Joint City and Flagler County Workshop 7/22/2026

The Joint City and Flagler County Workshop held on July 22, 2026, focused primarily on the status and challenges of the Reach 2 beach nourishment project, which involves placing sand along approximately 5.5 miles of coastline from North 7th Street to Warren Park. The county engineer reported that while permits and most easements have been acquired, 15 easements remain outstanding, posing risks to project continuity. The project received bids exceeding the $34 million budget, necessitating plan adjustments to reduce sand volume from 1.8 million to 1.5 million cubic yards. Legal counsel discussed potential risks of proceeding without all easements, including possible lawsuits and inverse condemnation claims, but noted the project could proceed under the current state of emergency declaration. Funding discussions highlighted a mix of local funds, FDOT agreements, and FEMA reimbursements, with concerns about cash flow and long-term maintenance funding. The meeting also covered interlocal agreements for maintenance responsibilities between the county and municipalities, emphasizing the need for clearer roles and sustainable funding. Additionally, an update on the city-owned pier reconstruction project was provided, noting a $16.8 million budget with 75% federal and 25% state funding and no local dollars involved. Public comments addressed animal shelter funding and community engagement in environmental initiatives. No formal votes were recorded, but the discussion underscored the urgency of advancing the beach nourishment project despite easement challenges and funding constraints.