Flagler Beach, FL (March 4, 2022) – It was a welcome home fit for a hero as Caleb Struble was met with banners and signs all the way down State Road 100 just over the Flagler Beach Bridge.
Winding down A1A towards Tortugas Florida Kitchen & Bar with a police escort and great fanfare, Struble, who arrived in style via a red stretch Elegant Limousine, was greeted by homemade signs posted on businesses, light poles, and enthusiastically waved by well-wishers.
After an accident left the young lifeguard with mobility issues, he’s become the stuff of legends through his positivity and determination to walk again. Flagler Beach Ocean Rescue team members were among those out to welcome Caleb home to Flagler Beach.
Tearing up, team captain Amanda Provenzano said it’s about family and rallying in support of each other in times of need.
“We wanted to be out here to support him and welcome him back home,” shared Provenzano. “It’s important to us because we haven’t seen him in a long time and we’ve been seeing all his progress online and through Facebook. Seeing him in person means a lot to all of us.”
Caleb descended from limo onto a red carpet where he received full rock star treatment. Paul Chestnut, co-owner of Tortugas, helped organize the event and was moved to tears watching the young man.
“It’s a pretty amazing day today. I’m a little emotional but it’s one of the best things I’ve ever seen in my life and I’m happy to be a part of it,” said Chestnut.
Caleb’s story has inspired people across the globe – from local fundraisers to donations from strangers, the community has helped the Struble family as Caleb has worked toward recovery according to close family friend and co-organizer of the event, Beth Boyles.
“I am beyond excited and emotional,” she said. “It is a day we’ve waited for almost 8 months and to have him come here on this beautiful Flagler Beach day and see all these people. Flagler Beach showed up for Caleb. It is just amazing and we’re so proud of him and all his hard work.”
Digging deep within himself, it was Caleb’s own fortitude that gave his father Michael the courage needed to be by his son’s side through the long months of recovery to return home to Flagler.
“Today’s amazing,” he said, taken by surprise by the magnitude of the turnout. “This is amazing that Flagler Beach turned up and turned out. It’s awesome.”
“He’s a strong young man. He’s got a positive attitude and he was just, he seemed to know all along. He told me when I walked into the hospital. I kind of freaked out when I saw the CT, and he said ‘don’t worry dad, God’s got this’,” said Michael, sharing the lesson we can all learn from Caleb.
“Always believe. Never give up. Things are heading in the right direction.”
Relying on his faith and friends, Caleb was grateful for the welcome home on Friday. Putting his walker aside for photos, Caleb has the end goal already in mind as he continues to work on returning to full mobility.
“It’s too much, all these people coming out, you know? It shows you what good there is left in the world when all that’s happened,” he said, looking around.
“The big goal is to get back on the beach but I got a little bit of road ahead. We’re taking it one step at a time, it will be alright.”
Watching as Caleb received hugs, Flagler Beach Ocean Rescue Director Tom Gillin said he’s ready to welcome the young man back.
“It’s just amazing. It’s welcome home, Flagler Beach style,” remarked Gillin. “I know we’ve been watching him and following him on social media, but it’s just great to see him in person. We’re looking forward to one day having him sitting back up in the tower and being 100% again.”
Caleb’s determination and the community’s support epitomize what the hashtag #FlaglerStrong is all about according to Flagler Beach city manager William Whitson.
“I’m here to welcome home our hero. It’s a great day for the city,” he said, choking up. “It’s medicine for our heart. We are a very, very close knit community. We support one another, and days like today is a cause for celebration.”
