Survey Says County Economy Important to Residents

In Flagler County’s first countywide community survey, safety was ranked as the most important facet to residents, with the economy not far behind.

According to the survey results, presented to county commissioners by Deputy County Administrator Jorge Salinas, 75% of respondents rated Flagler County as a good or excellent place to visit and 57% said the overall economic health of the county was good or excellent.

Salinas said the survey results “established a solid benchmark that would allow us to compare our progress moving forward” and give county officials the ability to collect data and monitor trends.

While police services, emergency preparedness, water resources and the availability of of walking trails scored higher ratings on a comparison of national benchmarks, economic issues rated by residents were similar to the national average, according to the survey results.

Nearly 60% of respondents said the overall quality of business and service establishments was excellent or good, only 35% ranked the county as a good place to work.

Salinas said the survey allowed communities to ask custom questions, and Flagler County included queries on growth and development.

More than half of respondents indicated a preference for moderate growth and favored modest development in appropriate areas. And while nearly all residents favored development of recreational facilities and amenities, development of commercial businesses and light industrial facilities was also near the top.

Commission Chair Andy Dance asked Salinas how the survey results compare with similar efforts by the city of Palm Coast.

“Palm Coast does their own survey,” he said. “Have you taken the opportunity to compare?”

Salinas said while Palm Coast conducted their community survey at the same time the county did, “I have not been able to compare those.”

Salinas added the initial results for the county were positive.

“Overall, I can say the ranking the county received is very good,” he said.