Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast has taken an important step to protect critical infrastructure and strengthen the community’s long-term resilience by formally adopting the updated Flagler County Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS).
The City Council’s approval ensures Palm Coast remains eligible to pursue key state and federal hazard mitigation grants, including funding opportunities that support infrastructure improvements designed to reduce flooding, storm damage, and other disaster-related impacts.
The Local Mitigation Strategy is a countywide plan developed through a collaborative effort led by Flagler County Emergency Management and includes participation from Palm Coast and other municipalities. The strategy identifies community risks and prioritizes projects that help safeguard roads, utilities, public facilities, and neighborhoods from future natural and man-made hazards.
“This is about being proactive and prepared,” said City Manager Mike McGlothlin. “By adopting the Local Mitigation Strategy, Palm Coast is positioning itself to compete for critical funding that helps protect our infrastructure, reduce long-term costs, and maintain the quality of life our residents expect.”
Palm Coast has already successfully leveraged Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding to strengthen its wastewater infrastructure and reduce flood-related system impacts.
The City received $50,452.50 in federal funding, with a $16,817.50 City match, to install manhole dishes in flood-prone areas. These protective devices reduce inflow and infiltration into the central sewer system during heavy rainfall events, helping prevent system overload and protecting overall wastewater operations.
The City also secured $291,903.75 in federal funding, with a $97,301.25 City match, to install stationary generators and automatic transfer switches at five wastewater pump stations. These generators allow pump stations to operate normally during power outages, significantly reducing the risk of sanitary sewer overflows during storms and emergency events.
Together, these projects represent nearly $342,000 in federal investment directly supporting Palm Coast’s infrastructure resilience.
The updated LMS was reviewed and approved by the Florida Division of Emergency Management in January 2026 and meets all state and federal requirements, including those outlined by FEMA and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Adoption of the plan is required for eligibility under programs such as the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
The LMS also supports Palm Coast’s Floodplain Management efforts and integrates with broader emergency management planning, ensuring a coordinated and strategic approach to risk reduction across Flagler County.
