Flagler County commissioners spent more than six hours on Monday addressing major projects, ranging from a proposed regional sports complex to fire station construction and ongoing beach management challenges, during their October 6, 2025, meeting.
Sports Complex Study Shows Market Demand
The commission received a highly anticipated presentation on the feasibility of a proposed regional sports complex that would include both indoor and outdoor facilities. JLL, a consulting firm hired to evaluate the project independently, presented findings from phase one of their analysis.
Dan Fenton, managing director for JLL’s global tourism advisory division, told commissioners that market research supports demand for such a facility. The proposed complex would feature a 100,000-square-foot indoor facility and multiple outdoor fields designed for soccer, lacrosse, and flag football.
“The idea of being able to have a centralized place that can do both indoor and outdoor sports, we think that’s a very big benefit,” Fenton said, noting that only two similar facilities currently exist statewide.
The project, proposed by Synergy Sports as a public-private partnership, projects 125,000 hotel room nights annually. However, commissioners expressed significant concerns about the proposal’s feasibility.
Commissioner Leann Pennington voiced skepticism about market saturation and the county’s ability to attract naming rights sponsors. “Should the county commission be in the speculative game of a P3 on this topic? I don’t know. I don’t think so,” she said, adding that infrastructure needs should take priority.
Commissioner Andy Dance questioned whether existing facilities at local high schools could meet demand without building new structures. Tourism Director Amy Lucas explained that current gyms cannot accommodate the large-scale tournaments the complex aims to attract.
The second phase of JLL’s analysis will examine Synergy Sports’ track record, financial projections, risk assessment, and deal structure. Results are expected at a December 8 workshop.
Fire Station Construction Approved
Commissioners unanimously approved a $13.3 million guaranteed maximum price contract with Myer Najim Construction for Fire Station 50 and the county’s new fire administration building on Old Moody Boulevard.
The two-story, 19,500-square-foot facility will include four apparatus bays, sleeping quarters, administrative offices, and training rooms. County Engineer Hamid Tabasian noted the project is receiving $10 million in state legislative appropriations through the Department of Financial Services.
County Administrator Heidi Petito defended the $682-per-square-foot construction cost as reasonable compared to recent projects. Palm Coast’s current fire station is costing $1,020 per square foot, while Volusia County’s recent project came in at $871 per square foot, she reported.
Fire Rescue Honored for Lifesaving Work
Fire Rescue Chief Mike Tucker presented lifesaving awards to Rescue Supervisor Bo Kutoff, Paramedic Firefighter Marcus Ellis, and Paramedic Sebastian Bowden for saving a patient who suffered cardiac arrest. The crew performed CPR, restored the patient’s pulse twice during transport, and the patient was later discharged from the hospital.
Tucker also proclaimed October 5-11 as Fire Prevention Week, focusing this year on lithium-ion battery safety. He emphasized that the county responds to more than 20,000 calls annually and stressed the importance of fire prevention.
“The cheapest fire to fight is one that never happens,” Tucker said.
Beach Erosion Management Discussed
Commissioner Greg Hansen urged the board to pursue a critically eroded beach designation from the state, which would unlock additional funding for beach restoration projects. He requested a workshop with engineering consultants to develop the technical documentation required for state approval.
Petito confirmed that a beach management workshop is already scheduled for December 15 with consultant Moffat & Nichol, which will address critically eroded designations and ongoing work on different beach segments.
The county recently received a $302,500 grant from the Florida Inland Navigation District for boat basin seawall repairs and dredging at Bing’s Landing.
Sheriff’s Office Building Naming Proposal
Commissioner Pennington proposed naming the Sheriff’s Operations Center after Sheriff Rick Staly to commemorate his 50 years in law enforcement and contributions to public safety. The proposal generated discussion about county naming policy, which does not explicitly prohibit naming facilities after current elected officials.
Sheriff’s Office Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge, speaking in a personal capacity, noted that Staly was instrumental in designing and overseeing construction of the facility and has served the community for nine years as sheriff.
Dance and Commissioner Pam Richardson expressed support for recognizing Staly but suggested waiting until his retirement would be more appropriate. Commissioner Kim Carney supported the proposal but emphasized the need to review naming policies.
The commission reached consensus to accept an application for the naming, which will return for formal consideration on October 20.
Other Business
The commission proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and National 4-H Week, recognizing community organizations serving residents. Family Life Center reported providing over 5,800 hours of service to domestic violence victims in the past year.
Commissioners also approved a dune maintenance agreement with Ocean Hammock Property Owners Association, making that area eligible for FEMA grant funding for future storm damage.
The board tabled a $900,000 tourism marketing contract with Aqua Marketing and Communications until October 20 due to discrepancies in contract attachments that need correction.
The post Flagler County Commission Tackles Sports Complex, Fire Station Funding, and Beach Erosion in Marathon Meeting first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
