Congressman Randy Fine announced that $4.7 million in federal funds has been secured for Flagler Beach to support beach renourishment projects and protect the coastline ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. The funds were approved and released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency within weeks of Fine’s request to expedite the processing and review.
The funding is intended to repair damage caused by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole and to strengthen the shoreline against future storms. Officials described the effort as the result of coordination between Fine’s office and the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, who have long prioritized shoreline protection.
“We are grateful for Congressman Fine’s engagement and advocacy on behalf of Flagler County,” said County Commission Chair Leann Pennington. “This award strengthens our ability to restore and protect one of our community’s most vulnerable and valued assets, our coastline.”
“Strong beaches mean strong communities, protecting our homes, our economy, and our way of life,” Congressman Fine said. “I thank the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners for their partnership and collaboration. Together — within two weeks of reaching out to FEMA — we secured more than $4.7 million in long-awaited federal funding for beach sand replenishment projects. We are pursuing additional funding to continue nourishing our beaches.”
Fine also stated that he is proud to support Flagler County in partnership with the County Commission and will continue advocating for residents in Congress. “These funds will repair damage from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole and strengthen our coastline ahead of the next hurricane season,” he said.
County Administrator Heidi Petito called the funding a key piece of the broader financial strategy for the Reach 2 beach restoration project. “It allows us to move forward with confidence as we prepare for construction and continue securing the remaining resources needed,” Petito said.
Fine, who represents the district in Congress, faces re-election this November amid public criticism on a number of fronts. The federal funding announcement comes as the congressman works to demonstrate results for the district’s coastal communities.
