- May 12, 2024
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Bella Marie Calandra, 4, enjoyed the Christmas trees in Veterans Park on Dec. 4. Her mother, Jessie Bullock, said this year they're considering a family portrait with not just matching Christmas pajamas but matching masks.
Paul Pedro and Jordan Patin visited Flagler Beach with Caroline and Kensey Lowe and Harlee Subers.
The pier has 40 stars that create a glow on the water at night.
Shannon and Brooklyn Stouffer, with Matt and Matthew Kennedy.
Terry and Kristi visited Flagler Beach from their home in Fort White. They said they come three or four times every year because it's a dog-friendly beach. Their restaurant favorites in town are Giovanni's and Island Grill.
Businesses and residents are encouraged to show their holiday spirit through Jan. 31.
Flagler Beach is looking brilliant these days.
Instead of holiday gatherings at Veterans Park this year, the city is encouraging residents and businesses to decorate for the holidays with a new promotion called Starry Nights in Flagler Beach. Tourists and longtime community residents alike are then invited to drive through town between 5 and 11 p.m. through Jan. 31 to enjoy the ambience.
Johnny Lulgjuraj, who also announced on WNZF’s “Free For All Friday” on Dec. 4 that he is considering a run for mayor to replace the retiring Linda Provencher, came up with the idea as a way to brighten everyone’s mood as 2020 concludes.
“Obviously 2020 has been a very divisive year,” he said. “What better way to have, in the most unifying time — Christmas and Thanksgiving, the holidays — a two month span to encourage people to come over the bridge, drive through and see all the businesses. It will bring so much positivity to our town.”
He said that every business he has invited to participate has been enthusiastic.
Among those who visited the lights on the first night, Dec. 4, was Jordan Patin. She said she has lived in the community for her whole life, but because of the new light display, she finally did something for the first time: She walked on the pier, which has been light up with 40 stars.
Shannon Stouffer and her family visited Flagler Beach Dec. 4 because of the lights also. "Happiness is what everyone needs right now," she said.
The reaction of Stouffer's young daughter, Brooklyn, might be a word of warning to those who haven't put up their lights yet, however. She said the downtown looks "amazing," but, "that other shop doesn't have it, so I don't want to go in."
Provencher noted on "Free For All Friday" that it's a new promotion, so she asked for patience as businesses begin to put up their lights. The city should look even brighter in a month.
Provencher also praised Lulgjuraj’s efforts and that of both the Flagler Beach Business Bureau and tourism group Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches, which added the event to its website, visitflagler.com.
“We want to continue it every year,” she said.
Lulgjuraj said Florida Power and Light donated $3,500 to the cause, and he foresees other groups getting involved to help businesses and residents add their lights.
“Our ultimate goal is to have every single person show their holiday spirit in one way or another,” he said.
