Palm Coast flourished quickly

Palm Coast in Flagler County is the largest city in one of the fastest growing counties in the United States.

Palm Coast and Flagler county are among the fastest growing locations in the country, having increased their populations from 32,732 and 49,832, respectively, in the 2000 census, the U.S. Census Bureau said.

City officials describe it as a unique new city that lives in harmony with nature. It is a paradise set in a forest. Lush native trees and plants along the parkways are reminiscent of "old Florida." The charming city near the sea is known for its sparkling salt and fresh water canals, access to the Intracoastal canal, parks and tree canopied paths which beckon with every breeze.

Palm Coast is ideal for making day visits to many of Florida's nearby attractions. St. Augustine, the oldest city in the nation, is half an hour away, along with Daytona Beach's white sand beaches. Marineland, on A1A, is only minutes away.

Take a jaunt to DeLeon Springs for breakfast pancakes that you cook yourself on a griddle in the middle of the table. See the manatees at Blue Springs and enjoy walking around the quaint town of Mt. Dora. Then return at the end of a fun, busy, bustling day to the peace and serenity of Palm Coast - a Florida paradise.

Developed by ITT Corporation in 1969, the original development allowed for 48,000 home sites on 42,000 acres. Paved street and central water and sewer serve all lots developed in the plan. A water management system replenishes the Palm Coast's water table, which includes 46 miles of freshwater canals and 23 miles of saltwater canals.

In 1975, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners established Palm Coast Service District, which included almost 40,000 acres. Funds for the district were derived primarily from taxes and provide fire services, fire hydrants, street lighting, animal control and emergency services.

In September 1999, Palm Coast citizens voted overwhelmingly by a margin of two to one to incorporate as a council/manager form of government. On December 31, 1999, the City of Palm Coast was officially incorporated.

The city provides a wide range of services including development services, fire services, street construction and maintenance, parks and recreational activities. Palm Coast contracts with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services. The city currently has plans under way for a new City Hall, a town center, new fire stations, and additional lands for parks. Preservation and protection of environmentally sensitive lands is a key goal of this city as it prepares for the future.

Industrial parks within the city currently house more than 30 mid to large size businesses with the largest corporation, Palm Coast Data, employing about 1,000 people. Flagler County has had one of the highest rates of population growth in the United States since 1990, according to the U.S. Bureau of the Census. Further, the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research predicts Flagler County will experience one of the highest job growth rates in Florida between 1995 and 2010.

The area around Palm Coast has not experienced a direct hit from a hurricane since well before 1950, city officials said. A unique location on the eastern seaboard coupled with prevailing wind and ocean currents have so far managed to steer hurricanes away from the community.

Palm Coast has become a quiet bedroom community for St. Augustine and Daytona Beach workers, while many locals work in Orlando and Jacksonville and commute from Palm Coast.