July 4, 2021 – Tropical Storm Elsa is in the Caribbean about 800 miles away from Flagler County, but the current indications are that she will still be packing a punch upon arrival Tuesday into Wednesday – causing potentially heavy rain, strong winds, and possibly downed trees and power lines.
Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord is asking businesses and residents to use Monday to ensure disaster supply kits are stocked, and to secure outdoor items that could become projectiles.
“We’ve been getting a lot of rain, which means our soil is saturated and there is a greater possibility we’ll have downed trees – and therefore downed power lines,” Lord said. “If we have downed power lines, some people will lose electricity. Be ready for it.”
What Flagler County can expect when the forces of Elsa arrive are:
· Tropical-storm strength winds over 39 mph
· 2 to 4 inches of rain, locally heavier in some areas
· Localized roadway flooding in low-lying areas
· Downed trees
Secure lightweight lawn items such as:
· Patio furniture
· Garden ornaments
· Small potted plants
· Trampolines
“Also remember to check flashlight batteries, and generators if you have them,” Lord said. “We could see some power outages.”
Palm Coast, FL – Get read to celebrate Independence Day with Palm Coast’s “Fireworks in the Park” on Saturday, July 3 at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Avenue. Fireworks will be set off around 9:15 p.m. next to City Hall featuring more than 1,000 exploding shells and a jaw-dropping finale.
The 20-minute-long pyrotechnic show is produced by Santore and the fireworks are funded by a grant from the Flagler County Tourist Development Council.
There is no charge for entry, parking or participation. Food and drinks will not be available for purchase, so please feel free to bring along your own food, chairs and blankets for your picnic in the park.
The City of Palm Coast is planning several strategies related to traffic flow, temporary road closures, and parking. Beginning at 5 p.m., City Place north of Lake Ave and Lake Ave east of City Place will be closed off. That area at the back side of Central Park is where the fireworks will be set off at 9:15 p.m.
Parking around Central Park will be first come, first serve. Overflow parking will be available in the grass lot east of Park Street by the lake. There may be additional grass parking depending on the weather leading up to the event. Arrive early for the best parking!
At 7 p.m. in Central Park, the Palm Coast City Council joined by elected officials from Flagler County will take part in the reading of the Declaration of Independence during an Independence Day ceremony. The Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard will present the colors and the Palm Coast Community Band will perform the Star Spangled Banner.
For those visiting Freedom Fest at the airport prior to Fireworks in the Park, please plan to make your way over to Central Park by 8 p.m. Anyone not in place by 8:15 p.m. may not have access to the fireworks show.
As of 9 p.m., roads will be closed down and no one will be able to leave until the conclusion of the fireworks event. Vehicles will need to remain in their parking spaces until public safety officials open the roads.
After the event, traffic will be routed out of Town Center in two directions: Park Street will be routed out west to Central Avenue then to Belle Terre Parkway and City Place will be routed out east to Central Avenue then to Town Center Blvd.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will maintain traffic control, crosswalks, and parking along with assistance by the Palm Coast Public Works team.
Please help us keep Central Park beautiful. Remember what comes in must go out. For more information, contact Palm Coast Parks & Recreation at 386-986-2323.
Media Release: Written By: Brittany Kershaw, Director of Public Information and Engagement
June 22, 2021 – Warbirds and whirlybirds a plenty – including some that can be hired for rides – will descend on the Flagler Executive Airport for the July 3 Freedom Fest. Gates open at 10 a.m., and opening ceremonies begin at noon at the concert stage.
Attendees can use this QR code for a complete schedule of events.
“Freedom Fest is an event to salute our veterans, both past and present,” said Airport Director Roy Sieger of the event scheduled to celebrate Independence Day, the federal holiday commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. “It will be a great day to celebrate our veterans and active servicemen and -women, as well as the freedoms we have here in this country.”
The event was cancelled last year because of COVID-19, but returns this year with concerts, static vintage and modern military aircraft and vehicles, and flybys. Food and beverage vendors will provide a variety of treats and refreshments.
Entry is free of charge, with shuttles to and from the Flagler Palm Coast High School. Parking at the Flagler Executive Airport is $5.
“We’ll have some Big Iron at the event this year, ‘Killer Bee’ a B-25 bomber and ‘Tico Belle’ – a C-47 troop/cargo transporter that was part of the Normandy invasion – are a couple of the big stars of the show,” Sieger said. “It’s a great chance for area families to see dozens of aircraft up close, talk to the pilots and take pictures.”
One unique feature of Freedom Fest is a variety of aircraft in flight for the fly-by parade, which provides a rare opportunity to take close-up photos and videos of the aircraft in flight.
Whether part of the static display or in flight, festival goers will have the opportunity to see the following:
Tico Belle C-47 World War II troop/cargo aircraft
T-6 Texan World War II advanced trainer
B-25 Mitchell World War II bomber
BT-13 Valiant World War II basic trainer
Florida Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter
UH-1 Iroquois, also known as a “Huey”
AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter
T-28 Trojan trainer aircraft
PT-17 Stearman trainer aircraft
L-39 Albatros high-performance jet trainer
CJ-6 Nanchang Chinese basic trainer
L-19 Bird Dog observation aircraft
TB 30 Epsilon military trainer
O-2 Skymaster
Navy SH-60 Seahawk utility helicopter
T-34 Mentor military trainer
L-16 Aeronca military liaison aircraft
Opening ceremonies will include a welcome from the Board of County Commissioners and Sieger, local jazz artist Linda Cole will sing God Bless America and the National Anthem, Representative Paul Renner will lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Warbird Parade Flyby with skydivers.
Flight formations continue throughout the afternoon. There will be model aircraft demonstrations from 1 to 3:30 p.m. There will be an American Flag Project presentation at 3:30 p.m. by Nikki White. Rides on a Huey, Cobra, and T-6 Texan are available throughout the afternoon – prices vary.
Live music includes: Eli Mosley country music from 4 to 5:30 p.m.; “Soul Fire Mo-Town” from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m.; and, the “Slippery When Wet” Bon Jovi tribute band from 8 to 9:15 p.m.
There will be an invocation, National Anthem and final flyover between 7:30 and 8 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:20 p.m. from Central Park.
Freedom Fest is a six-year partnership with Flagler Broadcasting and its six local radio stations who are in charge of marketing, vendors, sponsors and entertainment.
“Freedom Fest is a fun family day that brings us all together,” said David Ayres, Flagler Broadcasting’s vice president and general manager. “With free admission and parking at Flagler Palm Coast High School, it’s a day everybody can safely enjoy.”
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the Flip My Florida Yard (FMFY) television series is seeking nine Florida homeowners who want help “flipping” their yard into a Florida-Friendly landscape.
The FMFY team will work with the selected homeowners to determine how to flip the yard, develop a landscape design and bring it to life. This may mean replacing plant beds, installing irrigation systems and/or rethinking current maintenance practices. Depending on the size and needs of the landscape, a yard or a portion of the yard could be flipped.
The FMFY show will travel to homes around the state for the ultimate Florida-Friendly makeover, transforming selected yards to help protect and conserve Florida’s natural resources through science-based landscape practices. The landscape designs are based upon the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL): right plant, right place; water efficiently; fertilize appropriately; mulch; attract wildlife; manage yard pests responsibly; recycle yard waste; reduce stormwater runoff; and protect the waterfront.
DEP has partnered with UF/IFAS for over two decades and provided grant funding to administer the successful statewide FFL program. Floridians are encouraged to use low-maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices to save time, energy and money while protecting the state’s unique environment.
Starting July 2021, season one of FMFY will be streaming on the Discover Florida channel.
Featured Photo: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/ffl-examples/home-photos/
Pulling the overnight shift, Freddie Maresco, Don Wessels, Anthony Cinelli, Mac Cinelli and Terry Potter make contact with other amateur ham radio operators in North and South America during the 2021 Ham Radio Field Day 24-hour event, held across the nation, as part of the Flagler Palm Coast Amateur Radio Club.
Flagler County, FL – Don Wessels picked up his amateur radio license at the age of 11. Heading into the local amateur radio club in Watseka, Illinois in 1964, it was just two decades after the end of World War II, and among the club members were members of The Greatest Generation. Sharing their knowledge, he learned Morse code and how to use “ham radios” from some of history’s greatest communicators.
Don Wessels picked up his amateur radio license at the age of 11, learning from World War II veterans at local radio club in Illinois as a youth. Today he took part in the 2021 Ham Radio Field Day 24-hour event, held across the nation, as part of the Flagler Palm Coast Amateur Radio Club.
On Saturday at the Hammock Community Center, Wessels was one of five licensed ham radio operators pulling the graveyard shift and taking part in the 24-hour Amateur Radio field day exercises from June 26-27th.
“These guys were middle aged guys banging on telegraph keys and talking all around the world,” recalled Wessels. “I got into it because I thought it was really cool.”
It’s such a cool hobby that with perfect timing and permission you could even communicate with the International Space Station.
Making contact with operators in North and South America during the event, newly licensed operator Terry Potter was thrilled to make contact with his very first long distance operator in Broadnax, Virginia.
He’d joined the Flagler Palm Coast Amateur Radio Club (FPARC) to learn more about the hobby that boasts 779,648 licensed operators in the United States and more than 3 million worldwide.
New to amateur radio, Terry Potter made his first contact with another operator in Virginia during the 2021 Ham Radio Field Day 24-hour event, held across the nation, as part of the Flagler Palm Coast Amateur Radio Club, on June 26, 2021, as part of the overnight shift at the Hammock Community Center.
“I joined the club so I could learn how. This field day is a great experience to get on the air and learn a lot,” he said, helping to put up a mobile antenna earlier in the day.
Assisting Potter with his first event, Anthony Cinelli, president of FPARC and his son 18-year old Mac (Martin) were also on the overnight shift.
Making contact with Puerto Rico, New York, New Jersey, Alabama, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Canada, and even picking up England, it’s an exciting hobby for the father and son to do together.
Hanging with the guys, Mac says it’s been useful in his future studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as an aspiring aerospace engineering specializing in propulsion to ‘build faster rockets to go farther than ever before’.
“We’ve been participating in these events since I was born, before I could walk,” said Mac. “When I first got my license at 16, I didn’t realize at the time how valuable (it was) and how much it would teach me.”
Dad Anthony Cinelli has been an amateur operator since 2000. He says 9/11 and living in south Florida during hurricane season changed his perspective about emergency communications in a disaster situation.
“I got interested in it in college. I saw the value in being able to do something to help out,” he said, noting that when a disaster strikes and traditional communications methods are down, ham radio operators can be that lifeline to communicating with people in the disaster zone.
“We have operators who will try to get a message to your loved ones,” he said.
Anthony Cinelli, President of the Flagler Palm Coast Amateur Radio Club, pulls a 24-hour shift during the 2021 Ham Radio Field Day 24-hour event, held across the nation, at the Hammock Community Center, on Saturday, June 26, 2021.
Getting started seems relatively easy. All you’d need is a 100 watt radio, a 12 volt battery – or a car battery, and a wire up in a tree, to get up and running, but he advises consulting those with more experience first.
“If you’re starting from scratch, I’d tell you to join your local club because the members are a wealth of knowledge. In ham radio lingo, the people who help you get started are ‘Elmers’,” said Cinelli. “We’ve got all different skill levels in the club.
Comparing it to a golf or fishing hobby, Cinelli says it’s a common activity for people who have science, technology, engineering or mathematics jobs.
“Some people play golf, we play radio. There are people from all walks of life who have STEM jobs that want to do this kind of thing for fun.”
Working with the Flagler Emergency Communications Association, Daytona Beach Amateur Radio Association and Flagler County’s REACT team, the annual field day operations are an exercise in keeping skills sharp, especially in an emergency situation and building a rapport with other operators locally and across the nation.
“The whole point of field day is to put up makeshift antennas and radio stations, pretend there’s an emergency, run away from home, and see how many contacts you can make with other groups and stations doing the same thing,” said Cinelli.
“We’re practicing for an emergency because you never know when something’s going to happen,” he said, appreciative that Flagler County Emergency Operations had granted them emergency operations status for the purpose of the exercise.
“At the end of the day, we’re here to help the county and people of the county. We’re here for emergency management but also for the residents.”
Featured Photo: Pulling the overnight shift, Freddie Maresco, Don Wessels, Anthony Cinelli, Mac Cinelli and Terry Potter make contact with other amateur ham radio operators in North and South America during the 2021 Ham Radio Field Day 24-hour event, held across the nation, as part of the Flagler Palm Coast Amateur Radio Club.
The 4th of July is a time to celebrate our great nation and the many freedoms we enjoy. But, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office warns that if you decide to drink and drive, you will lose your freedom and be taken to see new bars at the Green Roof Inn.
Starting Friday, July 2, 2021, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) will be participating in a Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort (CARE) Patrol Operation. It will run thru July 5, 2021.
Operation CARE focuses on increased law enforcement presence on Interstates and U.S. Highways across the state during specific high-crash periods, to reduce crashes.
Members of the FCSO Motor/Traffic Unit will conduct separate enforcement details, which will target seatbelt violations, speeding, and aggressive driving. Deputies will provide an increased presence on roadways experiencing high-traffic volume and be responsible for monitoring traffic patterns, providing enforcement, and awareness to motorists.
In addition to responding to calls for service, the patrol units will increase traffic enforcement and be watching for impaired drivers. FCSO will also increase patrols at beach approaches and will provide a highly-visible deputy presence on foot and ATV within the parking lots and on the beaches.
Another goal for this 4th of July weekend is to reduce and prevent crime opportunities through proactive measures. FCSO reminds residents and visitors to do some basic crime prevention strategies:
Lock your car doors and hide personal valuables.
Be aware of your surroundings, be alert and report any suspicious activity.
Do not leave purses/handbags, cell phones, and packages in your vehicle or visible.
The Marine Unit will provide high-visibility patrols on the intra-coastal waterway and canals, monitoring the waterways for boaters under the influence along with unsafe vessel operation.
“Operation CARE has been implemented to enhance safety for everyone throughout the county,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “I know the holiday weekend is exciting for many, but we ask the community to remember to follow the laws of the roadway, not drive distracted or drunk, and to help prevent becoming victims by locking your cars. We are doing our best to plan for a safe, festive holiday weekend and ask you to join us and do your part to prevent crime. Please also be mindful of how fireworks may affect your pets along with the local laws about firework use. We hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July, as we celebrate America’s 245th year of Independence!”
In addition to operations like CARE, in March 2021, the FCSO kicked off Operation T.I.D.E.S., a year-long countywide traffic enforcement operation focusing on deterring Texting while Driving, Impaired driving, driving while Distracted or Exhausted, and Speeding (T.I.D.E.S.) with Bunnell PD, Flagler Beach PD, and FHP.
In 2020, Flagler County experienced an increase in fatal crashes and crashes with injuries, and the data revealed the majority of these crashes occurred on state roads. The focus for Operation T.I.D.E.S. and Operation C.A.R.E. will be state roads including Interstate 95, US-1, SR-11, SR-100, and SR-A1A.
While there is a high concentration of efforts across multiple agencies for Operation C.A.R.E., the FCSO remains vigilant 365 days a year on roadways in Flagler County. During the 4th of July weekend, the FCSO will be out on the roadways and waterways to ensure everyone obeys the law and does not drive or boat under the influence. Remember, drive sober or get pulled over!
Date: July 1, 2021
Prepared by: Melissa Morreale
Phone and Email: 386-529-4086; mmorreale@flaglersheriff.comRelease #: 2021-146
One minute it’s 2006, and a bright high school senior is taking part in what was then a rare dual-enrollment program to earn an associate’s degree in office administration. But in the next moment, and before finishing her degree, that keen student is a single mother doing what moms do best – putting her own life on the backburner to focus all of her energy and attention on her children.
Flagler County Procurement Analyst Leanne Burke has a bit of advice for young women who find themselves in her position: “Don’t give up.”
After 15 years of starts and stops, Burke finished her last class with an A. She hasn’t even hung her diploma on her office wall, but is about to start a new academic venture – a bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences Supervision and Management from Daytona State College.
“You get in this weird place where you start to doubt yourself. I was beginning to think that I just couldn’t do this, finish my degree,” Burke said. “Getting an A in my last class, a speech class that I was dreading, really lifted my confidence.”
Burke has worked for the county since October 2019, first as an administrative assistant for the Financial Services Department before recently applying for – and getting – her current position in purchasing. She worked for the City of Bunnell as a cashier in its utility department before coming to the county.
Her potential was never in question to her immediate supervisor, Purchasing Manager Holly Durrance.
“I knew she’d be great in purchasing, because of everything she did to help me last Spring with the start of COVID and all the supplies we had to scramble to procure,” Durrance said. “I am so proud of her. She has come such a long way.”
Financial Services Director John Brower said his department embraces continual learning.
“When one of us achieves a milestone such as this we all feel a sense of pride,” Brower said. “Leanne is an amazing person, and an amazing part of our team. Her commitment to personal and professional growth is an inspiration. She has a very bright future.”
Burke is also in the process of earning her Public Procurement Associate Designation through the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing.
“There is so much more that I plan to do, but I have to be in my position for a certain length of time before I can test for the next level of certification,” she said. “Before, I kind of felt like I was stuck – like there wasn’t room for professional growth. I don’t feel that way anymore.”
The biggest perk Burke said of her continuing education – and the opportunities it has afforded her – is the influence it has on her three children.
“My oldest, Maci, is about to start FPC (Flagler Palm Coast High School), and she’s in all advanced classes,” Burke said, also noting she’s into cheerleading. “She’ll have a mentor for all for years of high school because she’s been accepted into the ‘Take Stock in Children’ scholarship program, which was an intense application and interview program.”
The program – a non-profit organization in Florida that identifies at risk, low income students and provides support to help them break the cycle of poverty through education – is administered locally by the Flagler County Education Foundation.
“She’ll meet with her mentor once a week for the entire four years,” Burke said, noting that her own mentors, like Durrance, gave her the needed nudge to continue her education. “It’s after they finish that they get a two-year scholarship to any Florida college.”
Burke said the positive effects have also landed on her two younger children, Dylan and Bella, both Bunnell Elementary School students who both play football.
“Bella was in cheer, but she wanted to play football. She’s so cute,” she said as she pulled up a picture on her cell phone of the little girl with a look of determination equal to any professional player on the gridiron. “I just want my kids to know they can do anything.”
Palm Coast, FL – As the local reigning queen of comedy, Cristy B is having a really lucky 2021.
Packing the house for not one but two shows at the Hilton Garden Inn on Saturday night in Palm Coast, it wasn’t just sold out, it was over sold as patrons eager for a laugh continued to turn up at the door in hopes of seeing Saturday Night Live alum Chris Kattan.
Tammy Krieger, Kirk Keller, Karen Dion Clair and Heather Keller attend the sold out Comedy Night with Chris Kattan and Friends, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Palm Coast on Saturday, June 26, 2021.
Hotel staff brought in additional tables and chairs to accommodate the overflow in a testament to the popularity of the performers and the quality of shows under the Cristy B Comedy banner.
Heading in early for dinner, legends in their own right Hollywood actors John Byner and Annie Gaybis booked tickets for the 9:30 p.m. show. A star of the silver screen and television, Byner had performed on Broadway with Kattan in 2004 and was looking forward to catching up with the fellow actor and comedian.
Danielle Anderson, Annie Gaybis, John Byner, Laura Zubulonis, Scott MacKenzie
“I know Chris from New York. We rehearsed for The Frogs together, which was a play and musical. Nathan Lane starred in it, and he invited both of us to be in it with him,” shared Byner, a longtime comedian and impressionist whose appearances include the Ed Sullivan and David Letterman shows.
“It’s a nice surprise for me,” he said, of seeing Kattan again.
Letting out the first seating, patron Stephanie Barrow had drawn the personal attention of the comedy star during his first routine, making it a night she and husband Bobby, would never forget.
“I had to pee real bad and he really thought how I said it apparently was sexy,” she said with a giggle. “I didn’t expect that, but it was pretty funny.”
Bobby and Stephanie Barrow attend sold out Comedy Night with Chris Kattan and Friends, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Palm Coast on Saturday, June 26, 2021.
Fans of Cristy B’s comedy shows, the pair love seeing who she’ll bring in next.
“I love Cristy B so I could not go to one of her shows. I knew Chris Kattan was playing and we just had to be here. We’ve been going to her shows for years now, my husband and myself, for four or five years now and it’s really amazing.”
Growing from a one night comedy performance as a bucket list item less than 10 years ago into a comedy pro booking talent along her own triple circuit of comedy rooms at The Plaza Resort and Spa in Daytona Beach, 31 Supper Club in swanky Ormond Beach, and the Hilton Garden Inn in Palm Coast, Cristy B’s come a long way since fine-tuning her skills at Jackie Knight’s Comedy Club in St. Augustine.
“I’m working with some really great agents right now and it was time for me to step it up a notch and bring in some A-List comics,” she said. “I’ve been working towards this for seven years, and I have a lot of really great names on the line up for the rest of the year.”
Scott McKenzie joins Laura Zee and hubby John Zubulonis for the sold out Comedy Night with Chris Kattan and Friends, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Palm Coast on Saturday, June 26, 2021.
“I have a three day run for these comics which is very exciting for them. Things like that help get these bigger names so they’re not coming in for just a one night show,” she said.
Discussing her talent wish list with fellow comedienne Michelle Keith, her right hand in all the productions, they have it down to a science. Ron White/Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Josh Blue/Last Comic Standing, Drew Lynch/America’s Got Talent, Taylor Thomlinson/Quarter Life Crisis: Netflix, Brad Williams/About Last Night.
The best thing about Cristy B’s model is her willingness to give aspiring comedians a hand up. Pairing up-and-coming talent with big names like Chris Kattan or last show’s Preacher Lawson, it’s a chance for them to earn their big break.
“What we try to do is incorporate some of the local talent and put them up with somebody like Chris Kattan, so I’m utilizing our Florida-based comedians and giving them an opportunity to work with someone like that. I try to use the local talent with these bigger shows, and they’re so grateful.”
“2021 started out to be a really great year. I had Carlos Mencia booked in Ormond Beach for three shows. He was my first big name, then Preacher Lawson, I had him here at Hilton, and now I’ve got Chris Kattan. I’ve got on the line up for July Chris Porter, he has a Netflix special ‘Ugly and Angry’, and on Season 4 of Last Comic Standing. Very funny guy and selling out shows everywhere. He’ll be there July 10th.”
As the portfolio grows, so does Cristy B Comedy’s staff, allowing her time to do what she loves best.
“It’s a small company but it’s a great team,” she said. “If I can bring in people like Chris Kattan and people can get together and laugh, it’s still my favorite thing in the world.”
Featured Photo: Sound Engineer John Krieger, Cristy B and Chris Kattan. Photo courtesy John Krieger.
St. Augustine, FL – (June 29, 2021) -There are plenty of new things to celebrate this July on Florida’s Historic Coast. Life is returning to normal for many. The beaches are beautiful, the music is playing and events have returned.
On July 4, Fireworks Over the Matanzas returns with a Concert in the Plaza followed by one of the largest displays of fireworks on the East Coast- exploding above the majestic Castillo de San Marcos. Then on July 10, the Bicentennial of the Changing of the Flags – when Florida became a U.S. Territory, will be celebrated at a series of cultural reenactments, ceremonies and performances throughout the day. In early September, St. Augustine celebrates Founder’s Day with a full day of events including the reenactment of Pedro Menendez’ September 8, 1565 landing.
And staying here has never been more comfortable. Health travel protocols remain a priority and wide-open spaces abound. Visitors can safely experience summer events and experiences on Florida’s Historic Coast with great deals at great places to stay. And there are some new lodging options for visitors this summer.
At the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club the newly restored historic Ocean House and Peyton House offer 41 new oceanfront guest rooms and suites. The resort also offers multiple dining venues for guests to enjoy. The popular Surf Deck Grille, which sits on the sand’s edge offers full-service lunch and dinner with a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. And the resort blends classic European Leisure nostalgia, and friendly competition with the debut of the new sun-dappled Croquet Lawn and Bocce Court for guests to enjoy.
The newly opened oceanside Historic Watermelon House, a luxury six-bedroom vacation home located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Crescent Beach offers a luxury getaway in the pristine Matanzas Inlet area of St. Augustine. Built in the Flagler era (1890), this historic mansion was the Mellon family winter home and hosted such prestigious guests as Eleanor Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, Cary Grant and Robert Frost. The House recently underwent a total renovation giving it a feeling of a private resort – perfect for small destination weddings and comfortable family gatherings.
The newly renovated Hampton Inn & Suites on Vilano Beach, a favorite lodging choice for many visitors provides the very best hotel experience for guests for the perfect seaside getaway.
Live Music has Returned. In addition to the live performances in the Plaza and at Colonial Oak Music Park, there are free concerts all summer long. And, the Sing Out Loud Festival, St. Augustine’s annual month of free music returns in September featuring TLC’s Celebration of Crazy SexyCool with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony; Mayday Parade; Yola; Parquet Courts; DEHD and many more.
Also this summer-featured musical performances at The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall include Steve Earle & The Dukes, Wynonna Judd, and Lindsey Buckingham, while the St. Augustine Amphitheatre will host Jamey Johnson, Jason Isbell, King Crimson, Cold War Kids, Rise Against, Cody Johnson, and few other great performers. The free Music by The Sea Concerts every Wednesday Night at St. Augustine Beach Pier Park, and Thursday night Concerts in the Plaza in Historic St. Augustine are back for the first time since Summer 2019.
Getting here is getting a little easier in 2021.
Florida’s Historic Coast remains an easy access drive destination, but there is great air service available via Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), approximately 50 minutes north of St. Augustine and 30 minutes from Ponte Vedra, and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is approximately 50 minutes to the south. Both airports are serviced by all major carriers.
New for 2021, JetBlue now has non-stop daily flights between Las Angeles and Jacksonville; and new daily non-stop flights will begin between Raleigh-Durham and Jacksonville. Also, Silver Airways now provides non-stop, twice a week flights Jacksonville to and from Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, and New Orleans. American Airlines recently announced new non-stop daily service between Austin, TX and Jacksonville. American Airlines also provides daily service to Jacksonville from Charlotte, NC; Chicago; Dallas; Miami, Philadelphia and Washington DC. Earlier this year, America starting providing daily non-stop service between Dallas/Fort Worth and Daytona Beach, as well as between Philadelphia and Daytona Beach. making it just a little easier to get to Florida’s Historic Coast.
St. Johns County, FL – St. Johns County hosted a groundbreaking ceremony this morning for the San Marco Heights multi-family affordable housing project. This important project is one of two multi-family, low-to moderate income rental housing communities financed by the more than $30 million Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds awarded to St. Johns County. San Marco Heights will encompass 132 units on 15 acres of land, and will include an 8,000 square foot clubhouse and community service facility. The large community space will house a commercial kitchen, co-working space, a tech lab, a library and children’s game room, and fitness area. Special to this development, the community service facility will also serve as a shelter for residents in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by St. Johns County Commissioner and vice-chair Henry Dean, the chair for the Housing Finance Authority of St. Johns County Mike O’Donnell, principal and owner of development firm Smith & Henzy Advisory Group Darren Smith, as well as other staff, dignitaries, and community representatives active in efforts to bring affordable housing to St. Johns County. “It is the beginning of what I hope, and I think I can speak for my fellow commissioners, several affordable housing projects that we desperately need for St. Johns County,” said Commissioner Dean. San Marco Heights will be a special community with a major goal of providing the residents access to key social services such as housing retention, medical and mental health, literacy education, employment assistance, life skills classes, and after-school care.
“This is very life changing. It doesn’t put people on the streets. It gives them a place to live, especially people with families, with children,” said Mike O’Donnell. “They’ll have places to live. I mean, that’s so important.
We need this.” For more information on San Marco Heights, please call the St. Johns County Housing and Community Development Division at 904.209.6890.
For additional information, please contact:
Lorena Inclan, Director of the Office of Public Affairs – 904.209.0542 sjcpublicaffairs@sjcfl.us
