Palm Coast, FL – On Wednesday, April 28, Mayor Milissa Holland delivered the City’s fourth annual State of the City address. This year’s theme highlighted the connections that have helped the City navigate through, and overcome, complex challenges in a year of uncertainty.
“This year your city leaders conquered complex challenges and celebrated strategic successes all through a year of unprecedented uncertainty,” said Mayor Milissa Holland. “We stayed focused – paying close attention to the needs of our developing community, we strengthened partnerships and stayed attuned to ever-changing opportunities to deliver on your priorities.”
This year’s address was broadcast via the City’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Mayor Holland highlighted the City’s collaborative and innovative response to the COVID-19 crisis; the City’s financial status; economic developments; work that has been and is being done to maintain and improve our infrastructure and amenities; and more.
“Today I proudly share with you how our efforts on attracting industries with economic foundations based on education, healthcare, technology and manufacturing have led to the creation of over 1,000 new jobs this year,” said Mayor Holland.
The broadcast is available for viewing on-demand on the City’s YouTube channel (@palmcoastgovtv) and Facebook page (@palmcoastgov) or by visiting the State of the City page on the City website at palmcoastgov.com/council/state-of-the-city.
Mayor Holland also presented the Mayor’s annual awards for Citizen of the Year, Public Safety and Next Generation.
Citizen of the Year – Greg Peters, Pastor of Parkview Baptist Church. Peters was honored for his partnership and efforts in mobilizing the community behind the successful ‘Feed Palm Coast’ initiative. Peters also continued efforts to support food drives, brought the community together with the Palm Coast Unites event, and other charitable work. You can watch the video of the award presentation here: https://youtu.be/Afe-ioFT0OQ.
Public Safety Award – Bob Snyder, Florida Department of Health in Flagler County – Administrator; Dr. Stephen Bickel, Florida Department of Health in Flagler County – Medical Director; Jonathan Lord, Flagler County Emergency Management Director; and Gerard Forte, City of Palm Coast Fire Chief. The local response to the COVID-19 crisis was a collaborative response between the DOH-Flagler, Flagler County Emergency Operations Center, and the City of Palm Coast Fire Department. The coordination and strong teamwork among the agencies helped keep the community informed as well as aiding the City leadership to make sound informed decisions throughout the crisis. You can watch the award presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRTY8SZ91i8.
Next Generation Award – Brandy DeMarco, City of Palm Coast Firefighter. DeMarco has shown a strong commitment to her family, community and nation. She is a graduate of the Fire Department’s intern program and moved on to become a career firefighter while also holding an additional job. She also served in the U.S. military. You can watch the award presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7fdQfFkH98.
In addition to watching the State of the City video, residents can read the 2020 Annual Progress Report. The City produces the annual report to provide citizens an overview of accomplishments, achievements and progress based on the goals set by the Palm Coast City Council. The report is accessible via the City’s State of the City page on the City’s website www.palmcoastgov.com/council/state-of-the-city.
For more information please contact Brad West, Sr. Communications Officer, at 386-986-2484 or bwest@palmcoastgov.com.
Media Release: City of Palm Coast
