Staff reports: grants delayed, candidate for vacancy, Fort Piccola test and 1,700‑acre donation announced

Staff reported that the president's proposed fiscal‑year 2027 budget would eliminate the Historic Preservation Fund, a proposal that could reduce funding for the state historic preservation office and certified local governments. Staff urged members to contact legislators and noted the fund historically faced periodic elimination proposals.

Staff also said the State Division of Historical Resources (DHR) small‑matching and special‑category grants cycle has been postponed; the board discussed assembling stronger letters of support when the cycle reopens.

On personnel, staff said the vacancy under board purview has one qualified applicant, Katherine O. Dice, whose application will likely be placed on the county commission consent agenda for consideration. Board members requested access to the application and agreed to coordinate internal review before the county action.

The board heard an archaeology update: volunteers and Flagler College students are expected to support shovel testing on private property aiming to locate Fort Piccola. The test area is along the eastern side of State Road 13 and could begin in late May, with preliminary excavations measured in shovel tests and screened finds.

Finally, a member reported that Randy Ring donated approximately 1,700 acres along Six Mile Creek to Florida conservation programs and is planning a restaurant near Trout Creek. Members welcomed the conservation news and said they would track any public‑access or park planning details.

No formal board actions (motions or votes) on grants, the vacancy, archaeology work, or the donation occurred at this meeting; staff will return with follow‑up information.