ABOUT PALM COAST
Palm Coast is situated in the eastern
portion of Flagler County, which is located on the Atlantic Ocean,
in the heart of Northeast Florida, equidistant between the cities
of Jacksonville and Orlando. Currently, the City of Palm Coast has
a population of 60,000 residents and covers an area of approximately
60 square miles.
Industrial parks within the City currently house more than 30 mid
to large size businesses with the largest corporation, Palm Coast
Data, employing close to 1,000 people. Flagler County has had one
of the highest rates of population growth in the United States since
1990, according to the U.S. Bureau of the Census. Further, the University
of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research predicts Flagler
County will experience one of the highest job growth rates in Florida
between 1995 and 2010.
Developed by ITT Corporation, in 1969, the original development
plan encompasses 48,000 home sites on approximately 42,000 acres
(65.62 square miles) of the 68,000 acres owned by ITT. Paved street
and central water and sewer serve all lots developed within the
plan. An extensive water management system was designed to replenish
the area's water table, which includes 46 miles of freshwater canals
and 23 miles of saltwater canals.
In 1975, the Flagler County Board of County
Commissioners established Palm Coast Service District, which included
almost 40,000 acres. Funds for the district were derived primarily
from ad Valorem taxes and were utilized to provide fire services,
fire hydrants, street lighting, animal control and emergency services.
In September 1999, the citizenry of Palm Coast voted overwhelmingly
by a margin of two to one to incorporate as a council/manager form
of government. On December 31, 1999, the City of Palm Coast was
officially incorporated. On October 1, 2000, all services were officially
transferred from the former Service District to the City of Palm
Coast. The five-member City Council is elected at large and serves
staggered four-year terms. One member is elected as Mayor. The promulgation
and adoption of policy are the responsibility of the Council and
the execution of such policy is the responsibility of the council
appointed city manager. The City hired its first city manager on
April 17, 2000.
The City provides a wide range of services including development
services, fire services, street construction and maintenance, parks
and recreational activities. Palm Coast contracts with the Flagler
County Sheriff Department for law enforcement services. The City
currently has plans under way for a new City Hall, a town center,
new fire stations, and additional lands for parks. Preservation
and protection of environmentally sensitive lands is a key goal
of this City as it prepares for the future.
-From our friends at The City of Palm Coast
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