PALM COAST, Fla. (February 9, 2023) – “Now is the time to plan and build our future, together. As I look across the room, I see the power of Palm Coast lies in our collective collaboration, between residents, city staff and elected officials,” opened Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin as he addressed those assembled at the Palm Coast Community Center for the 2023 State of the City address.
“Over the years we’ve watched Palm Coast transform from a small rural town to a multi-generational community, building together on our strengths and working hard to meet our difficult challenges,” said Alfin, setting the stage for what’s to come next in 2023.
Westward expansion.
Before getting to the future, Alfin took a moment to recognize the accomplishments of the city’s hardworking staff over the past year. From building quality of live amenities through the parks and recreation department to addressing emergencies and infrastructure needs, knowledge, compassion and enthusiasm were part of the underlying theme.
Building Relationships
Taking a collaborative tone that has been missing in years past, Palm Coast City Manager Denise Bevan and Assistant City Manager Lauren Johnston highlighted a message of sharing resources with neighboring communities, starting with a strong working relationship between the City of Palm Coast and Flagler County to develop a comprehensive parks masterplan.
Not the only bridgebuilding taking place, agency and department leaders made cameo appearances in a series of videos demonstrating the community partnerships being cultivated throughout Flagler County.
Showcasing the Flagler Crisis Communications Team created in 2022 to address emergencies, the seamless communication came in handy during the two late season 2022 hurricanes.
Training between city fire fighters and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has also helped strengthen the communication between neighboring first responders, especially beneficial during times of crisis according to Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly.
Closer to Home
While the ire of residents can be seen on display during city council meetings or floating around on social media, Alfin didn’t beat around the bush.
“We are a young city with old bones,” said Alfin, quoting city manager Denise Bevan, while calling for the needed investments into infrastructure improvements supported with testimonials by utility and stormwater department professionals.
“We must take the steps necessary to fortify those old bones,” he said.
Among 2022’s projects, milling and resurfacing restoration along Belle Terre and Royal Palms Parkways took place in addition to the completion of a utility maintenance project on Florida Park Drive where crews reconstructed an aging sewer and sanitation system and constructed a new lift station.
2023 will see the expansion of waste water treatment plant #2 and water treatment plant #2 in Palm Coast.
“While these projects are paramount to maintaining our roads, utility infrastructure and preserving our quality of life that our residents have come to expect, we are sensitive to the fact that they can be inconvenient to our residents. However, it is critically necessary for us to maintain our roads and utility infrastructure, to keep you safe,” said Alfin.
“We are committed to listening to your concerns and working towards a solution together.”
Alfin also took time to commended city staff from the public works, stormwater, engineering, utility, and fire departments for their responsiveness to citizens’ needs during the hurricanes.
“When we work together there is no limit to what we can do,” reiterated Alfin.
Quality of life is a huge part of why people moved to Palm Coast – trails, wildlife, outdoor recreational activities, and sunshine according to Alfin, as the department touched briefly on their accomplishments.
Looking back on the annual Touch-a-Truck, Food Truck Tuesdays, and new programs like the autism spectrum social group, it was a busy year for parks and recreation staff.
In 2023, the expected completion of projects at Waterfront Park and Lehigh Trail along with the groundbreaking for the Southern Recreation Center, has staff even more excited. All this comes in addition to the highly anticipated opening of the second AdventHealth Palm Coast location on Palm Coast Parkway.
“Where will these new medical professionals and their families want to live? In 2023 we’ll see the beginning stages of the inauguration of our westward frontier movement,” shared Alfin.
“Much like our nation’s pioneers who advanced west to capture the opportunity for new land, likewise, Palm Coast residents will soon be looking west of U.S. 1. The prospect of living the Florida dream, in our abundant community, will eventually draw folks to the new homes, services and shopping that will be offered as we expand into this new frontier,” he said, offering a glimpse of things to come.
Alfin closed the address thanking his family for their support, but not before recognizing three standout local residents.
Presenting the Palm Coast Public Service Award to retired Palm Coast Fire Chief Jerry Forte, and naming Pastor Charles Silano Palm Coast’s Citizen of the Year, always looking to the future, Alfin went on to present Emma Loves K9s founder Emma Stanford with the Palm Coast Next Generation Award.
“She is a shining example of our bright future,” said Alfin.
