23rd Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic Returns to Flagler Beach November 14–16, 2025
Flagler Beach, Fla. — The waves are calling once again as the 23rd Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic returns to Flagler Beach from November 14–16, 2025, bringing together surfers, families, and community members to honor a local legend and celebrate the enduring spirit of togetherness.
What began in 1999 as a community’s heartfelt response to loss has grown into one of the longest-running surf traditions on the East Coast. The event was founded in memory of Tommy Tant, a beloved Flagler Beach surfer who passed away unexpectedly in 1998. Over two decades later, the surf classic stands as a living testament to resilience—how hope and meaning can rise from even the hardest waves.
Each year, the competition attracts professional and amateur surfers from across the East Coast, along with global surf brands, local small businesses, and healthcare partners. The 2025 event will feature 19 divisions for all ages and skill levels, with the Pro Men’s and Women’s Divisions competing for a $12,000 total prize purse.
A highlight for attendees, the event raffle offers visitors a chance to win premium surf gear, travel packages, and locally crafted products generously donated by sponsors and artisans. Proceeds from the event directly support local scholarships, food banks, and The Marfan Foundation, which funds research into connective tissue disorders like the one that affected Tommy. Since its founding, the Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic has raised over $200,000 for these causes.
“This contest has always been about more than surfing or remembering Tommy,” said Will Tant, event director and Tommy’s younger brother. “The reason his loss was felt so deeply is because of the depth of the friendships we shared. At its core, this event is a celebration of friendship, family, and community—how the connections we share with one another enrich our lives and bring meaning.”
Weekend Highlights
Families and spectators are invited to the Flagler Beach Boardwalk to watch elite surfers carve the waves, explore local vendors, enjoy a kids’ craft area, and take part in a meaningful weekend that honors both athleticism and community spirit.
Event Schedule
Kickoff Party
📍 The Golden Lion Café
🕕 Friday, November 14 | 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate opening night with live and silent auctions featuring top prizes—including a surf trip for two to Nicaragua, a Hammock Beach Resort golf getaway, a custom Channel Islands surfboard, and more. The evening will also include a special announcement about the organization’s expanded vision.
Surf Classic Competition
📍 South of the Flagler Beach Pier
🗓️ Saturday–Sunday, November 15–16, 2025
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Men’s & Women’s Pro Divisions ($12,000 total purse)
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Amateur divisions for all ages
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Raffles, merchandise, and kids’ crafts
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Memorial paddle-out honoring loved ones (Sunday afternoon)
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Awards ceremony (Sunday evening)
Community Pride Shines at 3rd Annual Veterans Day Parade in Bunnell
Bunnell, Fla. — November 11, 2025. Patriotic flags waved high over Moody Boulevard as the 3rd Annual Bunnell Veterans Day Parade brought residents, students, and local leaders together to honor the men and women who have served our nation.
It was everything you could want in a hometown parade — unity, gratitude, and a powerful reminder of what Veterans Day represents. As tensions in Washington continue to affect service members nationwide, communities like Flagler County are showing that their veterans will always be valued, remembered, and celebrated.
Local Students Honor Veterans
Among the parade participants were Matanzas High School cheerleaders Kaylee Kimble and Melohdi Smith, who proudly represented their school while showing appreciation for local veterans.
“I was like, it’s going to be so cold — but it’s so fun,” said Smith. “I love supporting our veterans and the people who serve for this country.”
“It was great,” added Kimble.
For Kimble’s mother, Brittany Dickerson, the day was personal and emotional.
“It was an honor for my daughter to participate for the long line of veterans in our family,” she shared.
A Flag Flies High Over Bunnell
With more than 50 floats, organizations, and community groups participating, the Bunnell Veterans Day Parade filled downtown streets with color and pride. A massive American flag stretched across Moody Boulevard — a display courtesy of John’s Towing, operated by Bunnell Vice Mayor John Rogers.
“We’re just out here doing our part. We love this community,” said Rogers. “Chief David Brannon put this together, and he’s amazing. The kids are having a blast, the whole community’s having a blast. Anytime we can get together and celebrate our veterans and our great nation, it’s a win.”
Veterans Ceremony and Award Presentation
The parade concluded at the Flagler County Government Services Building, where Flagler County Veterans Services Officer David Lydon led the annual ceremony honoring local heroes.
During the event, Colonel Gary E. DeKay Veteran of the Year Award was presented to Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Chief Mark Strobridge, recognizing his lifetime of service and leadership.
“There are so many people I could name that are more deserving than I am of this award,” said Strobridge. “Every veteran wrote that check — ‘send me, I will go and stand between you and danger.’ I’m thankful to have worked with a great team and had a great mentor in Sheriff Rick Staly, who’s guided me for more than 40 years. I’ve had so many great examples in my life, and I’m very appreciative of all of them.”
A Community United in Gratitude
Supported by service organizations and Flagler County Assist, as the music faded and the final floats rolled by, one thing was clear — in Flagler County, honoring veterans is more than a tradition. It’s a shared commitment to community, country, and the values that unite us all.
AdventHealth Opens its First Clinic in St. Johns County, Expanding Local Access to Expert Specialty Care
PALM COAST, Fla., Nov. 10, 2025 – Residents of St. Johns County now have easier access to specialty medical care with the opening of AdventHealth Medical Group’s first clinic in the area.
The 3,000-square-foot facility, located at 1000 Plantation Island Drive, Suites 2A, 2C and 2D in St. Augustine, brings together physicians specializing in cardiology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, urogynecology, nephrology, neurosurgery, bariatric surgery, vascular and general surgery.
For local residents, the new clinic means fewer drives across county lines for specialty care — and a stronger connection to a network designed to help people stay healthy close to home.
“Our goal is simple: to make it easier for people to get the care they need, when and where they need it,” said Bryan Mueller, President and CEO of AdventHealth Medical Group. “This clinic brings expert physicians closer to home in an environment built around convenience, compassion, and connection.”
AdventHealth’s expansion into St. Johns County builds on more than two decades of caring for patients in neighboring Flagler County, where the health system has invested more than $200 million in new facilities and services, including a hospital, cancer treatment center, and additional physicians.
“Having the presence we have had in Flagler County for many years now, it’s a natural extension to move across the county lines and offer that same care here in St. Augustine,” said Denyse Bales-Chubb, president and CEO for AdventHealth’s Flagler and St. Johns market.
The new clinic is one of several projects underway in St. Johns County. Earlier this year, AdventHealth broke ground on a 12-bed freestanding emergency department along State Road 207 near Wildwood Drive, expected to open in 2026. The facility will provide 24/7 emergency care closer to home — reducing transport times and connecting residents with life-saving care in critical moments.
The new clinic, the forthcoming State Road 207 emergency department, and plans for a future site in the World Commerce Center area reflects AdventHealth’s growing footprint in St. Johns County — giving local residents access to both every day and emergency care without leaving their community.
In February, AdventHealth purchased 21.5 acres in the World Commerce Center area, setting the stage for future development to meet the county’s growing health care needs.
Headquartered in Central Florida, AdventHealth operates 32 hospitals, nearly two dozen freestanding emergency rooms, and hundreds of clinics statewide. Its northward expansion to St. Johns County continues the organization’s mission to extend Christ’s healing ministry and make whole-person care accessible to more people — body, mind, and spirit.
Media Release: AdventHealth East Florida Division
Twenty-Four Residents Graduate from the 58th Palm Coast Citizens Academy
Palm Coast – Twenty-four residents of Palm Coast celebrated their graduation from the 58th session of the Palm Coast Citizens Academy during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
The academy session, which began on September 15, 2025, and concluded on November 3, 2025, gave participants a behind-the-scenes look at how city government operates. Over the course of several weeks, participants engaged directly with City staff and leadership to gain a better understanding of the services, departments, and day-to-day operations that keep Palm Coast running.
Graduates of this session include Antonio Amaral, Dennis Bowman, Jenny Bowman, Esleiden Confeiteiro, Belkis Esquivel, Diane Hardos, John Hardos, Christy Heimbrock, Kathleen Hofer, Bill Iseldyke, Annie Kim, Nico Lauw, Kelsie Lombard, Ronald Long, Angeline Manze, John Manze, Linda McCann, Robert McCann, Shannon McCurdy, Marijo St. Laurent Dean, Catherine Saris, Jude Steele, Darlene Suchecki, and Jadzia Waloch.
The Palm Coast Citizens Academy is a free, comprehensive program designed to provide insights into various city departments such as Utilities, Stormwater & Engineering, Financial Services, Parks & Recreation, Community Development, Public Works, and the Fire Department. Organized by the City’s Communications & Marketing Department, the academy offers interactive sessions with city officials, including council members, the city manager, and department directors. The program is held twice a year, with an evening session in the spring and an afternoon session in the fall, accommodating up to 30 participants per session.
“Congratulations to our 58th Citizens Academy graduates!” said Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston. “We love seeing residents take the time to learn how their city operates and connect with the people who help make it all happen. This program opens the door to what goes on behind the scenes here in Palm Coast, and we’re incredibly proud of this group for stepping up, getting engaged, and being part of our community’s future.”
Registration is now open for the next sessions of the Palm Coast Citizens Academy. Sign up by clicking this link. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email the Communications and Marketing Department at communications@palmcoastgov.com.
For residents who are unable to attend the in-person Citizen’s Academy, the City also offers a Virtual Citizen’s Academy at palmcoastgov.com/palm-coasters/citizens-academy/virtual, providing an accessible way to explore city government through on-demand modules.
Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Flagler Cares Launches 2nd Annual “Keep the Holiday Lights On” Campaign
Palm Coast, Fla. — The holidays are shining a little brighter in Flagler County thanks to a simple but powerful idea from Flagler Cares — neighbors helping neighbors keep their lights on.
After surpassing last year’s goal and brightening the season for 101 local families, Flagler Cares has launched its Second Annual “Keep the Holiday Lights On” campaign, once again inviting the community to come together to support families struggling to make ends meet.
The campaign aims to sponsor 100 homes at $100 each, covering one month’s electric bill for households who might otherwise face a utility shut-off during the holidays. Every dollar raised helps keep families safe, warm, and connected — turning on more than just lights, but hope.
“Each day, Flagler Cares staff hear firsthand about the challenges our neighbors face in making ends meet,” said Carrie Baird, Chief Executive Officer of Flagler Cares. “With this campaign, we want to make sure families and seniors don’t have to choose between paying their electric bill and celebrating the holidays. It’s a simple but powerful way for our community to extend a hand — neighbors helping neighbors with the most basic needs.”
Last year’s campaign began as a local experiment in compassion — and grew into something extraordinary. Donations poured in from across the county, quickly surpassing the $10,000 goal and ensuring more than one hundred families could enjoy the holidays without the fear of going dark.
Because of that generosity, 101 households in Flagler County had one less burden to carry. For many, it meant their children could see the tree twinkle on Christmas morning or that a senior living alone didn’t have to spend the holidays in the dark.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for lighting up our community with your kindness and support. Together, we made the holidays a little brighter,” the Flagler Cares team shared in 2024.
This year, the “Keep the Holiday Lights On” campaign runs through December 31, 2025. Donations can be made online at www.flaglercares.org/holiday
, or by mailing or dropping off a check at Flagler Cares, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B302, Palm Coast, FL 32164.
As homes are sponsored, donors can track the campaign’s progress online — each “lit” home symbolizing another family whose season just got a little brighter.
Families seeking help may apply for assistance beginning December 1, also through the Flagler Cares website. In addition to utility assistance, each applicant will be connected with Flagler Cares’ wrap-around services, ensuring they have access to ongoing resources, care coordination, and long-term stability.
For more information or to sponsor a home, visit www.flaglercares.org/holiday
or call (386) 319-9483 ext. 7.
3rd Annual Flagler Veterans Day Parade Set to Honor Local Heroes
Bunnell, FL – November 10, 2025 – The City of Bunnell, Flagler County, City of Palm Coast, City of Flagler Beach, Town of Marineland, and Town of Beverly Beach are proud to announce the highly-anticipated 3rd Annual Veterans Day Parade, set to take place on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM. This patriotic extravaganza brings together communities across Flagler County to honor our brave veterans and express our heartfelt gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
Initiated by the City of Bunnell, the parade continues to grow with the support of local stakeholders. Last year’s event featured over 50 parade entries, and this year will be bigger and better.
The parade route spans less than a mile, starting near the Historic Bunnell Coquina City Hall and concluding at the Government Services Building. The route will be filled with lively floats, marching bands, and community organizations celebrating our veterans, ensuring an enjoyable experience for participants and spectators alike.
This year, we especially encourage everyone to come out including veterans from every branch of the military. It’s an opportunity for veterans to connect with their community and share their stories with a grateful audience. Expect to see parade floats, walkers, and riders.
For more information about the Veterans Day Parade, including details on detours, please visit the official event website at flaglerveteransdayparade.com The website provides updates on the parade route, parking, and other essential information for attendees.
The parade is only the beginning of the day’s festivities. Following the parade, Flagler County Government will host the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Government Services Building. The ceremony will pay tribute to our veterans with speeches, music, and a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. Lunch will be provided to our veterans following the ceremony.
Please make sure you come out for the Flagler Veterans Day Parade in the City of Bunnell on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Let us unite as a community to honor our veterans and celebrate their incredible contributions to our nation.
Website: flaglerveteransdayparade.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/flaglerveteransdayparade
FCSO SMART Program Participants Construct Dog Shelters as Part of Flagler Humane Society Service Project
BUNNELL, Fla. — Male inmates participating in FCSO’s nationally recognized SMART (Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment) Program have completed the construction of four large dog shelters—each measuring 12 feet tall and 12 feet by 12 feet wide—to provide shade and a safe, comfortable environment for sheltered dogs during kennel cleaning sessions.
The shelter project, which is part of an ongoing partnership with the Flagler Humane Society, is an extension of FCSO’s kitten-fostering initiative, which launched earlier this year to allow female SMART Program participants to care for vulnerable and orphaned kittens by helping them grow and prepare for adoption while at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. Both initiatives provide meaningful community service that promotes animal welfare while supporting personal growth and development. While the men’s program centers on construction and physical tasks, the women’s program emphasizes compassion and care.
Through the construction phase of the shelter project, the male inmates developed not only construction skills but also discipline, teamwork, responsibility, and a sense of purpose. Now that this phase is complete, the inmates will continue to perform structured tasks to further assist in their rehabilitation. These tasks will help them build positive habits that support their recovery and reintegration into the community.
“This program continues to show that when you combine structure, responsibility, and accountability with volunteerism, inmates can turn their lives around and become productive law-abiding residents,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Our nationally recognized SMART Program is changing lives while also supporting our community, and I’m proud of the work these inmates have done.”
Both service projects are part of the FCSO’s ongoing efforts to support mental health and promote a deeper sense of accountability and emotional connection among inmates. They build upon the SMART model’s proven success in reducing re-arrest rates and enhancing the lives of those battling substance abuse.
If you would like to adopt a dog or kitten, you may visit the Flagler Humane Society. Visit their website to learn more.
Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak … The Impact of Transformational Leadership
