Palm Coast is a city in Flagler County, Florida, United States. The population was 32,732 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 44,427. Palm Coast has been growing at a phenomenal rate, due to both immigration and annexation, so the population as of 2006 is probably pushing 60,000.
History
Palm Coast is situated in the eastern portion of Flagler County, which is located on the Atlantic Ocean, in the heart of Northeast Florida, equidistant between the cities of Jacksonville and Orlando. Currently, the City of Palm Coast has a population of 60,000 residents and covers an area of approximately 60 square miles.
Industrial parks within the city currently house more than 30 mid to large size businesses with the largest corporation, Palm Coast Data, employing close to 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.
Developed by ITT Corporation in 1969, the original development plan encompasses 48,000 home sites on approximately 42,000 acres (160 km²) of the 68,000 acres (280 km²) owned by ITT. Paved street and central water and sewer serve all lots developed within the plan. An extensive water management system was designed to replenish the area'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 (160 km²). Funds for the district were derived primarily from ad Valorem taxes and were utilized to provide fire services, fire hydrants, street lighting, animal control and emergency services.
In September 1999, the citizenry of Palm Coast 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. On October 1, 2000, all services were officially transferred from the former Service District to the City of Palm Coast. The five-member City Council is elected at large and serves staggered four-year terms. One member is elected as Mayor. The promulgation and adoption of policy are the responsibility of the Council and the execution of such policy is the responsibility of the council appointed city manager. The city hired its first city manager on April 17, 2000.
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.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 51.7 miles, 50.7 miles of it is land and 1.0 miles of it (1.90%) is water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 32,732 people, 13,628 households, and 10,534 families residing in the city. The population density was 645.4/mile. There were 140,929 housing units at an average density of 294.4/mile.
There were 13,628 households out of which 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.6% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.7% were non-families. 18.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.68.
In the city the population was spread out with 18.5% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 19.7% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 30.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51 years. For every 100 females there were 90.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $41,570, and the median income for a family was $45,818. Males had a median income of $31,976 versus $24,637 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,490.
External links
Bridge from A1A |
