- June 18, 2026
Dear Editor:
I am writing regarding the letter by former Palm Coast city architect Bill Butler concerning the recent destruction of mature, overstory oak trees that were lining Palm Coast Parkway in front of the Palm Coast Ford dealership.
This action by Palm Coast Ford is a slap in the face of the environment, at our city government, and all residents who appreciate a roadway that contains an element of natural beauty. We do not need wall to wall pavement and concrete everywhere. This action was a direct and blatant violation of city ordinances that prohibit cutting down these large trees without a permit.
These trees did not block the view of the dealership from the street. They enhanced the visual appearance of all businesses where we have these types of landscape buffers. Palm Coast Ford did this on its own and so now must suffer the consequences.
I hope the mitigation plan put in place by the city does not turn out to be another light slap on the wrists of violators no matter who they are. The law says they must replant with large trees, not the tiny sprigs builders plant in new homes' yards. Let’s see.
Jeffery C. Seib
Palm Coast
