Board temporarily reallocates an additional tourism tax penny to beach renourishment for FY27

The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 18 approved an ordinance amendment to reallocate one additional penny of the county’s 5% tourism development tax (TDT) from capital projects to beach renourishment for fiscal year 2027.

What the board approved: County Administrator Lucy Petito and staff explained the change is a temporary, one‑year reallocation of the TDT distribution: the county’s existing allocation of one penny (20% of the TDT) to beach projects would be increased to two pennies (40%) for FY27. Petito said the two pennies would produce approximately $1.76 million in TDT revenue and that total estimated beach funding of about $8.1 million for FY27 would be supported by the TDT reallocation along with general funds, dedicated millage and a half‑cent sales tax component.

Process notes and vote: The item was carried from the Aug. 4 meeting for further consideration. Because of prior board discussion and the absence of one commissioner, staff confirmed a vote could proceed; the board moved the item off the table and approved the temporary reallocation. Commissioner Hansen moved to adopt the ordinance amendment and Commissioner Richardson seconded. The clerk conducted a roll call and the measure passed 4‑0.

Public comment: Members of the public urged caution and asked that the board consider longer‑term funding options; Richard Hamilton said tourism promotional funds appear underused and suggested moving more TDT revenue to the beach fund. County staff and commissioners said the action covers only one fiscal year and funding decisions can be revisited in future budget cycles.

Why it matters: The temporary reallocation increases beach funding for immediate renourishment work while county staff and consultants proceed with MSBU apportionment and other funding steps.