The Flagler County Commission voted Jan. 13 to approve a public-transportation grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation related to the Flagler Executive Airport. The grant acceptance authorizes state funds to support airport improvements; county staff said FDOT indicated in writing it supports the county's grant application and expects adoption of a local airport zoning ordinance by March.

Commission discussion focused on the ordinance required by the grant terms. Several commissioners said they wanted stronger protections in the local airport ordinance and asked staff to finalize a text and bring it to board hearings on an accelerated timetable. Staff confirmed the central office's aviation planning unit has been slow to respond historically, and that the county has advertised the ordinance for first and second readings in March to meet FDOT's timing.

During debate a commissioner briefly pulled the item to avoid jeopardizing the grant; after clarifying the county's commitments and FDOT's written support, the board approved the agreement unanimously. Commissioners stressed the county will finalize a zoning text and deliver two hearings to adopt the overlay ordinance in March so the grant acceptance remains valid.

The county attorney and airport staff noted the Federal Aviation Administration retains authority over airspace operations and that local regulation concerns airport land use and development standards rather than the FAA's control of aircraft operations. Staff said FDOT district staff confirmed they support the county moving forward while the ordinance is finalized.

Commissioners asked staff to provide progress updates and returned the matter to staff for the ordinance adoption, permitting and construction steps required to receive and spend grant proceeds.