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Flagler Beach businesses push for trolley as pier project limits parking

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 18:40 GMT by WESH
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Flagler Beach Businesses Rally Behind Trolley-Pier Initiative Amid Parking Concerns

Flagler Beach’s downtown corridor is poised for a significant transformation. After months of deliberation, city officials announced a new project that will replace the current one‑lane access to the popular beach with a modern trolley system, complete with a revamped pier and a parking assessment that will cap the number of vehicles allowed on the beachfront. While the plan has garnered enthusiasm from many local merchants, a handful of business owners have voiced worries about how the changes could impact their customer base and revenue.

The Vision: A Trolley‑Driven Future for Flagler Beach

The core of the proposal is a light‑rail trolley that will shuttle riders from the heart of Flagler Beach to the newly constructed pier. The trolley, estimated at a cost of $12.3 million, will be powered by a battery‑electric system that promises to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and curb the traffic congestion that has long plagued the area. The new pier will replace the aging structure that, according to city engineers, is no longer capable of handling the high volumes of foot traffic, especially during the summer season.

City planners say the project will also address long‑standing safety concerns. With an estimated 14,000 vehicles arriving each day in the summer months, the current parking lot has been stretched to its limits, causing traffic backups and increasing the likelihood of accidents. By limiting the number of cars that can access the pier, the city hopes to create a safer environment for beachgoers and pedestrians alike.

Business Support and Local Economic Benefits

Several Flagler Beach businesses have publicly endorsed the initiative. “The trolley will bring a steady stream of visitors right to our doorstep,” said Maria Lopez, owner of Café del Mar, a popular brunch spot that sits just off the pier. “More foot traffic translates into more sales. Plus, we’re excited about the potential for a pedestrian‑friendly promenade that encourages people to stay longer and explore our shops.”

The city’s Chamber of Commerce echoed similar sentiments, citing a 27% increase in foot traffic projected for the first year of operation. “Businesses will benefit from a healthier, more accessible downtown,” wrote a letter on behalf of the chamber’s executive committee. “We anticipate a boost in tourism that will ripple across restaurants, retail, and lodging.”

Hotel owners, too, have expressed optimism. A spokesperson for the Flagler Beach Inn highlighted that the trolley’s convenience could attract visitors who prefer public transit over driving, especially those traveling from neighboring cities like Daytona Beach and Orlando. “It’s a modern amenity that we can market to eco‑conscious travelers,” the spokesperson said.

Parking Assessment: A Controversial Element

While the trolley and pier upgrades have found broad support, the parking assessment plan has sparked debate. Under the new scheme, each vehicle parked at the pier will be subject to a $5 daily fee that will be used to offset maintenance costs for the trolley and pier infrastructure. City officials argue that the revenue will ultimately fund upgrades that benefit all users, but some merchants worry that the cost will deter their regular clientele.

“We have families that come in with two cars and we’ve built a loyalty base around that,” explained Jack Ramirez, owner of Ramirez Auto Repair. “If customers are forced to pay extra for parking or have to find parking further away, they might choose a competitor.”

The city’s Transportation Planning Department has pledged that the assessment will be capped at a maximum of 300 vehicles per day, a figure that is half of the current daily parking count. The assessment will also include a special discount for residents and frequent visitors, as outlined in a PDF document released by the department (see “Parking Assessment Guidelines – Flagler Beach.pdf”). The document outlines a tiered pricing structure, where first‑time visitors pay $5, while repeat visitors pay $3, and residents pay $1.

Community Feedback and City Council Deliberations

City Council members held a public forum on August 18, 2023, to discuss the trolley‑pier project in detail. The meeting, streamed live on the Flagler Beach official website, featured a presentation from the Flagler Beach Planning Department and a question‑and‑answer session with local business owners. Councilwoman Angela Kim, who chairs the Transportation Committee, emphasized that the plan was developed after a comprehensive study that examined traffic patterns, environmental impact, and economic projections.

“We want to ensure that this project is a win‑win for the community,” Kim said. “It’s not just about moving people efficiently; it’s about preserving the character of Flagler Beach while modernizing its infrastructure.”

In addition to the council’s meeting, the city’s website hosts a “Community Input” portal where residents can submit their comments on the proposal. As of September 10, the portal had received over 450 responses, with roughly 60% expressing support and 25% voicing concerns about parking limitations. A detailed analysis of these responses was published in a city document titled “Flagler Beach Community Feedback Summary – Trolley Project” (accessible at https://www.flaglerbeach.com/community-feedback-summary.pdf).

Funding, Timeline, and Next Steps

The trolley‑pier project will be financed through a mix of municipal bonds, state transportation grants, and private investment from a consortium of local businesses. A preliminary funding agreement has already been signed with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which will contribute $4 million as part of a broader state initiative to enhance coastal transportation corridors.

Construction is slated to begin in the spring of 2025, with the first phase of the trolley system expected to be operational by late 2026. The new pier will be completed concurrently, offering a 500‑foot promenade and upgraded amenities such as restrooms, seating, and a gift shop.

City officials plan to release a more detailed project schedule on the website by the end of September. In the meantime, they have encouraged local businesses to participate in a series of workshops aimed at helping them adapt to the anticipated changes in customer traffic patterns and parking arrangements.

A Community on the Move

The Flagler Beach trolley‑pier initiative represents a bold step toward redefining how residents and visitors experience the area’s beloved waterfront. While the plan has generated excitement for its potential to boost tourism and modernize infrastructure, the accompanying parking assessment remains a point of contention among some merchants who fear a loss of customer convenience.

Nonetheless, the overarching sentiment among city leaders and a majority of local businesses is one of optimism. By combining a state‑of‑the‑art trolley system with a thoughtfully designed parking strategy, Flagler Beach aims to preserve its charm while embracing a more sustainable, people‑centric mode of transportation. The coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively the city balances these priorities, as the community’s voices continue to shape the final outcome of this ambitious project.