The Palm Coast City Council got through a long, drawn-out business meeting Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. They rejected a proposal to nearly double the number of homes at a Seminole Woods development. They also approved financing for the purchase of 258 acres of land in Town Center for 17 million, and moved forward with new historic preservation rules. All five members were present.
Proclamations
The council issued four proclamations: Disability Employment Awareness Month, recognizing Flagler Schools and Cedar Bridge; Fire Prevention Week, with Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill stating that “was the first department in the city” and that the public was welcome to the Fire Station 22 opening; Customer Service Week, to the city’s 15 person customer service department, who Utility Assistant Director Jackie Schill said answered 88,558 calls last year; and Shirley Chisholm Month, honoring the groundbreaking congresswoman who lived in Palm Coast from 1991 until her death in 2005.
Public comment
Several residents had concerns. Residents from Shangri-La Condominiums asked for a historical marker, stating that the condos were built in 1974. Seminole Woods resident Mark Stancil continued to fight for a right turn lane from Sesame to Seminole Woods, saying that “traffic is getting ridiculous.” Anna Gloria Eisman stated, “Too much growth, not enough infrastructure,” and also brought up concerns about losing doctors locally and potential insurance changes at AdventHealth. Business owner Jeremy Davis suggested that the city consider affordability for future generations, saying “Being able to afford a bad decision doesn’t make it a good decision.” Resident Kirk Whittington spoke out about the recent Amendment 3 forum. Jeannie Duarte continued to question the budget, water transparency, and the status of the two open seats on the city council. Wendy Trimarche continued to press the council on their lack of action on a new animal shelter, citing a letter from a veterinarian about conditions at the Humane Society. City staff stated that they are currently working on a traffic study for the Seminole Woods corridor, with a 100,000 grant. They also explained that they cannot stop stores like Walmart from being built on properly zoned land, due to property rights.
Seminole Trace denied
The main vote of the night came on “Seminole Trace,” a 331 acre project off Seminole Woods Boulevard, also known as Cascades. The developer, represented by Eric Morissette of Coulter and attorney Mr. Chiumento, was seeking a change in allowed home numbers from 416 to 743, having reduced the proposed 850 unit development and removed apartments. The developer increased the open space requirement from 20% to 40%, limited townhomes to 130 units, and offered to donate to a public skate park. Morissette stated that there was “no intent to circumnavigate” the rules, in reference to an earlier mistake. Residents opposed the proposal, citing concerns over traffic, flooding, and water capacity. One resident called the skate park donation offer “a bribe.” Vice Mayor Pontieri agreed with most of the development, but could not support the increase in homes: “It’s the 743 units that I’ve always had an issue with.” Citing city code and the lack of confirmed water and sewer capacity, she motioned to deny the land use change. After Councilman Sullivan “called the question” to close debate, the council voted unanimously to deny the developer, maintaining the 416 home limit. The developer then withdrew the related rezoning request. The issue had been tabled since Sept. 1, with the Seminole Trace project carrying a related 12 million “Burt Harris” property rights claim.
Red Mill Point approved
The council also unanimously approved first reading of the master plan for Red Mill Point, which changes 216 approved apartment units to fee simple townhomes for owner occupancy, with the same number of units and a new dog park. A second reading is scheduled for Oct. 20.
Town Center land financing
The council voted 4-1, with Pontieri dissenting, to approve a plan to finance the purchase of about 258 acres of land in Town Center the city is purchasing for 17 million to resolve a lawsuit. Finance Director Helena Alves told the council that the plan draws on an 11 million line of credit and reserves, which will be repaid by redevelopment tax revenue. She said an appraisal estimated 18 of the parcels at 20.07 million. Officials said that prior to the settlement, the city could have lost 34 million with no land. Pontieri warned that “We are taking a gamble.” Residents Tony Amaral and Jeremy Davis asked that the full financial package be released before final approval, which is expected Oct. 20.
Historic preservation rules
The council unanimously approved, first reading, a much-expanded historic preservation rule. City Attorney Marcus Duffy told the council that the historic preservation ordinance more than expanded from one page and half to approximately 29 pages, and creates a historic preservation officer and five member review board, among other changes. A second reading is scheduled for Oct. 20.
Other actions
The council approved a new contract with Merrill Brothers for biosolids hauling, to remove treated sludge from the city’s wastewater treatment plants. The cost increased from 104 to 138 per ton, increasing the annual cost from approximately 990,000 to 1.3 million. Mayor Norris also obtained consensus to send nearly 1,000 emails about the stalled “Radiant” development and a county to city property transfer to the state’s Special Counsel for Public Integrity. “Let’s see if there’s some shenanigans that’s been going on in this city,” he said, referencing that the state had granted the private company 120 million. Due to the time of night, the council pushed several other items, including second readings for the Land Development Code, fire department transfer, and “toilet to tap” ordinances, back to their Oct. 20 meeting.
Closing announcements
In his final comments, Vice Mayor Pontieri gained consensus to have staff contract with animal rescue SMART, splitting the city’s 210,000 for animal control between SMART and the Flagler Humane Society. She also asked staff to pursue reimbursement for approximately 30,000 to 40,000 in veterinary bills for SMART, after it took in dozens of dogs from two large cases. The city manager announced that Parks and Recreation Director James Hurst is resigning to return to Australia, effective Oct. 9. His deputy, Brittany McDermott will be taking over the role of director. Council members also thanked Chief Berryhill for his work, stepping back from his position as police chief to return to fire chief. The meeting adjourned.
