September 8, 2026 – A much anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony for the “Fairgrounds Expo Hall” is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. September 23 (Wednesday) at the Fairgrounds, 170 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell.
The Expo Hall was constructed using rigorous hurricane standards on the property of the Flagler County Fairgrounds to serve, in part, as an emergency shelter. Up until now, the county has solely relied on Flagler Schools to stand up shelters in one or more of their buildings.
The addition of this stand-alone building allows Flagler County to increase countywide sheltering capacity, while also reducing our reliance on the school district’s facilities.
“This is a multipurpose building, and it is my hope that emergency management and sheltering will be the least of its uses,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “I’ll be happy if we only have to prepare and test the facility instead of using it for a hurricane. The rest of the time, this building can be reserved by our community, through Flagler County Parks & Recreation for recreational purposes and to host events and activities.” The one-story building was constructed north of Cattleman’s Hall at the Fairgrounds off Sawgrass Road, which is close to the center of the county. The primary open area is about 10,000 square feet with additional footage added for storage areas, a kitchen, restrooms, and a foyer.
The building was designed to serve as a community storm shelter capable of withstanding Category 5 Hurricanes. It is also elevated higher than adjacent structures to help protect the facility from flooding.
Other features include the following:
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Restrooms with showers as well as adequate toilets and sinks for use when the facility is serving as a community storm shelter;
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A generator capable of powering the entire building and all electrical outlets and lighting at maximum capacity, inclusive of HVAC and kitchen appliances;
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And, back-up water capabilities.
