Photo credit: Flagler County Historical Society.
Flagler Beach’s Compass by Margaritaville hotel has broken ground. Located in the center of Flagler Beach, Veteran’s Park, it has stirred the attention of many locals. Ormond Beach-based Elite Hospitality’s developer and manager, Manoj Bhoola, alongside Jeremy Bain from Welbro Building Corp., are leading the charge on the project set to reshape Flagler Beach. Addressing an eager crowd of over 80 locals at City Hall, they unveiled plans for what promises to be the most significant construction endeavor in the area.
From 1925 to 1972, Flagler Beach proudly hosted the renowned Flagler Beach Hotel. Built by Dana Fellows Fuquay and George Moody, it quickly became a beloved destination for leisure. “Due to structural issues in the 70’s it (the hotel) was demolished”, says Caryn Miller, director of Flagler Beach’s CRA. This left a void in the community’s once booming hospitality. But now, with the construction of the Compass by Margaritaville, a new era of vitality could be on the horizon, certainly bringing change to the community.
Photo by Landen Looker.
“The CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) functions based on its master plan, and the master plan called for looking for a hotel for that sight, and that’s exactly what happened” adds Caryn Miller. Miller attended that meeting at City Hall where the plans were unveiled.
That said, there are still many mom-and-pop hotels and motels along the Flagler Beach coast with incredible charm. Those include the Si Como No Inn, the Topaz Motel, the Beachfront Motel and more.
Contrasting those mom-and-pop accommodations, this ambitious venture will sprawl across 84,000 square feet over three stories, boasting 100 rooms, a large restaurant, a fitness center, and a pool deck complete with a tiki bar. Guests will also have access to a rooftop terrace and exclusive retail outlets. It is expected to begin operating in Spring of 2025.
Managed by Elite Hospitality, the restaurant alone is poised to create around 60 job opportunities, while the hotel itself will offer nearly 25 coveted positions. As construction gears up, expect to see bustling activity primarily from Monday to Friday, with the possibility of Saturday shifts in case of weather-induced setbacks.
Inevitably, progress comes with a few adjustments. South Central Avenue, spanning from SR 100 to South 2nd Street, will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic, ensuring smooth operations for the project. Additionally, parking and sidewalk access along South Second Street will be suspended to accommodate construction needs.
Concerns have emerged surrounding the parking arrangements and construction plans for the Compass by Margaritaville development. Residents argue that these initiatives could potentially disrupt the authentic local ambiance of the community. Given its relatively diminutive size, such large-scale construction projects are unprecedented for many residents. However, some may argue that these concerns must be balanced against the overarching objective of uplifting the Flagler Beach economy.
Whispers of excitement and apprehension alike dance through the air, as locals and visitors engage in spirited conversation about the Compass by Margaritaville. For some, it represents a wave of progress, promising new opportunities and revitalization for the beloved coastal town. For others, it sparks concerns of overdevelopment and the erosion of Flagler Beach’s unique charm.