- December 23, 2024
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Oceanside Beach Bar and Grill decorated their own lifeguard chair. Photo by Abbie Pace
Finns Beachside Pub decorated their own lifeguard chair. Photo by Abbie Pace
The decorated lifeguard chairs are lined up in Veterans Park. Photo by Abbie Pace
Golden Lion decorated its own lifeguard chair. Photo by Abbie Pace
Flagler Beach's Rotary Club decorated its own lifeguard chair. Photo by Abbie Pace
Trademark decorated its own lifeguard chair. Photo by Abbie Pace
The decorated lifeguard chairs are lined up in Veterans Park. Photo by Abbie Pace
Flagler Beach City Hall. Photo by Abbie Pace
Starry Nights kicked off the event with a tree lighting. Photo by Abbie Pace
Jackson Reynolds and Matthew Allen at the First Friday event on Dec. 2. Photo by Abbie Pace
City Manager William Whitson, Recreation Director Tom Gillin and CRA Director Caryn Miller. Photo by Abbie Pace
Flagler Beach Fire Department Driver Engineer Trey Poeira, Lieutenant Greg Evans and Firefighter Bob Deahl with his children, RJ, Madelynn and Evelyn. Photo by Abbie Pace
Flagler Beach Lead Maintenance worker Jason Trimmer and Maintenance Supervisor Bill Clemence. Photo by Abbie Pace
Wadsworth Elementary students perform during the First Friday event on Dec. 2. Photo by Abbie Pace
Starry Nights made its second annual debut on Dec. 2, at Flagler Beach’s First Friday event in Veterans Park. Photo by Abbie Pace
Members of the Buddy Taylor Middle School band performed during the event. Photo by Abbie Pace
City Manager William Whitson plays the trumpet before the tree lighting. Photo by Abbie Pace
Flurries of snowflakes flew over Flagler Beach’s Veterans Park as the city’s second annual Starry Nights event began on Dec. 2.
The snow, propelled into the park by four artificial snow machines, help set a wintry scene as the city held its ceremonial Christmas tree lighting.
Lifeguard chairs adorned with festive decorations by local businesses and organizations — The Turtle Shack, Flagler Beach OARS, Golden Lion, Flagler Beach’s Rotary Club, Finns Beachside Pub, Break-Awayz, Trademark and Oceanside Beach Bar and Grill — added a beachy flair.
“Lighting up the chairs is Flagler Beach’s unique way to celebrate the holiday season,” Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney said.
Flagler Beach Business Bureau President and Oceanside Beach Bar and Grill co-owner Johnny Lulgjuraj created Starry Nights alongside Scott Fox and Paul Chestnut, the vice presidents of the Flagler Beach Business Bureau. Fox and Chestnut also co-own Tortugas Florida Kitchen and Bar, as well as Martin’s Restaurant and Lounge, together with Mike Crave.
“Our goal is to bring people, organizations and industries together to solve common problems in our city,” Lulgjuraj said.
Lulgjuraj said the Flagler Beach Business Bureau brings the county, businesses, residents and visitors together during December to drive traffic to businesses during what can be a slow time of year.
The First Friday event held this month was one of Flagler Beach’s largest, said Flagler Beach Mayor Suzie Johnston. She attributed the attendance to the tree lighting.
“We haven’t had a tree this size in many years,” Johnston said.
Flagler Strong President Tracy Callahan-Hennessey said Starry Nights is a joyous occasion for the community, particularly after the recent hurricanes.
“I’m excited to watch it continue to grow,” Callahan-Hennessey said.
Students from Wadsworth Elementary School, Buddy Taylor Middle School and Flagler-Palm Coast High School performed during the First Friday event. The Matanzas Blue Steel group also provided entertainment.
“I think it is wonderful thing to spread cheer,” Flagler Beach City Commissioner James Sherman said. “I love coming to First Fridays to see our community and enjoy our wonderful town.”
The lifeguard chairs will be on display in Veterans Park until Dec. 31.
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Johnny Lulgjuraj and Suzie Johnston's names.
