5-acre parcel near Hammock Dunes Bridge will be transferred to Palm Coast for northern park extension; county completes fourth environmental land buy in one year

Flagler County closed on a 5.15-acre Environmentally Sensitive Land (ESL) purchase on October 17, paving the way for the City of Palm Coast to expand its Linear Park to the north.

The property, located west of the Hammock Dunes Bridge, is the fourth ESL purchase the county has completed within a year.

Transfer to Palm Coast

County officials plan to convey the property to Palm Coast, a process expected to proceed smoothly. The city will then incorporate the land into its Linear Park system.

“The thought has long been that this is a perfect fit for Palm Coast,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “Some of the Linear Park amenities, like parking, are already there.”

The purchase required a year of legal work. Assistant County Attorney Sarah Spector assembled a joint property agreement allowing the land to be used for public park and recreation facilities. Notably, the agreement removed a prohibition against dogs on the property.

“This is a big win for Flagler County,” said Commission Chair Andy Dance. “These ESL purchases are a key to ensuring we have plenty of green spaces and outdoor amenities for our residents into the future.”

Recent Land Acquisitions

Flagler County has completed several significant environmental land purchases in 2024 and 2025:

• March 2024: 25 acres adjacent to Princess Place Preserve for $700,000, with more than half funded by ESL money

• March 31, 2025: 27.5 acres at Bull Creek to expand conservation and recreation for approximately $1.15 million

• June 9, 2025: 307 acres in Pringle Forest along Pellicer Creek purchased for $3 million using state appropriation funds to protect critical wetlands and wildlife habitat

ESL Program Impact

Since 1988, more than half the money Flagler County has spent on environmentally sensitive lands has gone toward properties within municipalities or state parks.

Within Palm Coast specifically, ESL funds have contributed to the purchase of Linear Park, Long’s Landing, and Mulberry Branch.

Spector credited Growth Management Director Adam Mengel and the Flagler County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller’s office with “helping to get this across the finish line.”

The ESL program allows Florida counties to acquire and protect environmentally valuable lands through dedicated funding sources, typically from property taxes. The program aims to preserve natural habitats, maintain water quality, and provide recreational opportunities for residents.

Linear Park is a popular Palm Coast greenway that provides walking and biking trails along scenic waterways. The expansion will increase public access to outdoor recreation in the growing community.