- March 5, 2025
The National Association of Counties announced last week that Flagler County has been selected as the recipient of the 2013 Achievement Award for Project Grace, a water supply initiative launched last year in Daytona North.
“Being recognized by the National Association of Counties for a local project is a great honor,” said County Commission Chairman Nate McLaughlin, who championed the Project Grace initiative. “Project Grace is an effort that exemplifies the unconventional, outside-the-box thinking that is sometimes required to fulfill a community need.”
Launched in early 2012, Project Grace is a community-based initiative coordinated by Flagler County to provide a reliable source of clean, potable water for residents of Daytona North in the western portion of the county.
Project partners included Rotary International and local Rotary clubs, which contributed grants toward capital construction; the United Way Women’s Initiative, which launched a successful fundraiser for Project Grace; the Flagler County Homebuilders Association and several local construction companies, which donated supplies and labor for the construction of the well house; and the Florida Rural Water Association, which provided engineering services and technical support at no cost.
“Without the tremendous individual effort of each of our partners, Project Grace would not have been possible,” McLaughlin said.
The community well opened to the public in December 2012, making free potable water available to local residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The well is also connected to the Hidden Trails Community Center and will facilitate the future installation of water fountains at the community center and throughout Hidden Trails Park.
