PALM COAST, Fla. – In today’s world, furry friends are family—and on Saturday morning, Flagler County showed just how deeply that love runs. Pets and their people gathered side by side at James Holland Park for the dedication and ribbon cutting of the Rainbow Bridge, a space created for remembrance, reflection, and healing.
Among those in attendance was Flagler Beach Commissioner Eric Cooley, who traveled in from the beach community carrying the weight of personal loss. In 2025 alone, Cooley lost three beloved furry family members, including Wednesday, the well-known surfing dog who captured hearts far beyond Flagler County. For him, the Rainbow Bridge represents a shared place of comfort for anyone grieving a pet.
“A lot of people downplay folks that aren’t dog owners. They’re like, oh, it’s just a dog and everything, but it’s not. They’re members of your family and there needs to be a spot where people can just come, go and reflect, and just have something public. And even, you know, share stories. I’m sure folks are going to be sitting here on the benches and sharing stories about their particular dogs,” he said.
Cooley also expressed hope for the future of the installation as part of the park’s offerings to residents.
“It closes a gap in the community and actually, I hope that they can expand on this a little bit,” said Cooley. “I briefly talked with Caroline about maybe adding a water feature, but this is an amazing first step.”
Former Flagler Beach Commissioner Debbie Phillips, now a member of the board of directors for SMART— the Saving Missing Animals Rescue Team—addressed the crowd with heartfelt honesty. SMART led the community project alongside East Coast Animal Hospital.
“I love animals. I have had animals my whole life. Just lost one recently, and as soon as I lost it, I adopted through SMART. And once I lost him, I thought, I need to give back somehow,” she said.
Palm Coast Vice Mayor Teresa Pontieri presented a proclamation honoring SMART before offering words that perfectly captured the spirit of the morning.
“To every soul who ever curled up in our lap, guarded our door, greeted us like we’d been gone for years, even if we just went out to check the mail. Thank you. You were never just the pet. You were family,” said Pontieri.
The Rainbow Bridge came to life through the support of generous sponsors and the dedicated coordination of East Coast Animal Hospital’s Carly Tajmir, who took time to thank those who dreamed the project into existence.
“First, I just want to say to Caroline, thank you for dreaming. Thank you so much for dreaming. because without her dreams, this is not possible. All of the animals that she helped over the 4.5 years that we’ve been working together, would not have had the help that they’ve gotten, the homes and the love that they’ve gotten. And so, I just want to tell her, thank you and keep dreaming.”
SMART’s continued growth over the past year has brought new board members like Dr. Erika Equizi, while longtime supporters remain deeply connected to the mission. For Vanessa Cole, the Rainbow Bridge holds special meaning.
“It’s really important for me as I have had several fosters, some who have passed away, because I’m considered her hospice foster. So sometimes they come to me and this is their last place,” shared Cole.
For SMART founder Caroline Johnson, the moment marked the culmination of years of persistence, collaboration, and love.
“It took two years of city meetings, just finding a location, working with the city, and East Coast Animal Hospital, to just really get all the T’s, crossed, and I’s dotted. After two years, finally, we got it done. It took a lot of sponsors, incredible sponsors, trying to pull it all together and make it happen. It only happened because of sponsors, really, and the support of the animal community,” she said.
Johnson emphasized the deeper purpose behind the space.
“You know, so many people have a pet, and some people only have a pet, and no family, and to lose that pet takes a piece of their heart. So, to have a place where they can remember them and reflect, some of them don’t even get out the house. So, to have a bench to come sit on where they can remember their pet and have some sunlight is amazing for them,” she said.
The Rainbow Bridge now stands in James Holland Park on Office Park Drive in Palm Coast—a quiet, loving place where stories are shared, tears are shed, and the bond between humans and their beloved animals is honored, forever.
