- July 12, 2025
Dear Editor:
When the former Palm Coast mayor was defeated, residents were encouraged to believe that unrelenting approval of building requests would abate. Unfortunately, the problem has only grown. The current City Council members must take action.
And, adding to the issue is Florida Senate Bill (SB) 784 (which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed on Friday, June 20). SB 784 strips City Council of the authority to review and determine the fate of each application for development. Developers have obviously lobbied state legislators and the governor to weaken local autonomy.
Concern must be given to the deteriorating quality of life for residents of Palm Coast. The cost of controlling crime has increased. And, since virtually all east/west traffic is on Palm Coast Parkway and State Road 100, the increase in vehicles is very apparent. Adding vehicles exacerbates the issue, adding choke points.
Despite any delegation of responsibilities to administrative departments, the members of the City Council, current and future, need to have total control of land use.
The tail should not wag the dog. Granted, the initial planners of Palm Coast designed a development plan. However, as with any plan, it is not sacrosanct. Residents of Palm Coast live here because of the quality of life. City Council members have a mandate to guard conditions that promote quality of life for residents.
John (Jack) Hartsoch
Palm Coast
Editor's Note: SB 784 requires county or city governing bodies to designate an “administrative authority” to review plat or re-plat submissions. If the administrative authority finds the submission meets the legal standards, it would be the one to issue a “final administrative approval,” not the city or county governing body itself.
