The Flagler County Visitor Eco-Discovery Center will be strategically positioned between two major north-south highways, situated on a 23-acre county-owned parcel along SR100, approximately one mile east of Interstate 95 (I-95) and 2.5 miles west of Florida Coastal State Road A1A. This parcel is also just a few hundred feet from the newly constructed $12 million pedestrian bridge by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which connects to 135 miles of trails in Flagler County. Additionally, it is adjacent to the future 1,000-acre Bulow Creek Headwaters Regional Park (BCHRP) conservation area. The Visitor Eco-Discovery Center will serve as an ideal gateway to the conservation nature center park and the extensive network of trails throughout the county and surrounding areas.

Location Quick Facts: 

• 23-acre county-owned parcel on SR100
• 1-mile east of I-95 and 3 miles west of A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway
• Near the FDOT $12 million pedestrian bridge

The Bulow Creek Headwaters Regional Park (BCHRP) project, in the early stages of planning, will encompass a 1,000-acre conservation area, immediately adjacent to the site for the VEDC. Planned amenities include pedestrian-friendly paths for walking, jogging, and biking, a kayak launch, quiet spaces with gazebos and benches for relaxation, and educational natural areas. These features will be developed through conceptual planning, stakeholder involvement, and final design processes. The BCHRP is a separate, secondary project that will complement the Visitor Eco-Discovery Center and its offerings.

This project will rely primarily on the Tourist Development Tax for its funding. To ensure the facility's long-term sustainability and maintenance, most of the funding will be derived from local bed-tax revenues, which have shown consistent growth over the past 15 years. Additionally, the Visitor Eco-Discovery Center will include new opportunities for revenue to support operations.

The Tourist Development Tax, also known as the “bed tax”, is a 5% charge applied to all accommodations in Flagler County rented for less than six months. These funds are regulated by FS Statute 125.0104 are not related to the County’s General Funds.

Construction on the Visitor Eco-Discovery Center is slated to begin in the fall of 2025.

The center will serve as a regional information hub to help tell the story of Flagler County's intrinsic resources (historic, archeological, environmental, scenic, recreational, and cultural) by offering maps, brochures, and guides about nearby attractions, and points of interest. Features will include interactive displays, exhibits, public restrooms and picnic areas, and more.

In late 2019, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, following a recommendation from the Tourist Development Council, approved a three-year Tourism Strategic Plan. A primary objective of this plan was to “Develop a State-of-the-Art Visitor/Destination Center to enhance Awareness and In-Market Experience.” The County-wide Strategic Plan, approved in 2023, reinforces this goal with its aim to “Preserve & enhance cultural, recreational, & leisure activities” within the Growth and Infrastructure focus area.

The Flagler County Tourism Development Office is spearheading the creation of a 10,000 sq. ft. facility dedicated to increasing eco-tourism opportunities for the county and surrounding region.

The Flagler County Visitor Eco-Discovery Center will be situated entirely within a regionally significant greenway, as recognized by the Florida Greenways and Trails System Opportunity map. This area includes the Graham Swamp Preserve, Bulow Creek, and Tomoka Marsh conservation zones. It plays a vital role in the broader ecological corridor formed by these conservation areas. This extensive and well-connected regional greenway offers substantial environmental benefits to the region. The center will serve as a gateway for responsible, multi-modal travel to natural areas, promoting environmental conservation, supporting the well-being of local communities, and providing opportunities for interpretation and education.

Upon completion, The center will serve as the administrative hub for Flagler County's Tourism Development and Economic Development departments, alongside thoughtfully chosen community partners to enrich its offerings. A spacious central atrium will greet both residents and visitors, featuring activities and information, as well as providing areas for relaxation. The center will also boast a gallery showcasing local art, cultural narratives, and historical stories, along with a gift shop offering locally sourced and environmentally friendly products. There will be a combined 3,000 square feet of versatile indoor/outdoor space available for rent, suitable for community meetings, classes, and events.

The center's central location in Flagler County will enhance the local economy, as it is situated near high traffic areas, with over 182,803 daily trips on I-95 and 22,700 in front of the site. Dedicated staff will focus on strategic marketing using local bed-tax funds to attract travelers to local attractions. Research indicates that community-based visitor centers boost local spending, increase trip lengths, and enhance engagement. Tourism is crucial for Flagler County's economy, employing nearly 20% of the workforce and facilitating rapid recovery post-pandemic. The growing visitor population underscores the need for promotion and services in the area and diversifying tourism attractions beyond the beaches.

To further enhance the economic sustainability of the center while offering support to local businesses and generating additional revenue streams, the design will include the following features:

• Rental spaces for community events, weddings, and meetings, complete with a catering kitchen
• Ticket sales for visitor experiences and packages (as part of the strategic plan)
• Recreational rentals to help visitors explore the area’s natural resources
• Collaborative marketing and promotional opportunities with partners
• A local shuttle bus service to enhance programming and reduce traffic congestion in popular areas like the beach and during special events

Strategic partnerships with other organizations can play a crucial role in achieving the Visitor Eco-Discovery Center's goals and initiatives. Collaborating with different entities can help concentrate efforts on specific opportunities, foster alliances among groups that typically may not collaborate, and maintain a consistent community approach to ecotourism. These partnerships will be formed thoughtfully, considering the value each collaboration brings to the Visitor Eco-Discovery Center and its impact on the community and tourism.