Dycke - Palm Coast

The City of Palm Coast has approximately two-thirds of the population and represents most of the growth of Flagler County, which is presently the fastest growing county in Florida. A few years ago, it was the fastest growing county in the nation, and in 2003 it was the fifth fastest growing. Obviously, the growth of ITTs Big Pine Covered Swamp continues today at a phenomenal pace with newcomers attracted here from all over the world.

A newly constructed state-of-the-art hospital opened in Palm Coast in 2002. Home Depot and other national franchises are building in 2003. According to Discover Flagler 20022003 , a partial list of area expansion includes: 7 condominium projects with 385 dwelling units (DU), 2 single-family home developments with 805 DU, more than 25 new commercial projects, 8 new industrial parks/plazas, and 3 new houses of worship. Planning for the town center of Palm Coast, a 1,557-acre development of regional impact, is moving along and six major oceanfront or Intracoastal Waterway developments with approximately 5,000 dwelling units are presently under construction. Later editions of this book will name the newer developments, golf courses, and business that have not been included thus far.

Palm Coast has grown from approximately 100 inhabitants in 1972 to about 42,000 in 2003. It may not live up to Dr. Youngs 1970s prediction of a city the size of Detroit but it is projected to grow to over 100,000 people by the year 2019. In 2003, the City of Palm Coast was even seeking to purchase its own water utility.

Palm Coast is the last large coastal area to be developed in Florida. Everywhere people look, they see the signs of continuing burgeoning growth. We know that the natural elements of land, ocean, and climate will continue in their beauty. We hope that the pioneer spirit, community pride, and cooperation of the past will continue also.

CIVIC ASSOCIATION, 2003. The Palm Coast Civic Association was the first organization formed by the pioneer settlers. It was their intent to meet to be informed and discuss actions they could take to enhance the quality of their individual and community life. The civic association still meets today with the same purpose. Pictured here are President Raleigh Stockton and Charles Faulkner, V.P. of Palm Coast Holdings, who had just made a presentation about Town Center, a vast regional impact project that will vitally affect the community.

CIVIC PARTICIPATION. A major reason Palm Coasters incorporated their city was to maintain a greater control over their destinies. At meetings of the city council citizens have the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the issues that will shape their future. Pictured here is Bob Crocetta who has attended every meeting held since Palm Coast became a city.

REPAINTED WATER TOWER. The book began with this landmark for the location of Palm Coast. It is repeated at the end because in June of 2003 the tower was repainted to show the official government logo of the City of Palm Coast.

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH. Visitors to Palm Coast are inevitably impressed with the areas landscaping, architecture, and natural beauty. With a complete range of year-round activities available to residents in a stimulating, healthy environmental setting, the author believes that a modern day Ponce de Leon would find the fountain he was looking for at the I-95 entrance to Palm Coast.

This book represents the authors continuing love affair with the Palm Coast Community. The people who pioneered Palm Coast formed a partnership with the developer ITT, together overcoming frontier obstacles in a spirit of mutual respect, active participation, and community cooperation. Each contributed to some phase of a rich, full life in a beautiful environmental setting. The author believes that ITT was successful in its 25 years of building and managing a planned growth community. The Palm Coast water tower has just been repainted with the logo of ITT being replaced with the logo of the City of Palm Coast. Residents awareness of events and participation in their government will shape their future. It is the authors hope that Palm Coasts present, remarkable growth can be sustained, and that its people will continue their cooperative, community spirit channeled toward an even richer, fuller life in pursuit of the perfect place to live.