Several residents used the public-comment period at the Jan. 13 Flagler County commission meeting to press county leaders for action after news that developers are pursuing the Veranda project and related annexations that could create an enclave of county properties inside a municipality.

Speakers from John Anderson Highway described longstanding rural lifestyles — wells, septic systems, beekeeping and backyard chickens — and said annexation by the City of Flagler Beach would change their taxes, regulations and services. Several speakers asked the commission to provide assurances or a formal resolution that the county will not support forced annexation of longtime county residents or accept interlocal agreements that would compel annexation without resident consent.

Residents also raised specific infrastructure concerns about Veranda and similar proposals: the availability of potable water, roadway capacity and evacuation routes (concerns focused on John Anderson as a narrow two-lane road), sewer and stormwater capacity, school and police/fire service impacts and traffic. Speakers said state and local agencies have flagged gaps in developer submissions and that the developer has not supplied a complete feasibility analysis to the county.

Commissioners acknowledged the concerns and said staff and the county attorney's office are reviewing the state comments and project materials. Several commissioners suggested a workshop focused on annexation and the broader implications of large developments and asked administration to schedule follow-up briefings. Multiple speakers asked the commission to pursue an interlocal agreement, clarify county policy on enclaves, or send a formal letter or resolution to the affected cities expressing county opposition to involuntary annexation.

The meeting did not include a commission vote on annexation policy; commissioners said they would discuss the matter at upcoming workshops and consider formal positions once staff delivers a fuller analysis of the state review and developer materials.