The Flagler County Fairgrounds Expo Hall was unveiled to the public in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday in Bunnell. Flagler County Commission Chair Leann Pennington led the proceedings, along with Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. These two leaders were among the foremost champions of the state funding used to make the hall a reality.
The Expo Hall’s most crucial purpose is to serve as an emergency shelter during hurricanes and other natural disasters. It takes the burden off of Flagler Schools, who’ve accommodated evacuees for years during major storms. The Hall also brings a shelter closer to the western population of Flagler County, removing their need to travel to Palm Coast to access public shelters.
A state appropriation of $10 million made the hall possible, with the actual project coming in about half a million under budget. That remaining money will be used to create a paved parking lot outside the facility, Lord and Pennington say.
Initially, the legislature was only going to provide half of the requested funding. Commissioner Pennington held a consequential 30-minute meeting with state Rep. Tom Leek, who was then the chair of the Florida House Appropriations Committee. Leek, who would soon become Flagler’s state senator, promised Pennington the additional $5 million. That promise came through at the last second.
“He said, ‘I totally understand the need for this and I’m going to help you’,” Pennington recalled of her conversation with Leek. “If we did not have that [extra funding], you’re probably looking at a third of the size footprint for this building.”
In its final layout, the Expo Hall can accommodate “comfortably 500 people”, per Jonathan Lord. That number could be stretched a bit more if circumstances demand it. Flagler Schools’ facilities will now function as overflow shelters in the event the Hall reaches capacity.
“We recommend that shelters are always a shelter of last resort,” Lord said. “If you have the means and ability to do so, shelter with friends and family nearby. If you have the financial means, then shelter in a hotel or motel that’s outside the evacuation area. But if your neighborhood is told to evacuate and you can’t do one of those two things, and as long as you are in an area being told to evacuate, then you’ll be more than welcome to come to our shelter.”
The facility is built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, with a wind rating up to 180 miles an hour. It comes with cots that remain on-site at all times, a dedicated generator, and four specialized trailer connections. There is also a room for pets to be stored in crates, as well as restrooms, showers, redundant water systems, sewer connection, and a fully functional kitchen.
