How a Florida county transformed from a potato farming hub into a modern coastal destination

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Named after industrialist Henry Flagler, this northeast Florida county evolved from a 19th-century plantation landscape into a hub for tourism and planned communities. From hosting the world's first dolphin performance attraction to managing massive wildfire challenges, Flagler County balances its deep agricultural roots with rapid, modern residential expansion.

Established in 1917 from parts of Volusia and St. Johns counties, Flagler County has long been defined by its relationship with the land. In the early 1800s, the region supported large plantations producing sugar cane and corn, including the Bulow Plantation, once the largest sugar operation on Florida's east coast. By the early 20th century, the local economy shifted toward Irish potato cultivation, a legacy still honored on the county seal. This agricultural heritage remains a point of community pride, celebrated annually through events like the Potato Festival in Bunnell and Cracker Day, which commemorates the history of early Florida cattle ranchers.

The 20th century brought significant structural changes. The Florida land boom of the 1920s spurred tourism and infrastructure, leading to the incorporation of Flagler Beach and the construction of the county courthouse. In 1938, the area gained international attention with the opening of Marine Studios, later known as Marineland, which pioneered the display of trained dolphins. Decades later, the landscape underwent a radical transformation when the International Telephone & Telegraph Corporation converted over 40,000 acres of wetlands and pine forests into the master-planned community of Palm Coast, which grew from a small resort area into a thriving city.

Today, the county manages a complex environment defined by its 18 miles of Atlantic coastline and significant natural resources, such as the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve. This geography has presented unique challenges, most notably the 1998 wildfires that forced a county-wide evacuation and prompted one of the largest aerial fire suppression efforts in United States history. Despite these trials, the county maintains a strong focus on heritage preservation, supported by local historical societies and public-private partnerships that protect sites ranging from British-era land grants to the remnants of the region's industrial past.

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