The Flagler County Commission adopted its budget, announced it will oppose a proposed Bunnell landfill, denied a cell tower, and approved a large Seminole Woods development during a lengthy regular meeting on Sept. 14, 2026 that was nearly called at the 11 p.m. deadline.
Budget adopted
The board unanimously adopted its budget for the year ending Sept. 30, 2027 during the second and final public hearing. The budget, which remains at 333.3 million, was unchanged from the version posted for public comment. The overall tax rate of 8.0698 mills will be lower than the current year’s rate of 8.18 mills. No residents spoke during the budget hearing.
Landfill appeal
The board announced early in the meeting that it had reached consensus during this afternoon’s workshop to have its legal counsel appeal the City of Bunnell’s decision to approve a Class 1 solid-waste facility. Residents were encouraged to speak at the Bunnell commission meeting held across the road that night.
The landfill drew emotional comments from residents who said the project would threaten “our health and our way of life” (Brittany Kinney) because some neighbors have wells 100 feet from the proposed facility. Allison Nobles said a Facebook group “Citizens to Protect Rural Flagler” had grown to nearly 900 members in just nine days and thanked the commissioners for their decision to appeal. Several residents also thanked Chair Leanne Pennington and Commissioner Andy Dance for their votes to oppose the permit.
Proclamations
The board unanimously approved several proclamations, including a proclamation that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in honor of the nonprofit Live Like Cameron. Its founder, Melissa Fulling, reminded the audience that while 85 percent of children with cancer survive five years, “five years is not a lifetime for a child,” and invited the community to its 5K on Sept. 27. The board also proclaimed Constitution Week, POW/MIA Recognition Day and Manufacturing Day and Month, and a final proclamation declaring Oct. 4 a day of remembrance for Jorge and Nancy Salinas and dedicating the county’s transparency dashboard in Jorge’s memory.
Cell tower denied
The board voted 5-0 to deny a special-use permit to erect a 150-foot “camouflaged monopine” cell tower on 2512 Orange Street in the Daytona North district, rejecting the recommendation of the Planning Board. Dozens of residents testified against the tower, saying it does not belong in a residential area and they already have enough service. “We would have never picked the area and moved out west if we knew that these guys were going to put a cell tower out there,” resident Giovanni D’Alessandro stated. Federal law precludes the county from considering health impacts, and the commission based its decision in part on a code rule that finds the tower is not compatible with its surrounding residential uses.
During earlier public comment, residents raised concerns about a separately approved tower near Hunters Ridge and urged the board to reconsider its 3-2 vote for that project, while another speaker called for a moratorium on new cell towers until the county updates its plan.
Seminole Woods development advances
The board twice voted 4-1 (with Dance dissenting) to approve a land-use variance and rezoning for a roughly 119-acre mixed-use development off Seminole Woods Boulevard. The rezoning increases the maximum allowed density to about seven homes per acre and allows for commercial space. The rezoning passed with conditions, including a 40-foot buffer area that must be 80 percent opaque after three years, a requirement to start construction within 10 years, no commercial allowed in the buffer, and a performance bond.
Many residents testified against the rezoning, citing State Road 100 traffic, flooding, and the loss of neighborhood character. Sue Duffner stated, “We do not need three commercial areas the size of three BJ’s.” Darlene Shelley stated, “the start of the destruction of our beautiful coastal county.” Some speakers accused commissioners of conflicts of interest over campaign donations from homebuilders. The commissioners denied the accusation, stating campaign contributions are treated separately by law and they are legally obligated to vote unless they would personally benefit from the decision.
Other business
The board voted to allocate up to 50,000 in reimbursable tourist tax funds to reimburse spectator shuttles for the Constellation Furyk & Friends PGA Tour Champions golf tournament, which will be held from Oct. 5-11 at Hammock Beach Resort. The event is projected to bring 1,500 hotel room nights, air on the Golf Channel in 170 countries, and feature a Billy Currington concert. Tournament organizers will reimburse 90,000 of public safety costs and donate to local charities.
The board discussed but did not adopt a proposed ordinance to fine repeat offenders of false fire alarms (mostly large condo complexes), agreeing to continue to work on it. It did approve moving 880,000 in tourist tax money from capital projects to beach renourishment for one more year.
In closing comments, Commissioner Kim Carney urged the board to shorten its lengthy meetings (lasting about nine hours), saying “I physically can’t do this from one to eleven.” She suggested the board could alternate workshops and business meetings or designate specific times for land use items. Members agreed to continue working on a solution. The interim administrator asked the commissioners to start thinking about the state legislative priorities that will be before them starting March 2.
