Man threatening to jump off Palm Coast bridge rescued in multi-agency effort
By: Palm Coast, FL - Multiple Flagler County agencies assembled Tuesday afternoon to save a man who was threatening to jump off the Interstate 95 overpass bridge above State Road 100 in Palm Coast.
In a Facebook post that also showed photos of first responders at the scene and on a fire truck ladder platform securing the individual, the sheriff's office said they "received multiple calls reporting that an adult male was sitting on the overpass bridge," who was "was drinking, making obscene gestures at passing drivers, and motioning that he was going to jump."
The incident forced officers to close both roadways in all directions while crisis negotiators spoke with the man.
"Following a lengthy conversation, deputies and firefighters assisted the male from the overpass and onto a fire department bucket lift," the post added. "Once secured, deputies placed the male into protective custody under a Baker Act, and he was transported to (Stewart-Marchman-Act Behavioral Healthcare Clinic in Daytona Beach) for treatment."
According to the sheriff's office, the same individual had previously made the same threat at Palm Coast Parkway and Interstate 95 in August 2024.
"I am thankful to see this situation was resolved safely with no one getting hurt,” said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly in the post. “I hope that this guy is able to get the help he needs. This rescue was truly a team effort. Thanks to our deputies’ quick response, our well-trained crisis negotiations team, and coordination with our partner agencies, we saved a life today. It is unfortunate that so many drivers were delayed, but the important part is a life was saved."
In addition to sheriff's office deputies, Florida Highway Patrol, Flagler County Fire Rescue, Palm Coast Fire Department and Flagler Beach Police Department officials also responded to the scene.