City Officials Travel to Tallahassee to Secure Funding for Flood Protection, Safety, and Mobility Projects

The Palm Coast City Council members and senior City staff will travel to Tallahassee next week during the 2026 Florida Legislative Session to advocate for state funding that directly supports residents’ safety, mobility, and quality of life. As a result, the City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, has been canceled.

This annual legislative trip is an important opportunity for Palm Coast leaders to meet face-to-face with state lawmakers and agency partners to explain the city’s needs, share local data, and pursue funding for projects that would be difficult to complete with local dollars alone. By working collaboratively with the state, the City aims to accelerate solutions that protect neighborhoods, strengthen infrastructure, and build long-term resilience.

Palm Coast’s top three legislative priorities reflect residents’ most pressing concerns: reducing flooding and improving transportation options, especially during emergencies.

Fire Station 23 / Burroughs Dr. Stormwater Park 
The City is seeking funding for the design and permitting of a stormwater park on a 28.7-acre, City-owned property near Fire Station 23. This area plays a key role in managing stormwater in the B-Section, where nearby lakes can overflow during heavy rainfall and flood surrounding streets.

The proposed project would increase stormwater storage capacity to reduce flooding while also creating a passive neighborhood park with walking paths and green space. This dual-purpose approach allows the City to address a longstanding drainage challenge while enhancing quality of life and providing new recreational opportunities for residents.

Widening Old Kings Road – Phase 2A 
In the past three years, I-95 in Flagler County has been completely shut down more than 60 times due to serious crashes, forcing traffic onto local roads. Old Kings Road, which runs parallel to I-95, has become a critical alternate route during these closures and during evacuations.

The City is requesting state funding to widen Old Kings Road north of State Road 100. Improvements would increase traffic capacity, enhance safety, and strengthen its role as a reliable emergency route. This includes upgrades to key intersections, a narrow I-95 overpass, stormwater infrastructure, and connections to the state trail system—creating a comprehensive solution that benefits drivers, emergency responders, and the broader community.

Woodlands Subdivision Stormwater Improvements 
The City is also pursuing funding to design and permit stormwater improvements in the Woodlands and Wild Oaks subdivisions, areas that are particularly vulnerable to flooding after heavy rain. Following Hurricane Milton, floodwaters made streets impassable and left some residents stranded in their homes for days.

The proposed solution would use publicly owned land to create stormwater retention areas that reduce pressure on a restricted outfall and help water drain more efficiently. The City is contributing land as an in-kind match and has already begun upgrading nearby stormwater infrastructure, including replacing aging pipes with larger ones. State funding would help accelerate these improvements, reduce repetitive flood losses, and protect residents’ safety and property.

Other items included in Palm Coast’s legislative agenda include lowering the Seminole Woods Dry Lake Weir to reduce stormwater pressure, partnering with Flagler County to address animal shelter needs, and dredging the city’s saltwater canals.

City leaders are attending this trip to advocate for Palm Coast residents and ensure the City remains competitive for state resources. Securing state support helps reduce the burden on local taxpayers while delivering critical projects sooner.

The City Council will return to its regular meeting schedule on Tuesday, February 17, at 9 a.m. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and informed. Meeting agendas and schedules are always available at www.palmcoast.gov/agendas

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