(Bunnell, Fla.)—Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches Tourism Development Office (TDO) highlighted the state of Flagler County tourism during its 2025 Flagler County Annual Tourism Meeting on Wednesday, January 29 at the Palm Coast Community Center. Event attendees included tourism-related business, stakeholders, and elected officials.

Executive Director Amy Lukasik spoke on several key topics during the event, including annual tourism economic impact numbers, current marketing campaigns, industry awards, 2025 initiatives, and the Regional Visitor Eco-Discovery Center project. The meeting also included a special guest speaker, Chad Crawford, host of “How to Do Florida.” Crawford, a four-time Emmy-award winning producer, spoke on the delicate balance between economic prosperity and protecting Florida’s natural resources.

Chad Crawford Speech – Flagler News Weekly

Tourism continues to be a top economic driver for Flagler County. According to independent research, the county welcomed 948,800 total visitors and generated $4,321,126 in tourist development tax in Fiscal Year 2024. Tourism produced $890,907,800 in total economic impact in that same year.

Tourism Stats – PCFB – Flagler News Weekly

“Tourism is vital to the economic success of Flagler County. Through the promotion of responsible tourism, we’re able to improve the quality of life for our residents,” Lukasik said. “Projects like the Regional Visitor Eco-Discovery Center will continue to improve that qualify of life by enhancing access and raising awareness of the county’s rich natural landscapes through education and high-quality recreational opportunities.”

Tourism leaders attend the annual meeting on January 29, 2025 at the Palm Coast Community Center, hosted by Flagler County’s Tourism Development Office. Photo: Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches.

Additionally, during the annual meeting, Lukasik highlighted select Flagler County businesses, organizations, and community members for their excellence in tourism. Awards were distributed in multiple categories to the following recipients:

  • Resiliency Award: High Tides at Snack Jacks

  • Economic Impact Award: Continuing Education Company, Inc.

  • Best New Tourism Asset/Product: Palm Coast Southern Recreation Center

  • Best Newcomer Award: Poppy’s True Market

  • Hospitality Hero: Jamie Bourdeau, Beachfront Grille

  • Outstanding Cultural Impact: Flagler County Cultural Council’s Turtle Trail

  • Community Champion: Carla Cline

  • Community Champion: Heather Thompson

  • Community Champion: Danielle Anderson

Congratulations to the 2025 recipients for their outstanding contributions to tourism in Flagler County.

About Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches

Located on Florida’s northeast coast, Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches is a quirky coastal escape that features unspoiled natural beauty, a spectacular independent foodie scene, and plenty of arts and cultural activities. Attractions include 19 miles of cinnamon-colored beaches, numerous state and local parks and preserves, miles of canopied trails, and bucket-list activities like dolphin interactions and horseback rides along the shore. The area is anchored by the iconic Flagler Beach Municipal Pier, a retro-style A-Frame that opened in 1928. Area accommodations range from branded hotels to a luxury resort and vacation rentals.

For more information, please visit https://www.visitflagler.com/ or call 386.313.4320. Get to know us by following our social channels: https://www.facebook.com/PalmCoastandtheFlaglerBeaches/ or Visit Flagler on Twitter and Instagram.

Donald and Janice Jones of CycleHere Films join Bob Samuels of the Friends of A1A for a photo at the annual tourism meeting on January 29, 2025 hosted by the Flagler County Tourism Development Office. Photo: Flagler News Weekly
Flagler County Cultural Council Vice Chair Jay Scherr snaps a photo of the council’s award for the Flagler County Turtle Trail at the annual tourism meeting on January 29, 2025 hosted by the Flagler County Tourism Development Office. Photo: Jay Scherr.
Gail Holt, owner of High Tides at Snack Jack, Flagler Beach City Commissioner Jane Mealy, Flagler County Tourism Development Office Executive Director Amy Lukasik and Friends of A1A Executive Director Danielle Anderson at the annual tourism meeting on January 29, 2025 hosted by the Flagler County Tourism Development Office. Photo: Flagler News Weekly
Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa leadership team joins Walter and Barbara Enjes and Amy Lukasik, Executive Director of the Flagler County Tourism Development Office for a photo at the annual tourism meeting on January 29, 2025 hosted by the Flagler County Tourism Development Office. Photo: Flagler News Weekly
Flagler County Tourism Development Council Member John Lulgjuraj congratulates Walter Enjes, co-founder of the Continuing Education Company on being selected for the Economic Impact Award during the annual tourism meeting on January 29, 2025 hosted by the Flagler County Tourism Development Office. Photo: Flagler News Weekly