- June 21, 2025
Dear Editor:
The continental United States has about 12,000 miles of ocean coastline — Flagler County is fortunate to have 18 of them.
Our beaches are more than just a place to surf or sunbathe — they are our greatest natural resource. They serve as the first line of defense against tropical storms, helping to prevent flooding far inland. They’re also our most important economic engine. People move here to live near the ocean, driving up property values and generating tax revenue. Tourists come for the beaches and support our restaurants, retail shops, and hotels. With no major corporations or factories in the area, Flagler has a service-based economy that depends entirely on a healthy coastline.
That’s why it's so disappointing that, after two years of workshops and planning, the latest version of our beach management plan is now dead. As a resident of the barrier island, I wasn’t thrilled about an added annual fee or a sales tax increase. But doing nothing is far worse, especially after so much time and effort was invested.
I believe our county leaders had good intentions — but intentions aren't results. Flagler remains the only coastal county in Florida without a funded, approved beach management plan.
It’s time for new leadership and new voices. That’s why we’ve launched a citizen-led initiative: Protect Flagler’s Beaches. We’re calling for a whole-of-government approach, inviting elected officials at all levels — federal, state, and local — to come together. We've requested a roundtable meeting within the next 30 days to kick-start real solutions. I’ve even offered my kitchen table, though a public venue would be better.
Our officials must answer tough questions and explore all funding options. For example, Representative Randy Fine should clarify how he did — or did not — advocate for us during budget negotiations.
We’d like to hear from state lawmakers like Senator Tom Leek and Representative Sam Greco on whether they can help secure funding to support renourishment — especially for unincorporated parts of the county. Locally, the county needs to present a detailed budget review to show why no existing funds can be reallocated for beach protection without new taxes.
I'm calling on Governor DeSantis to lead this effort. As a former resident of The Hammock, he understands how vital this coastline is to our region’s future. He has a record of getting results—something Flagler County urgently needs.
No more talk. No more workshops. It’s time for action and results. I believe we can come together and be a model for how to solve tough problems. That’s what we elect our leaders to do.
Jennifer Herold
The Hammock
