Fun in the Sun at Flagler Beach, Florida

Photo sketch by Sandy Brooke, Digital Image by Mo's Digital Pencil and card by Carla Brooke

It’s summer and it’s time to hit the beach. Just one and a half hours from Orlando, is the seaside town of Flagler Beach. The town is on an island bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the wetlands of the Interacoast Waterway.These unspoiled beaches are easily accessible located as they are; 68 miles south of Jacksonville, 31 miles south of historic St. Augustine, and 20 miles north of Daytona Beach. Few tourists traveling on I-95 realize the treasure that they are passing up. Nineteen miles of unique red sand beaches, virtually traffic-free, with unlimited access are waiting to be discovered by the discerning traveler. The red coloration of the sand is derived from the coquina formed from seashells.

Photo sketch by Sandy Brooke, Digital Image by Mo's Digital Pencil and card by Carla Brooke

There is an 800-foot pier to tempt fishermen of all ages and skills. Some 46 varieties of fish may be landed from the 25-ft. deep waters that the wharf accesses. There is a bait shop at the foot of the pier where you can rent fishing gear and purchase bait and supplies. Eateries, gift shops and galleries are located along scenic A1A.
For young people who still find it exciting to risk life and limb there is a new skate park located near the beach. This exciting complex was built by the county and is situated at Wadsworth Park. It is on the North side of SR 100 just ½ mile West of the Flagler Beach Bridge.

The Intracoastal Waterway, constructed in 1890 helped to attract fisherman and permanent residents, with its wide, deep-water channel through the wetlands and marshes. Here they discovered plentiful wildlife; including crabs, tarpon, bass, manatees and dolphins. Flying overhead and wading in the shallows are numerous herons and egrets.
The community was originally called Ocean City and the first homes were built in 1913. The beachside community began to grow, with the addition of a general store and the Ocean City Post Office. The beach proved popular with campers, sun worshipers, fishermen and later with surfers. In 1923, the United States Post Office declared “Flagler Beach” its official name. At the Flagler Beach Museum, vintage photographs and artifacts gathered from pioneer families illustrating the area’s history. This museum is located at 207 South Central Avenue, Flagler Beach 32136. The museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday and the First Friday of each month 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. For more information and holiday hours call 386 517-2025.

Although located in one of the fastest growing counties in Florida, Flagler Beach in Flagler County has managed to retain its small town atmosphere. Holidays in this town are usually celebrated with much flair and fanfare. The town celebrated July 4th with a parade in the morning and in the evening a colorful fireworks display over the ocean, just beyond the pier. This exciting presentation was enjoyed from the boardwalk alongside the dunes of the beach.  For information on upcoming events call the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce at 386 437-0106.

Photo sketch by Sandy Brooke, Digital Image by Sassy Cheryl and card by Carla Brooke

Photo sketch by Sandy Brooke, Digital Image by Mo's Digital Pencil and card by Carla Brooke

Nearby in Palm Coast, public-spirited volunteers in partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are constructing the new Florida Agricultural Museum in a desire to educate the public about Florida’s agricultural past and future. The museum promises to be the state’s largest living history museum, to house and display artifacts collected from across Florida.  Here, in the future visitors will view the beginnings of farm technology and large-scale production of agricultural products. The Florida Agricultural Museum is located at 1850 Princess Place Road, Palm Coast, Florida 32137. 
A trip to Flagler County, Florida is fun in the sun and more!