- September 21, 2024
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Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly and a number of deputies participated in the procession, with lights and sirens. Photos by Jonathan Simmons
Dr. Tapash Roy, Karen Grant, Renae Vaughn and Dr. Nevine Hanna
Locals honked and waved, and deputies in cruisers activated their lights, as community members circled AdventHealth Palm Coast in a health care appreciation drive-by event on Aug. 27.
The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach organized the event in partnership with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the hospital, and held the drive-by parade at two times — noon and 8 p.m. — as health care staff waved back from the front of the hospital.
Health care workers at the event said they appreciate the gesture, and urge community members to mask up and get vaccinated.
"It's definitely reinforcing to all of our hard work, and ... nice to see their support of our tireless efforts to protect the community," said Nevine Hanna, a radiation oncologist.
Dr. Tapash Roy said it's important for the community to understand the scale of the pandemic. Science is as applicable here as it is for the law of gravity, he said. "What the CDC is saying is the truth," he said.
The hospital, due to an influx of COVID-19 patients, has been operating at "black status," and is deferring any hospital-based out patient procedures that would require an overnight stay.
With local hospital beds limited, AdventHealth's sister hospitals have taken some Flagler County patients.
Another local effort to show appreciation for healthcare workers at the hospital is also underway, as Flagler Beach's Carla Cline works to collect 1,000 $20 restaurant gift card for nurses and support staff at AdventHealth Palm Coast. Read about that effort and how to participate here.
