- November 22, 2024
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Flagler Auditorium Director Amelia Fulmer was scheduled to retire on July 31. But with the Florida Legislature extending the Deferred Retirement Option Program, Fulmer will now be able to lead the auditorium for up to three more years.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 7024 on June 9. The retirement bill, among other things, extends the DROP period from five to eight years for state employees.
"The great thing to me," Fulmer said, "is I'll be able to build a succession plan."
That plan had been put on hold during COVID-19 when auditorium staff was cut, she said.
Since then, the auditorium has bounced back. Fulmer said this has been the auditorium's best year in ticket sales in her four years as director.
"Our net profit is enough where we're looking to do some capital things. We'll be installing new speakers. Our speakers are 22 years old," she said.
The auditorium provided $16,000 in student scholarships and teacher grants this year. On June 17, the auditorium will present Rat Pack Universe and Marilyn Monroe, with all of the proceeds going to arts education in Flagler Schools.
Rat Pack Universe, a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., will be joined on stage by a six-piece swing band and "Marilyn Monroe." Tickets are available at flaglerauditorium.org.
Fulmer has been a Flagler Schools employee for 35 years. During most of that time, she has been a music educator.
In an article on the Flagler Schools website, Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt said, “Amelia Fulmer has been such a champion for children and the arts, not only in our school district but our entire community. She has personally opened doors to our students that they would have never dreamed of taking.”
