Reading the spec sheets on the athletes this weekend, as the NFL draft unfolded, provided curious yet useful information. "John Running Back: 5'10", 220lbs, 4.5sec 40, strong and reliable, smart, but injury prone." (Injury prone... hmmm?) "LaShawn Quarterback: 6'3", 215lbs., strong arm, can memorize a playbook, prone to throw into coverage." (Throws into coverage... ouch!) You see the point. They tell you the good stuff, but coaching staffs want to know where the warts are, too. That way they can make corrections and improve weaknesses, while honing the strengths. That way, they can know if they even want the guy in the first place.
Towns, cities, and counties are like that, too... with strengths and shortcomings. The headline popped off the page of the News-Journal's "Flagler Edition" this morning: "Advisers Envision Flagler Marina - Opponents of idea say it hurts 'rustic' appeal." It seems that John Jackson, director of Palm Coast's recreation and parks department would like a laid back approach to development of 20 city owned acres on the Intracoastal, with green space, a pavilion, and fishing areas. Seems more like what we might have done twenty years ago, prior to the morphing of this area from a "retirement community" to a "growing city." Growing cities need services to feed the growth. When services slow or stop, atrophy sets in.
I like Curtis Ceballos' take on the issue. As the vice chair of the Leisure Service Advisory Committee, he observes that a marina (if near an inn, restaurants, and shops) would be self-supporting and make Palm Coast a destination for boaters. "It would be a shame to go ahead without putting a marina there," said Ceballos. Would it be expensive? Sure, but what isn't, when it comes to progressive development?
Palm Coast and Flagler County need these forward thinking projects. We try to sell ourselves on the same level as Daytona Beach and St. Augustine, yet are quite timid when it comes to these dicey decisions. It's no secret that corporations have considered... and rejected us, based on what we have in the way of services for their employees. How many people do you know who live in Palm Coast, yet work in Daytona, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, and Orlando? We also have an abundance of wonderful things to be proud of here. The police, fire, and rescue services seem very good. Our weather is near two-season perfect. Real effort is being made to improve the roads and schools. The new hospital is a blessing. The sense is that the new Town Center development will be incredible. I've said it here before (and will again), "We get to live where others come for vacation!" AND we now have a real Starbucks, hallelujah! (Sorry, Albertson's, but that is not a real Starbucks...)
OK, so let's talk a little about the "other" stuff. This is what you talk about on the deck of your favorite watering holes. You murmur it in hushed tones, so others won't hear... and you NEVER mention these to anyone UP NORTH:
* The ICW is narrow here... you can throw a rock across it. It's hard to avoid big boat wakes - and you can't easily (or safely) water-ski. * If you're an ocean goer, you're stuck in the middle. Motor up to St. Augustine or down to Ponce Inlet... or take a dangerous risk at Matanzas... (I've seen you grounded on the sandbar!) * Yes, we have a beach, yet most of it is narrow, sloped, and often rocks lurk under the surf. * There's only one restaurant on the water, by the bridge in Flagler Beach. * Let's face it, after we get through a short list of decent eateries, we look elsewhere. When you get out of State visitors, I know you take them to eat in the courtyard at Harry's in St. Augustine (I've seen you there). * You want shoes from Dillard's? Glasses from Lenscrafter's? Jeans from the Gap? Undies from Victoria's Secret? Then get ready to burn at least $10 in petrol to your closest fixes. * How about public golf? Hammock Dunes, Ocean Hammock, Grand Haven, and The Conservatory are breathtaking... But, where do the cops and firefighters play? The teachers, the landscapers, the drywall guys? Pretty scarce! * Ditto for tennis. * Where are the sidewalks and bike paths? (I can hear "The Crocodile Hunter" now: Danger, Danger, Danger!) Did they really think there would be no cars... just those senior tricycles? * How about things for our teenagers to do? Outside of church youth groups and school activities, we're hurtin.'
Well, there's a list to start a squabble! How about you? What do you think? What do you really like about Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and the county? What don't you care for? Post your comments below - and be heard!
2 comments:
I think you're right on target here, Frank. I have never thought of Flagler County as a "retirement community." I have always thought of it as a great area that grew up without those little things that a growing area needs. And I assumed that it was just a matter of time (Town Center?) before the area supported it's own growth.
I really enjoy boating ... flats fishing-type boating as opposed to mammoth wake-making boating. And between Daytona and St. Augustine there really is only one "civilized" place to pull over and get a boatside sandwich. Fortunately the new manangement (Mad Dog's) is doing a much better job than previous entrepreneurs. But it's the ONLY place! Palm Coast (as the Big Boy between the Beach and the Saint) should certainly look long and hard at providing some "civilization" along the waterway. Why not? It would certainly generate traffic. Is it traffic/dollars that the county wants? I don't know. Does it make a statement about having a vision of community? I think so.
Anyway ...
I spend most of my time in Flalger Beach. I like the slow and easy pace. It's not for everyone, but it works for us. However, I do need those trips to Dillard's from time to time. It's a half-day expedition that I dread, but I do it (twice a year?). Forunately, Victoria's Secret has a great online store! :-)
I even make the trip "over the bridge" to Palm Coast Parkway every so often. It does not strike me as slow and easy there. Lots of homes. Lots of people. Don't get me wrong. It's a wonderful place. It's mostly neat and clean and full of detailed cars. I don't think it offers everything that it could to the county, but maybe it's on the way. I don't know. I do believe, however, that anytime any municipality can add any project that benefits the young, it's a wise investment. Having grown beyond my child-raising years, I am not as familiar as I should be with opportunities for younger citizens. Maybe I should be. But my best guess is that there isn't enough for them. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Hey! I just found out there was a REAL Starbuck's in town. I'll have to go someday. :-)
Peter
PS - The football headline analogy is brilliant!
Peter - again - tnks! The comments, however, are longer than the blog post. How much coffee did you have?
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