- December 16, 2025
Flagler Beach’s bonfire regulation remained unchanged following a recent Flagler Beach City Commission meeting.
Representatives from the Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol attended the Oct. 27 Flagler Beach City Commission meeting, in support of a bonfire ban on local beaches.
A motion to increase the Flagler Beach’s fire regulations died for lack of a second.
“The only commissioner who was on the turtles’ side was Kim Carney,” said patroller Lori Ottlein, in an email. “Everyone else does not care about saving an endangered species or keeping our beaches safe.”
But not all residents felt the same.
“The turtle people were well represented,” noted City Manager Bruce Campbell. But so were opposing groups.
Many residents stated that bonfires remain an integral part of their family heritage, he said, and that they’re careful to clean up after themselves and respect local wildlife.
Still, the issue may have legs.
“I could not sleep last night!” Carney wrote, in a post-meeting email. She said that she will begin working with an attorney to bring the item back before the board at a future meeting.
“Florida is world-renown for our turtle protection,” she continued. “Please do not give up.”
Contact Mike Cavaliere at [email protected].
