- May 1, 2026
A packed room filled Flagler Beach Commissioner Scott Spradley’s downtown Flagler Beach law office for a Town Hall highlighting strong community interest in a proposal to allow golf carts to cross the Moody Boulevard bridge.
The discussion, centered on whether the city should pursue a pilot program to create a dedicated path for golf carts across the bridge.
Spradley made it clear from the outset that the idea is still in its early stages.
“Golf carts and the bridge is not on the city commission schedule anytime soon or ever,” Spradley said, noting that approval from the Florida Department of Transportation would be required before the city could move forward.
The concept, presented by Dale Martin, would involve narrowing existing vehicle lanes on the north side of the bridge to create a separate, protected lane, often referred to as a “chute,” for golf carts and bicycles.
“This is nothing more than a conceptual discussion,” Martin said.
Under the proposal, golf carts would travel in a fully separated lane with barriers, avoiding direct interaction with vehicle traffic. The initial goal would be limited to allowing residents to cross the bridge into the Publix shopping area on State Road 100.
“The intent at this time is basically get people over the bridge into the Publix parking lot… that’s it,” Martin said.
Martin added that feedback gathered through the city’s Facebook page shows early public interest, with roughly 75% of respondents in favor and 25% opposed.
Still, he emphasized that the feedback is informal and not a scientific survey.
Civil engineer Paul Mykytka, who assisted in developing the concept, explained that the bridge has enough space to accommodate a dedicated lane if vehicle lanes are slightly reduced.
“You’d end up with 12 feet left over… two six foot lanes… and it would always be separated,” Mykytka said.
The proposal would likely be tested as a temporary pilot program lasting several months, using barriers to evaluate safety and usage before any long term decision is made.
Despite the early support, many residents raised concerns during the meeting.
Safety was a recurring theme, particularly the challenges of mixing slower moving golf carts with traffic once they leave the bridge, as well as braking limitations on steep inclines. Others questioned how the city would enforce insurance requirements and prevent impaired driving.
Parking and congestion were also key concerns, with some residents warning that increased access could draw more visitors and potentially strain infrastructure.
City officials acknowledged those concerns, noting that enforcement and safety would be critical components of any rollout.
At the same time, supporters argued that golf carts could help reduce the number of cars traveling into Flagler Beach, potentially easing parking demand by replacing vehicle trips with smaller, slower modes of transportation.
The proposal also ties into a broader conversation about mobility in Flagler Beach, including efforts to make the city more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and alternative transportation.
For now, the future of the concept remains uncertain.
Before any decision is made, the city must first receive feedback from the state, develop cost estimates and determine whether the idea is feasible both financially and operationally.
Until then, the debate continues, with residents weighing convenience against safety, and a simple question at the center of it all:
Should golf carts be allowed to cross the bridge?
