Palm Coast Welcomes Back John Zobler to Lead Newly Established Business Development Office

The City of Palm Coast is bringing back a familiar face and strengthening its commitment to economic growth with the appointment of former Community Development Director John Zobler as Business Development Manager. As part of a broader organizational restructuring, the position will move from the Community Development Department to the City Manager’s Office and become part of a newly branded Business Development Office, placing a greater emphasis on attracting new businesses and industries to Palm Coast.

Zobler brings valuable institutional knowledge, experience, and an understanding of Palm Coast’s development landscape to the role. His return comes at an important time as the City works to expand economic opportunities, attract commercial investment, and build a more balanced local tax base.

“Business development is an important part of Palm Coast’s future, and we want to make sure we have the right structure in place to support that effort,” said City Manager Mike McGlothlin. “John brings a wealth of experience and a strong understanding of our community. By placing this role directly within the City Manager’s Office, we can take a more coordinated, hands-on approach to attracting businesses, building relationships with industry leaders, and turning economic development opportunities into results.”

The transition reflects the City’s focus on proactively recruiting businesses and industries that can expand Palm Coast’s commercial base, create jobs, and provide additional economic opportunities for residents. Under the new structure, the Business Development Office will work closely with City leadership and other departments to identify opportunities, strengthen relationships with prospective businesses, and help guide projects through the development process.

This effort also aligns with the City’s recent acquisition of 23 parcels in Palm Coast’s Town Center. The City intends to explore opportunities to sell select properties to private-sector partners who can bring needed commercial development to the area. Attracting more commercial investment is one way the City aims to diversify its tax base, which currently relies heavily on residential properties.

“Palm Coast has tremendous potential for business and industry, and we need to be intentional about how we pursue those opportunities,” McGlothlin said. “With the Town Center properties and a dedicated focus on business development, we have an opportunity to take a more strategic approach to attracting investment that benefits our community over the long term.”

The establishment of the Business Development Office underscores the City’s commitment to supporting responsible economic growth, expanding commercial opportunities, and positioning Palm Coast for a stronger and more diversified economic future.

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