The 2026 Sheriff’s Gala in Palm Coast raised over $70,000 for the Flagler Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Trust (FSEAT), the FCSO announced on Wednesday. The event was held on Saturday, March 21 at the Hammock Beach Resort.
FSEAT is a nonprofit organization founded in 2017. Its mission is to provide confidential financial assistance to Flagler County Sheriff’s Office employees during their times of need. This includes employees experiencing unexpected life events, as well as the families of deputies who are killed or severely injured on the job.
“FSEAT is there to serve those who serve our community, and the Sheriff’s Gala allows us to do that,” said Sheriff Rick Staly, FSEAT’s founder. “I want to thank everyone who attended or sponsored this event for their generous support. I also want to thank the FSEAT board of directors and amazing team of volunteers for their hard work putting on another great event. This was certainly a night to remember!”
Money was raised for Saturday’s black tie gala via entry tickets and sponsorships from local businesses and individuals. The event included a raffle, live auction, live entertainment, and a surf and turn meal.
2026 Sheriff’s Gala Awards
Multiple awards were also given out as part of the gala.
- Law Enforcement Deputy Sheriff of the Year – Deputy Kyle Manka
- Detention Deputy Sheriff of the Year – Master Detention Deputy Justine Crego
- Professional Support Staff of the Year – Accountant Nikki Smith
- Volunteer of the Year – Citizen Observer Patrol Sergeant Thomas Semon
- Citizen of the Year – Cody Clark
Clark was a caller who reported a suspicious vehicle along with the FCSO’s ‘See Something, Say Something’ campaign. That vehicle turned out to be driven by Darnell Hairston, who was subsequently charged with kidnapping, aggravated child abuse, armed robbery, and battery by strangulation among other things after a police chase.
“It’s a privilege to be able to recognize the men and women of our agency and those in the community who went above and beyond in their service to Flagler County during the past year,” Staly added. “It’s even better to be able to honor them at an event like this, made possible by so many individuals and businesses in our community who support and appreciate our team.”
