City Officials Head to Tallahassee to Advocate for State Funding

The City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2025, has been canceled as members of the Council and senior City staff travel to Tallahassee for the 2025 Florida Legislative Session. This vital trip is part of the City’s continued commitment to advocate for critical state funding and legislative support for key infrastructure and quality-of-life initiatives outlined in Palm Coast’s legislative priorities.

One of the city’s top priorities is seeking funding to build a storm equalization tank. This tank is designed to temporarily store excess rainwater during severe storms, preventing the sewer system from becoming overwhelmed. By gradually releasing the water back into the system, the tank helps reduce the risk of neighborhood flooding and sewage backups. With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events across Florida, this project is essential to protecting homes and maintaining critical city services.

Another important project is expanding Water Treatment Facility 3 to include the treatment of brackish water—a slightly salty water found in underground aquifers. This upgrade will diversify the city’s drinking water sources, making the supply more reliable. As Palm Coast continues to grow, having access to multiple water sources is critical, especially during dry seasons or periods of high usage.

The city is also seeking funding to enhance Wastewater Treatment Facility 1. This enhancement will allow Palm Coast to treat wastewater more effectively, meet stricter environmental standards, and produce cleaner water. The project supports responsible growth by ensuring the city’s infrastructure keeps pace with demand while protecting local rivers, lakes, and natural ecosystems.

In addition to these top priorities, the city will also be advocating for support for several other key projects, including:

• Major Infrastructure Improvements – I-95 Parallel Facility Widening of Old Kings Road. 
• Stormwater Improvements—Design and construct capacity upgrades in the Woodland Subdivision and the Seminole Woods Dry Lake Weir lowering project.
• Public Safety and Recreation/High Quality of Life—Ongoing efforts to support public safety and the Palm Coast YMCA.
• Planning for the Future – Ongoing efforts to reduce wastewater inflow and intrusion, as well as exploration of new wellfield locations to meet future water demand.

“We’re showing up in Tallahassee to make sure Palm Coast’s voice is heard loud and clear,” said Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston. “These projects aren’t just plans on paper—they’re about clean water, safer neighborhoods, and building a stronger, more vibrant future for our community. This trip is our chance to fight for the funding that turns those ideas into reality.”

The City Council will return to its regular schedule on Tuesday, April 1, with interviews for the District 3 Council seat at 3:00 PM, followed by the City Council Business Meeting at 6:00 PM. Residents are encouraged to stay involved in their local government. Meeting schedules and agendas are always available at https://www.palmcoast.gov/agendas. View the Strategic Action Plan here: https://www.palmcoast.gov/city-manager/strategic-action-plan. 

Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review