Flagler Beach, FL – What can you give someone who has it all? Their own day, of course.

Recognizing the outgoing Flagler Beach mayor for years of public service to the beachside community, Linda Provencher was presented with a proclamation declaring March 11, 2021 as Linda Provencher Recognition Day.

Always one to buckle down and see tough projects through without seeking the limelight, Provencher was surprised by the fanfare.

Outgoing Flagler Beach Mayor Linda Provencher was recognized with a proclamation for her service to the community on March 11, 2021, by the Flagler Beach City Commission.
Photo courtesy Linda Provencher.

“I was honored and overwhelmed by the send off I got,” she said.  “I was expecting the regular plaque that everyone receives, but I never imagined the proclamation, picture book, and the taser plaque along with the cards and messages I’ve received.”

In addition to a mounted taser courtesy of Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney, Provencher was treated to cupcakes baked by incoming mayor Suzie Johnston’s daughter Sydney Adams, an award-winning baker, for the occasion.

“Linda’s passion for the City of Flagler Beach is undeniable and she has led our City through the best and worst of times during her tenure as Mayor,” said Doughney.

“Since 2013, when I became the Chief of Police, “Linda P.” has helped guide us through multiple hurricanes, the flooding of hundreds of homes, A1A falling into the Atlantic Ocean, the lengthy re-build of A1A, the untimely passing of our City Manager, the hiring of a new City Manager and the COID-19 pandemic.”

“Having worked side by side with Mayor Provencher during each of these crises, I think she (Linda) has more than earned the right to relax and enjoy the next chapter of her life. The “Taser” gift goes back many years, when she jokingly requested a Taser at a Beach cleanup. The tongue in cheek request was made due to her disappointment with regards to the amount of trash littering our beautiful Beach. Her light hearted request has been repeated multiple times over the years (all of which were denied) and Commission Chair Eric Cooley and I thought presenting her with one of our decommissioned (non-functional) Tasers mounted on a plaque was great way to bring a smile to her face and thank her for her dedicated service to our City,” he shared.

Provencher closed out the evening with gratitude.

A taser, presented by Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney helped mark the retirement of Flagler Beach Mayor Linda Provencher on March 11, 2021.
Photo courtesy Linda Provencher.

“It was an amazing send-off,” said Provencher.