Developer Moves Forward with Legal Action Against City
Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris may soon see the courtroom testimony he anticipated, as developer Bernd Do PCP has confirmed plans to file a lawsuit against the city. Attorney Michael Shimento announced to the Palm Coast Observer that his client will proceed with legal action after the Palm Coast City Council rejected their claim of unlawful development restrictions.
The dispute centers around the Cascades Project, located three miles south of Seal Woods Boulevard. The developer sought approval for 850 residential units, more than double the 416 units previously approved when the land fell under Flagler County’s jurisdiction.
City Council Stands Firm on Development Cap
On February 4th, the Palm Coast City Council voted to uphold the original cap of 416 units, citing concerns about overdevelopment. In response, the developer invoked The Bert Harris Act, which protects property owners from excessive government restrictions on land use.
Vice Mayor Teresa Pontieri led the council in rejecting the claim despite the potential risk of litigation. The developer, maintaining that they are legally entitled to 850 units, argues that the city’s decision is unlawful. Shimento stated that the lawsuit will be filed at an appropriate time in the future.
Busy Weekend for Law Enforcement in Flagler County
Traffic Stop Leads to Major Drug Bust
Law enforcement officers in Flagler County were kept busy over the weekend, with multiple arrests and major incidents. According to Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staley, a routine traffic stop resulted in a significant drug seizure.
A 52-year-old Flagler Beach man was pulled over after running multiple stop signs. Upon searching the vehicle, deputies discovered marijuana, trafficking amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and various controlled substances. The driver was arrested and taken to the Flagler County Detention Facility, known as the “Green Roof Inn.”
Shoplifting Incident Leads to Fugitive Arrest
Deputies also responded to a shoplifting incident at Walmart in Palm Coast. The suspects fled the store but were quickly located by law enforcement on PCO Parkway. A traffic stop was conducted, resulting in the arrest of two individuals, including a fugitive wanted in Brevard and Palm Beach Counties.
Law Enforcement Stats for the Weekend
Over the weekend, Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies:
- Made 10 arrests
- Handled 649 service calls
- Conducted 145 traffic stops
Sheriff Staley praised the efforts of his department in maintaining public safety.
Palm Coast Considers Utility Rate Increases
Aging Infrastructure Forces Tough Decisions
The Palm Coast City Council recently held a workshop to discuss potential utility rate increases to address the city’s aging infrastructure. Vice Mayor Teresa Pontieri explained that the council previously conducted a utility analysis and impact fee study, but state appropriations fell through, leaving Palm Coast in a difficult financial position.
“We hired a company to conduct a gap analysis,” Pontieri said. “We need to determine what it will take to pay for these necessary improvements.”
Challenges of Rapid Growth
Palm Coast’s rapid growth is straining existing infrastructure. Pontieri noted that annexing property and increasing residential density makes infrastructure planning difficult.
“When you bring in more people, you put more strain on the infrastructure—and that comes with a cost,” she said. “Some council members are reluctant to raise rates but continue approving development that increases infrastructure demand.”
Despite reluctance to increase utility rates, the council acknowledged that access to clean water is a priority that cannot be ignored.
Palm Coast Enhances Road Maintenance with Microsurfacing
Cost-Effective Asphalt Treatment Extends Road Life
More than 30 residential streets in Palm Coast are receiving microsurfacing, a cost-effective asphalt treatment that helps extend road life by 5 to 7 years. Covering 23 lane miles (11.5 miles of roadway), this maintenance project aims to delay more costly repaving efforts.
Palm Coast first introduced microsurfacing last year and continued the initiative in 2025. Asphalt Paving Systems is handling the work, with this year’s project costing approximately $1 million.
