- March 9, 2025
The results are in: Holmberg Technologies says it can save Flagler Beach, for a $10 million fee.
Dick Holmberg turned in a 44-page feasibility study this week, which outlines his plan to stop shoreline erosion in Flagler Beach using his method of shoreline rehabilitation technology. The $50,000 study was funded by the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners in November using bed tax revenues.
Holmberg’s proposed $10 million solution would address erosion for a six-mile stretch of Flagler Beach, bringing a gain of two feet of sand annually, he said.
For $30 million, Holmberg said he could fix shoreline erosion for 50 to 60 miles.
The Flagler Beach City Commission will discuss the study’s results at Feb. 14 workshop. Holmberg will attend to answer any questions commissioners have.
“I’m happy to see the projections of the study,” said City Commissioner Kim Carney. “But like all of us, I have to be concerned about how to raise the $10 million.”
Carney said city officials have already looked into grant and foundation money. The city could also use some of the revenue from a half-cent sales tax already in place for shoreline stabilization and, if the city decides to implement free parking, that could also be a source of funding, she said.
In the past, commissioners have expressed hope for financial support from Flagler County. The county’s Tourist Development Council has a fund that can be used for beach restoration, Carney said.
Holmberg’s technique has been criticized in the past as unsubstantiated. Current County Commissioner Frank Meeker, who sat on the TDC during preliminary discussions about Holmberg’s solution, said in an October County Commission meeting that he hadn’t seen enough detailed, peer-reviewed studies on the technology.
Holmberg’s feasibility study was meant to show more concretely how his plan would work in Flagler Beach.
Shoreline erosion in Flagler Beach has long been an issue of concern. Not only is the beach a crucial aspect of tourism in all of Flagler County, but continued erosion could also result in the destruction of State Road A1A.
“I think the way to save (State Road) A1A is to have a strong, healthy dune system,” Carney said. “I think Holmberg’s method will accomplish this.”
The more traditional approach to solving shoreline erosion — dredging — is headed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is currently doing a study of its own for restoration efforts in Flagler Beach. The report is expected this month, and will be submitted to the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, who are sponsoring it.
County officials will then decide whether to move forward with the Army Corps’ plan.
Although past conversations at Flagler Beach City Commission meetings and workshops have often pitted one method against the other, Carney said the two aren’t mutually exclusive, although doing both would be costly.
“Both projects could work together,” she said. “Is that going to happen? I doubt it.”
