Rotary Club of Flagler County Sets the Stage for an Unforgettable 20th Anniversary Fantasy Lights
PALM COAST, Fla. – The Rotary Club of Flagler County pulled out all the stops to get the Fantasy Lights displays assembled over the weekend ahead of the kickoff weekend on November 29. It’s the 20th anniversary of the free holiday display in Palm Coast, and organizers are giddy with excitement in anticipation of this season’s program.
Opening with the traditional event coinciding with the City of Palm Coast’s annual tree lighting ceremony, the big night will welcome the arrival of Santa to northeast Florida, escorted by his personal friends from the Palm Coast Fire Department and flipping of the big switch, lighting up the night for all.
More than 100 volunteers over the weekend gathered to help ensure this special night goes off without a hitch. Founder Bill Butler, the heart behind the Rotary Club of Flagler County’s efforts was hard at work on Saturday, maximizing every volunteer hour he could squeeze out of the area’s student athletes.
Club President Michelle Bartlome kept spirits high with her enthusiasm for the event. New to the area, she’s embraced the community’s traditions with a fervor, and her enthusiasm has been contagious. Not only growing the volunteer support for this year’s Fantasy Lights, she’s also taken the lead on growing the Rotary Club’s membership base with the area’s young professionals stepping up to become the next generation of Rotarians.
“We had high aspirations asking 100 volunteers to come out here and help us set up – it’s a lot of work and it takes a lot of time,” said Bartlome. “We got 100 volunteers from our community. It is amazing. Thank you so much to all of our community members who are out here today and tomorrow helping us set up. We appreciate it,” she said on Saturday as the first shift of JROTC and student athletes was winding down and the second shift preparing to step up.
Even her young daughter is pitching in to help make Fantasy Lights a success with a Girl Scout project that will feature a second greeting area and a handmade donation box on the east side of the park, which will collect donations for the Rotary Club.
“Only the weekend, we’re going to have two entrance points. So she has made a donation box that’s all wood, for them to get donations into, for her Girl Scout Bronze Award,” shared Bartlome.
In addition to the 57 animated lighted displays around Central Park’s lake, the Santa’s Village complete with fire pit, smores, tiny houses, a miniature train for the kids, and of course, Santa on select evenings welcomes little children as a place where they can experience the magic of the holiday season while immersing themselves in the community spirit.
Photo ops around the lake and in the Santa’s Village provide the perfect backdrop for the holiday family photo, and Bartlome hopes families will come out and enjoy the season.
A special holiday market is set for December 20 when the club will officially commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Fantasy Lights displays starting at 6:30 p.m., with donuts and hot chocolate donated by Swillerbee’s and Sweet Melissa’s Ice Cream as part of the celebration.
Food trucks will be available on select nights including the weekends. As part of the 20th anniversary celebration on three special evenings the Rotary Club will hold a $20 for 20 campaign* – for each $20 donation given, the donor receives a jingle bell on a red ribbon.
“It’s special this year, just for the anniversary,” said Bartlome. “Everything we raise goes right back out into the community, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Fantasy Lights opens on November 29 at 6:00 p.m. and runs through the month of December. The event is free. Donations are accepted, and since inception more than $375,000 in donations have been distributed to the community, thanks to the Fantasy Lights events. If you are interested in volunteering for the event, please visit https://signup.com/go/tDbmTZd.
*$20 for 20 nights (Jingle Bell Nights): November 29, 2025 (opening night), December 6, 2025 (Starlight Parade night), and December 20, 2025.
Opening Day of ICE! ft. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and New Holiday Experiences
AURORA, Colo. (Nov. 24, 2025) — Christmas at Gaylord Rockies has officially begun. Today, the resort opens its signature holiday attraction, ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, a 17,000-square-foot frozen experience carved from more than two million pounds of ice by 30 artisans from Harbin, China. The resort also debuts several new experiences for the 2025 season, including Sugar Snow Station featuring Candy Cane Mountain Indoor Snow Tubing and Gumdrop Gliders Ice Puck Challenge, Sippin’ Santa at Gaylord Rockies, Feast with the Grinch and the resort’s largest-ever pastry creation—a life-sized Gingerbread Mountain Cabin—now open to the public.
Tickets and overnight packages are available at ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com.
ICE! Featuring How the Grinch Stole Christmas! — NOW OPEN
Guests can journey through hand-carved ice sculptures that bring the beloved Dr. Seuss story to life—from the Grinch’s mountaintop lair to Who-ville’s joyful Christmas morning. The attraction includes towering ice scenes, vibrant colored ice, crystal-clear carvings, dazzling LED lights, and the fan-favorite two-story ice slides.
The experience is kept at 9°F, preserved by a state-of-the-art chilling system, while guests stay warm in Gaylord Hotels’ signature blue parkas.
Thirty ice artisans from Harbin, China—home to the world’s largest ice and snow sculpting festival—spent five weeks carving the display from over 6,000 blocks of ice. Their work includes everything from delicate, coin-sized details to scenes stretching more than 30 feet tall.
NEW: Sugar Snow Station
An indoor, steampunk-inspired playground located next to Mistletoe Village, new for 2025, featuring:
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NEW: Candy Cane Mountain Indoor Snow Tubing – Guests can race down a four-lane hill lined with candy-cane stripes and alpine-inspired décor. The attraction offers unlimited rides on the day of purchase. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall, and each tube is for single riders only.
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NEW: Gumdrop Gliders: Ice Puck Challenge – A seven-hole game, where guests slide pucks through candy-themed obstacles, including gingerbread factories, gumdrop forests and hot cocoa rivers. Each hole features colorful holiday décor and confection-inspired designs.
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NEW: Sugar N’ Spice Bar – A central hub serving seasonal favorites including salted three-chocolate chip cookies, house-made chili, roasted nuts, and grilled cheese with tomato soup.
NEW: Sippin’ Santa at Gaylord Rockies
A holiday-themed tiki bar pop-up on the Old Hickory terrace featuring festive cocktails, island-inspired décor, and collectible mugs. Guests can join Christmas CarolOke on Dec. 8 and 15 to sing along to holiday favorites while enjoying seasonal drinks.
NEW: Life-Sized Gingerbread Mountain Cabin
A life-sized Gingerbread Mountain Cabin handcrafted by the Gaylord Rockies pastry team using over 2,000 pounds of gingerbread, icing, and candy. Standing over eight feet tall, the cabin features sugar-sculpted poinsettias and holly, cookie skis, and over 1,000 gumballs. Created over 4.5 months by more than 25 pastry cooks, this impressive display showcases the artistry and engineering behind one of Colorado’s largest gingerbread creations.
Additional Seasonal Experiences:
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NEW: Feast with the Grinch –Join everyone’s favorite green and grouchy character for a festive dining experience inspired byHow The Grinch Stole Christmas! Max will also be on hand as the Grinch makes a rare appearance outside of Who-ville.
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NEW: The Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt– The Grinch has hidden clues of his mischievous plan throughout the resort. Solve riddles to help save the joy of the season and earn a special stocking stuffer upon completion.
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Gingerbread Decorating Corner –Guests can personalize their own gingerbread cookies made fresh by the Gaylord Rockies pastry team, and meet Nutmeg, the resort’s jolly gingerbread mascot.
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Build-A-Bear Workshop® –Personalize a furry friend at Build-A-Bear® and take part in the brand’s one-of-a-kind Heart Ceremony. Add scents, sounds, and outfits to create the perfect gift or Christmas keepsake.
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Photos with Santa –Skip the letter to the North Pole and deliver your wish list in person. Capture a festive photo with Santa and make sure you’re on the nice list.
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Elf Training Academy –Step inside Santa’s Workshop and learn how to become one of his helpers. Led by one of Santa’s top toymakers, guests will complete elf training and craft a holiday keepsake.
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Mrs. Claus Christmas Traditions –Join Mrs. Claus for a cozy celebration of Christmas traditions, including a retelling of ’Twas The Night Before Christmas, carols, and Santa’s favorite cookies and milk.
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Yuletide Street Market in Mistletoe Village –This festive market features wall-to-wall holiday gifts, collectibles, plush toys, home décor, apparel, ornaments, and more.
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Festival of Trees –This holiday fundraiser features beautifully decorated trees available for auction, with proceeds benefiting Lantern (formerly Bright by Text) and its mission to ensure every child has access to trusted early childhood resources.
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Holiday Dining –Enjoy festive meals and seasonal treats across the resort, including holiday menus at select restaurants, themed cocktails, Auntie Anne’s pretzels, and Cinnabon favorites.
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Relâche Spa –Guests can unwind in the award-winning Relâche Spa with seasonal treatments designed to refresh and rejuvenate.
Overnight guests will enjoy perks including:
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“Chill Pass” privileges to the ICE! attraction, offering front-of-line access
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Arapahoe Springs Water Park – Open year-round, the resort’s indoor/outdoor waterpark offers heated pools, thrilling waterslides and family-friendly fun—all exclusively for overnight guests.
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On-Site Dining Reservations
Also being unwrapped are Christmas at Gaylord Rockies packages that include special room rates and admission to select events. Guests are encouraged to book their experiences early, as advance online reservations are required for all ticketed events. Tickets are limited to many of the experiences and peak weekends sell out quickly. For tickets, more information, or to book an overnight stay, guests may visit ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com.
Flagler County AAUW Host AAUW Florida Public Policy Issue Forum Organizer
The American Association of University Women Flagler County (AAUW) hosted Dr. Mary Gatta, AAUW Florida Public Policy Issue Forum Organizer, at their monthly meeting on November 8 at the Cypress Knoll Golf Club. Dr. Gatta provided an overview of the 2025-2027 AAUW Public Policy Principles and Priorities that had been adopted in May.
“AAUW is nonpartisan,” Dr. Gatta reaffirmed, “but we are never neutral about our values. We stand united for equity, education, and opportunity, and we will always speak out when those values are under threat. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.”
The Association’s priorities include support for:
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Affordable, inclusive higher education that yields high-quality credentials or degrees.
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Public funds for strong public K-12 systems.
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Expanded access to vocational and technical STEM training.
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Equal pay for work of equal value.
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Expanded access to paid sick and family leave.
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Affordable child and elder care.
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Access to contraception and reproductive healthcare options.
These priorities, along with civil-rights enforcement, help empower the potential of women and girls to pursue and thrive in any career they choose. They also help to create a pathway to economic security and upward mobility.
The AAUW Flagler County Branch meets on the second Saturday of the month unless otherwise noted. The public is invited to attend but registration is required. For more information about AAUW/Flagler go to www.flaglercounty-fl.aauw.net.
Media Release & Image: AAUW Flagler Chapter Featured Image: AAUW/Flagler President-elect Gale Ulmer, Past-President Elinor Bozzone, current President Gail Palmer, AAUW Florida Organizer Dr. Mary Gatta
SMA Healthcare Celebrates Groundbreaking for Flagler County Central Receiving Facility
BUNNELL – SMA Healthcare celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Flagler County Central Receiving Facility on Tuesday, November 18 in Bunnell. This brand new, state-of-the-art facility will be conveniently situated next to the Vince Carter Sanctuary, which is home to the women’s residential program (WARM) and outpatient services. The estimated completion of this project is November 2026.
“This new central receiving facility is going to bring a transformative level of care to individuals and families in Flagler County,” said SMA Healthcare CEO Ivan Cosimi. “Residents of Flagler will no longer have to leave the county to receive services, and its proximity to our other locations will further enhance the continuum of care.”
This 23,600 square foot facility was brought
forth by a $10 million legislative appropriation from Flagler County. Below is a breakdown of what services will be offered in this new facility:
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Integrated Stabilization Unit (ISU) – this is a short-term inpatient unit for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use crises. There will be 20 ISU beds available.
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Men’s Residential Program – Long-term residential program for adult men with a substance use and/or mental health disorders. There will be 28 residential beds available.
The architect for this project is Dana M. Smith with DJ Design Services, and construction is being completed by Auld & White Construction. Interior Design is being done by HDB Design Group, LLC, and the Civil Engineer is Zev Cohen & Associates.
Flagler County is in the top five of fastest-growing counties in Florida, with a projected population of more than 170,000 by 2030, so the need for this facility is increasing rapidly. More than 4,000 residents of Flagler County have been placed under a Baker Act in the last five years, which is twice the state average. Additionally, the overdose rate over the last five years in Flagler County is 20% more than the state average.
This new facility will quickly make an impact in Flagler County. Law enforcement transfers will be under 15 minutes, and the new facility will provide a reduction in Baker Acts. Further, connection will be made with aftercare within 7 days of discharge. The cost of a day in an ISU is less than $500, compared to $1,200 or more for a day in a hospital for psychiatric care.
The SMA Healthcare Foundation has committed to raising $5 million, over the next few years, to help complete this vital new facility and sustain its life-changing programs. For more information about the project, or to make a donation, please contact Melissa Gabriel, Donor Relations Manager at the SMA Healthcare Foundation, at (386) 301-2253.
Palm Coast City Council Approves Ordinance for Certain Work Vehicles to Park in Driveways
Palm Coast, FL – In an effort to become more business-friendly, the Palm Coast City Council approved Ordinance 2025-xx Chapter 44 to amend Subsection 44-34(c) of the City Code. The approved amendment now allows residents to park certain commercial vehicles or vehicles with advertising in their residential driveways, with specific limitations in place to maintain neighborhood aesthetics and safety.
Key Provisions of the Ordinance include:
One commercial vehicle is permitted per residence.
The vehicle must weigh less than 26,000 pounds.
Any attachments (such as ladders or racks) must not exceed:
2 feet above the vehicle’s height,
2 feet beyond the vehicle’s length,
1 foot wider than the vehicle’s width.
Vehicles and attachments must be well-maintained and safely secured. No loose tools or materials may be left hanging or exposed.
Oversized vehicles (more than 9 feet high and 20 feet long), utility trailers, and boats remain prohibited.
Overnight parking in Swales remains prohibited.
To monitor the impacts of this change, the City Council directed Code Enforcement to provide a report within six months detailing any violations that occur outside the new ordinance.
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Palm Coast City Council Unanimously Selects Michael McGlothlin as Next City Manager Following Competitive Nationwide Search
Palm Coast, FL – The Palm Coast City Council has unanimously selected Mr. Michael McGlothlin as the next City Manager for the City of Palm Coast. This decision follows a comprehensive and competitive recruitment process that included 112 applicants, multiple screening rounds, in-person interviews, and a public meet-and-greet with residents.
“I remain humbled and honored to receive the offer of this tremendous responsibility and opportunity in joining the fantastic team at Palm Coast,” McGlothin responded upon hearing the news. “Of course, very little would please me more than to accept the City’s offer!”
McGlothlin stood out for his extensive municipal leadership experience, strong operational background, and community-focused approach. His vision for Palm Coast’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality city services aligned closely with the priorities of the City Council.
“Mr. McGlothlin demonstrated a clear understanding of Palm Coast’s needs and a strong dedication to public service,” said Mayor Mike Norris. “We look forward to the experience, professionalism, and steady leadership he will bring to our organization.”
McGlothlin brings nearly 40 years of experience in public service, with a distinguished background in municipal management and law enforcement. He most recently served as the Town Administrator for Redington Shores, Florida, and has previously held roles as City Administrator and Police Chief in Oregon. His career includes leadership of multimillion-dollar capital projects, emergency response coordination, and the development of strong community partnerships.
The City of Palm Coast extends sincere appreciation to Mr. David Fraser, who also traveled to Palm Coast on November 13 for a full day of in-person interviews and the community meet-and-greet event. Both finalists were highly qualified, well-prepared, and excellent options, making the final decision especially meaningful for the City Council.
The City also acknowledges the City of Palm Coast Human Resources Department, which conducted the entire recruitment process in-house—from outreach and applicant management to coordinating interviews and public engagement. Their exceptional work ensured a thorough, professional, and transparent selection process that served both the candidates and the community.
Mayor Norris, together with Human Resources Director Renina Fuller, will now begin contract negotiations with McGlothlin, with support from City Attorney Marcus Duffy. McGlothlin’s official start date will be announced once the agreement is finalized.
The City would like to thank all residents who participated, asked questions, and provided feedback throughout this important process.
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Palm Coast City Council Announces Vice Mayor Appointment and Liaison Assignments for Fiscal Year 2026
Palm Coast, FL – At the November 18, 2025, City Council Business Meeting, council members took several organizational steps to prepare for the year ahead, including reviewing their policies and procedures, appointing a Vice Mayor, and confirming liaison positions for the new fiscal year.
During the meeting, Council Member Theresa Pontieri was selected to continue serving as Vice Mayor for Fiscal Year 2026. Council Member Pontieri, who has served on the City Council since November 2022, is currently the longest-serving member of the board. The City Council traditionally appoints a Vice Mayor each November to assist the Mayor in carrying out official duties as needed.
In addition to these leadership appointments, Council Members were designated as liaisons to several local and regional organizations. These assignments strengthen Palm Coast’s partnerships across government, transportation, public safety, housing, and community services—ensuring strong collaboration throughout the 2026 fiscal year.
Liaison Assignments for Fiscal Year 2026 Include:
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Affordable Housing Advisory Committee: Council Member Charles A. Gambaro Jr.
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Family Life Center: Vice Mayor Pontieri
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Flagler County Cultural Council: Vice Mayor Pontieri
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Flagler County Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board : Council Member David Sullivan
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Flagler Schools Oversight Committee: Council Member Ty Miller, Council Member Gambaro
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Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Circuit 7: Council Member Sullivan
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Joint Cities and County Workshop: Mayor Mike Norris, Council Member Miller
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St. Johns River Water Management District: Council Member Gambaro
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Tourist Development Council: Vice Mayor Pontieri
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Volusia-Flagler Transportation Planning Organization: Council Member Miller; Mayor Norris (alternate)
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Northeast Florida Regional Council: Council Member Gambaro
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Flagler Humane Society Liaison: Vice Mayor Pontieri
The City Council remains committed to representing the interests of Palm Coast residents, responding to the city’s evolving needs, and working collaboratively with community partners to strengthen quality of life.
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