The Flagler Beach City Commission held a packed meeting on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, advancing the Veranda Bay development through three key votes, approving a fire station renovation, authorizing the removal of a wrecked sailboat from the beach, and addressing pointed criticism of city staff performance on stormwater projects.
Black History Month Recognition
The meeting opened with several residents speaking during public comment in recognition of Black History Month. Ken Bryan of Palm Coast Drive reminded the commission that Flagler Beach historically functioned as a sundown city, where Black individuals were barred from remaining within city limits after dark. Bryan acknowledged the city’s progress, noting Flagler Beach has since elected a Black commissioner and chairman. Jackie Rector and Cynthia Dodic spoke on behalf of Seeking Insights for Solutions and their “Both Sides of the Bridge” project, which has interviewed 15 Flagler County residents about their experiences during the mid-20th century. They shared that Black workers built many Flagler Beach homes that still stand today, grew much of the community’s food, and helped raise Flagler Beach children, yet were barred from the beaches and threatened with intimidation. Karen Clarity added that Black history remains largely unrepresented in local museums and historical societies.
Public Concerns: Safety, Flooding, Litter, and Wastewater Costs
A resident identified as Rick of Flagler County raised concerns about safety hazards at construction sites throughout the city, including open holes three to four feet deep without proper barricades. City Manager Eric Martin responded that all sites have been appropriately marked and no incidents have been reported, but pledged to ensure adequate markings going forward.
Bob Basher of South Flagler Avenue questioned why flooding issues near 23rd Street have gone unresolved for over three years while other projects move forward. Martin explained that the area has historically been in a flood zone and that many homeowners were not eligible for FEMA’s home elevation program because they had not filed appropriate claims or obtained required permits.
Tony Stewart questioned the rising cost of the wastewater treatment plant upgrade, noting it had grown from approximately $1 million in 2019 to $47 million, and calculated the impact could add roughly $56 per household per month to utility bills.
Darrell Reynolds urged the commission to strengthen its litter ordinance, presenting examples from other Florida municipalities. The city attorney said he could have an ordinance drafted and before the commission by the second meeting in March. Reynolds also flagged a Lowe’s Community Impact Grant of up to $300,000 with a March 20 deadline, which staff agreed to explore.
The commission also reminded the public that comments and concerns can be submitted to comments@cityofflaglerbeach.com or through the My Flagler Beach app’s “report a concern” feature.
Consent Agenda
The consent agenda, amended to remove the regular meeting minutes, was approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0.
City Manager Performance Discussion
Commissioner Belhumeur brought forward discussion items from the previous meeting regarding concerns about city staff performance. He questioned the organizational chart, the qualifications and salary of the city engineer, and the pace of stormwater projects. Belhumeur argued the city engineer was hired without meeting minimum qualifications for water, wastewater, and stormwater experience, yet was being paid more than engineers at comparable coastal cities.
The City Attorney clarified an important distinction under the city charter: the creation, alteration, or elimination of departments requires commission approval by ordinance, but the assignment of leadership within departments is delegated to the city manager.
The City Manager responded that the engineer met the qualifications through 12 years of running his own construction business and that the salary was unanimously approved by the commission during the budget process. He also noted the organizational chart had been presented to the commission during two consecutive budget years without comment.
Commissioner Cooley pressed for clarity on the conversation’s purpose, asking whether it was to seek understanding or to pursue action against the city manager. Bellheimer responded that his concern was about stormwater projects not getting done.
Martin explained that the McKim and Creed stormwater study identified approximately $43 million in needed projects, but the city only collects about $1 million per year in stormwater fees. Staff is exploring options for revenue bonds or general obligation bonds to fund larger projects. He noted that ongoing maintenance work has been performed on lift stations, swales, and other drainage infrastructure.
Commissioner Cooley requested a dedicated stormwater workshop before the annual goal-setting session. Martin agreed and said it could be scheduled soon, with the commission’s annual goal-setting session planned for April 1 or 2.
Funky Pelican Lease Amendment
Ordinance 2025-30, approving the first amendment to the lease agreement between the city and Grandview Flagler Partners for the Funky Pelican restaurant, passed 5-0 on second reading. The change from first reading added escalator language for rental rate renewals tied to the Consumer Price Index for the southern region. Attorney Jessica Gob explained that if the base rent increase of 3 percent exceeds the CPI rate by more than 1 percent, the rent would be adjusted in half-percent increments to match CPI.
Veranda Bay Approved 4-1 on All Three Ordinances
The commission took up three ordinances related to the Veranda Bay development on second reading. City Planner Lupita recommended approval of all three, finding them consistent with the comprehensive plan, Senate Bill 180, and the city’s land development regulations. Attorney Michael Chiumento, representing the applicant, noted the state had completed its 30-day review and returned no comments on the project.
He also addressed concerns about the Flagler County dispute resolution process, stating the county administrator and county attorney had represented that the issues were resolved. The developer has agreed to participate in ongoing maintenance and future repairs to John Anderson Highway, and the agreement includes language in which the county waives rights to participate in lawsuits against the city related to these ordinances.
Several residents spoke in opposition. Tanner, representing Preserve Flagler Beach, argued that the dispute resolution dealt with the separate Summertown project, not Veranda Bay, and that future lawsuits remain possible. R.J.C. of Cumberland Drive asked why the city never provided residents with cost comparisons for building the wastewater treatment plant independently versus through annexation. He also raised environmental concerns about the proposed 150-slip marina, including diesel fuel contamination and boat wake impacts. Other residents questioned the project’s compatibility with the city’s vision statement of maintaining “old Florida heritage and small town charm.”
Ordinance 2025-21, the pre-annexation agreement and annexation of approximately 210.7 acres, passed 4-1 with Commissioner Cunningham voting no. Ordinance 2025-23, the comprehensive plan amendment, also passed 4-1 with Commissioner Cunningham again casting the lone dissenting vote. Ordinance 2025-24, the rezoning and master plan development agreement, passed 4-1 with Commissioner Cunningham voting no.
Summertown Dispute Resolution
Resolution 2026-21, acknowledging the resolution of conflicts raised by the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners regarding the Summertown project, passed 4-1 with Commissioner Cunningham voting no.
Fire Station Renovation
Resolution 2026-10, approving the Station 11 training room renovation by Labs Coastal Construction in an amount not to exceed $42,967.21, passed 5-0. Fire Chief Cox explained the project would split the training room in half to create a radio and report room on one side and a day rest area with a kitchen on the other for crews working 24- to 48-hour shifts. The project was previously approved in the capital budget and funded through infrastructure tax.
Fire Inspection Schedule
Ordinance 2026-02, amending the fire inspection schedule for resort dwellings and resort condominiums on second reading, passed 5-0 with no changes from first reading.
Stormwater Pond Restoration
Resolution 2026-06, accepting a quote from Tigris Aquatic Services for dredging and restoration of the stormwater pond on South Flagler Avenue between South 12th and South 13th Streets, passed 5-0. The project includes removal of an existing weir structure, vegetation clearing, dredging, and clearing of the 220-foot outfall canal. Commissioner Cunningham confirmed that work in jurisdictional wetland areas would be performed by hand with turbidity barriers in place.
Wrecked Sailboat Emergency Removal
City Manager Martin requested emergency procurement authority to remove a wrecked sailboat that has been stranded on the beach. Two quotes were received, with the low bid from Isla Maritime at $42,750 to break up the vessel in place and dispose of it in dumpsters. The process involves placing non-toxic HDPE swamp mats on the beach, establishing containment around the vessel, manually pumping out all fuel and hazardous materials, and using an excavator to break up the hull. The commission approved the emergency procurement 5-0.
Commission Reports
Commissioner Cooley reported on the Tourist Development Council meeting, noting Flagler Beach is returning a previously awarded grant so the funds can be used elsewhere. He also reported the TDC is switching from Arrivalist to a new vendor called Zardico for beach usage data, which ties purchasing data to location information. He urged staff to assist with obtaining remaining beach renourishment easements, noting several property owners cannot be located because properties are held by LLCs and in some cases owners have died.
Commissioner Belhumeur and others encouraged residents to vote in the Tuesday municipal election. Commissioner Cunningham asked about the upcoming South Central Avenue mill and resurface project and raised concerns about sinkholes that should be addressed before repaving.
City Planner Lepita announced a second stakeholder input meeting for the city’s mobility action plan on March 10, with presentations to the planning board on April 7 and the city commission on April 9.
City Manager Martin provided an update on animal control services, reporting that the Flagler Humane Society will continue providing services to Flagler Beach under the existing interlocal agreement while Palm Coast and Flagler County work out their own arrangements. The city of Bunnell has also indicated it plans to stay with the Flagler Humane Society. Martin also updated the commission on the state legislative session, noting that the city’s wastewater treatment plant funding made it into the House budget.
Commissioner Sherman asked about the status of a dilapidated property at 133 that the city is seeking to condemn. The city attorney reported that service by publication has been completed and the city is waiting for the required time period to run before moving forward with a motion for default judgment.
