- December 15, 2025
Also at Tuesday’s meeting: Potter promoted to Lieutenant; Flagler tourism up.
The Palm Coast City Council approved a grant application Tuesday with the Florida Recreational Trails Program for a $160,000 grand that would help pay for an asphalt trail along Seminole Woods Boulevard.
Though the grant is designed for “trails,” the path would be asphalt, similar to the other trails in the city, according to City Manager Jim Landon.
The city would match the funds to finish off the project, but Landon called it a “long shot.”
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” Mayor Jon Netts said at a workshop earlier this month.
Last month, the City Council agreed to have the city’s engineering department do the design work for a Seminole Woods path in-house to save money and potentially speed up the process.
The initial plan was for a path that went from State Road 100, south, to Utah Place. The idea was that residential roads south of Utah Place could be used up by pedestrians until the pond between Ulaturn Trail and Universal Trail.
However, if the city is awarded the grant, the first phase would stretch from State Road 100, south, to the southern portion of Ulaturn Trail.
Cypress Knoll plans adopted
Palm Coast officials unanimously approved an agreement Tuesday with ICI that will allow for single-family development on approximately 37 acres in Cypress Knoll. The City Council also approved a settlement agreement that canceled the lawsuit ICI filed against the city.
The parcel is located west of Easthampton Boulevard and south of Eric Drive. The deal changes the zoning of the property from Single-Family Residential 1 to Single-Family Residential 2. The maximum number of lots is 58, or about 1.6 units per acre. The minimum lot size requirement is 8,250 square feet.
David Haas, of ICI, said development likely won’t occur for “many, many years.”
“We did execute the settlement agreement and I have provided that to your staff,” Haas said Tuesday. “This has been a process that started six years and two months ago for me personally, and I’m glad that we are to this point and hopefully have it resolved.”
Turner: Flagler tourism up 41%
Tourism in Flagler County increased by 41% in 2011, according to Georgia Turner, the county’s tourism director.
Turner, who spoke at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, also said Tourist Development Council tax collections were up 28% in January.
Additionally, Turner projected February and March to be positive months because of the events that have taken place, such as bike week and the races in Daytona Beach.
Turner commended the city’s efforts in promoting sports tournaments, as well.
“As you all know, sports is an important element, and we really want to applaud the city’s commitment to sports,” Turner said. “The TDC is here to support you in your efforts.”
Potter: Palm Coast fire Lieutenant
Gary Potter was honored in a badge-pinning ceremony Tuesday and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the Palm Coast Fire Department.
Potter is the third and final candidate out of 11 to receive the promotion.
During the advancement process, Potter attended more than 320 hours of additional officer classes and learning procedures. Then, Potter had to submit seven written essays for review, pass a written exam, and complete tactical exercises in front of an interview board.
Deputy Chief Jerry Forte said going from a firefighter to a lieutenant is the most difficult transition in a firefighter’s career.
