Stormwater Hosts NARFE Palm Coast Chapter Meeting

 On September 21, City Staff from the Palm Coast Stormwater and Engineering Department gave a presentation to the Palm Coast National Active Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Chapter members. This presentation gave insight into a comprehensive overview of how the Stormwater Division prepares for storms to protect the 94,000+ residents of Palm Coast. 

The Stormwater Division is overall responsible for the maintenance, operation, and inspection of the City’s entire drainage system. Which consists of:

• 58 miles of freshwater canals 
• 13 freshwater lakes
• 1,222 miles of swales
• 177 miles of ditches
• 14 control structures
• 12 watersheds/basins
• 145 major roadway crossing culverts
• 1,986 minor roadway crossing culverts
• 154 pipes through seawalls
• 26 valley gutter crossings
• 343 valley gutter crossing piped 
• Numerous drainage inlets, spillways, and catch basins

Topics highlighted in this presentation included storm preparedness and what residents can do to assure their property is secure during a natural disaster, what homeowners are responsible for and how they can maintain their swales, and how to stay involved in City news and community programs. 

Storm preparedness is a never-ending responsibility for the Stormwater Division. “We have crews working year-round to make sure the stormwater drainage system is prepared and ready to handle any given potential storm,” said Don Schrager, Deputy Director for Stormwater and Engineering. “Crews not only work before the storm they are also working after a storm assessing damage community-wide and making sure the drainage system, is working effectively.”  

Staff encouraged residents to be prepared before a storm comes. Have a plan for yourself and your family before a storm arrives. Everyone’s comfort level with staying through a storm is different. Stormwater Administrative coordinator Stacey Davis told the group “ If you decide to stay make sure you have what you need to last a few days, food, water, medications, batteries, propane, etc.”.  

Don Schrager encouraged “If you live in an evacuation zone and you intend to leave, don’t wait to be told it’s time. When you feel you are ready just leave. Everyone will get that notice at the same time and it can make for traffic problems and difficulty finding a place to stay. You can always come back when it’s over.”  

When a storm or disaster strikes, the City of Palm Coast is prepared and has resources such as a county-wide Disaster Preparedness Guide and Emergency Website applications to the City webpage (palmcoast.gov) to communicate during an emergency situation. Disaster Guides can be picked up at any City facility, as well as, the Flagler County Government Services Building. 

Maintenance of the culverts and easements underneath the driveways is the homeowner’s responsibility. Culverts should be kept clear of obstructions and debris. Large amounts left in pipes can hinder the drainage system. If you need assistance or have questions about your property residents can call customer service at (386) 986-2360 or create a case at palmcoast.gov/connect.

NARFE members were encouraged by City Staff to get involved with board memberships, committee groups, and community programs such as Citizen’s Academy. “Programs such as Citizen’s Academy are great resources for residents to learn in greater detail how the City operates,” said Angelene Davis, Multimedia Associate. “Participants gain an appreciation of how all the city departments work together to better serve the residents. The Fall session of Citizen’s Academy has just begun, and registration for Spring 2023 is open by visiting our website.”

City Staff is available to speak and give presentations regarding city services from any of our departments. If you are interested email communications@palmcoastgov.com

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