler Beach receiving the full recommendation.

“The TDC recommendation and also the fact we helped the city of Palm Coast with the Southern Recreation Center just a couple of years ago,” he said.

Commission Chair Andy Dance said the Flagler Beach project and the county’s project at Princess Place Preserve would benefit “iconic landmarks” in Flagler County but was opposed to splitting the grant award.

“I worry that if we split that they both become ineffective, so I lean to the Flagler Beach project more than the county project only because I think we have time internally to work on the county project,” he said.

During the public comment period, Flagler Beach City Commissioner Jane Mealy said the city’s project aligns with the TDC’s funding requirement to promote tourist development.

“I really believe, of course I am a little biased, II think ours will do more tourism in general,” she said. “I think it’s important that you understand if you (approve the full amount) you’re only funding 28%, so splitting the baby is not really going to help us.”

Commissioners approved the TDC recommendation to award the full grant amount to Flagler Beach by a 3 to 2 vote, with commissioners David Sullivan and Greg Hansen voting against the motion.