BUNNELL, Fla. — Mayor Catherine Robinson delivered a wide-ranging and heartfelt State of the City address celebrating Bunnell’s momentum, resilience, and commitment to balancing growth with community values on Tuesday night.
Speaking before city officials, staff, residents, and broadcast live on WNZF NewsRadio, Robinson reflected on major accomplishments over the past several years while outlining an ambitious vision for Bunnell’s future.
Robinson emphasized the city’s progress, years in the making, has been guided by strategic planning and strengthened through grants, infrastructure investments, and collaboration.
“We worked very hard over the last several years to get to this point,” Robinson said. “We were very blessed several years ago to get almost $88 million between grants, low interest loans, and loans.”
One of the city’s most visible achievements was the completion of the new Bunnell City Hall complex, a $10.5 million project that consolidated city departments under one roof after years of operating from scattered facilities.
“If you haven’t had a tour of our building, please do that, because it’s very nice,” Robinson said. “We have everyone here under one roof now — the police department and the city staff.”
The mayor also praised the opening of Flagler Central Commerce Parkway, calling the roadway a catalyst for future industrial and commercial growth.
“Somebody told me it was the road to nowhere,” Robinson said. “No, it’s the road to U.S. 1.”
Throughout the address, Robinson repeatedly highlighted the importance of infrastructure improvements, including the city’s ongoing $42 million wastewater treatment plant project, upgrades to stormwater systems, and water treatment enhancements designed to support future growth while protecting the environment.
She acknowledged that restoring Bunnell’s historic Coquina City Hall building has been more complicated and costly than anticipated.
“You start putting that money in there, and then you dig a little bit, and you find a little bigger problem,” Robinson explained. “That’s what’s happened with the Coquina building.”
Despite the challenges, Robinson said the city remains committed to preserving the historic structure while making it functional and ADA compliant for future generations.
Economic development was another major focus of the address. Robinson highlighted growth in industrial parks, business expansions, and new developments throughout the city. She expressed particular pride in an international manufacturing company that chose Bunnell as its U.S. location.
“It just blows my mind that they chose us to come and bring their business here,” Robinson said. “I’m very excited about what’s going on there.”
Population growth, rising utility usage, and increasing commercial values all point to Bunnell’s expanding footprint. Robinson described growth as “a double-edged sword,” noting that while development brings opportunity, it also increases demand on services and infrastructure.
The mayor also addressed statewide discussions surrounding property tax reform, cautioning that reductions in local tax revenue could significantly impact essential city services.
“It’s nice to talk about reducing property taxes,” Robinson said, “but the other side of that is services also are reduced if you don’t have the funds to fund those.”
Robinson took time to praise employees across every department, from finance and infrastructure to police, parks, and public works, emphasizing their dedication behind the scenes.
“You are the face of Bunnell,” she told staff members. “We are judged by your work ethic and your skill set.”
Robinson also highlighted the city’s commitment to “community policing,” sharing a touching story about Police Chief David Brannon helping a young wheelchair-bound student named Chloe pursue her dream of working in corrections.
“That’s community policing,” Robinson said. “That’s leading with a heart.”
The address celebrated Bunnell’s many community events, including cleanup days, Spring Fest, Veterans Day activities, Halloween celebrations, and Christmas in Bunnell, which attracted more than 800 attendees and featured handmade ornaments, live animals, and snow play areas for children.
An important part of the city’s success stems from the commission’s ability to work through disagreements while maintaining mutual respect.
“We’ve argued vehemently up here on the dais, and then we voted, and we’ve left out of here as friends,” Robinson said. “And that’s how I believe it should be.”
She also pointed to the recently completed mural project in downtown Bunnell as an example of how art, history, and community pride can work together to enhance the city’s identity.
“If you haven’t been down Bunnell and seen the mural, you’re going in the wrong direction,” Robinson said. “It is beautiful.”
Closing the evening with optimism, Robinson encouraged residents to stay engaged and continue participating in Bunnell’s future.
“The journey is never ending,” she said. “There’s always going to be growth, improvement, adversity. You just gotta take it all in and do what’s right.”
