- November 23, 2024
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Flagler Beach's resistance to change ignores reality
Dear Editor:
One of the biggest things that makes Flagler Beach unique is its resistance to change. But when it comes to the city's Fire Department, that resistance is costing the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year while denying its residents and visitors a better level of service that could be provided by consolidating the Flagler Beach Fire Department with Flagler County Fire Rescue.
Last year, Flagler Beach asked the public to share cost-saving ideas. My idea was a potential quarter-million-dollar annual savings by merging the fire department. The firefighters would be better off with higher pay, better benefits and more opportunity for advancement. The city is already struggling to keep up with the out-of-control cost of Fire Department pensions. It is begging others for help with the cost of pier repairs but won't even discuss saving over $200,000.
The City Commission has a responsibility to the citizens of Flagler Beach to at least discuss what they ask for, especially cost-saving measures large enough to affect tax bills. I would suggest to the taxpayers of Flagler Beach that they share their thoughts on this matter with phone calls and emails to all the commissioners. They don't know what you're thinking if you don't tell them.
The city and its residents need to wake up and quit ignoring the reality that the Flagler Beach Fire Department has problems. The Fire Department needs to be upgraded to 21st-century standards and it's too much to ask a city of 4,500 residents to come up with the money to do that. For much less than it costs the city to run its own, Flagler Beach can keep a modern Fire Department in town by joining forces with the county.
Rick Belhumeur
Palm Coast
Since when can we turn right on red at 12 mph?
Dear Editor:
I didn’t realize there were so many different rules for making a right turn on a red light.
However, Mr. Landon pointed out in the article, “What to do with that red light camera on State Road 100?”, that if you were traveling 12 mph and under you didn’t have to come to a complete stop before proceeding into the right turn.
I was reminded while attending a court session in Palm Coast, that you must come to a complete stop before continuing to turn. At least, at the light on Palm Coast Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway.
Everything I have read that is published by the state of Florida says you must come to a complete stop before proceeding to make a right turn on red.
Am I understanding the city has different rules, and where do I get a copy of these rules?
Charlene Eccles
Palm Coast
Editor’s Note: City Manager Jim Landon told me later that there are two standards. The state law says you must come to a complete stop on a red light. However, cities aren’t allowed to issue a citation for a right turn on red as long as the driver is showing sufficient caution. The city has determined that it won’t issue a citation as long as the driver slows to 12 mph or less.
Declining student population? Vote ‘no’ on school tax June 7
Dear Editor
I have to strongly agree with all the recent letters to the editor in opposition to the increase in school taxes proposed by the Flagler County School Board.
It's no secret that the Flagler County student enrollment has been dropping with regularity and yet this board still continues to push for a special election on the issue on June 7.
Where is the money to pay for the election expenses coming from, especially if there is a resounding “no” vote?
Joanne Burke
Palm Coast
