- March 11, 2025
The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday opted out of a new Northeast Regional Transportation Commission Organization in a 3-1 vote.
The board decided to focus its attention south instead of north because of the Palm Coast-Daytona Beach Metropolitan Statistical Area, which was created by the 2010 U.S. Census.
This focus will also better serve Flagler residents, said Alan Peterson, serving his final commission meeting.
“Of the 40% of residents in the county who work outside the county, roughly two out of three of them commute south,” he said.
Commissioner George Hanns said Flagler County would be better served to involve itself with any future Volusia transportation improvements — such as ensuring that a Flagler station be included if a high-speed light rail system were implemented.
Commissioner Nate McLaughlin, however, said he preferred to align with Jacksonville.
“This seems to have the highest potential for economic growth, and we’re going to benefit more from (that growth) if we’re a major player in it,” he said.
Joining the Northeast Regional Transportation Commission Organization would cost $20,499 in fees and require a five-year commitment.
Chairwoman Barbara Revels said that money would be better used elsewhere. Flagler County is closely aligned with Jacksonville in matters of economic development, she said, so declining participation in the transportation planning organization will not necessarily exclude Flagler from future economic benefits.
“It’s questionable if this is going to reach down and touch us or not,” County Administrator Craig Coffey said, adding that Flagler County would have just one seat on the commission.
But McLaughlin didn’t waver. He cast the only vote opposing the opt-out.
