Celebrate Palm Coast’s diverse cultural heritage – through food, wine, beer, entertainment and art – at the third annual Palm Coast International Festival, scheduled from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Central Park in Town Center.
Special Events
Flagler Rotary Club’s Labor Day Celebration in Town Center Aug. 30: Craft Beer, Fireworks and Music
The Rotary Club of Flagler County is hosting an all-day Labor Day Celebration at Palm Coast’s Town Center on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 2 to 10 p.m. Admission is free. The event features entertainment, food and play for all ages, and live music.
Flagler Film Festival Prepares For 2nd Edition, But More Foreigners Than Locals Send Flicks
Flagler Film Festival Co-Founder Kathy Barry can’t figure it out: of 65 film submissions so far for the January festival, only 20 are from Florida, and none from Flagler-Palm Coast, though she wants the involvement of the much-vaunted video department at FPC.
Wings Over Flagler-Rockin the Runways Raises $16,000 in Scholarships and Eyes New Heights
Wings Over Flagler-Rockin the Runways, held the last week of April at the Flagler County Airport, had been organized in just 60 edays in a rapid partnership between county government, WNZF, and Bill Mills of TBD Partners, Mills Aviation Charities and Blue Sky Yakrobatics.
Flagler Beach Museum Taking Over Pier for “Jazz, Cheese & Cheer!” Fundraiser Saturday
The Flagler Beach Museum’s “Jazz, Cheese & Cheer!” fundraiser Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. will feature Linda Cole & Co, enjoy small samples of wine, craft beer, cheese, sweets and food from numerous local eateries while gazing at the best ocean view in town.
Palm Coast Will Expand Indian Trails Sports Complex Again to Capitalize on Tournament Growth
The Indian Trails Sports Complex is expanding for the second time in three years, a reflection of Palm Coast’s success in attracting quality sports tournaments that draw thousands of out-of-town visitors to the county, filling restaurants and hotels. The Palm Coast City Council Tuesday evening unanimously approved expanding the complex from eight fields to 10, just three years after the complex was expanded from four fields to eight.
Jacksonville Symphony Returns for Sunday Picnics and Pops Concert, With a Prayer to the Rain Gods
Last year’s Picnics and Pops concert in Palm Coast’s Central Park had to be cancelled because of rain. The Jacksonville Symphony is bringing essentially the same program that was rained out, under the direction of Morihiko Nakahara.
Ribs Over Flagler: Palm Coast and WNZF End Event Partnership as County Offers New Home
Palm Coast and WNZF have ended the partnership that produced the annual Rock ‘n Ribfest every spring and the Seafood Festival every fall in Town Center. The Ribfest will be reborn as part of a fly-in at the county airport called Rockin’ the Runways in late April. In an unrelated move, the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce is ending its annual Taste of Flagler and replacing it with Restaurant Week.
Sweet Waters Smokehouse, With Grand Opening Saturday, Adds to Restaurant City in Flagler Beach
The Tuscan Grille restaurant owners were approached by the property owner of the former Hurricane Patty’s in Flagler Beach and asked to take over. They agreed. After Sweet Waters Smokehouse’s soft opening Oct. 1, the restaurant launches in earnest with a grand opening Saturday, Feb. 1, starting at 11 a.m.
Inaugural Flagler Film Festival Draws Mixed Crowds and Promise Over 3 Days in Palm Coast
The first Flagler Film festival was held at the Hilton Garden Inn from Friday through Sunday, packing dozens of screenings of films from around the world and ending with an award ceremony late Sunday evening, and the promise of a second festival next year.
Flagler Film Festival Featuring 4 Local Productions Among Dozens from Around the World
The inaugural Flagler Film Festival is scheduled for Jan. 10-12 at Palm Coast’s Hilton Garden Inn. Fourteen of the 46 submissions originated in Florida. Four from Flagler filmmakers were ultimately selected, including a horror flick filmed in Flagler Beach.
Sports Events Specialist Matt Dunn Is Named Tourism Director in Place of Georgia Turner
Matt Dunn, 39, named Vice President for tourism today–he’ll be in charge of a $900,000 budget controlling Flagler’s marketing–owned his own events company in St. Johns County, worked with Flagler’s tourism council previously, and was Executive Director of the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Ocala/Marion County Sports Commission.
Record-Breaking Skateboard Mile Among 3 Saturday Races in Flagler Beach and Palm Coast
The International Distance Skateboard Association is hosting a one-mile skateboard race down A1A for the Guiness record, along with a longboard half-marathon starting at Wadsworth Park and a kids and beginners challenge, all Saturday morning, Jan. 4.
Dawn to Starlight: Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and the Hammock Warm Up Christmas Parades
Palm Coast’s annual Starlight parade is scheduled for Dec. 14. Flagler Beach’s Holiday at the Beach Parade is scheduled for Dec. 7 at 1 p.m., and businesses in the Hammock will be lighting up A1A with special events, lights and Christmas cheer for the first two week-ends of December.
A Little Less Stingy, a Lot More Conditional: Palm Coast Approves $25,000 in Culture Grants
Eleven cultural organizations applied and all 11 got cultural grants from Palm Coast government, but with many strings attached even though none of the grants exceeds $2,370, and the total awarded is still a far cry from the $40,000 budget of six years ago.
“Girl Rising”: Karen Barchowski’s Movie Event for Palm Coast, In Education’s Name
Karen Barchowski, the co-owner of Sally’s Ice Cream in Flagler Beach, succeeded through word of mouth and more than a little conviction in organizing one showing of “Girl Rising,” the groundbreaking documentary about the importance of girls’ education, at Epic Theater in Palm Coast on Oct. 13.
Runs, Flags and Shirts: Pink Armies Invading Flagler County for Breast Cancer Awareness
Highlights of this month’s Pink Army events in Palm Coast and Flagler include a 5K run or walk on Oct. 13, pink flag-raising ceremonies, and allowances, on Oct. 13, for school district students who participated in the run to wear their pink shirts instead of the required uniform.
Florida Festivals and Events Association Hosting Workshop at Palm Coast’s Hilton Garden Inn
The Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA), the state’s primary professional organization for producers, vendors, and sponsors of festivals, fairs and special events, is hosting a workshop and seminar at the Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast on Thursday, October 10, for all those interested either in learning the ropes or capitalizing on special events.
Flagler County, Palm Coast, Habitat for Humanity and Stetson Line Up 9/11 Events
Several local organizations and local governments, including Flagler County, Palm Coast, Habitat for Humanity, Stetson University and others are commemorating the 12th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Palm Coast Food and Wine Festival Returns, This Time With Wine, and Free Admission
The Palm Coast Food and Wine Festival at Town Center’s Central Park is scheduled for noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, with no gate admission, a dozen wines and more than a dozen food vendors from several countries, along with cultural and other entertainments.
Bikers’ Annual 9/11 Memorial Ride and Ceremony Set for Sept. 8 Starting in Bunnell
The annual and free 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride and Ceremony, marking the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 9 at the Government Services Building in Bunnell.
6-Mile Tour de Palm Coast Highlights New Sculptures and Trail Riches
A cycling tour, a discovery of the four new ‘Flight of Life’ sculptures of herons at Waterfront Park, and interactivity with the city’s new QR codes along its Waterfront trail highlight the annual Tour de Palm Coast Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m.
Independence Day Weekend Ruffles Tricolor Blasts From Palm Coast to Flagler Beach
Palm Coast celebrated July 4 with a complete reading of the Declaration of Independence at Heroes Park before Flagler Beach let loose with its parade, its booze, food and fights, though only one person ended up incarcerated against his will, and mostly for his benefit.
Flagler Film Festival Broadens Palm Coast’s Cultural Frame–and Seeks Local Filmmakers
The first annual Flagler Film Festival will be held Jan. 10-12 at Palm Coast’s Hilton Garden Inn, and will include shorts and feature films, totaling about 24 hours worth of reels, from filmmakers around the world and the States, but organizers are pressing for Flagler County entrants.
Juneteenth Celebration at Palm Coast’s African American Cultural Center Saturday
The African American Cultural Society Inc., will again host an observance of Juneteenth on Saturday, June 15, starting at 1 p.m. at the AACS on U.S. 1. All are welcome to join this free cultural event, the only national holiday commemoration the abolition of slavery.
Pink Ladies in a Mud Run, On the Other Side of Flagler’s Beaches
Mud runs in Flagler County–such as Saturday’s FL.ROC Mud Run on Cemetery Road in Bunnell–are a mostly unknown sub-specialty of Flagler County special events. Casey Ryan takes you into the mud on her October run, as she prepares for Saturday’s.
Palm Coast’s Arbor Day Moves Back to Central Park on May 18
Palm Coast is bringing back its rescheduled Arbor Day celebration to Central Park (from Waterfront Park), on May 18. the event will be featuring a tree give-away, butterfly release, food drive, walk and run, exhibits and activities for children including a petting zoo, character visits and rock-climbing wall. Admission and parking are free.
Jacksonville Symphony’s Sunday Concert in Town Center Cancelled
The Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s 7th Picnic and Pops concert with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will feature the usual favorites, surprises and a celebration to Cinco de Mayo as the big event takes over Palm Coast’s Central Park on May 5.
Forget Rio: Palm Coast Lands Soccer Academy in Planned Expansion of Economic “Niche”
The New Jersey-based Player Development Academy will build up to six fields on 65 acres west of U.S. 1 that will link with the Indian Trail Sp[orts Complex–and with Palm Coast’s sports-niche market, which has turned into an engine of economic development.
Flagler Lands Its 1st Statewide Horseshoe Pitching Tournament at New Old Dixie Park
The Flagler County Horseshoe Pitching Club will host a Florida-wide horseshoe tournament at the 18-pit Old Dixie Park the county built last year. The tournament is another addition to a growing list of specialty sports tournaments bringing visitors the county.
The Peabody is Happy Together with Hippiefest
The Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach presents the 5th annual Hippiefest Festival and Concert Sunday, June 9 with the always-popular live music and street festival at 3 p.m. followed by the Happy Together Concert Tour at 7 p.m. with five of the biggest original headline artists and bands of the 1960’s.
Many of Flagler’s Arts Groups Begin to Look Beyond Egos to a Cooperative Alliance
An emerging arts alliance for Palm Coast and Flagler County would capitalize on the economic benefits of an arts scene with more coordinated projects and strategy, led by the tourism council’s conciliating voice of Georgia Turner. Obstacles remain, however.
Palm Coast’s Rock n’ Rib Fest Takes Town Center This Weekend
Rock N’ Rib will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 12, and from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at Palm Coast’s Central Park in Town Center. Admission is $3 per day (down from $20 per person per day last year). Children 12 and under get in free.
Booze Up: Palm Coast Government Is Your New Special-Events Bartender
After some reservations two weeks ago, the Palm Coast City Council Tuesday agreed to have the city acquire a liquor license and itself sell booze at the city’s special events, generating more cash the city says it will reinvest at those events.
Tipsy on Daytona Beach’s Example, Palm Coast Considers Getting Its Own Liquor License
The Palm Coast City Council is now considering applying for its own liquor license and, in an even more remarkable move, designating Central Park as a civic center where vendors could sell booze at special events under the city’s umbrella.
Flagler’s Tourism Council Would Relax Rules Governing Subsidies for Special Events
The changes, affecting $100,000 in bed-tax dollars county government, through the tourism council, awards organizations that put on special events, would dispense with the requirement that organizations spend the money advertising their event, and would allow them to spend it on incidental expenses that may be more difficult to track.
Flagler Beach City Government Wants to Take Over July 4 Events, But Unsure How
Flagler Beach government, eager to replicate Palm Coast’s method of making money from special events, would take over July 4 festivities run until now by the chamber of commerce, but city commissioners are uncomfortable with a complete take-over.
From Washington Oaks Gardens to Flagler Beach, a Drenching of Grayish Christmas Cheer
Flagler Beach’s parade packed A1A and ran for 75 minutes, while Washington Oaks Gardens’ Holiday in the Gardens drew more than 1,000 people who donated food and toys for the needy.
Canaveral Seashore Plein Air Paint Out on Oct. 21-27 Gets Its Poster Child
Throughout the six-day Canaveral Seashore Plein Air Paint Out, as artists work from dawn to dusk, visitors can enjoy the seashore and to be a part of the art, talking to artists as they paint unique works of art at the many picturesque locations.
Don’t Talk to an Empty Chair: Flagler Beach Museum Goes Boots and Bling for Bunnell
The Flagler Beach Historical Museum’s annual costume gala fund-raiser Saturday at the Black Cloud Saloon in Bunnell will be paired up with a 99th birthday bash for Bunnell, in preparation for that city’s centennial.
Bikes, Poetry, Action: Gargiulo Foundation’s Tour de Force in Art at Hollingsworth Gallery
The Gargiulo Art Foundation’s first annual Bicycle Art and Poetry Show at Hollingsworth Gallery capitalizes on Palm Coast’s growing appreciation for its bike paths and its arts community.
Memories of July 4 From Lake Sebasticook to Flagler Beach
July 4 festivities have turned into a 24-hour rolling event in Flagler County, beginning with fireworks at Town Center on Tuesday evening and finishing with fireworks at the Flagler Beach Pier tonight. What takes place in between is a parade of memories.
Haley Watson Is Miss Flagler County 2012
The annual Miss Flagler County Scholarship Pageant is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. this Sunday afternoon and at the Flagler Auditorium, with Miss Junior at 5 and Miss Flagler County at 7 p.m.
Passports in Hand, Palm Coast Discovers Its Festive Internationalism
Palm Coast may well have discovered how to host a festival with down home charm even as it went global to do it: the International Food and Wine Festival taking place Saturday and again Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. mixes the intimate and the urbane for an affordable $3 admission.
At Nature Scapes, Palm Coast Garden Club Grows Its Annual Show Into a Special Event
The Palm Coast Garden Club found a new home for its annual garden show at Nature Scapes, the stately nursery on Old Brick Road, where, on Saturday, some 50 vendors drew a few thousand visitors and plant lovers.
Jacksonville Symphony in Palm Coast Sunday For Its Annual Pilgrimage to Rhythm of Pops
The Jacksonville Symphony’s pops concert at Town Center is the Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s annual gift–well, at $35 a pop–and fund-raiser for an eventual arts center. Some 52 musicians will play works by Copland, Mozart, and Broadway and movie tunes.
Jumping for His Late Brother and Wounded Warriors, George Hanns Flies Air Show’s Flag
George Hanns, a Flagler county commissioner for the past 16 years, deployed the flag from thousands of feet up to open this year’s Wings Over Flagler as he jumped for his brother, who died at Christmas, and other veterans.
The Monster Has Landed: C-130 Lumbers In For Weekend’s Wings Over Flagler Show
The Hercules C-130 will be a main attraction at Wings Over Flagler, the annual air show at the Flagler County Airport on Saturday and Sunday, March 24-25, this year commemorating the life of William Wild Bill Walker, who crashed and died while performing at the show last year.
Flagler Beach Rotary Hosting Wing-Themed 5K Race on Feb. 11
The Flagler Beach Rotary’s 5K Race at the Flagler County Airport will include helicopters, flyovers, resident planes on display as well as a peek at innovative projects currently underway at the airport.
Washington Oaks Gardens Events: Garden Walk in January, Citrus Festival in February
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is offering a guided garden walk on Saturday, Jan. 28, and welcoming volunteers interested in beautifying the citrus groves at the park on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012.