The Palm Coast City Council held its regular business meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 6 PM in City Hall. Mayor Michael Norris led the meeting with all council members present: Vice Mayor Pontieri, Council members Gambaro, Miller, and Sullivan.
Purple Heart Day Proclamation
The meeting began with a special ceremony honoring Purple Heart recipients. The council proclaimed August 7, 2025, as Purple Heart Day in Palm Coast. The Purple Heart is America’s oldest military decoration, first created by General George Washington in 1782 during the Revolutionary War. It is awarded to military members who are wounded or killed in combat.
Charlie, a local veteran representative, accepted the proclamation on behalf of all Purple Heart recipients. He emphasized the importance of community involvement and noted concerns about declining participation of younger veterans in local veteran organizations. At 77 years old, he said he was the youngest person at a recent veterans’ executive board meeting.
Several council members, who are also veterans, spoke about the significance of the Purple Heart and the sacrifices made by service members and their families.
Chief Strobridge Recognition
The council recognized Chief Mark Strobridge for his service as interim assistant city manager. During his two-month tenure, he helped fill two major director positions, update key policies, conduct staffing analysis, and implement cost-saving measures. Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston presented him with the Excellence in Action Award before he returned to his permanent position at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Public Comments Address Various Concerns
During the public comment period, residents raised several issues affecting the community.
Shantel Pinger expressed concerns about DC Blox bringing a data center to Palm Coast. She worried about water usage, citing examples of Google data centers that use millions of gallons daily. She suggested the city require strict water restrictions that would only allow recycled or seawater for cooling systems.
Dennis Sakola complained about problems with short-term rental properties, specifically a vacation rental behind his home that has caused 14 police calls since March. He criticized the current ordinance for not working effectively and called for stronger penalties for violators.
Several other residents spoke about flooding issues, property drainage concerns, and various code enforcement matters. One resident criticized alleged corruption in the city government, while another opposed potential plans to sell Palm Harbor Golf Course.
Industrial Zoning Controversy
The main contentious issue of the evening involved a request to rezone property on Hard Grove Lane from light industrial to heavy industrial. The 36-acre property is proposed for a concrete batch plant operation by SRM Concrete.
Michael Hansen from the city’s community development department explained that the rezoning would allow heavier industrial uses on the property. The site contains wetlands and is near two city water wells. A hydrologist reviewed the proposal and found that the planned water usage of 10,000 gallons per day would have minimal impact on city water supplies.
Brian Hercules from SRM Concrete presented details about their proposed operation. The company would invest between 18 and 20 million dollars in the facility and create 10 to 20 jobs with salaries ranging from 75,000 to 100,000 dollars annually. The concrete batch plant would use only organic materials like sand, gravel, cement, and water, with no toxic chemicals involved.
However, numerous local business owners from the Hard Grove industrial area spoke against the rezoning. They argued that changing from light industrial to heavy industrial zoning would hurt existing businesses that employ over 150 people combined. Business owners expressed concerns about increased truck traffic, dust, noise, and potential property value decreases.
The opponents emphasized that they invested in the area specifically because it was zoned for light industrial uses. They worried that approving this rezoning would set a precedent for more heavy industrial development in the area.
After extensive discussion, the council voted 3-2 to approve the first reading of the rezoning ordinance. Vice Mayor Pontieri and Council member Miller voted against the proposal, citing concerns about economic impact on existing businesses and compatibility issues.
Airport Protection Agreement
The council discussed an interlocal agreement with Flagler County regarding airport protection zoning regulations. This agreement would bring the city into compliance with state law requiring airport hazard area protections.
Under the proposed agreement, the county would review city development projects near the airport for potential safety hazards, while the city would have input on airport expansion projects that could affect city residents.
Vice Mayor Pontieri requested that the agreement be made retroactive to 2016 and include language ensuring the city can comment on any airport developments that expand noise contours into city limits. The council unanimously approved the resolution with these modifications.
Other Business Items
The council approved several routine business items, including:
- Appointing Jessica Vorhees to the residential drainage citizen advisory committee
- Approving ordinances for the Lighthouse Community Development District creation
- Authorizing land exchanges for Airport Commerce Fire Station 26
- Accepting an interlocal agreement with Flagler County to transfer $350,000 in transportation impact fees for intersection improvements at State Road 100 and Semino Woods Boulevard
The transportation impact fee transfer will fund improvements to add turning lanes and improve traffic flow at the busy intersection. The fees were collected from the Cornerstone at Semino Woods development, which includes BJ’s Wholesale Club and several restaurants.
Library Funding Discussion
Council member Miller raised concerns about Flagler County reducing hours at the Palm Coast Library due to budget cuts. The reduction would save the county approximately $180,000 per year but would decrease service levels for residents.
Miller suggested the city might consider temporarily funding the difference to maintain current library hours, though he emphasized this would only be a one-time assistance, not an ongoing commitment. The council agreed to discuss the matter further at their joint meeting with county commissioners.
Meeting Conclusion
The council also approved various consent agenda items, including grants, service agreements, and administrative matters. The meeting concluded with reminders about upcoming joint meetings with Flagler County officials to discuss animal control services.
The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for later in August, with several items requiring second readings and continued public input.
