The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners held its regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, addressing several key topics, including agricultural programs, emergency services, and upcoming capital projects.
The commission announced two upcoming groundbreaking ceremonies for major county facilities. The fairground and expo hall groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. The new facility will serve as a hurricane shelter independent of the school district, allowing the county to activate shelter operations without shutting down schools.
The Flagler County Fire Administration Station 50 groundbreaking is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m.
County offices will be closed Nov. 10 and 11 for Veterans Day.
Agricultural Programs
George Laibl, the agriculture and natural resources agent for Flagler County with UF/IFAS Extension, presented an update on agricultural programs serving the region. Laibl, who has been in the position for about six months, discussed the role of the Hastings research facility in supporting growers in Flagler, St. Johns, and Putnam counties.
The Putnam County Soil Board recently approved funding for a soil grid sampler that will be available to anyone in the tri-county area. The equipment takes soil samples across large plots and provides detailed data on nutrient needs, preventing over-application of fertilizers that can lead to water quality problems.
“We’re not just spreading it willy-nilly, leading to leachate and nutrient loading and eventually algae blooms, degrading the water quality,” Laibl said.
The extension office worked with local farms on several projects. Last year, they partnered with the Kile Farm to improve pasture health through compost application, which reduced fertilizer needs and erosion. This year, they are working with Bratcher Farm to diversify operations by planting 200 citrus trees across 10 different varieties.
Emergency Services Discussion
Commissioner Leann Pennington raised concerns about the proposed Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) for emergency services funding. She urged caution in moving forward before completing all necessary studies.
“We don’t need a legal challenge to this, and there seems to be a real big rush to this, but we’ve got to be very careful in how we do that,” Pennington said. “We need these studies, and you know the half-cent to rush out, and I’m telling you we ought to be very careful with the MSBU, wait for the studies, and be methodical in how we apply that.”
Several commissioners noted increased public concern about the MSBU, particularly as residents receive tax bills and TRIM notices.
County Administrator Heidi Petito confirmed that the apportionment study, which will determine the MSBU amount, should be completed in time for the budget cycle.
Personnel Changes
The commission welcomed Percy Sayles, who was recently promoted from Fire Rescue Deputy Chief to Deputy County Administrator. Several commissioners expressed appreciation for his service and looked forward to working with him in his new role.
Commissioner Carney thanked emergency services personnel for their professionalism during a recent family emergency involving her mother, who passed away. She said she plans to work on improving coordination between different agencies regarding do-not-resuscitate orders and advance directives.
“There is a flaw in the system and I would like to take it on as a personal challenge,” Carney said. “Just because you think you’re a DNR, you aren’t. The state has different forms than your attorney and your doctor. So there’s no coordination of patient care.”
Commissioner Andy Dance also extended condolences and urged Carney to take time for her family.
