2017-18 Fantastic Flagler Visitor & Newcomer Guide 2017-2018 Fantastic Flagler Visitor Newcomer Guide | Page 64

MOVING TO FLAGLER GETTING TO KNOW FLAGLER COUNTY flagler GOVERNMENT: One of 67 counties that make up the State of Florida, Flagler County is governed by a Board made up of five County Commissioners. Each commissioner is elected for a four-year term and is required to maintain a residence in the district he or she represents. The County has five additional elected offices: Sheriff, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Clerk of Court and Supervisor of Elections. SERVICES: Flagler County provides county-wide ambulance service, police and fire dispatch, jail, court facilities, a bus system, libraries, social services, economic development and veterans’ services. The County also funds the Sheriff’s operations, Supervisor of Elections and, to varying degrees, the offices of Property Appraiser, Tax Collector and Clerk of Court. POPULATION: As of June 2017, Flagler County’s population was estimated at 107,331 according to the Bureau of Business & Economic Statistics. For more information about demographics, see page 63. TOTAL LAND AREA: 485 square miles (Note: This figure includes lakes but not coastal waters.) CITY POPULATION 2016 ESTIMATES: Beverly Beach: 420 Bunnell: 3,255 Flagler Beach: 4,999 Marineland: 16 Palm Coast: 85,109 Unincorporated Flagler County: 14,127 Source: GIS Planning, Inc POLITICS: Total registered voters: 80,968 (As of June 2017) Republican: 32,459, Democrat: 25,553 No party: 22,653 Registered with a minor party: 303 Source: www.flaglerelections.com From business to beaches, Flagler County has it all. This explains why so many people visit for vacation, fall in love with the area and ultimately move here. 62    flaglerchamber.org  •  visitflagler.com From finding your home and moving your business, to getting a new job and enrolling kids in school, this newcomer’s guide is a handy reference tool for current and prospective residents. If you have questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to call the Chamber at 386-437-0106. Welcome to the community! PALM COAST Community: Incorporated 1999, Palm Coast is located on 70 miles of saltwater and freshwater canals, the Intracoastal Waterway and minutes from pristine Atlantic beaches. The City includes dozens of beautiful parks, 125+ miles of connecting trails and paths, fishing and boating, a year-round Running Series, world-class tennis and golf and a variety of special events. Designated as a Tree City USA for more than a decade, Palm Coast has historic oaks and towering pines as part of its native landscape. Whether it’s bird watching at St. Joe Walkway, spotting dolphins and seabirds at Long Creek Preserve, or strolling along Waterfront Park, more than 79,000 residents enjoy the city’s “authentic Florida” experience, high quality of life and convenient location. A Little History: Developed by ITT Corporation in 1969, Palm Coast’s original plans included thousands of home sites, paved streets, central water and sewer, and an extensive water management system. In 1975, the Flagler County Commission established the Palm Coast Service District, which