PALM COAST, Fla. – Flagler County’s delicate shorelines are set for significant improvements with a $9 million grant dedicated to restoring dunes near MalaCompra Beach Park.
The funding will reinforce dunes from MalaCompra Park north to Marineland, making them about 14 feet tall and much wider to better withstand storms.
“The hurricane-induced surge didn’t heavily affect the Southern end of the county, yet the Northern area suffered considerable dune erosion,” explained Ansley Wren-Key, the county’s coastal management administrator.
Hurricane Milton in 2024 left northern Flagler County nearly bare after a small storm surge eroded much of the dune system.
The county’s coastal engineering team has been waiting for FEMA funding since Milton to reinforce the dunes before another storm hits.
“For quite some time, even the FEMA representatives who typically provide updates on my projects were unable to give clear answers,” Wren-Key noted.
On Wednesday, Congressman Randy Fine announced he secured the $9 million needed to move the project forward.
“I’ve been informed by Andy and others in Flagler County that nine million dollars are ready, approved, and allocated for the coastlines, but we’re still awaiting a signature from Washington,” stated Rep. Randy Fine.
Now with the official signature, the county can start work as soon as possible.
This project will continue the dune restoration efforts already underway in the southern part of the county.
A contractor currently restoring dunes just south of MalaCompra will be paid to extend the work northward.
“It’ll be robust enough to get through a Category one or two hopefully,” Wren-Key said.
When asked about stronger storms, the county said FEMA will provide additional funding to keep rebuilding the dunes as needed.
Work on the northern dunes is scheduled to begin Nov. 1.
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