Five-year effort results in 50-50 funding for public canal maintenance
Public canals in Palm Coast and other smaller Florida counties are now eligible for state dredging grants after a unanimous vote by Florida Inland Navigation District commissioners.
Randy Stapleford, commissioner for the Florida Inland Navigation District, announced the decision at the Palm Coast City Council workshop on October 28. The change allows waterway assistance project grants to include public canal dredging, something Stapleford has been working toward for five years.
New Grant Eligibility
The grants provide 50-50 matching funds for counties with populations under 250,000. Previously, waterway assistance project grants, known as WAP grants, did not cover public canals.
“So from this day on, for the next generation of grants, the waterway assistant projects at a 50-50 grant for those counties under a population of 250,000…will be eligible for waterway grants for the canals 50-50,” Stapleford said.
The grants are specifically for dredging work and cannot be used for other canal projects.
Stapleford explained that Flagler County has fewer boat launching facilities, public boat docks, mooring facilities, and marinas compared to other counties. With 6,000 registered boats in the area and most boats kept in public canals, dredging is an important issue for local boaters.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Stapleford said about the vote. “That’s the reason I really wanted to be pushing the last five years to make this happen.”
Other Announcements
Stapleford also recognized several community members and events during his presentation:
He thanked Alisa Rosco for organizing the 18th annual Intracoastal Waterway cleanup. The Florida Inland Navigation District has donated $90,000 to the event over the years, including $5,000 this year. The recent cleanup drew 1,600 participants, making it one of the largest yet.
Stapleford announced that the district has a check for $586,000 ready to give to Palm Coast for a gazebo at the waterfront park. He noted the structure will be large enough to host a farmers’ market.
Veterans Day Parade
During public comment, Ed Fuller encouraged residents to attend the Veterans Day parade on November 11.
“I hope everyone who’s listening and who’s here and present please implore our veterans to come out,” Fuller said. “It’s our way of honoring you for serving our country.”
Fuller, who serves on the Veterans Day parade committee, said the event will feature bands, students, and veterans. He emphasized the importance of honoring veterans after recalling how Vietnam War veterans were treated poorly when they returned home.
First Responders Recognition
Council members recognized October 28 as National First Responders Day. The workshop opened with a moment of silence for Cairo, a sheriff’s office K-9 who recently passed away.
Fire Chief Berryhill thanked first responders from multiple agencies, including the sheriff’s office, fire departments from Palm Coast, Flagler County, and Flagler Beach, as well as police departments from Bunnell and Flagler Beach.
Berryhill also announced that firefighter-paramedic Osvaldo “Ozzy” Sene, recently named 2025 Firefighter of the Year, has been promoted to driver engineer.
State Legislation Discussion
Council members discussed Senate Bill 180, which limits local government’s ability to regulate certain development projects near areas affected by natural disasters. Several council members expressed concerns about the law but decided to wait before joining a lawsuit against it.
Vice Mayor Teresa Pontieri said state officials have indicated the bill will likely be amended during the next legislative session, which begins in early 2025. She recommended waiting to see what changes are proposed before spending money on legal action.
“There are three things that they recognize and are very confident will be changed,” Pontieri said, referring to the geographic scope, time limitations, and vague language in the current law.
The cost to join the lawsuit is $10,000, with additional fees if the case is appealed.
Upcoming Events
The city will host its Hall of Terror event at Fire Station 25 on Thursday and Friday. The 25th annual Halloween event is free and described as family-friendly fun.
Officials reminded residents to drive safely on Friday evening when trick-or-treaters will be out in neighborhoods.
Council Member Miller was absent from the workshop due to illness.
The post Palm Coast Canals Now Eligible for State Dredging Grants first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
