- April 25, 2024
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County officials gathered at the Flagler County Public Library, located at 2500 Palm Coast Parkway in Palm Coast, on Monday, Feb. 18, to document the impacts the increasing homeless population has had on the property's woods and wetlands.
Among the county officials who surveyed the property: Tim Telfer, of Land Management, who is also coordinating with the Forest Service to conduct underbrushing fire mitigation since it' a thickly wooded area in the heart of Palm Coast. This work had been previously planned but was delayed because the Forest Service had to deal with Hurricane Michael. Joe King, the deputy chief of the Flagler County Fire Rescue, assessed potential fire hazards. John Bey, of the Health Department, evaluated wetland impacts and sanitation. And Ed Rodriguez, of Code Enforcement, evaluated litter, debris and nuisance conditions.
“Dealing with the homeless is a tricky issue, and we’re currently evaluating what steps we are allowed to take,” said Assistant County Attorney Sean Moylan, who also visited the site.
As for figuring out next steps, Moylan said the county is unsure.
“But clearly, we have to address the sanitation issue," he said. "There’s evidence of drug use and stolen property. There’s certain things we absolutely must address."
James Adams has lived on Braddock Lane, which borders the woods behind the library, for the past eight years. He’s complained to the county about the homeless twice, most recently a week ago. Adams said he has had multiple items stolen from his property in the past year, including several bicycles, fishing poles and a canoe. He’s also seen, via security camera footage, people whom he believed to be homeless trespass on his property.
His children have also found needles and other drug paraphernalia near the residence, including at their local bus stop.
“They need a place to live, and I get that,” Adams said. “My frustration is that it’s backing up right next to our houses. It’s very frustrating. But I can only push so many buttons.”
