- April 20, 2025
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Dear Editor:
Over the years, countless businesses have tried to take root here — only to be pushed out or shut down. Originally envisioned as a quiet retirement community for northern transplants, Palm Coast followed a Florida-wide model of sleepy suburbs and tourism. But the world has changed since the 1970s. “The best laid plans of mice and men” comes to mind.
It’s been over 50 years since ITT first platted parcels, and now it feels like the city is ready to shut the gates and roll up the welcome mat. Any proposed development is scrutinized to death — unless, of course, it’s a favorite fast-food chain or a new bank branch. (Does anyone even use those anymore?) Now that transplants have helped push the city to over 100,000 residents the people say no more.
It's akin to making it up to paradise and then pulling the ladder up behind you because … now it's full. Let’s look at just a few examples: Amazon, Mercedes, Bass Pro, a sports complex, self-storage, even a Little Caesars —either denied or deterred. In November last year, The Observer reported 12 businesses were turned away due to a lack of pad-ready land. And rumor has it Sea Ray pulled out because Flagler Beach wouldn’t approve a parking lot for its workers.
So it’s not just residents. Sometimes, the local governments aren't making it any easier. Why should we welcome new business with open arms? Say it with me: Tax Base Diversity. Right now, the majority of the money it takes to keep the city running — from road maintenance to emergency services — comes straight from the pockets of everyday residents.
Bringing in more commercial development helps share that load and creates a more balanced, sustainable economy for everyone. I understand that people want to preserve their lifestyle, but at the expense of the city's future?
And we are not the only ones hearing the anti-growth rhetoric. The business community hears it loud and clear too. The more opportunities the city turns away, the fewer options it will have — and the less room it has to be selective. Let’s be realistic: people will keep moving to Florida, to Flagler County, and to Palm Coast. If we don’t plan and manage this growth wisely, we’ll end up as the most overpopulated and overpriced city to live in the state — with nothing to show for it.
Ron Long,
Flagler County
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