In Flagler County, tourism isn’ t just good for business owners. It’ s good for everyone. As the top industry in Flagler County, tourism’ s economic
impact can be felt by residents and business owners alike. In 2024, nearly 950,000 visitors flocked to the area, leading to job creation, infrastructure improvements and industry growth throughout the county.
John Lulgjuraj is a member of the Tourist Development Council( TDC) and the owner of Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, which has been a Flagler favorite since it opened in 2010. Lulgjuraj said tourism isn’ t just about revenue, it’ s about pride.
“ When someone visits my restaurant, they’ re really getting a taste of Flagler County. So, every plate, every interaction is a chance to show off our community,” he said.“ Tourism is the lifeblood of coastal towns like ours. At Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, we get this unique front-row seat to people experiencing Flagler for the very first time, families walking in still covered in sand, couples taking a break from A1A with that‘ vacation glow,’ and snowbirds who’ ve been coming for 20 years. Tourism keeps our doors open, keeps our team employed and keeps our little stretch of Flagler Beach vibrant.”
Andy Dance, Chairman of the Flagler County Board of Commissioners, said tourism is what allows the county to maintain its natural resources and community feel. Last year, tourism generated more than 890 million dollars in total economic impact, supporting 9,710 direct jobs and generating 4.3 million in tourist development tax.
“ When visitors come to experience our beaches, trails and natural areas, they generate revenue through the Tourist Development Tax that is reinvested directly back into our community. Those dollars help restore dunes, maintain beach access, improve our parks, and expand our nature and bike trail networks. These are amenities that residents use every day,” Dance said.“ By focusing on eco-tourism, we are attracting visitors by investing in the authentic outdoor experiences that truly define Flagler County. We are protecting natural spaces, improving recreational access, and preserving the unique coastal and inland ecosystems that only Flagler County can offer, all while avoiding added costs to local taxpayers.”
It ' s not just business owners and county officials who experience the difference tourism makes. Amy Lukasik, Tourism Development Director of Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches, Flagler County’ s official tourism
organization, said tourism is the“ lifeline” for the Flagler community and impacts all its residents.
“ Tourism is Flagler County’ s top economic driver, providing big gains with comparatively minimal cost,” she said.“ Visitors also provide financial relief for residents. Flagler County locals saved more than $ 443 in taxes per household, thanks to visitor revenues. It’ s important to keep in mind that there is an additional economic impact from visitors beyond their direct spending. Businesses that serve visitors recirculate visitors’ spending by buying goods and services to run their business, along with employees spending their wages in the community. Flagler County’ s economic health would diminish by 22 % without our visitors, so it is imperative that we continue to promote and invest in responsible tourism.”
Lulgjuraj said that tourism helps the county stay true to its old-Florida roots.
“ Even if you never step foot in a restaurant or hotel, you’ ve still benefited from tourism. It keeps our local tax burden lower, funds improvements we all use and supports jobs that help families stay rooted here,” he said.“ A strong tourism economy lets Flagler stay the charming, small-town, big-hearted place we love, without putting the cost solely on our residents.”
For more information, visit www. visitflagler. com.
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