As part of the Tortugas’ regional City Nights series, which celebrates local communities, Palm Coast and Flagler County residents can attend the game at a discounted rate. By entering code FLG at checkout, residents can purchase general admission tickets for $9, creating an affordable opportunity for families, friends, and baseball fans to enjoy a night together.
Leisure & Tourism
Flagler Beach Leaders Revisit 30 Years of Paid Parking Talk Amid Growing Resentment Toward Palm Coast and County
Flagler Beach commissioners debated a new vision statement today to address identity preservation amid heavy tourism but long-standing resentment toward Palm Coast and Flagler County surfaced during discussions about traffic congestion. Despite 30 years of ignoring parking studies, officials now claim they will prioritize paid parking for visitors. No specific leader was appointed to manage the project.
Flagler Beach Approves Extended Farmers’ Market Hours for Turtle Fest, But with Warning on Future Street Closures
The Flagler Beach City Commission approved extended hours for the farmers’ market during Turtle Fest on April 11, but Commission Chair Eric Cooley has significant reservations about the city’s increasing frequency of downtown street closures and their negative impact on residents and business owners. The market will partner with Turtle Fest on April 11 and the Cedar Bridge Foundation’s autism Run/Walk on April 26, donating its revenue to the two organizations.
Marineland’s New Attorneys Sound Alarm Over Lax Policies, Missing Audits, Lost Records and Potential Litigation
Marineland is grappling with missing audits and vanished public records. New legal counsel warns of financial instability after the town lost a third of its general fund revenue as commissioners seek to renegotiate a marina contract to bolster funds, though that may lead to litigation. The attorneys are preparing a roadmap to address many of the issues.
St. Augustine Tops Southern Living Magazine’s List of Best Little Cities in America
Southern Living magazine came out with its list of the best small towns in the South and Florida snagged five spots on that ledger with St. Augustine topping the rankings.
What Makes Art Art? City Repertory Theatre Hangs the Question with Yasmina Reza’s Comedy
City Repertory Theatre presents Yasmina Reza’s comedy “Art” in Palm Coast from March 20-29, featuring an all-female cast that explores tensions triggered when a friend buys an expensive white painting. The play examines the subjective nature of aesthetics and the hidden complexities of long-term friendships. Director John Sbordone leads the troupe in this unique interpretation for Women’s History Month.
Flagler Beach’s $2.6 Million Beachwalk Project at the Pier Is Dead; City Returns $745,000 Grant to the County
Flagler Beach is officially abandoning its $2.6 million Beachwalk project, opting to return a $745,000 tourism grant after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection required a costly new dune system to proceed. The city will now simply refurbish the existing A-frame structure instead of expanding it. The returned grant money will most likely be reallocated to a field lights project located in Palm Coast.
Florida Senate Unanimously Backed Black History Museum in St. Johns, But Will House Meet The Moment?
Florida’s Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 308, sponsored by Sen. Tom Leek, to establish a state-funded Museum of Black History in St. Johns County, correcting a historical omission. The proposed museum would offer space for education and heritage tourism on land holding deep personal and historical significance. While the Senate acted decisively, the companion bill currently stalls in the House, leaving lawmakers to choose between symbolic gestures and meaningful action.
Florida Tourism Hits Record 143.3 Million in 2025 Despite Drop in Canadian Visitors
Florida welcomed a record 143.3 million visitors in 2025, driven heavily by strong domestic tourism numbers and a steady increase in overseas travelers. Tourism from Canada dropped significantly by nearly fifteen percent amid ongoing political friction, prompting state tourism leaders to expand outreach efforts toward the northern neighbor. Despite this sharp Canadian decline, the state successfully achieved record overall visitation and highly robust fourth-quarter growth.
Palm Coast Council Defends Splash Pad Settlement that Fell $1.2 Million Short, Citing ‘Diminishing Returns’
Palm Coast City Council voted 5-0 to settle the remaining litigation over the defective Holland Park splash pad, recovering $2.375 million total. The settlement falls roughly $1.2 million short of the city’s repair costs and legal fees. Council members cited “diminishing returns” for ending the lawsuits, arguing that further legal action would risk costing taxpayers more than it would likely recover in additional damages.
Flagler County Clears 1st State Hurdle to Acquire 153 Acres of Summertown for Conservation, Valued at $4.4 Million
A state environmental panel approved adding 153 acres of the Summertown development to the Florida Forever project list, making Flagler County eligible for conservation funding to purchase the land. While the developer is a willing seller, funding is not guaranteed, and tensions remain over a potential conservation easement if the purchase fails before the two-year deadline.
Future 1,160-acre Bulow Creek Headwaters County Park Would Be Almost as Large as Princess Place
Flagler County is planning the Bulow Creek Headwaters Regional Park, a 1,300-acre preserve featuring trails, a kayak launch, and wetlands protection. While design plans are finalizing, construction costs require phasing and grant funding, pushing completion to the early 2030s. Planners emphasize passive recreation and minimal environmental impact, utilizing existing paths and elevated boardwalks to protect the wildlife corridor.
Nonprofit Veteran Sheila Pillath to Lead Flagler Beach Historical Museum
The Flagler Beach Historical Museum has named Sheila Pillath as its new executive director, effective February 1. Pillath, who previously held senior leadership roles at the Community Foundation & United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties and the YMCA, brings extensive experience in fundraising and grant management. She succeeds interim director Cindy Dalecki to lead the museum’s community impact and sustainability efforts.
A Surprise Tribute for Nancy Crouch as ‘Turtle Trail Artists’ Exhibit Opens in Palm Coast
More than 150 guests attended the Sunday opening of the “Turtle Trail Artists of Flagler County” exhibition at Expressions Art Gallery. The event featured new works by the creators of the county’s public sea turtle sculptures. During the reception, arts advocate Nancy Crouch was honored with a miniature replica of “Claude,” the trail’s inaugural sculpture.
Flagler County’s New Nexus Center Aims to Compete with Palm Coast and Hilton in Local Event Market
Flagler County is positioning its new Nexus Center–the South Side library–as an event venue to compete with local community centers and hotels. Library Director Holly Albanese presented a fee schedule featuring a $200 hourly rate for the 2,500-square-foot community room, alongside options for gallery and portico rentals.
City Announces USTA’s 2026 Palm Coast Open at Southern Recreation Center
The City of Palm Coast announces the return of the 2026 Palm Coast Open, a professional tennis tournament sanctioned by the USTA Pro Circuit and the ITF World Tennis Tour, scheduled to take place January 30 through February 22, 2026, at the Southern Recreation Center, at 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, FL 32164.
Capturing the Essence: Laniece Fagundes Returns as Billie Holiday at City Rep’s ‘Lady Day’
City Repertory Theatre in Palm Coast celebrates its 15th season by reviving “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” running January 9–18. Starring veteran performer Laniece Fagundes as Billie Holiday and Ben Beck as her pianist, the production explores the legendary singer’s final months in 1959. Rather than a simple imitation, Fagundes seeks to embody Holiday’s emotional essence, weaving her tragic personal history and “cursive” vocal style into a revelatory, semi-fictionalized musical performance.
Parking Capacity Will Double at Indian Trails Sports Complex, But Council Also Wants More Fields Lit Up Soon
The Palm Coast City Council unanimously approved a $1.55 million project to add 136 parking spaces to the Indian Trails Sports Complex, nearly doubling its capacity. Utilizing city crews is expected to save $350,000. While the project addresses long-standing congestion affecting nearby schools and churches, council members are also pushing to accelerate a $1 million lighting expansion for additional fields to maximize tourism revenue and accommodate a growing schedule of year-round sports tournaments.
Flagler County Rededicates Wadsworth Skate Park After $240,000 Repairs; Long-Term Plans for Concrete ‘Bowl’ Remain
Flagler County officials gathered today to rededicate the Wadsworth Park skate park near Flagler Beach following a $240,000 renovation. The project replaced 60 percent of the aging steel ramps and repaired existing facilities. While local skaters and advocates like Jay Wolfington and Carla Cline continue to push for a $1.5 million concrete facility, officials opted for the current repairs using available capital savings. Commissioners say a permanent concrete bowl remains the county’s long-term goal for the site.
Grappling with Shrinking Tax Base and Dissolution, Marineland Will Look to Soak Marina for More Dollars
The Town of Marineland faces potential dissolution as its primary revenue source, Marineland Dolphin Adventure, transitions to non-profit status, removing $44,000 from the tax rolls. With private land potentially moving into conservation and a restrictive marina contract, officials are struggling to find sustainable funding. But they are looking to renegotiate the marina lease to increase revenue. If the budget gap cannot be closed, Marineland may follow the path of Hastings, which dissolved into St. Johns County in 2018, and dissolve into Flagler County.
New Marineland Dolphin Leaders Promise ‘Miracle’ Turnaround and Wellness Focus, and Hint at Ragga Surf Return
New leadership at Marineland Dolphin Adventure appeared before the Town Commission to outline a wellness focused future for the attraction, now operated as a non-profit by Apex Associates. Directors Jack Kassewitz and Felicia Cook promised transparency, announced an upcoming National Geographic documentary, and hinted at the return of Ragga Surf Cafe. While commissioners welcomed the vision, the transition removes the property from tax rolls, costing the town one-third of its property tax revenue.
Funky Pelican and Flagler Beach Renew Vows: Lease Extended 32 Years Amid Gushing Praise and Makeover Plans
Flagler Beach City Commissioners approved a lease extension for the Funky Pelican restaurant, securing the partnership through 2057. The deal, a lovefest in contrast to 2011’s contentious negotiations on the original lease, requires the restaurant to complete exterior renovations within a year. While base rent remains unchanged, the city retains its lucrative 3 percent cut of gross revenues over $1 million. The business had revenue of $4.7 million in 2024. It’s been a bit slower this year. The vote was 4-0.
‘A Miracle We Got the Place’: Marineland Sale Closes for $7.135 Million, Securing Future of 87-Year-Old Oceanarium
The $7.135 million sale of Marineland Dolphin Adventure to Apex Associates closed Friday, saving the historic facility from bankruptcy. Now operating as a nonprofit under returning General Manager Felicia Cook, the move removes the property from tax rolls but prevents residential development. While three dolphins were relocated, the remaining animals are healthy, and new management plans to focus on research, programming, and facility improvements.
46 Vessels Set for Palm Coast Boat Parade Saturday
The City of Palm Coast will host the 42nd Annual Holiday Boat Parade this Saturday, Dec. 13, starting at 6 p.m., with the usual procession of illuminated vessels and the attendant logistical challenges along the waterfront. Some 46 boats have registered, about half the number of boats that took part in the record-setting 2023 boat parade, when the Palm Coast Yacht Club sponsored it.
Palm Coast and Flagler Beach Cancel Holiday Parades as Weather Hijacks Santa’s Sleigh; No Rain Dates
There was no Santa parachuting from a plane this morning in Flagler Beach and there will be no Santa on a firetruck this evening in Palm Coast’s Town center as grayly grinchy weather forced both cities to cancel their holiday parades. For Palm Coast, it is the fifth time in six years that the Starlight Parade has had to be cancelled, with 2024 the only year in that span when it was held without a hitch.
Marineland Will Lose a Third of Its Property Tax Revenue When Dolphin Attraction Is Purchased by Non-Profit
The Marineland Town Commission is relieved that the town’s defining landmark and business–Marineland Dolphin Adventure–will be pulled out of bankruptcy and sold to a new owner. But when the facility transfers to what will be a non-profit, it will stop paying property taxes, costing struggling Marineland a third of its property tax revenue. That has town officials nervous.
5 City Rep Theatre Actors Take on 39 Roles to Go ‘Around the World in 80 Days’
Palm Coast’s City Repertory Theatre is producing Mark Brown’s 2001 adaptation of Jules Verne’s 1872 adventure novel, “Around the World in 80 Days,” with just five actors playing all 39 roles, plus elephants, ships and trains all parading through CRT’s intimate black-box theater at City Marketplace. The play opens Friday.
Marineland Survives! Judge Approves Sale to Dolphin Group and Singles Out FPC Student Voices for Praise
Ending a cascade of events that saw Marineland Dolphin Adventure all but sold to a commercial developer, a federal bankruptcy judge in Wilmington, Del., this morning approved the sale of Marineland Dolphin Adventure for $7.135 million to Apex Associates, a Green Cove Springs company owned by a philanthropic couple who pledge to preserve and broaden Marineland’s mission as an oceanarium. The bidders, Barbara and Jon Rubel, are backing Jack Kassewitz, a dolphin expert who is returning Felicia Cook to her former role as the general manager at Marineland.
Local Samaritans Successfully Outbid Developer with $7.1 Million Pitch for Marineland Dolphin Adventure
A $7.135 million bid by a philanthropist couple looking to save Marineland Dolphin Adventure became the successful bidder at a reopened auction for the property Monday, displacing a developer’s $7.1 million bid. The successful bid by the couple, Barbara and Jon Rubel of Green Cove Springs, is the latest twist in a frantic three and a half weeks of efforts to save the 87-year-old oceanarium following what had appeared to be a done deal favoring Delightful Development. The final sale hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m. before federal Bankruptcy Judge Laurie Silverstein in Wilmington, Del.
Wednesday, Star Chihuahua and ‘Soul’ of Flagler Beach’s Hang 8 Dog Surfing Event, Has Died
Wednesday, the white-collared, shade-wearing daredevil showgirl of a Chihuahua who’s been the face of the Hang 8 Dog Surfing competition in Flagler Beach since its first swell in 2022, has died. She was around 10 or 11 years old. She’d developed congestive heart failure a year and a half ago, and took a turn for the worse before the weekend. It is not just a dog’s loss, but the sort of loss that could impact one of Flagler County’s fast-developing and popular annual events and attractions.
Free the Food Trucks: Palm Coast Will End Strict Regulations on Popular Roving, Popup Businesses
Palm Coast is ready to make it easier for food trucks to sell in the city–at public parks, in commercial parking lots, on private property–with basic permitting. Council members don’t yet agree on the details. But they all agree that regulations must be loosened, that food trucks be more accessible on public and private grounds, that the city control them with a much lighter hand, and that local food trucks be given preference.
Bankruptcy Judge Rejects Marineland Sale for Now, Ordering Community Bidder to Be Considered
Displeased with the way a community bidder was locked out of the process and concerned about the fate of the historic treasure and its animals, a federal bankruptcy judge in Delaware this afternoon refused to approve the $7.1 million sale of the Marineland Dolphin Adventure property to a developer and ordered the debtors’ attorney to have discussions with the lower bidder, Jack Kassewitz, a dolphin specialist proposing to save the facility as an oceanarium.
Tired of County’s Internal Conflicts and ‘Politics,’ Flagler Beach Is Ready to Raise Its Property Tax for Beach Protection
Flagler Beach Is ready to raise its property tax and dedicate the new revenue to beach protection in the city as a blunt message to the county: We’re doing our part. Now do yours. The move is not in defiance of the county so much as a challenge to it to get its management plan in order and to stop using Flagler Beach as a scapegoat to veil its own internal conflicts.
County Completes $1.88 Million Buy of Marlow Property on Intracoastal for Linear Park Extension
County Attorney Michael Rodriguez on Monday said the county just closed on the purchase of a 5.2-acre parcel on the Intracoastal Waterway for perpetual preservation under the county’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands program, and as an extension of Palm Coast’s popular linear Park.
From Jacques Brel to Charlie Brown, City Repertory Theatre Presents Retrospective Concert
City Repertory Theatre is reprising plays from throughout its 14 seasons with the first of three concerts featuring songs from the musicals CRT has staged over the last 14 years, with performers Laniece Rose (Fagundes), Benjamin Beck and Denise Elisha.
Mystery Development Company Plans to Buys Marineland Dolphin Adventure for $7.1 Million, Outbidding Hutson
Marineland Dolphin Adventure, the world’s first oceanarium and for most of its 87 years a Florida tourist destination with a storied past, was sold at auction on Monday for $7.1 million to an apparent shell company that goes by the name of Delightful Development LLC. If the name augurs its future intentions for the 5.1-acre property, the site’s days as an oceanarium are approaching their end, and the 17 dolphins there, six of them born in Marineland, will have to find new homes.
Hutson Companies, Major Housing Developer, Bids $3.5 Million for Bankrupt Marineland Dolphin Adventure
The Hutson Companies, a St. Augustine developer of single-family homes and apartment complexes, has placed a $3.5 million bid for the bankrupt 5.1-acre Marineland Dolphin Adventure property in Marineland, suggesting that if the sale closes later this month, the famed attraction’s 87-year history may be coming to an end. An open auction is scheduled for Oct. 27 in Delaware. A stalking-horse bid, or agreement, is an opening bid that allows the company in bankruptcy to set a floor for potential future bids. But it gives the stalking horse an advantage.
Fact-Check: How Flagler County Misuses Numbers in Pitch of $110 Million Sports Complex
In a pitch to the Flagler County Commission on Monday, the county’s tourism bureau and its consultant backed up an analysis of a proposed $110 million sports complex with numbers that, while accurate in themselves, were entirely without context and, on close inspection, had little to do with Palm Coast, and in some regards contradicted the county’s rosy claims.
More Skepticism and Vagueness than Hard Data to Support Mammoth $110 Million Sports Complex in Palm Coast
A company pitching a proposed $110 million sports complex for west Palm Coast claims it could attract up to 400,000 a year even though the county as a whole doesn’t attract more than 100,000 total visitors a year, including those who flock to its beaches. Yet the Flagler County Commission, with some strong skepticism from one member and questions from others, continues to encourage its tourism office to further explore the possibility of just such a complex, which would require a $6 million a year “rent” payment from taxpayers.
Universal Is reopening Stardust Racers at Epic Universe
Despite potential litigation and an ongoing probe, Universal Orlando is reopening Stardust Racers after a man’s death last month. Stardust Racers had been closed since Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died Sept. 17. Rodriguez Zavala died from multiple blunt force trauma after his family’s lawyers said he hit his head repeatedly on the metal bar of the ride. They called his injuries extensive although the full autopsy has not been released.
FC3, Flagler’s Cultural Council, Marks 3rd Year With Grant Showcase and Hopes Still Brighter Than Achievements
The Flagler County Cultural Council, the volunteer organization known as FC3 and designated local arts agency, marked its third year since that designation at its annual meeting Wednesday evening at the Palm Coast Community Center by featuring grant recipients, selecting winners of a high school photo contest and installing a new slate of officers. The fledgling council is still finding its footing, its “pillars” lifting more aspirations than achievements for now.
Creekside Music and Arts Festival Set for Weekend Is Postponed to February as Precaution Against Storms
The Creekside Music and Arts Festival scheduled for this weekend–Oct. 4 and 5–at Princess Place Preserve in Flagler County is being rescheduled to February due to an inclement forecast of lightning and storms ahead. The festival, the largest cultural festival on the county’s calendar, both in attendance and vendors, is rescheduled to February 7 and 8. It is the second time in eight years that the festival has had to be postponed due to weather. In 2017, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, it was moved to November.
Three Months Later, Flagler Beach Commissioners Finally Agree on Design of $2.6 Million ‘Beachwalk’ by Pier
After twice rejecting the design for the rebuilding of the Flagler Beach boardwalk and the structures under the A-frame at the pier, the Flagler Beach City Commission approved the preliminary drawings for both in what will be a $2.6 million reconstruction, with new concrete pilings beneath and a large deck and breezeway above. If the cost remains close to $2.6 million, it will be a surprise.
Flagler Beach Tells County: No Joint Talks on Taxing District Unless You Revive Sales Tax for Beach Protection
The Flagler Beach City Commission has rejected a request from the County Commission to hold a joint meeting on establishing a special taxing district in the city. The tax revenue would have been earmarked for beach protection. If the county wants to talk, it should revive an earlier proposal to raise the sales tax by half a penny. Flagler Beach’s unequivocal message was a sharp rebuff to the three county commissioners who asked for the joint meeting–and who killed the sales tax proposal: Kim Carney, Leann Pennington and Pam Richardson.
County Commission’s Kim Carney Peddles False and Misleading Claims in Opposition to Sales Tax for Beach Protection
Speaking to a capacity crowd at a budget hearing Thursday evening, Flagler County Commissioner Kim Carney, who has complained of misinformation getting peddled around about county business, dispensed false and misleading information of her own on a central issue dividing the commission: the imposition of an additional sales surtax to help pay for a long-term beach-protection plan.
Over Mayor’s Objections, Palm Coast Signals It’ll Extend Agreement with Cultural Council to Manage $100,000 in Grants
Overcoming numerous unsubstantiated accusations about the Flagler County Cultural Council by Mayor Mike Norris, the Palm Coast City Council on Tuesday agreed to let the volunteer organization continue administering the city’s $100,000 cultural grants program for another year. It did so in the wake of friction between the City Council and FC3, as the cultural organization refers to itself.
Canadians, Like Others, Are Snubbing Travel to The U.S. This Summer
Global attitudes towards the United States as a tourism destination are plunging. Travel pressures, exchange rate shifts and increasing economic uncertainty have all damaged the reputation of the American travel sector. Canadian travellers are increasingly turning to domestic destinations instead of heading south. In July, Canada recorded its seventh consecutive month of declining travel by Canadians to the U.S..
Nudity! Sex! Literary Chimps! Lady Day! City Repertory Theatre Readies New Season With Reboots
Nudity and sex will be taking center stage when City Repertory Theatre opens its 15th season on Sept. 19 at its black box venue in Palm Coast. More precisely, nudity and sex will be taking center stage again at City Rep, when the cutting-edge, never-hesitant-to-be provocative community theater brings back the characters Princeton and Kate Monster, and – in full (frontal) view of the audience – they proceed to engage in boisterous, noisy… well, you know. But they’re puppets.
Council Kills Talk of Selling Palm Harbor Golf Course But Sets Ultimatum to City Management If It Doesn’t Break Even
A decisive 4-1 majority of the Palm Coast City Council is opposed to selling the Palm Harbor Golf Club, but not to seeking to outsource its management next year if it doesn’t break even under city management. In essence, city staff at Palm Harbor faces an ultimatum. The council’s history was not as clear-eyed. The course was under the private management of Kemper Sports from its opening in 2009 until 2017. It was an unhappy history.
Canadians Not as Interested in Florida as They Used To Be Even as Overall Tourism Numbers Rise
U.S. travelers continue to bolster Florida’s tourism industry, while the state hopes to make up for a decline in Canadian visitors by drawing people from other countries. Visit Florida on Tuesday estimated 34.435 million people traveled to Florida from April 1 through June 30, up from 34.279 million people during the same period last year. The estimate for this year would be a second-quarter record, according to the state tourism-marketing agency.