FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Flagler County is back at the drawing board to create a beach management plan and secure funding for it. During a recent meeting, commissioners decided to abandon the idea of a half-cent sales tax that would have financed future beach renourishment projects.
News 6 has reported how hurricanes and even minor storms have eroded the dunes, beaches, and sections of A1A over time. Recent sand renourishment projects have improved the condition of the beaches significantly compared to last year.
Looking ahead, the county recognizes the need for ongoing maintenance, estimating that it will require about $12 million annually. The proposed sales tax would have generated this revenue, but with its rejection, alternative funding sources now have to be explored.
“Property tax increases could be part of it, and cuts in either departments and programs are going to be looked at as well,” said Andy Dance, Flagler County Commission Chair.
Dance noted that the commissioners are starting from scratch.
“The next step is to convene a workshop. That’ll be held on June 16 here at the county government services center,” he added.
Last year, the Army Corps of Engineers initiated a significant project to dredge sand and renourish the beaches. They will continue to help in the future if there is a 50% local match to fund the efforts, another reason the county urgently needs to secure funding.
Some residents are taking matters into their own hands, reaching out to the governor and state leaders for assistance.
“To be one of the only coastal counties that does not have an approved and funded beach management plan out of the entire state of Florida, we’re lagging behind the rest,” said Jennifer Herold, a local resident.
Herold and her family, who live less than half a mile from the beach, are working to start a grassroots effort to engage more residents in demanding action.
“The beach is the first line of defense in any major storms, so we obviously want it to be done!” she emphasized.