The Flagler County Fairgrounds were deserted early this afternoon, with a lone Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy standing by near the entrance in case would-be participants to a large “Boots on the Ground Line Dance Competition” cancelled on Friday showed up. No one did.
Deputy County Administrator Jorge Salinas ordered the permit revoked on the recommendation of the county’s legal department. He did so after the organizer of the event “engaged in serial misrepresentation of the event, continually contradicted by his social media promotion,” according to the email Salinas sent General Services Director Mike Dixon before 11 a.m., calling off the event.
Salinas informed county commissioners moments later that he had ordered the permit revoked barely 24 hours before it was due to start.
By then Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly had sent a four-page letter to County Commission Chair Andy Dance, copying it to County Administrator Heidi Peito and Bunnell’s top officials, raising grave concerns. He wasn’t calling for its cancellation. But his letter had the ring of a warning.
“I have significant concerns with this event being held in Flagler County and the
process that approved it,” he wrote. “I see absolutely NO benefit to the residents and taxpayers of Flagler County; but I do see significant liability and the possibility of a serious incident occurring. I am hopeful and praying that no Deputy Sheriff or patron is injured as this situation could have been avoided had the ordinance been followed from the beginning.”
By the time Staly finished the letter at 1 a.m. Friday, the event was still on. Not least among his concerns was the organizer announcing on social media that while the event would have security provided by three off-duty Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies, there would be no metal detectors. “You would only state ‘no metal detectors on site’ IF you know or believe that it is very likely your attendees will be carrying weapons, specifically firearms,” the sheriff wrote, italicizing his irritation.
The sheriff was also taken aback by the county’s suggestion at one point that if there were to be any issue at the event, it could be stopped and everyone would be sent home. “That is a naive response,” the sheriff said in an interview this afternoon, “because that would have created a riot. If there’s 1,600 people there, and you pull the permit and expect me to get all those people out of there, there’s no way that was going to go safely for anybody.”
Staly initially had not been worried about the event as such. His agency had signed off on the permit three weeks ago, when the county forwarded the permit (64 days after receiving it) and saw no issues with it. But since then, the disparity between the permit and event advertisement on social media began raising red flags.
The organizer of the Boots on the Ground competition is Troy Reddin, whose performance name is Fat Ass. The Palm Coast resident has a long if petty history with local law enforcement, stemming mostly from recreational drug violations, and is currently out on $5,000 bond on a probation violation. He’d produced rap videos in South Bunnell several years ago, drawing large crowds and promoting the city to rewrite an ordinance that clamped down on such events.
The line dancing fad was set off by 803Fresh’s song “Boots on the Ground,” a charmingly entrancing video with crossover appeal that’s triggered competitions and events in Black communities and elsewhere. Reddin’s permit described the event at the Fairgrounds as just such a competition. It would draw 500 people, have no alcohol, and be held between noon and 9 p.m.
All that appeared to change as social media announcements swelled the expected audience to double or triple the original number. A “mobile” alcohol vendor was advertised, so were a dozen other vendors, so was an ATV, UTV, and Golf Cart event with trail
Rides, and the 9 p.m. end time was removed, all in violation of the permit, Staly pointed out in his letter. The for-profit event was being marketed in St. Johns, Volusia and Putnam counties, he said.
Reddin had amended his permit on July 23 to enable alcohol sale, and told county officials that the vehicles would be for display only, though he contradicted himself in a social media posting, where he asked participants to use them, “just don’t tear up anything,” according to the sheriff’s letter.
The concerns “validated” misgivings the county had apparently been having as well (Salinas used the term in one of his emails), leading to the revocation. At least one news channel reported inaccurately that Staly had cancelled the event, which led the agency to issue a detailed documentation of the timeline and concerns–not just with the event, but with the county’s handling of the permit.
“We’re not trying to kill any event for people to enjoy in this community,” Staly said in an interview this afternoon. “All we’re trying to do is make sure that everybody has a safe and fun event without any issues. And unfortunately, I would say if the organizer had properly and completely disclosed in the application, we wouldn’t be here today, because then the county could have made a better-informed decision on the permit. With that said, had they followed their own ordinance, we wouldn’t be here today, because they would have immediately denied the request.”
The permit had to be submitted at least 90 days before the event. It was not. Vendors were to each have an itinerant license, but none were identified in the permit.
Staly has neither permitting authority nor the authority to revoke a permit. But the county’s Dennis Bobik was making him aware of social media chatter and announcements that differed from permitted activities, and the county seemed willing to let it happen anyway.
Staly’s letter to Dance was not to stop the event, but to raise concerns about the way the county had handled the permit and to recommend a freeze any future permitting so that the process is reviewed and strengthened.
“The Sheriff’s Office does not permit or regulate events on county property,” Staly wrote. “This is a county function. I recognize the county cannot regulate how an event is marketed but it does control the access to and use of its property and the permitting process. The Sheriff’s Office raised its concerns with county employees and was informed they could not or would not cancel the permit. When asked which county official would be on-site supervising the event as required by the ordinance, the initial response was there would be no one.”
Nevertheless, the sheriff’s voice carries weight and likely played into the county’s decision finally to cancel the event. From what Staly learned, Reddin reported that Dixon told him that “the sheriff canceled your permit. The sheriff is the most powerful elected official in the county, and when he wants something done, we have to do it well.” Dixon did not respond to an email asking for verification (nor did Salinas or Petito, who is on vacation, answer additional questions), though the statement is not inaccurate in the main: Staly is the most powerful elected official in the county, and rae is the time when his suggestion, recommendation or request isn’t honored by other governments.
So the permit’s handling, the event’s cancellation and the sheriff’s letter are likely to cause a rethinking of the county’s event-permitting process, if not a rewrite of an ordinance–or at least a reassessment of its enforcement mechanisms.
Michaelle Harle says
Thank you for this detailed reporting.
Skibum says
I agree completely with the sheriff’s concerns, and am glad the county did the correct thing in cancelling this event. It appears the county dodged a bullet… maybe several!
Now it is time for those who approve these permits to follow their own county ordinance and do so properly so potential problems can be identified and addressed in time. This one was way too close, and not only could have resulted in significant civil lawsuits against the county if anyone had been injured at this ridiculous “event”, Sheriff Staly’s very real concerns about the potential for a riot that could have caused serious injuries to event goers AND law enforcement had there not been a last minute cancellation is something that should not be taken lightly by county commissioners and staff.
Do better when reviewing permit requests!!!
Jack Flagler says
It seems to me the Sheriff Staly left no choice to county by this urgent email letter to the commissioners. Its obvious that Sheriff Staly wanted to cancel this event, but now is blaming the commissioners. The Sheriff approved the permit many weeks ago and changed his mind a day before the event. Very nice…
Loyal Subject says
The King has spoken he is fair and benevolent.
just wait for it says
Once again the County is blame shifting to the Sheriff. Undeliverable.
Fyre Festival Much says
Flagler County needed to better vet out this event BEFORE green lighting it. Obviously, they collected whatever fee and didn’t ask too many questions. This puts all the burden on the Sheriff.
This sounds like the palm coast edition of the Fyre festival. Sad the county didnt see disorganization coming.
Fyre Festival Much says
Also… what’s with that sign??? The twerking one was fully lit and very legible.
Cannon says
Normally I would say Staly is being over the top. But, I’m with him on this. There is no controlling what would’ve unfolded. I read another article where the organizer said this is against “Black Culture”. Nah, homie it’s against Ghetto culture. It would be cool if line dancing and chill ‘in is what it would be but thats not what’s happening these days. Too many events and activities crammed into one event. And unfortunately Mr. Redding the organizer has a horrible track record. Build trust, and take small steps. I think Staly rather take a little public heat than risk something happening that can’t be undone.
Jackson says
I’ll say it, they cancelled it because MOSTLY BLACK PEOPLE will be attending!
FlaglerLive says
The sign was not at fault, the photograph rendered it poorly.
Wow says
I wouldn’t be worried about WHO would go, I would worry about WHY it’s clearly inviting armed people. “No metal detectors.” ???
Pissed says
This guy is a good guy, everyone has a pass, that had nothing to do with the present!!!! But I will say this, you can bring thousands of people to a party?? Bring them to the polls to vote!!!! Get rid of staly, and the rest of the clan up there!!! Andy Dance lied to everyone about getting rid of pitito, never happened and not,his wife works for her!!!
Pissed citizens says
Staly wants to be a Mike chetwood, and Grady Jude so bad!!! Not even close!!! He’s a raciest and he is breaking Flagler County!!!! Vote him out at the next election!!! Joe Mullins all over again!!!
Drewski says
This was going to turn out bad flagger isn’t ghetto this isn’t Disney and Carnival cruise line😉
Helaina cochrane says
There was no “trail riding” Troy made it very clear this is a “Show and Shine” event and he wanted to prove that he can have an organized event and NOT to disrespect the fairgrounds.
Vendors.security, parking, Dance floor, Show and shine drive around ON THE ROAD. He was specific, and detailed.
I don’t understand why this can’t be ran like a restaurant. When you’re busy. You need more staff.
Arrest those who show out. 🤷♀️
DeeezN says
It’s a combination. Either way everyone should have the same rights as long as rules are followed which were on Mr. Reddings side of things. They obviously feel bitter towards him, which unfortunately in a small county they tend to know everyone’s past, but are unfamiliar with the current version of oneself. They don’t allow people to change for the better. They stick there past as a stigma to who they are, forever. And that’s not fair. It doesn’t only happen to him. It happens to everyone. He’s just been able to make the news with it.
JimboXYZ says
I’m almost certain that metal detectors & a TSA-like airport search is a required entrance policy & procedure ? I mean go to Rockville at DIS in Volusia County and that’s how it works. From the promotional video, seems legitimate for Darius Rucker’s music video ? Rucker of Hootie & the Blowfish, has become a Country Music artist, as has Beyonce releasing a Country Music album recently. End of the day, Staly cautioned/warned of a potential that could escalate into the wrong element not being checked at the gates for firearms. That seems legitimate concerns. Decades ago might have been safe, but here we are in 2025 ? I recall the gate crashers for the music event in Houston, TX, I figure the safety protocols should be in place considering that it doesn’t take more than 1 or 2 to turn something into an active mass shooting incident. I generally avoid large crowd events anymore. There just aren’t any guarantees that the wrong element doesn’t show up for a brand of trouble. Same goes for bike weeks in Volusia County. That shooting at the SR 44 gas station/convenience store is a prime example that it can happen and not even be an approved/sanctioned event. Shame that America has become this, that the potential of a few generally ruin it for the many that might have a good time for the day/weekend event. Relaxing checkpoint searches for public safety, is simply irresponsible by the event promoters.
Remember the Sears Building ? says
FlaglerLive, YOU COULD Have SAVED ALOT OF TYPING BY JUST REPORTING MIKE DIXON THE PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR WAS INVOLVED.
FLAGLER COUNTY, REACHING NEW LEVELS OF INCOMPETENCE EVERYDAY !
nicole dobbs mckinney says
They have cracker day , I don’t know I find this suspicious
Real Ness says
Too many blacks gathering to have a good time was the red flag 😔….that was hate frfr…but it use to be cool to hang free blacks til their piss hit the ground…wow…big hater😤😤
Pogo says
@God bless Sheriff Staly
… and leaders who led; here alone, in this gun infested wasteland, is enough, “…By the time Staly finished the letter at 1 a.m. Friday, the event was still on. Not least among his concerns was the organizer announcing on social media that while the event would have security provided by three off-duty Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies, there would be no metal detectors. “You would only state ‘no metal detectors on site’ IF you know or believe that it is very likely your attendees will be carrying weapons, specifically firearms,” the sheriff wrote, italicizing his irritation…”
Things of a kind: this metropolitan area is beset — nay, plagued — by nuisance events whose raison d’être are crowds, noise, and danger — euphemized as family fun and something for everyone; and almost universally an exploitation of everyone to the benefit of a very few.
In this case, the promotion of the event is priori defective, even plainly reckless.
The public was better served than most will ever realize.
Skibum says
To the few naysayers, you are way off base trying to blame this cancellation on Sheriff Staly. The biggest reason for the event cancellation was Reddin’s own disinformation campaign when he put one set of information into the permit application, then completely changed the scope of the event in his postings on social media. And his own social media post that indicated to his followers that there would be “no metal detectors” at the event to check for weapons should inform anyone with a brain what he was trying to tell his followers without actually saying it… it’s ok to bring guns. Wow, are you people who think this was all Staly’s fault actually insane?!?!?
It makes no difference whatsoever what the racial ethnicity of the event attendees were going to be. When you greenlight people, maybe in the thousands and above the limit the organizer indicated in the permit, and add alcohol that would be available, and then suggest on social media that those with guns would not have to worry about going through any metal detectors to get inside the event, no amount of law enforcement presence would have been enough to prevent a potential mass casualty incident if a shooting occurred.
The sheriff is the one and only county official charged with protection of lives and providing for public safety at large events, and this is exactly the kind of horrible incident that Staly’s years of law enforcement experience has allowed him to prevent. Everyone, instead of criticizing him, should be thanking him for being proactive and very possibly saving the lives of those who may have unknowingly been in attendance where people would be drinking alcohol AND carrying guns! If you are upset, you need to wake up and see the reality of what could have been an absolute tragedy for many young people.
If this is the type of large event that Reddin likes to organize, he has no business placing the blame on anyone other than himself for being so stupid, so callous, so dangerous by advertising on social media that there would be nobody at the gates to search for guns! Unbelievable. I hope the county NEVER approves another permit request by this idiot.
Grifters says
Maybe they should move an officer to the permit office! They added 100 officers over last 3 years. Maybe butget for other stuff too! Pigs need oversight! Isn’t permit office big on bribes or is that just zoning and governors office?
Lydia J Doyle says
Its all outrageous. ThisxKine damce has been traveling city to city all year and been no issues anywhere but it is indeed promdiminetly black venue .WHAT OTHER venues have beem canceled like that? None geez This county needs a wake up call .
Lydia J Doyle says
This is such crap fear mongering its pathetic ..Dies your Sheriff Advocate carry permits? 1stcand 2md amendments .Trail riders and line dancing demonized due to color .If grounds were soggy then reschedule it not cancel ut INTERNAL ISSUES IN THIS LOCAL Govt and bias .Because a Rodeo venue would be so different right? nobody legally carries and rain wouldn’t be an issue then? Shame in you all
Staly is Right! says
I actually agree with Sheriff Staly. If there is going to be a large group gathering in Flagler County that is not all white people the the Sheriffs Office has to be involved so they can protect minorities from each other and from getting out of Staly’s control. Its not like this is a free country or anything! What were those people thinking trying to get together in a way that doesn’t benefit Staly!
Bingo says
Staly said s saying they can’t control the crowd if it gets out of hand. What would you have the county do? They had to cancel, his letter laid it all on them if it went bad. They can’t risk it.
Jane Gentile Youd says
Sheriff Staly quotes the LAW, the STATUTES which is what he bases his opinion on not like the ” well there’s nothing we can do abut the Old Dixie Hotel demo permit which should also be REVOKED because the property owners have created a far more dangerous situation by leaving chunks from 3 buildings piled up – ready to take off in a hurricane – and destroy the surrounding homes and businesses and maybe even kill someome!
I am going to contact the Sheriff about this disaster, the Old Dixie Hotel debris – sitting there since March because the permit says 180 days – so on March 25 the bulldozed the ‘hotel’ and have left the concrete and debris in full view, buffered by a broken skimpy chain link fence with 5,000 people in the area and Sean Moylan, Assistant County Attorney says ” there is nothing we can do ; they are not in violation of the 6 month ( Sept 24) permit”. I hope the Sheriff will please ask county to REVOKE the remaining time for the owners of the dangerous scattered concrete debris to make the area safe has come to the finish line.
Thank you Sheriff Staly for digging deep and being thorough. Much appreciated. More than I get from the Commission. You and I have had our differences but om this ome you get an A+++++.
Not for my people says
So in covering this story, where did it become relevant to bring up the organizer’s past? Flagler Live what reasoning do you have to bring that up? The sheriff didn’t bring it up in his social media posts on this.
You have now alienated your publication in the minority community.
Doug says
The event was marketed to St. Johns, and Putnam counties as well. Let the organizer petition those two counties and see where it gets him. We don’t need his stupidity here.
JF says
Where are the metal detectors on Cracker day? Where are the metal detectors during the rodeos? Where are the metal detectors during the county fair? There aren’t any!!!!! It’s simple and I will say it. It’s about race and everyone knows it. Maybe I just have the balls to say it. So obvious.
Is my slip showing? says
I am bothered by the seemingly lack of communication and coordination here between the County and the Sheriffs Department.
Why were his concerns and requirements not addressed in the initial booking? They should be included in all contracts for events here whenever applicable. Hopefully, they will be in the future so we can avoid future embarrassment and misunderstandings.
Jason Born says
As much as it hurts me to say having grown up since the 70’s…..In many ways this is still very much the “Sun down town” that it once was well known for being.
TR says
@Grifters, They did not add 100 new deputies in the past 3 years, last year they added 6 stop exaggerating because it mutes your comment when making stuff up.
Bunnell_Matters says
Whomever took the decision of cancelling this event, is a wise human being. Very wise and i congratulate him/her. We do not need those type of events here. Leave alone, the organizer :”The organizer of the Boots on the Ground competition is Troy Reddin, whose performance name is Fat Ass. The Palm Coast resident has a long if petty history with local law enforcement, stemming mostly from recreational drug violations, and is currently out on $5,000 bond on a probation violation”. Hosting 1600 people?!? To bring more drugs, (i dont care if they are recreational) alcohol and many, many other things to Bunnell area? We dont needed. We have good people moving into Bunnell, and we dont beed this crap here. Enough is enough. Thank you.
PS says
Amazing.
Everything made out as racism.
And evil police/ sheriff.
Even when it isn’t.
And, reading comprehension much?
Skibum says
Puleeeae, some of you need to give us all a break from the ridiculousness! I’m one who constantly is criticizing local, state and government when they are wrong, defending the rights of citizens against being abused, targeted, racially profiled, etc. I also have a brain, and common sense. Reddin, with his criminal history, current violation of his probation, expanding the scope of his event above and beyond what the county originally approved and lying to county officials in his permit application, and finally letting his fellow druggie and rapper followers know surreptitiously over social media that they could bring in weapons without fear of having to go through metal detectors at the gates, this SCREAMS of a tragedy in the making!
If your own sons or daughters had gone to this “event” and had been injured or killed and all of this information above came out in the investigation of how that kind of incident was allowed to happen in the first place, YOU would be running, not walking, to a law office to file suit against the county for their complete and total negligence in approving the event after issuing a permit to someone like Reddin who had so many red flags and should NEVER have been approved had a thorough check into his background taken place!
This cancellation had absolutely NOTHING to do with racism, so get over yourselves. Take your rose colored glasses off and start using your noodle between your ears for something else besides ear separation!!! Gee wiz.
Atwp says
The event was permitted. I read another article saying all the fees were paid, all the required licenses were obtained. Why permit an event then pull the permit esp just before the event scheduled starting time? authorities said they were concerned about safety of the public, I understand that. People call me racist, prejudice, and everything in the book. My observation is the permitting authorities said the event organizers we gave you the permit and took it away. My question is had it been a white group organizing an event would the permitting authorities did the same thing to the white group, just asking. I don’t know. The event is scheduled for other areas, we will see what happens. Perhaps they will do like Flagler County. Time will tell.
Arl says
I feel it was a good thing this was cancelled. The heat index has been over 100 degrees for days. I don’t care what age you are, it is DANGEROUS to be out in this heat and exerting yourself. Staley may have saved a life or two and many from heat stroke! Do people use common sense anymore and listen to the weather reports?