PALM COAST, Fla. – A break in the weather offered a perfect window for Thursday evening’s Connecting to Palm Coast event, giving local organizations and volunteers a chance to warmly welcome attendees and introduce them to the many services available in the community.
Kicking off the evening’s event, 8-year-old Laurel Duffy belted out a show-stopping rendition of the national anthem.
At the Flagler Volunteer Services -table, new residents Victoria and her husband stopped by to learn how they could get involved. Having recently moved to Palm Coast in September, the couple was eager to connect. A flyer about an upcoming Alaska cruise fundraiser caught Victoria’s eye and sparked a conversation. She shared her extensive travel experience—especially to Alaska, where she’s been multiple times—and mused about the possibility of serving as a volunteer tour guide for her new neighbors.
Later in the evening, Krissi Rutledge visited the table and shared her story of living abroad for a decade as an English teacher in South Korea before returning to the U.S. Not long after, Rose Salgado stopped by, intrigued by the display, and began chatting. As it turned out, she too had traveled the world—first as a cruise line professional, and most memorably on a personal trip to Hong Kong. And, remarkably, she had also taught English in South Korea.
Though Krissi and Rose had never met, their parallel paths sparked an instant connection.
FVS staff pointed out Krissi across the room, finishing up her rounds of the booths, the two were introduced—and the conversation flowed naturally. They even posed for a photo together and discovered yet another shared interest: both had decided to join the Palm Coast Rowing Club, one of the many organizations featured at the event.
It was a reminder of how two strangers can walk into a room and discover they have much more in common than they ever expected.
All around the venue, residents—new and longtime—were engaging with essential agencies like the Flagler County Property Appraiser’s Office, the Elections Office, and the Sheriff’s Office, and the sense of community was unmistakable.
Entertainment was also in the spotlight, with Amelia Fulmer, Director of the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, and Diane Ellertsen, co-founder of City Repertory Theatre, on hand to discuss upcoming performances. They highlighted venues like the Black Box CRT in City Marketplace and the 1,000-seat Fitz—two gems of the local arts scene.
Other service organizations were represented – from the Palm Coast Yacht Club, Elks Lodge 2709, and the Lions Club, Seniors vs. Crime, Crime Stoppers, the Florida Inland Navigation District, and many more.
Connecting to Palm Coast is hosted by the City of Palm Coast in collaboration with alumni of the Palm Coast Citizens’ Academy, who volunteer their time to bring this meaningful event to life for the entire community.
