Palm Coast’s First Historian Dies at 92

One of the architects of the City of Palm Coast has passed away, the city government announced on Tuesday. Art Dycke, the first Palm Coast City Historian and a co-author of the city charter, died on Tuesday. He was 92 years old. Throughout his life Art Dycke worked to create a comprehensive historical record of Palm Coast as a community and city. Once it was incorporated in 1999 he was recognized for this endeavor, being named Co-Historian for the City of Palm Coast. Dycke was the first individual to be given this title. Dycke served as Palm Coast Co-Historian until his retirement in 2024. The position is currently held by Preston Zepp, who was appointed in February 2026. Of comparably great importance, Dycke was a co-author of Palm Coast’s city charter. His guidance and foresight helped shape the document that forged the small community that would one day become Florida’s fastest-growing city. During his time serving his community, Dycke regularly authored newsletters and curated historical archives. He delivered speeches, presentations, and lectures to help Palm Coast residents become more in touch with their city’s history. “Whenever people talk about the history of Palm Coast, Art Dycke’s name is always part of the conversation,” said Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris. “Art loved telling our city’s story and making sure it would always be remembered. Art was a kind man with a great sense of humor and a deep love for his community. His legacy will live on for generations.” Part of Art Dycke’s legacy is the two books he authored about the area. The first was an installment in Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America Series centered around Palm Coast. The second was titled Smolen: The Father of Palm Coast. This provided a perspective of Alan Smolen, an executive with the International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation (ITT), the company credited with building Palm Coast prior to incorporation.