FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – Picture perfect weather held out for the annual Stars & Stripes parade hosted by the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach on Friday morning. Crowds started lining up along A1A as early as 7 am to nab a prime spot for viewing the Independence Day festivities.
Part of the United Flagler 4th day of festivities coordinated between Flagler County, and the cities of Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and Bunnell, the parade kicks off the day with participants from across the community.
“I’m so excited to be here in Flagler Beach this morning for the parade,” said Flagler County Commissioner Pam Richardson, participating with Flagler County Commissioner Leann Pennington.
“The United Flagler 4th is an exciting time where all our municipalities are doing something together. We are really blessed to live in such a beautiful place, and I hope everyone enjoys it.”
Emceed by Rotarian Cindy Dalecki, the parade was a mix of Old Florida nostalgia and today’s most cutting-edge rides. With participants ranging from the Seawolf Privateers to John’s Towing, the A1A Jeep Beach team, and Cedar Bridge Foundation, it was a who’s who of clubs, organizations, and agencies.
It’s a special point of pride for Navy veteran Frank Consentino and Army veteran Armondo Garcia to take part in the annual Independence Day parade.
“We are very proud to be here. As Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree, we are the patriotic part of the Knights of Columbus, so we’re here with flags waving,” said Consentino, who serves as the Color Corps Commander.
Notables this year included Grand Marshal Bebe Moody, 2025 Cracker Day Queen Casey Jaeger, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly on horseback, and a glimpse through history for Flagler Beach as they celebrate the city’s centennial with floats recognizing current and past city commissioners including John Feind, Kim Carney and Ken Bryan.
Palm Coast City Council members Charles Gambaro, Ty Miller and David Sullivan attended in red, white and blue trucks courtesy of Paul Summa and Palm Coast Ford, while Palm Coast Firefighter Lt. Patrick Juliano aka “The Paddy Piper” marched with the Palm Coast Professional Firefighters on the bagpipes.
Flagler County Fire Chief Mike Tucker, newly installed Flagler Beach Fire Rescue Chief Stephen Cox and Deputy Fire Chief Jennifer Fiveash, Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon with Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson, and Flagler County emotional support dog Taco, also made appearances.
Flagler Schools went all out with a festive float loaded with Flagler’s finest – students, supported by administration and school board members Will Furry, Derek Barrs, and Lauren Ramirez and Superintendent LaShakia Moore.
With 45 entries into the parade, a bevy of volunteers from the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach were joined by members of the Rotary Club of Flagler County, and other organizations to ensure participants were in place as the parade started.
“This is such a fun parade. Everybody is always looking forward to the camaraderie, the patriotism, everybody is on the same page one day out of the year,” said event chair Sheila Pillath.
“Everybody just has such a fun time. From the kids to the adults, when you are in the parade, and you’re going down that route of A1A, and you see all the happy faces, that makes all of it worth it.”
2025 Parade Winners:
MOST CREATIVE: The Seawolf Privateers, Inc.
BEST OVERALL: A1A Jeeps
BEST FLOAT: Vincent’s Clubhouse
BEST WALKERS DISPLAY: Kuk Sool Won of Palm Coast
JUDGES CHOICE: Flo Mortgage with Angel Flight
