The Flagler County Commission wrapped up a lengthy agenda on Oct. 5, 2026, with four proclamations, approval for a cold-weather shelter site, stalling on a contract to operate an adult daycare center, denying a homeowner’s appeal for a variance on a pool pump house, updates on the Bunnell landfill appeal, and the search for a county administrator.
Proclamations
The board declared October 2026 as Arts and Humanities Month in honor of the Flagler County Cultural Council. The council had announced a new “Flagler County Oral History” project in partnership with Daytona State College. The board also declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in honor of the Family Life Center, the only certified domestic violence shelter in the county. Sheriff Rick Staly pointed out the two most dangerous times in a relationship are “during the breakup” and the first two years, and that “in the last five weeks we’ve had murder-suicides in both of those time frames.” There were “hope cards” available at the courthouse to file protective injunctions.
The board declared Oct. 4-10 as Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme, “Charge Into Fire Safety,” focuses on the dangers of lithium-ion batteries in common devices. “Safe charging is a superpower,” a fire official remarked.
The final proclamation declared Oct. 14, 2026, “Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance,” the conservative activist the proclamation claimed was “assassinated” in 2025. It praised the proclamation for denouncing political violence while protecting free speech and civil discourse. Andrew Shirvell, president of the pro-life group Florida Voice for the Unborn and a former county resident, thanked the board and quoted Kirk during his remarks. The proclamation passed.
Adult daycare contract stalled
The board was poised to award a contract with Therapeutic Assisted Living, an outside operator in Palm Coast, to operate the David Siegel Adult Daycare Center when the applicant emailed higher pricing, $90 a day versus the original $60, minutes before the meeting. Staff and the county attorney warned that the last-minute increase could trigger a “bid protest” from other bidders who lost out. “It is an unfair advantage,” the county attorney said. After discussion, the board voted to have staff negotiate with the second-place bidder and return to the board at the next meeting rather than award the contract or close the center. Commissioner Kim Carney said she wasn’t going to continue the process due to the lack of a market “needs assessment.” During public comment, residents criticized the new contract for offering a lower level of medical care than the county was providing. Resident Raymond Royer stated the county was “going from a platinum program to a bronze program” and wasn’t honoring the donated building.
Cold weather shelter
The board voted 5-0 to proceed with the county’s new Expo Center as the site for the annual cold-weather shelter that opens on nights at or below 40 degrees. The board will need to finalize an agreement with the nonprofit operator, the Sheltering Tree, at the next meeting. Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord said that legal language can be included so the county can displace other renters during an emergency. The board discussed amending its agreement with neighboring Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and Bunnell to increase the shelter’s cost to $1,500 per night from $1,000 and remove the 24-night cap. Carney pressed the board for the financial need behind the increase, saying, “It’s not a humanitarian thing. It’s a money thing.” Commissioner Greg Hansen wanted to first approach 4-H and fairground users who share the space. Carney and others resisted, saying an emergency shelter should be open to all. “An emergency shelter is an emergency shelter,” she said. Staff said they would meet with the other users of the site prior to the next meeting.
Pool variance appeal denied
The board voted 4-1 (with Hansen opposed) to deny the homeowner’s appeal and uphold the Planning Board’s decision to restrict the height of the homeowner’s backyard pool “pump house” to four feet. The homeowner and County Commissioner Candidate, Raymond Royer, wanted to build the pump house 9 feet, 7 inches tall on a small lot, and argued that “I have the right to have total use of my property.” Neighbors objected to the taller structure as it would block their sight lines on the corner lot. Since this was an appeal, the board could only consider what was in the existing record. Members agreed that there was no evidence that the taller structure was needed rather than preferred, and that the four-foot height restriction did not deprive the owner of reasonable use of his property.
Landfill appeal and other updates
County Attorney Michael Rodriguez said that the City of Bunnell accepted the county’s appeal of its approval of a landfill and that they plan to call a special meeting to hear each appeal individually. There are now eight appeals from eight parties, and Rodriguez said “all it takes is one” reversal to impact the outcome since the county’s appeal is based on its comprehensive plan.
The interim administrator said the search for the permanent county administrator will be up again in November. He mentioned 11 firms were contacted, nine responded, and it will cost between $20,000 and $50,000. He also mentioned the Humane Society contract will be up for renewal and the broader question of whether the county should take over animal control at the next meeting.
The board discussed a request from the nonprofit group “Bike Men of Flagler” for a county facility. The board agreed that the group will first have to demonstrate that it qualifies to use public property without a competitive bid. Staff said a household hazardous waste “amnesty day” is planned for January and that the county is working with the state to renew the hauler’s permit. Carney suggested that future contracts include “red line” versions to show changes. The board gave consensus to withdraw a public-records request to the state’s chief financial officer since it will cost money and the records do not exist. The commission’s next regular meeting is Oct. 19, and the swearing-in of a newly elected commissioner is Nov. 17.
