Greetings!

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy January 23, 2026! We hope your day is going splendidly. Dive into this month's edition as we bring you exciting updates, and, of course, sprinkle some joy into your inbox! Don't forget to stay curious and inspired! ✨

In today’s PalmCoast Insider

The Local Lowdown

• S.M.A.R.T. and Palm Coast Dedicate Rainbow Bridge Memorial at Holland Park
  
• Flagler Schools Principal of the Year Attributes Success to Team Effort
  
• River-to-Sea Preserve Access Closure for Dune Restoration

Get Out & Go!

• Live Music Night at City Repertory Theatre
  
• Palm Coast Farmers Market
• Theatre Matinee Performance

Business Buzz

• Palm Coast Embraces Food Trucks with New Ordinance
  
• Serenity Falls Mini Golf to Bring Tropical Fun to Palm Coast's Town Center

Stay connected for more updates this week — let’s work together to make it a great one for Palm Coast, Florida. 🌴

 Which Palm Coast event kicks off the holiday season with lights—will you take a family selfie under the display?

Discover local gems! This newsletter is sponsored by Palm Coast Zaarhub, your go-to online directory for finding the best local businesses in your community. Find everything from restaurants and shops to services and more. Visit Zaarhub today!

The Local Lowdown

🌟 Uncover the Essence of Your Community: Stay updated with the latest happenings, hidden gems, and exciting events right in your neighborhood, making you feel more connected than ever!

• S.M.A.R.T. and Palm Coast Dedicate Rainbow Bridge Memorial at Holland Park
  
• Flagler Schools Principal of the Year Attributes Success to Team Effort
  
• River-to-Sea Preserve Access Closure for Dune Restoration

Palm Coast marked a heartfelt moment on January 17 with the dedication of the Rainbow Bridge at Holland Park, paying tribute to cherished pets who have passed.

Driven by S.M.A.R.T. of Flagler County and supported by the City and East Coast Animal Hospital, the bridge stands as a lasting symbol of the powerful connection between families and their animals.

The site near Holland Park’s softball fields offers families a chance to honor their pets with custom-engraved memorial tags, available for purchase to add to the bridge.

Proceeds will help support rescue animals in need of care.

Mayor Mike Norris, Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri, and Council Member Ty Miller joined the ceremony, with January 17 now officially recognized as “Rainbow Bridge Day.”

Locals may visit S.M.A.R.T.'s website to order memorial tags and support this community tribute.

Flagler Palm Coast High School Principal Bobby Bossardet has been honored as the Flagler County School District's Principal of the Year, recognizing his dedication to teamwork and community.

A former state champion wrestler and proud FPC alumnus, Bossardet credits this achievement to the unwavering effort of teachers, staff, and students working together as one Bulldog family.

During Bossardet’s leadership, FPC improved its academic rating from a C to a B, reflecting a schoolwide pursuit of excellence.

He has championed new support for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and boosted the number of certified facilitators to ensure all students receive the help they need.

With over 50 alumni returning as staff, their shared experience strengthens the school’s connection to the Flagler community and its young people.

Bossardet looks forward to expanding programs that nurture every student’s unique interests and talents.

Flagler County will soon begin the next phase of emergency dune restoration at the River-to-Sea Preserve, closing the main access point from February 2.

The preserve's parking lot will be shut through March 13 to allow equipment to move from MalaCompra Park to the site.

Sand deliveries will start arriving at River-to-Sea on February 6.

Residents and visitors are urged to use caution near active construction and sand trucks during the restoration.

MalaCompra Park will reopen in early February, as its own dune work wraps up.

These projects are part of a larger effort to restore and protect Flagler County’s coastline after recent storms caused significant erosion.

Real-time updates are available through the Flagler County Beach Brief and a new online landing page dedicated to the county’s 18-mile shoreline restoration.

Today's Weather Outlook 

WEEKEND REMINDER

🌟 Weekend Reminder: Keep Your Goals in Sight

As you head into the weekend, take a moment to reconnect with your goals — big or small. You don’t have to finish everything at once. Just focus on one meaningful step that moves you forward.

✔️ Reflect on what matters
✔️ Reset your energy
✔️ Refresh your mindset
✔️ Realign with your purpose

Small progress is still progress. Be proud of how far you’ve come, and stay committed to where you're headed. You’ve got this! 💛

🌳GET OUT  & GO

 🌟 **Feeling a little restless?** *It's time to switch things up, explore new places, and add some excitement to your routine with unique adventures and experiences.* ✨

• Live Music Night at City Repertory Theatre
  
• Palm Coast Farmers Market
• Theatre Matinee Performance

Business Buzz!

We are thrilled to announce Palm Coast, Florida's latest business addition! 🌟 Stay tuned for exciting updates on community initiatives and opportunities in the heart of Palm Coast!

• Palm Coast Embraces Food Trucks with New Ordinance
  
• Serenity Falls Mini Golf to Bring Tropical Fun to Palm Coast's Town Center
  

Palm Coast has approved a major change in its food truck regulations, granting these mobile vendors permission to operate outside of special events for the first time.

Food trucks may now set up shop in commercial plazas and on private lots with property owner approval, opening new opportunities across the city.

Business owners like Sheila Hines of Sweet Sheila’s Funnel Cakes have praised the ordinance as fair and inclusive.

The updated rules introduce two types of operation: dedicated food truck parks, which require site plans and include amenities such as parking and restrooms, and accessory use, allowing trucks on business parking lots like Walmart, as long as owners agree.

City Council emphasized flexibility, letting property owners and vendors set their own operating hours, rather than imposing city mandates.

This reform is expected to energize Palm Coast’s dining scene and boost small business growth.

Serenity Falls Mini Golf is set to bring new energy to Palm Coast's Town Center, offering an 18-hole adventure surrounded by lush landscaping and Key West-style charm.

Located at 1208 Central Avenue, right across from Epic Theatres, this $1 million project promises a vibrant, family-friendly attraction.

Planned features include sparkling waterfalls, a spacious pavilion perfect for celebrations, and a concessions stand serving snacks, beer, and wine.

Sustainability and accessibility are central, with ADA-compliant paths and ponds filled using reclaimed water.

Construction, led by industry experts Miniature Golf Solutions, is set to start in early 2026.

Operating hours will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

The project is expected to boost local recreation and economic growth, making Serenity Falls a must-visit spot for all ages in Palm Coast.

Outdoor & Survival

Embark on thrilling adventures with our Outdoor & Survival essentials 🌲🧭, designed to equip you for nature's wildest challenges and ensure you thrive in the great outdoors!

🌿 Outdoor & Living Survival

Building a Survival Kit for Your Vehicle in Florida

Whether you're commuting across town or exploring Florida’s coastlines and backroads, keeping a well-stocked vehicle survival kit can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious emergency.

Florida’s heat, sudden storms, and occasional flooding mean your kit should focus on hydration, sun protection, and items that help you stay safe if you’re stranded.

• Water & Hydration: At least 2–4 liters of bottled water per person (rotate periodically).
  
  Include electrolyte packets for hot-weather emergencies.
• Food & Energy: Nonperishable, high-calorie snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruit).
  
  Replace every 6–12 months as needed.
• First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit with adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, antihistamine, pain reliever, and any personal prescription meds.
• Shelter & Warmth: Emergency Mylar blanket(s), compact sleeping bag or lightweight blanket, and a waterproof tarp — useful during unexpected overnight waits or storm sheltering.
• Sun & Rain Protection: Broad-spectrum sunscreen, wide-brim hat or cap, sunglasses, and a lightweight rain poncho or packable rain jacket.
• Lighting & Power: Reliable flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, and a USB power bank for charging phones (keep it charged).
• Tools & Repair: Multi-tool, pocket knife, tire pressure gauge, portable air compressor or tire inflator, plug-and-seal tire repair kit, and duct tape.
• Recovery & Signaling: Tow strap/rope, jumper cables, reflective triangle/flares, high-visibility vest, and a whistle for signaling rescuers.
• Navigation & Communication: Paper maps of your area, a compass, and a car charger for your phone.
  
  Consider a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio.
• Vehicle Care: Small container of engine coolant/antifreeze, motor oil, spare fuses, and a basic set of tools (screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench).
• Comfort & Hygiene: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, extra socks, a change of lightweight clothing, and insect repellent (mosquitoes are common in Florida).
• Documents & Cash: Waterproof pouch with driver’s license, insurance card, vehicle registration, emergency contact list, and some cash (small bills).
• Special Considerations: If you travel with children, pets, or have medical needs, include appropriate supplies (child snacks, pet water bowl, meds, copies of prescriptions).

Tip: Store items in a sturdy, waterproof container and keep the kit secured in the trunk or cargo area.

Check your kit seasonally — replace expired food, batteries, and medications, and top off the power bank so it’s ready when you need it.

⚠️ Safety: In Florida, never drive through standing or flowing floodwater — six inches can stall a car and deeper water can sweep it away.

If stranded, stay with your vehicle whenever safe (it’s easier for rescuers to spot) unless staying put puts you at risk (rising water, fire, or hazardous surroundings).

Call emergency services when in doubt and avoid attempting roadside repairs in unsafe areas or at night without proper visibility and signaling.

Trivia Challenge!

"Congratulations to all who participated in this week's trivia! To enter our weekly drawing for a [local prize,
e.g., gift card to a local restaurant], email us your answers to all three trivia questions by January 23, 2026 at 8 PM."

Palm Coast’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at Central Park.

 Challenge yourself to capture a glowing photo memory.

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Check out our local business directory: https://zaarhub.com

Enjoy the weekend,

- The Palm Coast Insider Team