PALM COAST
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 16, NO. 6
BACK TO THE FAIR PAGE 4B
FREE ON NEWSSTANDS | THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025
Norris takes heat for pressuring city staff Palm Coast’s mayor will be investigated after he’s accused of breaking City Charter behind closed doors. PAGE 4A
Twelve new deputies?
Two-time champs
Christina Borgmann, Kendall Bibla win titles again as Flagler Palm Coast captures its first state girls wrestling championship PAGE 7B
Flagler County sheriff goes over 2025 public safety plan with city, county officials. PAGE 9A
Moratorium proposed ‘We’re going to be broke,’ Mayor Norris says. Pontieri indicates support but then proposes middle ground. PAGE 4A INSIDE NEW PRESIDENT
FPC’s Kendall Bibla and Christina Borgmann hold up two fingers to signify the second state championship they each won during their illustrious wrestling careers. Photo by Rachel and Abe Mills
Q+A with new Chamber of Commerce President John Phillips PAGE 10A
CONSTRUCTION ED
‘Their property, my problem to fix’
NOVEL IDEA
Next to FDOT land, Keith Luzier’s yard floods during every heavy rainfall. Last hurricane, water got into his home.
Matanzas High’s building construction students prepare for new facility PAGE 3A
Student authors and readers flock to Flagler Reads event in Palm Coast PAGE 1B
HELP FOR HUNGRY
Food Truck Palooza raises $2,000 for Flagler County food pantries PAGE 5B
RECORD FALLS
FPC’s Karina Marcelus breaks 45-year-old school track record in 100m hurdles PAGE 8B
INDEX
Business..................... PAGE 5B Calendar..................... PAGE 2B Cops Corner............... PAGE 8A Letters.......................PAGE 10A Public Notices...........PAGE 10B Sports..........................PAGE 7B Real Estate................. PAGE 6B
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JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Palm Coast resident Keith Luzier purchased his home in the W section in 2017. Two weeks after he moved in, his property flooded. Anytime the city experiences a heavy rainfall, his yard fills up with water. During the last hurricane, Luzier the flooding encroached his covered pool deck and into his home. Luzier points to an easement behind his home owned by the Florida Department of Transportation as the source of the water. “It’s their property, but it’s my problem to fix — to correct the drainage,” Luzier said. “It’s not their responsibility.” That is what FDOT told Luzier after two members of the department’s DeLand operations drainage team came to his home and evaluated the issue on Jan. 7. In an email from Jan. 31, FDOT stated that “Historic drainage flow and the right to maintain a historic drainage flow is governed by the ‘reasonable use’ rule which allows the upland property owner to allow the historic flow to continue to drain to the lower property so long as the upland owner acts reasonably in allow-
ing the natural flow to continue.” In Luzier’s case, the department explained there are natural and/or historic drainage patterns that haven’t been interrupted by previous or current roadway construction. “In addition, in recent years the area has seen some unprecedented rainfall events, which have in turned caused flooding issues even in areas that have not been prone to flooding concern,” the email continued. “These historic events have brought to light some changes in land grading that have resulted in drainage issues like yours.” FDOT recommended a swale to stop the flow of water. To do this, Luzier would need to obtain a permit from FDOT. “While FDOT doesn’t believe that it has the responsibility to address the grading issues that may have caused the drainage problems at your property, we did want to give you the knowledge so that you can adequately and efficiently correct the problem,” the email stated. Since the Jan. 31 email, the last communication Luzier received from FDOT, he has contacted the FDOT secretary, the office of Sen. Tom Leek and the governor seeking help in the matter. In a statement to the Observer, an FDOT spokesperson said: “Through our evaluations, including analysis of topographical maps and historical surveys, we’ve determined that the area’s stormwater historically flows from west to east, eventually draining into a roadside
Keith Luzier’s yard in the W section of Palm Coast floods during heavy rainfalls. Courtesy photo
ditch along Woodlawn Drive. During our assessments, we noted that certain changes on private properties, such as grading adjustments related to fence installations, may have affected this natural drainage pattern. The bottom of a shallow swale that allowed for stormwater to run from the west to the east in this particular location appears to have been partially filled. A change to the original water flow path could prevent water from reaching the drainage ditch along Woodlawn Drive.” Throughout this process, FDOT has not “identified any specific FDOT property or activity as the cause of the flooding,” the statement said. Luzier said he doesn’t understand why he should have to be the one to correct the problem. He’s spent over $12,000 to correct the issue, including the recent installation of french drains. “It’s their property and they should be able to correct it,” he said. “I shouldn’t have to.”
AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation’s annual Moonlit Gala raises over $140,000 A weekend of generosity will make a lasting impact on cancer care in Flagler County. The AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation raised over $140,000 during its annual Moonlit Gala on March 2 at The Club at Hammock Beach and Golf Tournament on Feb. 28 at Grand Haven Golf Club. The majority of the funds will directly support the Freytag Cancer Center, which opened in January at AdventHealth Palm Coast and other priority initiatives. Thanks to the generosity of donors like Peter and Sue Freytag, this center is changing lives by providing advanced cancer treatments without the burden of traveling out of town. “This community shows up for one another in the most incredible ways,” said John Subers, executive director of the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation. “Every dollar raised at this event represents hope for patients and families facing cancer. We are beyond grateful.” This year marked the 15th anniversary of the Moonlit Gala, a milestone reflecting a legacy of philanthropic support. Since its inception in 2010, this event has helped raise more than $1.85 million to support vital health programs and services, including: building the AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkwayadvancing cancer care through initiatives like the Pink Army; expanding cardiac services with a second cardiac cath lab; supporting hospice services; and supporting the Flagler County Free Clinic.