Things are getting exciting.
I'm sensing imminent breakthrough in this county and its largest city. But what that breakthrough is, I haven't the foggiest.
Palm Coast, the baby city, is struggling like an infant to evolve from its current crawling capability to toddling. We're years away, maybe even a decade or so, from being firm and fleet of foot.
This "city or sanctuary" theme will be the subject of periodic articles as our community transforms into something it isn't today.
Decisions are being made that will determine the nature of Palm Coast in particular and Flagler County in general. Already we hear rumblings about gas stations, the scenic Palm Coast Parkway tree canopy, and planned development proffered by uncaring, greedy commercial interlopers.
What do our city and county leaders want? How do they see the community in the next 3, 5, 10, or 30 years? Who are the movers and shakers and what are they moving and shaking? I doubt that I or anyone who's not in that club can answer that accurately.
Our leaders, though, by answering two basic questions can provide an insight into their civic souls and our future.
By hearing these responses, leaders expose themselves as caretakers, change agents, or something in between. I hope to report on our leaders' answers in subsequent articles.
One county commissioner wants the potato to remain on the county seal. Is that to honor the past or merely preserve it? Some city leaders want to explore whether the public should own the water utility. Water company executives complain so much about the seemingly harmless inquiry that it tends to confirm public opinion about the sacred cash-cowedness of that company.
The above are important public image and policy matters. But what issues will shake and shape the very bedrock of our communal existence and make a real difference? What will define our character, who we are, and what we stand for?
Economics. Jobs. Professional jobs. Careers. Development. Growth. Change. Innovation. Boldness. Challenges. Renewal. Expansion. Opportunity. Forward thinking.
I don't understand those who resist change. They're fooling themselves. One can no more prevent modification than wish that the sun won't rise each morning and render us a day older.
Status quo is a myth, a philosophical concept with no basis in reality. Nothing stays the same. I'm not today what I was yesterday or what I'll be tomorrow.
If Flagler and Palm Coast don't 'change,' or people believe they shouldn't, we'll actually begin to digress, disintegrate, and dissemble. Life is change; it's evolution -- something different from the day or hour before. It can't be anything but. It's a Natural Law. The expression that "the only constant is change" isn't a cute turn of phrase, it simply is what is.
Consider our plight if we do not grow as a community and add needed businesses, careers, and services. Consider especially our older citizens who increasingly require medical attention. At what point is it no longer feasible for them to trek to Ormond Beach, Daytona, St. Augustine, or Jacksonville for care?
Fortunately, our new hospital, due to open Spring, 2002, is a step in the right direction. Not surprisingly, this facility will specialize in cancer and cardiac care - just what our citizens need now and we demand even more in the coming years.
That's just the beginning and just one example.
These are exciting times. There's so much more to write about. Stay tuned.
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Fred W. Apelquist, III, M.Ed.
Approximately 600 words.
(c) 2000