Editor’s Note: Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin publishes, from time to time, a report he calls ‘Friday Footnotes’ updating residents on current happenings and topics in Flagler Beach.
This is the October 25th, 2024 edition of that report, published here with his cooperation.
By: Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin
The impact of Hurricane Milton on Flagler Beach highlighted a critical component of crisis management: the sharing of information. How does the City provide timely and accurate information to residents during emergencies?
Technology provides for unprecedented access to information and near-instantaneous communication through computers and mobile phones. Every resident with an electronic connection likely can review news reports and weather forecasts from around the world, let alone Flagler Beach and Flagler County. Additional information in Flagler County is also disseminated by local radio stations.
The primary means of sharing information with the residents (and other interested people) of Flagler Beach is through the City’s website (www.cityofflaglerbeach.com) and the City’s Facebook page (City of Flagler Beach). Although other social media platforms are available (Instagram, TikTok, SnapChat, WhatsApp, NextDoor, etc.), statistics illustrate that Facebook is the most popular platform, utilized by 77% of social media users: “Undoubtedly the most popular platform, Facebook continues to serve as the go-to choice for a diverse audience, fostering connections, disseminating news, and facilitating group discussions” (A. Bosze, Doofinder.com, “The Most Popular Social Media Platforms in the United States [2024]”).
The City’s Facebook page became active earlier this year. The effort to publish information and maintain the page is primarily the responsibility of Ms. Katherine Monroy, Flagler Beach Executive Assistant. As City Manager, I am the only other administrator of the site. Ms. Monroy’s efforts have generated approximately 1,600 “Followers.”
With the introduction of the City’s Facebook page, a key decision was made to disable direct comments on the site. The primary intent of the page is to push information. On many other Facebook pages, user comments frequently diminish or disrupt the original information being provided. Comments can still be submitted through a dedicated email address (ironically, email messages use the same keyboard as do Facebook comments). The comments are reviewed and provided a response, if appropriate. At the end of each week, all comments received are compiled and provided to the City Commissioners, and as is the case with nearly all Flagler Beach documents, available for review as a public record. Since the Facebook page began, approximately fifty comments have been received.
During Hurricane Milton, the City published several announcements on the Facebook page, with the first being Sunday, October 6, announcing the availability of sand and sand bags for City residents. Later posts shared information and provided additional storm-related links from Flagler County Emergency Management, the State of Florida, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), sharing information about the storm conditions, evacuation notices, shelter operations, prescription drugs, wastewater operations, garbage collection, disaster assistance, and debris removal. Information was also published on the City’s traditional website.
Despite the availability of the information, the Facebook data indicates that only a thousand or so users visited the City’s page and most posts were shared with others on average by ten users. Yes, other area Facebook sites are wildly more popular and entertaining, but if you seek accurate information without other distractions, please follow the City’s Facebook page. Similarly, you can set-up notifications through the City’s website for the posting of meeting agendas and special events to remain aware of issues and activities.
Before, during, and after emergency events, other notable Facebook pages to monitor are Flagler Beach Police Department, Flagler County Emergency Management and Florida Division of Emergency Management. If you live in a different community, please follow your local government page for specific information related to your community.
Our communications efforts can always be improved and we will look to find methods to get more information to you as timely as possible, especially during emergencies. If you have suggestions or recommendations about the City’s efforts, please offer a comment.
Again, follow the City’s Facebook page and visit the City website for all City of Flagler Beach information. Thank you for your support.
