Written By: Brittany Kershaw, Public Information and Engagement
Palm Coast – Fireworks have played a role in the celebration of Independence Day since the United States’ first celebration in 1777. It is a tradition that spans the country and unites communities around a common theme.
For many years, the City of Palm Coast has hosted Fireworks in the Park on July 3rd while the City of Flagler Beach has hosted 4th of July festivities and fireworks at the beach. The City of Palm Coast canceled fireworks in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Flagler Beach canceled fireworks in 2020 and 2021 due to pandemic concerns.
Plans are currently in motion to bring back the 4th of July celebrations in Flagler Beach in 2022 by hosting a parade in the morning, events at Veterans Park throughout the day, and evening fireworks from the pier.
For the City of Palm Coast, the fireworks celebration will move from Central Park to the Flagler Executive Airport. The celebration will be on July 3, 2022. The change in venue will allow for easily accessible parking on the pavement, better traffic flow, increased public safety, and a larger fireworks safety zone.
In early January, the Palm Coast City Council requested City staff look into the possibility of moving the fireworks display to July 4th. The subsequent discussions by staff in both cities realized the strain on public safety officials and other agency partners would be too great. This years’ festivities will remain on separate dates.
Flagler Beach City Manager William Whitson said, “We understand that simultaneous fireworks displays in our county is just not feasible, so we put our heads together and came up with a plan that will work in everyone’s best interest. Public safety is paramount to both cities, so even though we all have great plans for our communities, proceeding without the resources needed would be unwise and that’s not the way we do business.”
Interim Palm Coast City Manager Denise Bevan added, “We have a great appreciation for our public safety partners who help to keep our residents and visitors safe during these exciting events. The City of Palm Coast has a great working relationship with the City of Flagler Beach, as well as all of Flagler County, as we all serve the same community and have the same objectives for providing exceptional service to our residents.”
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly additionally commented, “I would like to thank both cities for working together to ensure public safety and available resources can handle these celebrations. I believe this is great compromise that puts safety of our community first so that everyone can have an enjoyable time celebrating the birthday of our great country.”
The cities and county will continue to work together, along with other key stakeholders, to formulate a long-term approach for future events. For more information, contact the Public Information and Engagement Department by emailing Communications@palmcoastgov.com
